Jay Hodge Chevrolet Awarded 6th Consecutive Mark Of Excellence Award
Jay Hodge Chevrolet on Thursday received Chevrolet’s 2021 Mark of Excellence Award, earned by only 30% of the Chevy dealers across the national annually. While it’s not unheard of for a Chevy vehicle dealer to earn the recognition, to receive the award for six consecutive years, is most remarkable, which distinguishes Jay Hodge Chevrolet from most other dealerships, according to local officials.
“Basically, this represents the maintained relationship Jay Hodge has with the customers, the importance they have in the community, and all the stellar remarks they get from the customers day in and day out for the sales consultants. For me, personally to them, I can’t thank you guys enough for what you have done in the last couple of years maintaining this award and receiving it every year. It’s really important to me and I know you guys do a lot for General Motors, so on behalf of General Motors and Chevy, you guys get this Mark of Excellence award,” said Ryan McFadden, district Chevrolet representative, as he presented the 2021 Mark of Excellence plaque on behalf of Chevrolet at the Sulphur Springs dealership on June 16, 2022,.
“This is an honor. It is a testament to our staff, to our customers and the brand that we represent in Chevrolet and General Motors. We are very proud to be here, very excited and look forward to continued success with GM and with Chevrolet, and our local customers,” said Jay Hodge, president of the Jay Hodge Chevrolet Group.
“We love our community here. It’s the greatest place in the world to live and work and do business in. You guys and the whole community are so supportive. Thank you so much,” said Bill Owens, Jay Hodge Chevy general manager. “I am so proud, I can’t tell you how much. We have the best group. It starts at the top with Jay and Curt,” Owens said of Jay Hodge Chevrolet Auto Group COO Curt Poore
The Chevrolet Mark of Excellence Plaque is given in recognition of a dealership’s outstanding achievement in meeting or exceeding annual Divisional sales objectives, program qualifiers as well as local advertising and marketing program, parts and service, support, and Essential Branch Elements or EBE (the standards that Chevrolet dealers uphold includes monthly quotas and reports and quarterly critiques). The award also involves being ambassadors for Chevy/GMC, McFadden said.
Mark of Excellence awards “symbolize the very pinnacle of success!” They represent the highest honors in the industry and communicate to peers, customers that the recipient is truly among the “Best of the Best,” according to GMC’s website.
Congratulations to everyone at Jay Hodge Chevrolet for the continued hard work and excellence that has earned the auto group this prestigious award 6 years in a row.
Dates Set For SSHS New Student Registration
Dates have been set for new students, those who did not attend Sulphur springs ISD in at the end of the 2021-2022 school years and who will be enrolling Sulphur Springs High School for the fall semester, to register for the 2022-2023 school year.
July 1-21 Online Registration
Some time between July 1 and July 21, go online to www.ssisd.net, scroll to New Student Registration, then fill in the parent information for a login. Then, log in and fill in all sections for the student.
- The student name and all information MUST match the student’s birth certificate and Social Security card.
- Save each section and move to the next until all forms are filled in.
- Family 1 – List the parent/guardian the students lives with most of the time.
- Family 1 – Only list 2 parents/guardians. Do not list brothers, sisters or others here.
- Family 2 – Only list if there is another parent who the student does not live with.
- Example:
- Family 1 – Mom – Barbara Bush & Stepfather George Bush at 1234 Capital Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
- Family 2 – Father – Ronald Ragan & Stepmother – Susan Ragan at 1234 Livewell Street, Dallas, Texas
- If the student lives with anyone other than a parent who is listed on the birth certificate or listed in a court order, the power of attorney MUST be brought to the school.
- All other contacts may be listed in emergency contacts.
- Be sure to click submit at the end.
July 25-29, 2022 Documents & Scheduling
After electronic information is complete, bring the following documents to Mrs. Sharp in the front office at SSHS anytime between 8 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. July 25-29, 2022, to complete the registration process and see the counselor for a class schedule.
- Unofficial transcript from your previous school. This, SSHS administration notes, is important.
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Social Security Card
- Proof of Residency
Aug. 15-16, Laptop Pick Up
New students, report to the SSHS Charge Lounge at the Library some time between 8 and 11 a.m. or 1 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 15 or Aug. 16 to pick up/check out your laptop for the year.
SSHS administration notes that these dates are important. Specific employees are scheduled to be at the school to serve students during those dates and times. On other days as staff report for duty this summer, the employees will be in various trainings and back to school meetings, thus unavailable.
1 In 4 Traffic Deaths Caused by Drunk Drivers
1 IN 4 TRAFFIC DEATHS CAUSED BY DRUNK DRIVERS TxDOT urges Texans to consider the tragic impact before getting behind the wheel after drinking |
June 15, 2022
AUSTIN – Analicia Zarate of Edinburg was four years old when she and her mom were headed home from church on a Sunday night. A drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit their car, killing Analicia’s mom instantly. More than 20 years have passed since that tragic night, but the pain endures. “All I remember is being buckled into a car seat and waking up in a hospital a week later,” Zarate said. “My mother died in the crash. I was four.”
She wishes the drunk driver could see the pain he caused by taking her mother away from her. Analicia’s mom, Nereida Flores Garza, is just one of thousands of people killed every year by drunk drivers—1,061 in Texas last year. Stories like this are why TxDOT is launching its Faces of Drunk Driving summer campaign: to show the real faces behind the statistics.
“These are real people whose deaths were 100% preventable, had it not been for a drunk driver,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We hope these personal accounts from offenders and survivors wake people up to the consequences of drinking and driving. Always get a sober ride through a designated driver, taxi, rideshare app, or calling a friend—or simply stay where you are.”
Last year, 24% of all traffic deaths in Texas were caused by drunk driving. That translates to an average of one person dying every eight hours and 15 minutes. In 2021, Texas saw 25,261 drunk driving related traffic crashes—an increase of 9% over 2020.
The Faces of Drunk Driving campaign reminds us that the human toll of a drunk driving crash devastates the lives of survivors forever. Drinking and driving can have serious physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last for years. A DWI/DUI can be expensive and lead to legal hassles, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones, and regret.
That’s why the Faces of Drunk Driving campaign also includes stories from people convicted of DWI/DUI. Richie tells his story about heading home after drinking at a friend’s house, losing control of his car and hitting a house. As a result, he spent 10 days in jail, was sentenced to a year probation, had to perform 150 hours of community service, pay fines and cover the costs of repairing the house. Richie says he also must face the fact that he is now a convicted felon.
This year’s campaign will feature events around the state to share stories of Texans who deal with the consequences of a drunk driving crash every day of their lives. Events will include an exhibit of powerful video testimonials. Full video stories and other impaired driving information can be found at SoberRides.org.
The Faces of Drunk Driving summer campaign is an important piece of the larger Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign. It is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of April 12, 2022.
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Information From a Nurse Aide Class at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
NURSE CLASS
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Instructor Kristi Shultz, right, answers a question for student Selene Leon of Sulphur Springs during her recent Certified Nurse Aide class.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Police Seek Help Identifying, Locating Suspect In Bank Robbery
As of Thursday morning, local authorities had yet to apprehend or identify a suspect in the June 15 Pilgrim Bank robbery, according to police. Sulphur Springs Police and Lake Country Crime Stoppers are asking anyone with video or information to call in tips.
The bank robbery reportedly occurred during the noon hour at the South Broadway Street bank. SSPD was notified at 12:55 p.m. June 15, 2022.
The suspect was reported to be a heavier set, white male, approximately 6 feet tall, who was wearing a light blue hoody, glasses, a blue face mask and khaki colored pants, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson.
Police at approximately 2:20 p.m. Wednesday disseminated the images (below) of the suspect, hoping someone could identify the suspect based on the image and writing on the back of the shirt.
SSPD later Wednesday afternoon identified a white vehicle with sunroof and luggage rack, but no front license plate, as a possible suspect vehicle or connected to the suspect. Thursday, investigators said the suspect vehicle is a Chevrolet Suburban.
Police investigation into the bank robbery remained ongoing Thursday morning, but new leads were slim.
Anyone in the area who may have seen or have information about the suspect or vehicle shown below — especially businesses who may have captured the suspect’s image on video, or anyone who may be able to identify the suspect — is asked to contact Sulphur Springs Police Department at 903-885-7602 or call Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020.
Tips to Crime Stoppers are handled in such a way that the tipster’s name remains confidential. Tips to Crime Stoppers leading to an arrest and/or conviction could result in a monetary award.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Chamber Connection – June 15: Digital Advertising Expert Featured At Lunch And Learn
By Butch Burney
Small business owners will want to come to our Lunch and Learn, set for Wednesday, June 22, at the upstairs room at Corner Grubhouse, entitled Digital Marketing 101, by April Bliss, founder of Bliss Digital Innovations. We had scheduled April for this workshop in January, but had to postpone it due to COVID.
Learn from Digital Advertising Expert April Bliss, who brings her unique perspective as a digital marketing and business consultant bringing over 30 years of extensive marketing and sales expertise in radio, national magazines, newspaper, automobile industry, and retail management, as well as owning several small businesses.
The fee is $15 for Chamber members, $20 for nonmembers. You can register by calling the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or emailing [email protected].
Blood Drive
Red River Credit Union will team with Carter BloodCare for a blood drive on Monday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of RRCU at 822 Gilmer St. Donors will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. For more information, contact Stephani Britton at 903-735-3000, ext. 2107, or email [email protected].
Mental Health First Aid
Lakes Regional will host a two-day event for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which is free and open to the public. The adult MHFA is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14 at the Lakes Regional Sulphur Springs location on Airport Road. The youth seminar will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26.
To register, call 972-977-7295 or email [email protected].
Baby Benefit
Heritage Home Health and Hospice is hosting a baby wipe and onesie drive benefitting Heart of Hope, a pregnancy resource center in Sulphur Springs.
Donations of baby wipes and white onesies (sizes 0-3 months) may be dropped off at Heritage Home Health & Hospice (1325 Shannon Rd E, Suite A, Sulphur Springs) or at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce (110 Main Street, Sulphur Springs) now through June 24.
Children’s Grief Camp
“Mending the Mess,” a grief camp for children ages 6-12, will be held June 23-24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, at t First United Methodist Church. The camp is part of Cypress Basin Hospice’s Camp Brave Heart.
For more information, go to the website CBHospice.org.
International Yoga Day
One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center invites everyone to come and join the celebrations for 8th International Day of Yoga on Tuesday, June 21. The global theme this year is “Yoga for Well-Being” and everyone in the community is encouraged to come join. One Soul will offer free classes all day.
International Day of Yoga is celebrated world-wide every June 21 to help spread awareness of the mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga.
One Soul’s schedule for the day includes:
- 6:30-7:30 a.m.: Solstice Kundalini Yoga-DeAnna
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Beginner Flow-Rachel
- 12:10-12:50 p.m.: Family Yoga-DeAnna
- 6-7 p.m.: Open Flow-Allison
- 8-9:15 pm: Candlelight Flow & Nidra-DeAnna & Rachel
Classes that day are free and open to everyone. One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center is located at 1008 Main St., in Sulphur Springs. To learn more about the classes or to sign up go to www.OneSoulYogaStudio.com.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Tolleson Family Market will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, June 17, at their shop at 300 Connally St. Please help us welcome them to the community.
- Vosh Graphix will host a ribbon cutting at noon Thursday, June 23, at the Chamber office. Please welcome them to the business community.
- Greenleaf Mortuary will have a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, June 24, at 200 Putman St. Please join us for this event.
- Humana hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, June 8. Please welcome them to the community.
Hopkins County Officers Track 2 Murder Suspects To Missouri
Hopkins County officers tracked two murder suspects to Missouri, where they were reported to have been apprehended and were in custody Wednesday at 8:35 p.m., according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
Sheriff’s deputies found an abandoned vehicle when checking out a report of someone’s personal items being located on a county road north of Sulphur Springs Monday evening. The vehicle came back as being from the Dallas area. Authorities at that time believe it had been dumped in Hopkins County, but continued to investigate, Hopkins County Chief Deputy Tanner Crump stated in a release.
A further search of the area was conducted and deputies located a deceased male who they believed to be associated with the vehicle and a victim of homicide that started in the metroplex, with the deceased male and vehicle dumped in rural Hopkins County, HCSO authorities reported.
“This evening two investigators from the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Texas and a Texas Ranger traveled to St Louis Missouri and arrested the two suspects in the homicide that was discovered Monday evening,” Crump noted in update at an 8:35 p.m. June 15, 2022.
The victim of the homicide has been identified as Giovanni Alexis Najarro of Dallas, a Hispanic male born in 1987.
Through continued investigation, authorities followed leads in the homicide investigation all the way to St. Louis, Missouri. Two members of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and a Texas Ranger traveled Tuesday to Missouri, where suspects Diamonye Jakeli Payne of Fort Worth and Aleigha Denise Coble of Colbert, Oklahoma, were taken into custody Wednesday evening in connection with the homicide, Crump reported.
The pair remained in custody there Wednesday night, but are expected to be extradited back to Texas on the charge at some point, officials reported.
“Although the investigation is ongoing we do not believe anyone else is involved. I would like to commend all the officers involved for a job well done,” Tatum said of the local law enforcement’s work in making arrests in identifying suspects and getting arrests in the homicide case in 2 days.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Construction On Bill Bradford Road Overpass Slow Going Due To Road Construction
It’s definitely summer in Texas. Not only is air acrid and humidity so thick you almost swim in it, but road construction abounds. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a Texas community without some type of road construction — whether on state highways or farm-to-market roads, city streets or county roads —within a stones throw. Construction businesses take advantage of those hot summer months to get as much work done as possible on roads, homes.
In Sulphur Springs alone, College and League streets are both under construction this week, with a big section of College closed a couple of blocks from the square. This street is part of a major rebuilding project that could take a year or more to complete. Work on League Street is progressing quickly, with both lanes graded down requiring very slow travel through the area. Crews will have section of the road from just off the I-30 overpass to Bellview/Tate Street closed to allow for repaving work this week. This street, like Lee Street shouldn’t take too long to complete.
This week, traffic is slow going and at times stalls completely on eastbound I-30 through Sulphur Springs, especially on the Bill Bradford Road overpass due to road construction.
Additional roads within the City of Sulphur Springs scheduled for repairs this summer as part of the annual Street Improvement Plan include:
Texas Department of Transportation for the Sulphur Springs reports the following are scheduled for work this week, June 13-18, 2022, in Hopkins County:
- Lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations on Interstate 30 from Loop 301 to the Franklin County line.
- Lane closures and short delays as crews begin upgrading cross drainage structures on FM 1536 from State Highway 19 to FM 71.
- Lane closures and short delays as crews perform surfacing operations on FM 3389 from I- 30 to FM 1567.
As improvements are being made, motorists are reminded to slow down, exhibit caution and make a conscious effort to watch for road workers and stopped or slow-moving vehicles while traveling in construction zones. Not only is it the law, but by doing so, you help save lives, as well as potential vehicle damages, fines and possibly even time in jail someone is injured or killed in a crash.
Those who can are recommended to avoid these stretches of roadway by finding alternate routes of travel.
The week of July 6, 2022, work to create a four-way stop at the intersection of FM 69 and State Highway 11 in Como, Texas, is scheduled to begin.
TxDOT will place stop signs necessary to convert this intersection to a four-way stop in all directions, officials said. Advance warning signs and message boards will be placed near this intersection soon. The work to install the stop signs at this intersection should begin on July 6, weather permitting.
Motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also be prepared to encounter rough pavement and brief traffic delays, and should avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
* Updated: Local Authorities Investigating Bank Robbery
** Last updated at 3:27 p.m. June 15, 2022**
Local authorities are investigating a bank robbery reported on South Broadway Street Wednesday afternoon. Police are asking for the public’s help identifying and locating the suspect.
Sulphur Springs Police Department at approximately 12:55 p.m. June 15, 2022, received notification of what was reported to be a robbery at Pilgrim Bank. The suspect was reported to be a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, who was wearing a light blue hoody, glasses and khaki/tan colored pants, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson.
Police at approximately 2:20 p.m. Wednesday disseminated the images (below) of the suspect.
SSPD have now identified a white car with sunroof and luggage rack, but no front license plate, as a possible suspect vehicle.
Anyone in the area who may have seen or have information about the suspect or vehicle shown below — especially businesses who may have captured his image on video, or anyone who may be able to identify the suspect — is asked to contact Sulphur Springs Police Department at 903-885-7602.
Officers from SSPD and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office were still searching and following up on potential leads at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
10 Fruits For Health
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
With summer upon us, many individuals turn to cool, refreshing fruits to satisfy taste buds. Those with diabetes can benefit from the vitamins and minerals provided by fruits but must be mindful of the carbohydrate counts. Fruits have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of obesity, heart attack, and stroke.
However, all fruits contain sugar, and this can be challenging for those living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Understanding the carb content will help individuals enjoy the healthy and delicious food without spiking blood sugar. Keep in mind that fresh fruit and frozen fruit are always better choices than fruit in a can or jar because of potential added sugars in those products. Dried fruits also contain extra sugar.
Allison Caggia with Diabetes Daily provides a list of 10 fruits that are lower in carbs while still providing fiber which can help keep you feeling fuller longer, promote good digestion, and help overall blood sugar management. These fruits have 10 grams net carbs or less:
- Tomatoes: the tomato is a fruit and perhaps one of the most versatile to work with. They can be eaten over a salad, served with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, roasted to bring out the flavor, or turned into a sauce to add to a favorite protein. Tomatoes contain a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and only contain 4.8 grams of net carbs for an average-sized tomato.
- Avocados: This is a great choice that is full of healthy fats and antioxidants, while containing only 1.7 grams of net carbs per 3.5 ounces. Avocados are high in fiber and contain potassium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate. Adding avocado to a salad is a flavorful way to get some good nutrients without spiking blood sugar, or turn it into guacamole to serve with your favorite crunchy dipping veggies.
- Strawberries: A favorite for many, this fruit contains 8 net grams of carbs per cup. Strawberries are high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, along with other health benefits. This versatile fruit can be used to make smoothies, toss them on your favorite leafy green summer salad, or dice them into Greek yogurt.
- Lemons and limes: While people don’t actually eat whole lemons and limes, either is a great addition to water. Both contain only 7 net carbs per serving, so use them generously in your water and to season meals as well. And the are a great source of Vitamin C.
- Blackberries: Of all the really fruity fruits, blackberries contain the lowest amount of carbs – only 8 net carbs per cup. Blueberries, by contrast, contain 17 net carbs per cup. Blackberries are packed with vitamins and high in fiber, making them a great choice.
- Kiwi: Kiwis are actually berries, and like most other berries, they have minimal sugar, containing 8 net carbs per kiwi. They are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and high in fiber, which helps aid digestion.
- Plums: This fruit only contains 7.5 net carbs per averages-sized plum. They have been found to reduce blood sugar thanks to a hormone, adiponectin. The fiber may also help avoid a quick spike in blood glucose levels.
- Rhubarb: Coming in at only 1 gram of net carbs per cup, this super fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, along with numerous health benefits, such as aiding collagen production and fighting inflammation. Most recipes use a lot of sugar to take an edge off rhubarb’s sour and bitter flavor, but a zero-carb sweetener could easily be used instead.
- Watermelon: With only 8 grams per 3.5 ounces, watermelon is deliciously refreshing. Not just high in vitamins and antioxidants, watermelon also contain lycopene which has been found to lower blood pressure among many other health benefits.
- Cantaloupe: Like watermelon, cantaloupe only contains 8 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces. It is full of vitamin A, C, and potassium. Try this succulent fruit alone or add it to water for a little flavor.
Closing Thought
Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.
– Francis Chan
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County office at P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
