Kansas Municipal News
KS farmers expecting to benefit from renegotiated trade deal
The Democratic-led House has given President Donald Trump an overwhelming bipartisan victory on a renegotiated trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. Passage comes one day after the House impeached the Republican president.
The bill puts in place terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It now heads to the Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her colleagues had won key concessions from an administration anxious to pass the deal before next year’s election season makes that task more difficult.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Manhattan City Commission approves improvements to North Campus Corridor
The Manhattan City Commission has paved the way for improvements at College and Kimball Ave. as part of its North Campus Corridor improvement project.
Small manufacturing bonds bill would raise limit to $30 million
The Modernizing Agriculture and Manufacturing Bonds Act, H.R. 5422, sponsored by Reps. Stepanie Murphy, D-Fla., and Darin LaHood, R-Ill., expands the definition of manufacturing facility and eliminates restrictions on “directly related and ancillary facilities.”
The issuance limit on tax-exempt private activity bonds for Industrial Development Bonds would be raised to $30 million from the current $10 million while the limitation for first-time farmers using so-called Aggie Bonds would be raised to $552,500 from $450,000.
(Read more: Fidelity)
Lawrence City Commission indicates support for transition to 100% renewable energy
City leaders have indicated they would like to commit to running on all renewable energy in the coming years.
As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received a recommendation from the Sustainability Advisory Board to adopt a policy committing to 100% renewable energy for city operations and, ultimately, the entire community. The commission voted unanimously to direct city staff to draft an ordinance to achieve use of 100% renewable energy and subsequently develop a plan of action to achieve the goal.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Residents of Big Springs voice opposition to Douglas County’s proposed zoning regulation changes
Several residents of Big Springs voiced opposition to changes to the Douglas County zoning regulations, arguing the proposed changes may hinder their ability to operate businesses in that community.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission on Monday heard their concerns after it began discussing the county staff’s proposal for new zoning and land use regulations for the unincorporated areas of the county.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Committee presents concept for $3 million Roeland Park Community Center improvement project
The Roeland Park city council last week heard a final report from a group tasked with exploring ideas for the future of the community center that calls for $3 million in interior and exterior improvements.
The city’s Ad Hoc Community Center Design Committee, a temporary committee tasked with developing concepts for the facility, has worked with Kansas City, Mo.-based SFS Architecture on the design project. The goal of the project was to assess the practical needs of the community center, as well as to offer “direction for the capital investment plan and how to maximize use of the community center,” according to city documents.
Located in the former Skyline Elementary building next to the pool complex at 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park’s community center has had only minor renovations since it was shuttered by the Shawnee Mission School District in 1982 and eventually taken over by the city.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
Lawrence conducting resident satisfaction survey to inform strategic plan
City leaders will soon discuss whether to commit to running on all renewable energy in the coming years.
As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive a recommendation from the Sustainability Advisory Board to adopt a policy committing to 100% renewable energy for city operations and, ultimately, the entire community.
Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Director Jasmin Moore said cities have some of the largest utility accounts and can therefore lead by example when it comes to energy use.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Hutch to Legislature: Fund KDOT plan
The Hutchinson City Council will urge state lawmakers to fully fund the Kansas Comprehensive Transportation Program.
Ahead of the council’s special meeting with local state legislators at 10 a.m. Thursday, at City Hall, 125 E. Avenue B, the council on Tuesday added to the city’s legislative platform for 2020.
Councilmember Jon Daveline proposed adding transportation to the platform drafted by city staff. He noted the T-WORKS transportation project to improve K-96/K-14 from Nickerson to Sterling was among more than two dozen projects delayed by the Kansas Department of Transportation because of funding.
Also, Councilmember Steve Dechant suggested legislators write stronger language into state law regarding land contracts. They are rent-to-own agreements.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Topeka committee to create fire station master plan
Topeka city manager Brent Trout intended to staff a proposed new fire station on S.W. 6th Avenue at no additional cost to the city by closing the current Fire Station 11 at 2000 N.W. Lower Silver Lake Road and moving its personnel and equipment to that site.
But that plan sparked controversy at Tuesday’s meeting of the Topeka City Council.
“This is an unfair thing to even think about doing,” said Councilwoman Sandra Clear, who represents the district where Fire Station 11 stands.
Mayor Michelle De La Isla expressed concern that the proposed move would involve replacing a fire station in an area that is low-income with a station in an area that is not.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
City to outsource social services grant funding program
Topeka’s city government will outsource the program through which it provides grant funding to social service agencies.
The mayor and city council voted 7-2 Tuesday evening to authorize city staff members to solicit proposals from anyone interested in operating the program through which the city provides that funding.
Mayor Michelle De La Isla and council members Sandra Clear, Mike Padilla, Brendan Jensen, Neil Dobler, Jeff Coen and Mike Lesser voted in favor of the move.
Council members Karen Hiller and Sylvia Ortiz voted against it, with Ortiz expressing support for the arrangement currently in place.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Proposal to add protected classes goes back to city human relations commission
Topeka’s mayor and city council late Tuesday sent back to the Topeka Human Relations Commission a proposal that would add “gender identity and sexual orientation” to the list of classes protected by city code rules.
The mayor and council voted 9-0, with Councilman Tony Emerson being absent because of illness, to make that move while asking the HRC to further research, review and evaluate the proposal.
That proposal contains wording that is “very vague,” said Councilman Brendan Jensen.
(Read more: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Sedgwick Co. Commission to vote to add full-time EMS staff in Clearwater
One city in Sedgwick County could be getting a new full-time EMS staff by 2020.
The City of Clearwater does have a dedicated Emergency Service volunteer but they are unable to provide transport.
That could soon change.
“As we know, with most emergency calls, the first few minutes are the most critical. We do need to have coverage nearby and obviously sophisticated well-trained medics,” says Michael O’Donnell, Sedgwick County Commissioner.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Solar panels on Sedgwick County building will have to wait
The future of a Sedgwick County-owned building getting its first solar panels will have to wait.
After some back and forth on Wednesday, the Sedgwick County Commission decided to put roughly $247,000 to the side while commissioners wait on an energy audit.
Commissioner Lacey Cruse had initially pushed to take bids on putting solar panels on either the Sedgwick County Tag Office or the Extension Office. A presentation for commissioners showed a return on investment would occur within 14 to 19 years, but Commissioner Jim Howell mentioned that the presentation didn’t include replacing parts that had a 15-year life. He didn’t want to vote on sending out a request for bids until they had all the information.
(Read more: Local News |)
Wind farm moratorium voted down by commission
Although commissioner Dianne Novak is still sticking to her guns, a moratorium on wind farm development failed Monday on a vote of three to one, with commissioner Jonah Gehring not casting a vote in favor or against.
County counsel Brad Jantz presented a proposed 120-day moratorium resolution at Monday’s meeting. Novak questioned the resolution having that short of a time frame. Jantz said the time frame could be longer if commissioners wanted.
“There’s nothing magic about that 120,” Jantz said.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Roeland Park enters into JoCo watershed organization, one week after Merriam
The Roeland Park city council on Monday approved a watershed agreement with Johnson County as part of the county’s new stormwater management program.
Working together is the county’s approach with the updated program: watershed organizations are created across city boundaries to allow for collaboration on projects that may impact more than one city. Roeland Park and 11 other cities, including Merriam and Mission, are part of watershed area 1, which is impacted by Turkey Creek and Bush Creek.
“The city is not obligated [to enter the agreement], it doesn’t cost the city anything out of pocket,” Public Works Director Donnie Scharff said. “It does allow these cities to work with neighboring cities on projects.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
Manhattan moving forward with construction of new Douglass Recreation Center
The Manhattan City Commission on Tuesday committed to some big dollar improvements on both the north and south sides of the city.
First, in a 4 to 1 vote, the commission approved a $4.3 million construction contract for a new Douglass Recreation Center. It includes a $400,000 contingency, which came in under expectations. The center will be another piece in a complex of recreation buildings, featuring a 3-lane elevated track and programmable to accommodate an 84-foot basketball court, two NCAA volleyball courts and two pickleball courts alongside community and fitness rooms.
Mayor Mike Dodson says the walking and biking activity throughout that part of the community demonstrates a need in the area, adding it will be great for Manhattan.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Franklin County OKs zoning for renewable energy
Franklin County’s next frontier may lie with renewable energy. As of now, there are no renewable energy companies doing business in the county, but officials believe it is only a matter of time.
County planning director Larry Walrod and the county planning commission developed building codes and zoning guidelines for companies wanting to come into the county. Walrod began reviewing other county policies months ago.
“It has been a lengthy process,” Walrod said. “We have reviewed it pretty thoroughly. I had information from at least 14 counties. We have had input in at least one solar development.”
(Read more: News – Butler County Times Gazette)
Lawrence Public Library to eliminate overdue fines; accounts can still be blocked for overdue items
The Lawrence Public Library board voted to eliminate fines for overdue books and other media beginning next year, but not before hearing concerns from some residents.
As part of its meeting Tuesday, the library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to eliminate late fines from the library’s circulation policy. Library patrons would still be charged for lost or damaged items. Patrons would be blocked from checking out additional books and materials once an item became two weeks overdue, but return of the overdue item would immediately restore access.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence City Commission to consider moving forward with pilot program for electric scooters
City leaders will soon decide whether to move forward with a pilot program for electric scooters.
As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider issuing a request for qualifications for the scooter pilot program. City staff plan to select up to two companies to participate in the pilot program, which calls for a deployment of 500 scooters for six months, according to a city staff memo to the commission.
If commissioners decide to move forward with a pilot program RFQ, additional steps would follow should they decide to conduct the pilot, according to the memo.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence City Commission to discuss possible transition to 100% renewable energy
City leaders will soon discuss whether to commit to running on all renewable energy in the coming years.
As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive a recommendation from the Sustainability Advisory Board to adopt a policy committing to 100% renewable energy for city operations and, ultimately, the entire community.
Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Director Jasmin Moore said cities have some of the largest utility accounts and can therefore lead by example when it comes to energy use.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Riverfront Legacy group moves forward with a plan that tears down Century II
Century II has been eliminated from Wichita’s skyline in a redesign of the east bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita, replaced by mixed-use buildings and a large “programmable green space” that connects new performing arts and convention centers with the river.
That’s the direction the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition wants to go, the group of downtown and business booster organizations decided Monday. The decision was based on months of public engagement and years of studies, group members said.
But local elected officials, who would be charged with approving the plan and then figuring out how to fund it, are divided on the issue. Outgoing Mayor Jeff Longwell said Tuesday that he disagrees with the way the group reached its conclusion.
(Read more: Local News |)
Emporia Public Library looks to future upon celebrating 150th birthday
The Emporia Public Library celebrated a major milestone Saturday.
The day marked exactly 150 years since, on Dec. 14, 1869, a group of Emporia citizens recognized the need for a library in the 12-year-old community. A year of special events, speakers and more culminated with a 150th birthday party. Library staff, board members and advocates along with local politicians and patrons helped mark the occasion.
Emporia Public Library Director Robin Newell said it is the longest continuously operating library in Kansas.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Kansas fourth-grader rescues another student at lunch with Heimlich maneuver
It’s always good to have a friend in the school cafeteria – especially when that friend is a hero.
Scott City Elementary School fourth-grader Keller Turner wasted no time leaping into action to save a friend from choking at lunch.
It happened on Friday around 1:30 p.m. in the Kansas school cafeteria. Nicole Turner, the proud mother of the 10-year-old, said the students were having lunch as usual when a friend of Keller’s started choking.
“His face turned red really, really fast, and I knew he wasn’t joking,” Keller said. “I just took action instead of waiting for it.”
(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)
Hesston council discusses new grocery store possibilities
Hesston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Smith and the Hesston City Council addressed the need for a grocery store in town during the Monday night council meeting, but didn’t come to any final decisions.
“In the spring of 2019, the Hesston Chamber of Commerce formed a task force whose work would focus on bringing a grocery store back to the community of Hesston,” according to information handed to the council. “This group has worked diligently toward this effort. Activities have included surveying community members, analyzing market needs by utilizing outside resources, engaging with the Kansas State University Rural Grocery Initiative to gain insights into the industry and exploring all possible avenues to bring access to groceries back to the community.”
Smith told council members the old grocery store building will be available soon and that they feel it’s important to bring a grocery store to Hesston sooner than later. If the building is used for a potential grocery store, it uses a pre-existing building in the community, Smith said.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
Kansas communities win funds to fuel local change
Kansans from across the state are awarded $43,800 to help strengthen early childhood efforts in their local communities.
A total of 45 Community Action Lab grants will be handed out, which organizations will use to address the question: “What can you create today to help ensure each child in your community has the best possible start in life?”
(Read more: hiawathaworldonline.com)
Groundbreaking for affordable housing in Valley Center
Advocates for more affordable housing have been sounding the alarm here in the Wichita area. On Tuesday, a sign of progress for people on fixed incomes.
The Mennonite Housing group from Wichita provides affordable homes to hundreds of independent senior citizens on fixed incomes, like Sunflower Gardens in Valley Center.
“They just take good care of us and they love us because they give us good prices and help us out and we help each other,” says Carol King, a resident at Sunflower Gardens.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Kansas Highway Patrol troopers stop to sled with some kids
The Kansas Highway Patrol was busy Monday with the snow that rolled through Kansas.
However, the snow didn’t stop them from having a little fun.
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Crittenden shared a video of Trooper Mueller and Schnieder stopped to sled with some children between calls.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Finney County administrator picked to lead Reno County
The Reno County Commission voted Tuesday to hire Finney County Administrator Randall Partington as the county’s next administrator, replacing Gary Meagher, who is retiring at the end of the year after a decade with the county.
Partington, 43, is required to give 60-day notice at his current job, so he’ll start with Reno County on Feb. 17.
Reno County Youth Services Director Bill Hermes will serve as interim administrator after Meagher retires at the end of the year, Meagher advised at the end of Tuesday’s county commission meeting.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
A business improvement district could bring vibrancy to Douglas, but not without a cost
A proposed Business Improvement District along a stretch of Douglas Avenue could bring significant economic growth to the area, supporters of the initiative say.
They argue it could mean more Wichita businesses are bolstered by organized marketing and programming efforts.
More splashy murals for buildings and alleyways that a decade ago were desolate and colorless.
And, ultimately, a BID could impact the city’s efforts to retain and recruit talent and new business.
“It’s an all-ships-rise sort of philosophy,” said Renee Duxler, executive director of the Douglas Design District, the group spearheading the effort to create the BID. “That when everybody’s successful and growing our economy and increasing jobs and sales tax revenue that everybody benefits from.”
(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)
Support ‘overwhelming’ for Hays officer with cancer
When Tisha and Mitch Berens married in August, they had no idea that one of the bonds they had would enter their relationship so soon and in such a devastating way.
Tisha is a breast cancer survivor. Mitch is a melanoma survivor. Having that in common was part of their attraction. The couple met online. She lived in Abilene, where she worked for a crop service company and was a substitute teacher. He is a patrol sergeant for the Hays Police Department, where he’s worked for 25 years.
It was 19 years ago when Mitch was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. It had spread from his knee to his lymph nodes. Surgeries removed skin on his leg and midsection, and he underwent chemotherapy and radiation at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Retiring Farmers Union president: Family farms still viable
As Roger Johnson prepares to step down after 11 years leading the National Farmers Union group, he’s well aware of the many challenges facing its members: a painful trade war, the effects of climate change and the march of farm consolidation. But Johnson, a North Dakota native, believes smaller operators can still find a way to carve out a living.
Here’s a look at Johnson’s thoughts on agriculture and the future of farming:
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)
Cottonwood Falls firefighters turn up the heat in new calendar
The Cottonwood Falls Fire Department has turned to an unlikely method of raising funds for outdated equipment — modeling.
Firefighters from Chase County will be on display the entire year in 2020, after the department teamed up with Rosebud Studio for its take on the traditional sexy firefighters calendar.
Geneva Cahoone, wife of firefighter Kevin Cahoone, sprung the idea when the fire department began discussing ways to raise funds without having to ask the city or county commission.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Millions spent to accommodate overflow in Kansas prisons
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas prisons have exceeded their operating capacity and it will cost the state millions of dollars to move hundreds of inmates to a privately owned prison in Arizona.
A one-year contract with the Kansas Department of Corrections and CoreCivic was announced this month, KCUR-FM reports.
Acting Corrections Secretary says it’s the best option available at this time to accommodate the rise in prison population.
(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)
Registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles in Kansas to increase in 2020
Electric and hybrid vehicle owners in Kansas are set to see an increase in their registration fees in 2020.
This year, Kansas lawmakers passed House Bill 22-14, which approves the price hike in fees for these vehicles.
Registration fees for electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will increase to $50.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)
Chief Justice Lawton Nuss retires from Kansas Supreme Court
Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss retired Friday before a crowd of supporters who packed the ground floor of the judicial building in Topeka.
Nuss told the crowd that serving on the high court was the greatest privilege of his 37-year legal career, which began with two decades of law practice in Salina. Republican Gov. Bill Graves appointed Nuss to the Supreme Court in 2002, and Nuss has served as chief justice of the court since 2010.
Nuss said it was an honor to work with the 2,000 dedicated employees of the judicial branch in Kansas.
(Read more: News – Wellington Daily News – Wellington, KS)
Hutch public art projects eyed
The first mural chosen for the Chester I. Lewis Plaza, across from the entrance to the Historic Fox Theatre, 18 E. 1st Ave., is slated to be painted in spring 2020, depending on the weather.
Wichita muralist Josh Tripoli’s postcard-style design for Hutchinson has been revised during the planning process, with yellow replacing green as a backdrop color.
“I definitely like it better than the green,” Hutchinson’s director of parks and facilities Justin Combs told the Public Art and Design Council on Thursday at City Hall.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)
Fired health chief, Pawnee County settle suit
Hours of mediation this month produced a resolution in a federal lawsuit brought by fired Pawnee County Health Administrator Robin Rziha against the Pawnee County Board of Commissioners and County Attorney Douglas McNett.
She had charged retaliation for accusing the county of misappropriating health-related grant dollars to supplant general county funds, alerting county and state officials and auditors of her concerns.
The case was settled at a mediation session that ran six and a half hours, according to a court document filed last week.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)
Grant for PSU’s Nature Reach will fund new kindergarten program
It was only fitting that a diverse collection of animals — a pair of tortoises, a family of hissing cockroaches, a 4-year-old possum — were able to witness a key grant presentation Friday morning on the Pittsburg State University campus.
A check for $10,000 from the Evergy Foundation will help the university’s Nature Reach program establish a summer day camp targeting kindergarten-aged children next year.
Not only will the new camp introduce local children to about 50 different animals and insects that call PSU home, but officials hope it also will spark empathetic feelings toward animals of all shapes and siz
(Read more: www.joplinglobe.com)
Sedgwick County crews prep hundreds of miles of roads ahead of winter weather
The roadways in Sedgwick County go for miles and miles.
“Sedgwick County maintains 600 miles of roadway,” says Daniel Schrant, Construction Engineer for the Sedgwick County Public Works Department.
Hundreds of miles of roads the county does its best to cover.
“They have been doing that this week in preparation for the snowstorm,” says Schrandt .”Then, obviously, when the snow is here we do the plowing and salt and sand operation right behind the truck”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Seneca works to increase school safety
A local school district adds an extra layer of protection when school is over and its time to pick-up the kids.
The Seneca School District is using a web system called Kid Account for the students in Pre-K through 6th grade.
It helps the school keep track of visitors leaving and entering the school.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)
Wind farm protest not enough to stop Expedition Wind
The Marion County Commission meeting opened on Nov 18 with the results of the general election canvass from the Nov 5 election, which was finalized on Friday, Nov. 15. The outcomes generally remained the same although some of the counts changes due to absentee ballots being received through the mail.
Newly voted in District 4 and 5 Commissioners, Dave Crofoot and Jonah Gehring were sworn in and a reception was held to welcome them prior to the regular meeting.
Brice Goebel, Road and Bridge County Engineer, gave an update on the road funds. He informed the commission that they did not get the cautionary money from KDOT that the department was hoping for. Goebel called and asked what would help secure that money and was told letters of support from school districts, fire departments and other such places could help so he plans to do that. The next time to submit is in March. Goebel plans to try for money then. He asked for input from the commission regarding all of it.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
City of Wichita hopes push for change in state law cuts down on auto thefts
This year alone, Wichita police say auto thefts number more than 2,000. It’s a widespread problem the City of Wichita is addressing with a push for change at the state level.
Currently, not all auto thefts are felonies. Wichita leaders want to change that and hope a new bill can stop repeat offenders
(Read more: KWCH News)
100 percent participation at Goessel school parent-teacher meetings
The Goessel school board met on November 11 and heard from superintendent/elementary school principal Dr. John Fast that elementary school teachers had 100 percent contact with parents for parent-teacher meetings on October 24. Only four were contacted by phone instead of in-person meetings. Therefore, all students were represented.
“That kind of parent involvement is important,” Fast said.
Junior high/high school principal Scott Boden told the board that 98 percent of the junior high and high school students were represented by parents at the parent-teacher meetings, which are now “student-led.” Board member Ben Schrag asked if parent participation has increased now that the meetings are led by students. Boden said participation did go up; it had been 68 percent in the past. However, with the current format, participation rose to 98 percent. He said parents don’t have to wait as long now. Sometimes parents had to wait 45 minutes to an hour to meet with some teachers in the past. Boden said that if parents can’t visit with all of the teachers at the meetings the way they are currently structured, parents and teachers do communicate through email.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Unitarian Church And City Of Lenexa Reach Agreement Over Homeless Shelter
A church whose request to operate a temporary homeless shelter was opposed by the city of Lenexa will be able to do so after all.
Under a settlement reached on Friday, Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church will be allowed to use its building, a former elementary school, to house up to 30 homeless adults overnight from Dec. 13 through April 1 and for the next three years.
The agreement also calls for the city to work with the church to craft an ordinance permitting homeless ministries in Lenexa.
(Read more: RSS Feed)
Newton finds temporary fix for historic preservation
City staff may have found a one-year, temporary way to keep performing historic preservation functions after budget cuts defunded a position in city hall that handled the duties of a historic preservation officer.
“Staff was asked to go back and see if there is a way to do this less expensively,” said Bob Myers, city manager. ”… the question was how much of a budget do we have to have … how much of a budget could we find to fund it.”
The answer was $50,000. That is the result of several open positions in the police department, leading to savings in the department. Those funds can be used for a housing incentive program, which in turn frees up $50,000 that can be used for historic preservation.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)