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Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Car Fire Spreads To Home, Another Vehicle In Westchester Car Fire Spreads To Home, Another Vehicle In Westchester
Car Fire Spreads To Home, Another Vehicle In Westchester A fire inside a Northern Westchester garage soon became more complicated after spreading to the residence, nearby brush, and a vehicle containing materials that caused explosive flames.  The blaze began at around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 inside a garage at a home on Giglio Court in Croton-on-Hudson, according to the village's fire department. Arriving fire crews found two burning vehicles inside the garage, and discovered that the flames were extending to the home and surrounding brush. Firefighters then spread several hose lines to put the fire out while also searching the home …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Westchester School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Westchester
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Westchester A busy road in the region was temporarily closed as crews battled a school bus fire.  The blaze happened on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7 in Northern Westchester County when the bus caught on fire in Valhalla on Grasslands Road (Route 100), according to the Valhalla Fire Department. Luckily, no students were aboard the bus at the time and no injuries were reported. The blaze was quickly put out and the bus was removed from the road, the department said, adding that the roadway was then reopened to traffic. 

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Crews Battle Brush Fire At Golf Course In Westchester Crews Battle Brush Fire At Golf Course In Westchester
Crews Battle Brush Fire At Golf Course In Westchester Firefighters battled persistent flames at a golf course in Westchester for more than an hour.  The blaze happened at the Saint Andrew's Golf Course in Hastings-on-Hudson on Tuesday evening, Nov. 5, according to the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, which helped assist with the response.  Arriving crews battled the fire for around an hour and a half before it was contained, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze was not detailed. No injuries were reported.  This evening the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department was dispatched to assist the Hastings on Hudson Fire Department with..…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At State Park In Hudson Valley Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At State Park In Hudson Valley
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At State Park In Hudson Valley For two days, numerous Hudson Valley fire departments battled a stubborn brush fire atop Nordkop Mountain. The fire occurred in Rockland County on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, in Harriman State Park in Hillburn. The Hillburn Fire Department, with the assistance of several fire departments and New York State Park rangers, battled the blaze that consumed acres. According to the Hillburn Fire Department, firefighters cut fire lines and worked to put out the blaze, which they described as "difficult and stubborn." The department said the fire was contained on Sunday, and park range…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles
Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles A major brush fire over at least a dozen acres in the Hudson Valley produced smoke that spread across the New York border into Connecticut. The blaze broke out at around 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in Putnam County in the area of Route 301 and East Boyds Road in the town of Kent and was finally contained late in the day on Sunday, Oct. 27. While responding, crews observed a large fire on the mountain and immediately requested mutual aid from neighboring departments, according to the Kent Fire Department.  Responding crews located the large brushfire of approximately 5 to 6 acres…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Several fire and police departments are battling a large brush fire near a country club in the Hudson Valley.  The fire began in Putnam County on Thursday, Oct. 24 around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Golf Ridge Road and China Circle Court near the Sedgewood Club golf course in the town of Kent, the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services announced around 12:45 p.m.  Several departments are now operating at the scene of the fire. A Department of Environmental Protection helicopter is also circling the skies over the blaze providing images from the air, officials said.  M…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Brush Fire Reaches Westchester Home, Kept At Bay By Resident With Hose Brush Fire Reaches Westchester Home, Kept At Bay By Resident With Hose
Brush Fire Reaches Westchester Home, Kept At Bay By Resident With Hose A Northern Westchester resident was able to keep a raging brush fire at bay with a hose until firefighters could arrive and save their home from the flames.  The blaze happened on Wednesday, Oct. 16 around 11:45 a.m., when a fire began behind a home on Colabaugh Pond Road in Cortlandt, according to the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department.  An arriving Montrose Fire Chief soon arrived at the residence and found that the brush fire had spread to the residence's rear deck. Luckily though, the homeowner was able to most contain it with a garden hose.  More fire crews then arrived a…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Ambulance Goes Up In Flames Near School In Westchester, Disrupts Traffic Ambulance Goes Up In Flames Near School In Westchester, Disrupts Traffic
Ambulance Goes Up In Flames Near School In Westchester, Disrupts Traffic An ambulance went up in flames during the busy morning commute in a Westchester County village, disrupting traffic in the process.  The fire began in Pelham on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at around 7:30 a.m., when an ambulance blaze was reported in the area of Wolf's Lane and Franklin Place near Pelham Middle School, according to the Village of Pelham Fire Department.  Arriving firefighters quickly began efforts to put out the blaze, which was worsened by the ambulance's onboard oxygen tanks that were fueling the flames.  After safely securing the tanks, firefighters were able to put ou…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Westchester 5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Westchester
5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Westchester Fire officials are investigating a blaze at a Westchester home that left several people, including young children, displaced.  The blaze began on Saturday, Oct. 5 just after 5 p.m., when a home at 439 Homestead Ave. in Mount Vernon caught on fire, according to city officials.  Five adults and two children, including a 7-year-old, were inside the house when the blaze began. Luckily though, firefighters were able to safely get them all out. No serious injuries were reported.  The fire was under control by 7:40 p.m., officials said, adding that the New Rochelle and Eastchester …

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Longtime Port Chester Firefighter Dies: 'Unwavering, Selfless' Longtime Port Chester Firefighter Dies: 'Unwavering, Selfless'
Longtime Port Chester Firefighter Dies: 'Unwavering, Selfless' A longtime Westchester County firefighter from Connecticut who dedicated himself to serving others for seven decades is being remembered for his selflessness and bravery.  Fairfield County resident Richard Nickerson of Greenwich died on Sunday, Sept. 1 at the age of 92 with his family by his side, according to his obituary.  A member of the Port Chester Fire Department's Putnam Engine & Hose Co. #2 for 70 years, Nickerson was known for his dedication to helping people.  Born in 1932, Nickerson went on to become the owner and operator of Nickerson P.C.…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
SUV Goes Up In Flames On Road In Westchester SUV Goes Up In Flames On Road In Westchester
SUV Goes Up In Flames On Road In Westchester A vehicle blaze that went up on a residential street in Northern Westchester was stopped from damaging nearby homes thanks to quick efforts from firefighters.  The incident happened on Monday, Aug. 19 just before 9:30 a.m., when an SUV went up in flames on lower Brook Street in Croton-on-Hudson, according to the village's fire department.  Arriving crews stretched a hose line to both extinguish the vehicle fire and cool down the neighboring house. After the SUV blaze was put out, firefighters inspected the house and found just radiant heat damage to the vinyl siding.  The en…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Raging Car Fire Caught On Video By New Police Drone In Westchester Raging Car Fire Caught On Video By New Police Drone In Westchester
Raging Car Fire Caught On Video By New Police Drone In Westchester Police and firefighters had eyes in the sky while extinguishing a vehicle blaze in Westchester.  The blaze happened alongside a busy street in Yonkers over the weekend of Saturday, July 20, the Yonkers Police Department announced on Monday, July 22. According to police, after the fire was reported in the city's 3rd Precinct, the department's new drone, Air1, took off from its launching location from the roof of St. Joseph's Medical Center and flew to the scene of the blaze. There, it was able to catch the incident on camera and give first responders an idea of the situation before they…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley
Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley A blaze that consumed a vehicle in the Hudson Valley became even worse after it extended to the surrounding woods. The incident happened in Putnam County on Wednesday, July 10 just after 9:30 p.m., when a car caught on fire in Carmel in the area of Gipsy Trail Road, according to the Lake Carmel Fire Department. Arriving crews soon discovered that the blaze had extended to the surrounding woods. Despite the complication, firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames with help from the Frozen Fun Ice Cream Truck, which helped crews at the scene by providing them with frozen treats.…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint'
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' The former chief of a fire district in Westchester who held the position for more than three decades is being remembered for his dedication to serving his community.  Daniel Raftery, the former chief of the Greenville Fire District, died on Sunday, June 16, the department announced. His age was not made public.  A longtime member of the fire district, Raftery originally joined in 1973 and rose to the rank of Chief in 1986. He continued to lead the district for 34 years until retiring in 2020.  In their announcement, the district described Raftery as an "admired and…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Commercial Building Catches On Fire In Westchester Commercial Building Catches On Fire In Westchester
Commercial Building Catches On Fire In Westchester Thanks to quick action from firefighters, a blaze at a commercial building in Westchester was stopped from being worse than it could have been. The fire happened on Tuesday, June 11 around 5:15 p.m., when firefighters found light smoke coming from the roof of 11 Prospect Ave. in Mount Vernon, which contains several storefronts. According to Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, firefighters soon reported the incident as a working fire and quickly extinguished it.  No injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported following the blaze, Patterson-Howard said.  "The …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Blaze Sparks At Westchester Restaurant Blaze Sparks At Westchester Restaurant
Blaze Sparks At Westchester Restaurant A blaze at a Northern Westchester restaurant was stopped from being worse than it could have been thanks to the quick actions of firefighters.  The fire happened on Monday, June 6 just after 2:30 a.m. at Coral Seafood Restaurant in Yorktown Heights at 63 Route 6, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, which helped respond to the blaze.  Thanks to the work of fire crews, more extensive damage to the building was prevented, the department said.  The cause of the fire was not released. 

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies
Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies A beloved firefighter, baseball coach, and Navy veteran from Northern Westchester is being remembered for his longstanding dedication to helping his community.  Banksville resident Preston Pratley died on Monday, May 27 at the age of 79, according to his obituary.  Born in 1944, Pratley was born in Greenwich and later moved to Banksville after marrying his wife, Geraldine Kerslake, in May 1968.  A graduate of St. Mary's High School in Greenwich, Pratley was a Navy veteran who also became a proud member of Local #38, Sheet Metal Workers.  He was also…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Blaze Breaks Out At Eatery In Westchester Blaze Breaks Out At Eatery In Westchester
Blaze Breaks Out At Eatery In Westchester Firefighters raced to put out a blaze that broke out inside a fried chicken restaurant in Westchester. The blaze happened on Wednesday morning, April 24 at Kennedy's Fried Chicken in White Plains at 4 East Post Rd. (Route 22), according to the White Plains Fire Department. The fire did not end up being too severe, firefighters said. The cause of the blaze was not released. The department said the blaze highlighted the need for more staffing, as the city's call volume has increased.

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68 Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68
Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68 A former fire chief from Northern Westchester who dedicated most of his life to his department is remembered for always helping his community.  Longtime Ossining resident Raymond Lips, the former chief of the Millwood Fire Department and life member, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, April 9 at the age of 68, according to his obituary.  Born in 1955, Lips graduated from Ossining High School in 1973 and earned an Associate's Degree from Westchester Community College before joining Otto A. Lips Electric, the family business.  In addition to his career, Lips was a lifelong …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Chimney Fire Prompts Emergency Response At High School In Westchester Chimney Fire Prompts Emergency Response At High School In Westchester
Chimney Fire Prompts Emergency Response At High School In Westchester Firefighters raced to a high school in Northern Westchester after receiving reports of a chimney fire. The incident happened on Monday morning, April 8, when crews from the Millwood Fire Department responded to a reported chimney fire at Fox Lane High School in Bedford.  According to the department, arriving crews soon discovered that the affected chimney was clogged and quickly worked to unclog it and return the situation to safety.  No injuries were reported. 

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Blaze Tears Through Westchester Home, Causes Road Closure Blaze Tears Through Westchester Home, Causes Road Closure
Blaze Tears Through Westchester Home, Causes Road Closure Firefighters from several departments spent hours fighting a blaze at a Northern Westchester residence that required nearly 100,000 gallons of water and an excavator to completely extinguish. Updated Report - Update: Funds Come To Pound Ridge Firefighter Hurt In Blaze The blaze began on Monday morning, April 8 at a residence on Long Ridge Road in Bedford, according to the Bedford Fire Department. After crews arrived at the home at around 7:30 a.m., they searched the building and found no one inside. Firefighters then began dousing the flames, which were tearing through the sides and r…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Firefighters Battle Car Blaze, Burning Wires In Westchester Firefighters Battle Car Blaze, Burning Wires In Westchester
Firefighters Battle Car Blaze, Burning Wires In Westchester Firefighters battled both a car blaze and downed burning wires that began at nearly the same time during a busy morning in Northern Westchester.  The incidents happened on Wednesday, April 3 just before 9 a.m., when firefighters in Somers responded to downed burning wires on Route 202 near Todd Road while also being called to the scene of a car blaze in a parking lot on Route 6.  According to the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, the car blaze was successfully put out with  1,000 gallons of water. Meanwhile, firefighters closed Route 202 while NYSEG could shut off the power a…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Rubbish Fire Ignites Near Railroad Yard In Westchester Rubbish Fire Ignites Near Railroad Yard In Westchester
Rubbish Fire Ignites Near Railroad Yard In Westchester Firefighters responded to a Northern Westchester railroad yard after a blaze ignited in a rubbish pile. The incident happened on Wednesday, March 27 around 10 p.m., when Croton-on-Hudson Fire crews responded to a reported trash fire near the old Metro Enviro building on Croton Point Avenue near the Croton-Harmon railroad yard, according to the department.  Crews soon found a smoldering fire in some railroad ties and were able to extinguish it quickly, firefighters said.  The cause of the blaze was not released. 

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
High-Rise Blaze Prompts Evacuation Of Residents At Westchester Apartment Building High-Rise Blaze Prompts Evacuation Of Residents At Westchester Apartment Building
High-Rise Blaze Prompts Evacuation Of Residents At Westchester Apartment Building A blaze on a high floor at a Northern Westchester apartment complex proved to be a difficult battle for firefighters. The blaze began in Peekskill on Friday, March 22 just before 2:30 p.m., when a fire alarm was set off at the Crossroads Apartments at 1109 Brown St., according to the City of Peekskill Fire Department.  Arriving fire crews soon found smoke coming from the window of a fifth-floor apartment and quickly raced up to begin putting it out. Once they got to the floor of the fire, crews found that the hallway was filled with smoke and found an active blaze inside the apartment.…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Wind-Driven Attic Blaze Damages Westchester Residence Wind-Driven Attic Blaze Damages Westchester Residence
Wind-Driven Attic Blaze Damages Westchester Residence A blaze that ignited in the attic of a Northern Westchester residence proved to be a tough battle for firefighters thanks to gusty winds. The blaze began on Thursday, March 21 just after 1 p.m. at a residence in Buchanan, according to the Croton-on-Hudson and Millwood Fire Departments. Arriving fire crews soon began battling the blaze in the residence's attic and first and second floors, which proved to be difficult thanks to gusty winds and unstable floors.  Eventually, the blaze was brought under control around 3:30 p.m. Members of the Buchanan, Croton, Millwood, Continental Village…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Funeral Details Released For Former Westchester Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Funeral Details Released For Former Westchester Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person'
Funeral Details Released For Former Westchester Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Funeral arrangments have been announced for a former Northern Westchester fire chief who spent nearly his entire life serving the public in both his career and as a volunteer.  A wake for Raymond Baker, the former chief of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, March 9 at the age of 64, will be held on Friday, March 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Beecher Flooks Funeral Home in Pleasantville at 418 Bedford Rd.  Earlier Report - Former Somers Fire Chief Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed' A Mass of Christian Burial will also be …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
2 Firefighters Injured In Blaze At Westchester Residence 2 Firefighters Injured In Blaze At Westchester Residence
2 Firefighters Injured In Blaze At Westchester Residence Two firefighters were injured while battling a blaze at a residence in Westchester.  The fire happened in White Plains on Thursday, Feb. 29 at a residence on South Broadway, according to the city's fire department.  The blaze began in the attic and walls of the structure but was quickly knocked out before it could spread and cause more damage to the home, firefighters said.  No occupants in the home were harmed, but two firefighters suffered minor injuries during the effort to put out the blaze, the department said. 

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Update: More Details Released About Hospital Fire In Westchester Update: More Details Released About Hospital Fire In Westchester
Update: More Details Released About Hospital Fire In Westchester Firefighters have released more information about a fire that broke out at a hospital in Westchester.  The blaze began on Thursday, Jan. 25 around 11:30 a.m., when a fire started inside an apartment on the second floor of staff housing on the Phelps Hospital campus in Tarrytown.  Earlier Report - Fire Ignites At Phelps Hospital In Tarrytown: Developing Soon after the flames broke out, crews from several organizations raced to the scene, including the Sleepy Hollow, Hawthorne, Valhalla, and Millwood Fire Departments.  After arriving at the scene, crews began putting out…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Fire Tears Through Westchester Residence Amid Dense Fog, Rain Fire Tears Through Westchester Residence Amid Dense Fog, Rain
Fire Tears Through Westchester Residence Amid Dense Fog, Rain Firefighters endured rain and heavy fog while battling a blaze at a Northern Westchester residence that left the home damaged.  The fire broke out on Wednesday, Jan. 24 around 6:30 p.m., when flames ignited at a residence in Yorktown in the area of Hardwood Place and Hanover Street.  With the help of mutual aid from departments from Croton-on-Hudson and Mahopac, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and put out hot spots.  The response to the blaze took several hours. The cause of the fire was not released. 

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by Ben Crnic