If you’ve tapped your feet to live reggae downtown or swayed along at Friendship Park’s summer concerts, chances are you’ve enjoyed the energy brought by Ambassador David.

After nearly three decades in the oil industry, David turned his love of Bob Marley into Ambassador David Productions LLC, introducing vibrant live music to the Midwest for over 30 years.

While reggae remains at the heart of his mission, David champions all genres, fostering up-and-coming and family-friendly artists. This year’s Battle Creek Caribbean Festival showcases reggae giants like Roots Vibrations and The Hurricane, with local flavors and crafts amplifying the festivities.

Residents also treasure Vibe @ Five—free Friday concerts since 2006—with music from polka to Latin, welcoming all generations to downtown’s Friendship Park.

Ambassador David’s driving goal: uniting the community through music, positivity, and a shared “One Love” spirit in Battle Creek.

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The Battle Creek City Commission has named four finalists in its search for a new city manager, following Rebecca Fleury’s recent retirement after ten years of leadership.

With support from the Michigan Municipal League, the commission will consider Nathaniel Clark, former public safety director in Forest Park, Georgia; Nathan Henne, current city manager of Owosso, Michigan; Patrick Jordan, Ionia County’s former administrator; and Carl Geffken, who recently served as Fort Smith, Arkansas, city manager.

Residents are invited to meet these candidates during a community event on Wednesday, August 6, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 50 Capital Ave. SW, with a meet-and-greet in the Atrium from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Final candidate interviews are scheduled for Thursday, August 7, with the commission eager to select a leader to shape Battle Creek’s future.

upcoming events in Battle Creek and Calhoun County during the two‑week period starting July 23, 2025

Wed, July 30, 2025

Battle Creek Farmers’ Market — 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Where: Festival Market Square, 25 S McCamly St, Battle Creek
Fresh produce and artisan foods; live music some weeks. Recurs Wednesdays through Oct. Images and details on the official market page.
Info: https://downtownbcfarmersmarket.com

Fri, August 1, 2025

Binder Park Zoo — Tour de Zoo (bike the zoo) — 5:00–9:00 PM (check‑in at 5 PM; ride 6–8 PM; after‑party to 9 PM)
Where: Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek
Family‑friendly bike night through the zoo with food/beverage options; pre‑registration recommended. Images on event page.
Tickets/Info: Tour de Zoo details. binderparkzoo.orgbinderparkzoo.org

Earth, Wind & Fire — 8:00 PM
Where: FireKeepers Casino Event Center, 11177 E Michigan Ave (Emmett Twp / Battle Creek)
Major touring act; reserved seating. Images on show page.
Tickets/Info: FireKeepers “Shows” page. FireKeepers Casino Hotel

Tantric + openers (Days of Disaster, Sonakofa, Decyphered, The Precibus) — Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / All‑ages
Where: The Music Factory, 191 Angell St, Battle Creek
Tickets/Info: ShowClix listing; venue/social confirmations. ShowClixBandsintownFacebook

Marshall Motor Month — “Classics & Cocktails” kickoff — 6:30–8:30 PM
Where: Venue 19 Zero 9, 112 N Eagle St, Marshall
Car‑themed cocktails, appetizers, photo booth; ticketed. Images on event page.
Tickets/Info: Choose Marshall event page. Choose Marshall

Movies at the Airport: “American Graffiti” — 9:00 PM
Where: Brooks Field (Airport), Marshall
Outdoor screening as part of Motor Month weekend. C

Sat, August 2, 2025

Marshall Motorfest (Motor Month weekend) — daytime
Where: Downtown Marshall & Brooks Field
Cruise‑in, parking downtown, rockabilly contests and more. Images/Map on event page.
Info: Choose Marshall. Choose Marshall

Mon, August 4, 2025

Blues at the Bohm — Ghost Town Blues Band — 7:00–10:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
Where: Bohm Theatre, 201 S Superior St, Albion
Monthly blues series; ticketed. Images on event listing.
Tickets/Info: Bohm Theatre calendar & series page. Bohm Theatre

Tickets

Battle Creek Caribbean Festival – August 16, 2025

Celebrate island vibes at the 10th Annual Battle Creek Caribbean Festival at The Base Bar & Grill! Enjoy live performances from

Hurricane Reggae Band, King Mellowman, and Roots Vibrations, plus food from Jamaican Spice, Xav's Fusion, Ko Ko’s Kitchen, and more. Emcee Assane Dia brings the energy from 6 PM to 1 AM.

Presale: $7 | Door: $10 | VIP Tables: $80–$125

No passport needed—just good vibes, irie tunes, and delicious Caribbean cuisine!

3905 W. Dickman Rd, Springfield, MI
Sponsored by KCC, MCCU, and Captain Morgan.

Ink Station Tattoo has launched its 3rd Annual School Supply Drive, inviting the community to donate essential items for students from July 22 through August 12.

Residents can drop off backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and crayons to help local children begin the school year prepared.

As a thank you, donors receive a raffle ticket for every $10 in supplies offered, with prizes contributed by local businesses like Professional Muffler, Carquest, and Eva’s Paw Spa.

Area businesses are encouraged to support the cause by donating prizes or hosting collection bins, and can reach out to Ink Station Tattoo for more details.

Meanwhile, INK! St. Johns is holding a similar supply drive to aid St. Johns County schools through August 31.

Together, these efforts highlight the power of community in helping every child begin the year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed.

Battle Creek Battle Jacks home schedule at C.O. Brown Stadium

Thursday, July 31 – 6:35 PM

Opponent: Rockford Rivets
Details: Regular game night. Great match-up with a strong conference opponent. Perfect for a laid-back summer evening.
Grab tickets

Friday, August 1 – 6:35 PM

Opponent: Rockford Rivets
Event Night: Barks & Brews Night
Details: Bring your dog to the ballpark and enjoy local craft beer. A fan favorite!
Purchase tickets

Saturday, August 2 – 6:35 PM

Opponent: Traverse City Pit Spitters
Event Night: Believe in Battle Creek Night
Details: Celebrate community pride with themed entertainment and family fun throughout the evening.
Tickets available here

Sunday, August 3 – 1:35 PM

Opponent: Traverse City Pit Spitters
Details: Sunday afternoon baseball—bring the whole family. Great concessions and post-game meet-and-greet with players possible.
Get tickets

Location Info

All games are played at MCCU Field (C.O. Brown Stadium) in Bailey Park, Battle Creek, MI. It's a fan-friendly stadium with shaded seating, a kid zone, and affordable food and drinks.

Battle Creek Farmers’ Market

• Date & Time: Every Wednesday—June 11 & June 18, 9 AM–1 PM

• Location: Festival Market Square, 25 McCamly St S, Downtown Battle Creek

• Details: Open-air market with fresh produce, artisan vendors & live music. It's a staple weekly event through October smallbusinessbattlecreek.com6.

• Info: downtownbcfarmersmarket.com

Michigan’s housing affordability crisis intensifies as rent prices surge and outpace stagnant wages.

Median rent now stands at about $1,050 per month, consuming nearly a third of most renters’ income and pushing many into cost-burdened status.

For low-income families, the situation is even more severe—with a quarter spending over half of their earnings on rent, leaving little for other essentials.

To combat the shortage, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently announced $5.4 million in grants to employers building workforce housing, part of a larger $10 million aid fund.

MSHDA also expanded incentive grants for local governments to boost affordable housing projects across the state.

Yet, hurdles persist as Michigan’s largest housing voucher program remains frozen, leaving tens of thousands—especially seniors and people with disabilities—without crucial support for stable housing.

President Donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration to support Northern Michigan’s recovery from the severe ice storm that struck in late March 2025.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the federal aid on July 23, underscoring how crucial this support is for rebuilding local communities.

The ice storm, which spanned March 28-30, brought widespread power outages, blocked roads, and significant infrastructure damage throughout the northern Lower Peninsula.

A state of emergency was declared in 12 counties, including Alcona, Cheboygan, and Otsego.

State Representative Parker Fairbairn championed a $75 million state funding plan to leverage $225 million in federal resources, proposing House Bill 4328 to secure $300 million in recovery funds.

The Michigan State Police estimates overall recovery costs will exceed $200 million.

Residents and local businesses are now able to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA as community and government leaders coordinate ongoing relief efforts.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is set to auction 126 parcels of state-managed land, giving residents and investors a chance to purchase properties from less than an acre to 200 acres, with over 20 parcels bigger than 40 acres, largely in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

This auction focuses on “surplus” land—parcels that lack public access, are small or isolated, and do not fit into the DNR’s broader recreation or conservation plans.

Funds from the sales will be reinvested in land that better supports public recreation and resource protection across Michigan.

Anyone can bid, though most buyers are state residents or neighboring landowners seeking recreational properties.

The 2025 auctions span counties such as Washtenaw, Wexford, Marquette, and Grand Traverse, with highlights like a lakefront parcel near Cadillac.

Bidding is online from August 1 to September 5, with pre-registration and a refundable hold required to participate.

These auctions offer a chance to own a slice of Michigan’s natural beauty.

Verano Boat Works: Crafting Modern Wooden Boats in Holland, Michigan

Verano Boat Works, based in Holland, Michigan, is making waves by blending timeless wooden boat aesthetics with advanced technology.

Founded by Michael Teusink and Kirk Wingard, veterans in boat restoration, the company stems from their earlier work at Macatawa Bay Boat Works and The Wooden Runabout Co.

Their signature craft, the Verano V25, embodies pre-World War II elegance with a cold-molded mahogany hull and sleek modern touches.

It offers a powerful 350 HP Ilmor Inboard Engine and details like a mahogany and stainless-steel windshield, while also allowing upgrades for heightened performance.

In 2024, Elk Rapids Marina became the exclusive V25 dealer, debuting this model at the Traverse City boat show and the Boyne Thunder poker run, drawing enthusiasts from across the region.

With prices starting at $350,000, Verano Boat Works showcases West Michigan craftsmanship, ensuring classic wooden boats remain both prestigious and contemporary.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is set to lower Hall Lake’s water level in Barry County’s Yankee Springs Recreation Area, citing urgent safety risks linked to the old dam.

Inspections found severe damage in the dam’s embankment and culvert, prompting state officials to label it a significant hazard. Park manager Joseph Jandernoa confirmed decommissioning the Hall Lake Dam as the only real solution.

The plan involves gradually reducing the lake’s level—first by three feet in July 2025, then another three feet in June 2026—while limiting drawdown to six inches per week to safeguard local wildlife.

Many residents oppose the move, and the Yankee Springs Township Board unanimously rejected it. Still, authorities stress that action is required to avoid downstream environmental risks.

After the project, Hall Lake will return to a smaller footprint, with other area lakes remaining open for recreation.

General Motors (GM) experienced a sharp financial hit in the second quarter of 2025, posting a $1.1 billion loss due to new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The 25% levy on imported vehicles and auto parts has caused GM’s net income to fall by 35%, with company leaders warning that tariff-related costs could reach as high as $5 billion by year’s end.

In response, GM revised its earnings outlook downward, now projecting adjusted 2025 earnings before interest and taxes between $10 billion and $12.5 billion.

CEO Mary Barra stated the company is shifting more production to the U.S., cutting costs, and making selective price adjustments to cope with rising expenses.

Despite challenges, GM remains focused on expanding its electric vehicle portfolio and investing in U.S. manufacturing, targeting over 2 million vehicles built annually domestically.

The broader auto industry, including Stellantis, is also grappling with major losses linked to the evolving tariff environment.

📢 Introducing the Battle Creek Buzz Newsfeed: Your New Source for Local Happenings!

Here at The Battle Creek Buzz, we love shining a spotlight on the good stuff—community events, fun happenings, and the people and places that make our city shine. We’re all about sharing the positive pulse of Battle Creek!

But we also know that sometimes, you want to stay in the loop on all the local news—like police reports, fire department activity, and other real-time updates.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our brand-new Battle Creek Buzz Newsfeed! 📰✨

You’ll find the newsfeed tucked conveniently in the upper right corner of your newsletter. It's easy to access and constantly updated with the latest information around town—so you can always stay informed.

👉 We recommend bookmarking it so you can quickly check in anytime you’re curious about what’s happening in our corner of Michigan.

Secret Little Hack

One little-known local tip about Battle Creek is that the Linear Park Trail is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

This trail runs along the Kalamazoo River and offers scenic views, perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or just enjoying nature.

Locals often use this trail as a shortcut to get around town or to access different parts of the city without having to drive.

It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors.

Plus, it's completely free to use and is a popular spot among locals for recreation and relaxation.

Battle Creek residents can look forward to a new flavor option as Jersey Mike’s Subs prepares to open on Beckley Road.

The sandwich chain’s upcoming location is slated for 5420 Beckley Road, Suite D, within the vibrant Minges Creek Plaza area.

Though an exact opening date is yet to be announced, the shop is officially “In Development” and is expected to welcome customers sometime this fall.

Jersey Mike’s has built a following for its fresh-sliced subs, hot grilled favorites, and distinctive “Mike’s Way” toppings—onions, lettuce, tomato, vinegar, oil, and spices.

As excitement builds, locals can anticipate updates on construction progress and the long-awaited grand opening.

Get ready to experience a tasty new addition in Battle Creek soon.

Oil Diffuser with Essential Oils Set

Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser 150ml with 6 Essential Oils Set, Cool Mist Diffusers for Essential Oils, Waterless Auto Shut-Off,7 Colors Night Light, Gifts for Mom

After a steamy, humid Monday, we sought comfort at Coney Island Café & Grill on Capital Ave NE in Battle Creek.

Returning after several years, we received a cheerful welcome from Sherri, our attentive and friendly server.

The quiet dining room set a relaxed mood, perfect for exploring a menu packed with sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and classic diner favorites.

Each meal delivered on flavor—my wife raved about her juicy cheeseburger, our daughter loved her chicken ranch wrap, and my hearty steak wrap was spot-on.

In true Coney Island tradition, I couldn’t resist their standout chili cheese fries, overflowing with savory toppings and melted cheese.

Generous portions and delicious comfort food made the visit memorable.

The warm local service and satisfying meals ensure we’ll be back soon Coney Island Café & Grill remains a Battle Creek favorite.

Real Estate Snapshot for Battle Creek, MI (July 2025)

Median Home Price (Sold)

$182,000 (June 2025) – an increase of +4.0% year-over-year

June's median sold price rose from $175,000 in June 2024

Homes in Battle Creek continue to appreciate steadily, showing consistent growth compared to last year.

Inventory & Market Activity

407 homes listed for sale in June (up ~13.5% from May)

71 homes sold or pending in June (+44.9% month-over-month)

The market is increasingly active—more listings and a big jump in closed/pending transactions.

Days on Market / Speed

Average sale time: 23 days in June (up 23.5% vs last year)

Still, 54 of 71 homes sold within 30 days (76%)

Although homes are staying slightly longer, most are still moving quickly once listed.

Price per Square Foot & Deal Trends

$124/sq ft median in June (up 4%)

40.8% of homes sold below asking, ~27% at asking, ~32% above asking

Buyers still find opportunities to negotiate, but competition remains healthy.

Bottom Line

Battle Creek remains a seller’s market—prices are gradually rising, homes are selling quickly, and inventory is increasing. It's a favorable environment for sellers, yet buyers can still snag deals below asking price. If you’re buying, be ready: act fast and negotiate. If you’re selling, now is a strong time to list.

Discover this stunning 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home just listed in Pennfield, perfectly situated in a welcoming neighborhood.

Enjoy easy access to shopping, schools, and city bus lines—bringing convenience right to your doorstep.

The home features a brand new kitchen, fresh paint throughout, beautifully refinished hardwood floors, and new durable flooring.

Modern upgrades include a new water heater, central air, and furnace for year-round comfort.

The fenced backyard offers privacy, and a detached two-car garage provides extra storage and security.

This is a must-see opportunity in Pennfield.

For details or a private tour, contact Cindy Artis of Jaqua REALTORS (License #6501365472).

School Rankings & Academic Performance

Harper Creek High School (Harper Creek Community Schools)

• Niche rating: 3.9/5 for district overall; high school grade ~3.5/5, Niche grade B‑

• Ranked 537th out of 743 Michigan public high schools (SchoolDigger)
• GreatSchools rating: 4/10, academically below average
• District proficiency: ~29% math, 39% reading are proficient

Lakeview High School (Lakeview School District)

• Niche rank: #146 Best Public High Schools in Michigan, grade B+, rating ~3.6/5

• SchoolDigger rank: 305th of 743 Michigan high schools (~top 40%)
• District Niche rating: 3.75/5 overall

Battle Creek Central High School (Battle Creek Public Schools)

-Schoo lDigger rank: 685th of 743 Michigan public high schools (~bottom 10%)

• Niche grade: C+, rating ~3.6/5
• GreatSchools/SAT info: average SAT ~1020, ratio ~18:1, grade C+

Pennfield Senior High School (Pennfield Schools)

• SchoolDigger rank: 496th of 743 Michigan high schools (~mid‑range)

• Overall Testing Rank (PublicSchoolReview): Pennfield ~#2031/3069 vs. Harper Creek ~#1810 (both bottom 50%)
• Math proficiency: Pennfield (~15–19%), Harper Creek (~22%)
• Reading proficiency: Pennfield (~40–44%), Harper Creek (~45%)
• US News: #7 in Battle Creek metro area; national ranking ~#13,077

Each week, we team up with local shelters to feature adoptable pets from Calhoun County Animal Center and the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Help us find these furry friends a forever home!

Click on Picture to learn more

Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden

The University of Michigan and Western Michigan University are in advanced talks to open the 2026 football season with a landmark game in Frankfurt, Germany.

The matchup is planned for August 29, 2026, at Deutsche Bank Park, a renowned 55,000-seat stadium that has hosted both Bundesliga soccer and NFL games.

This would be Michigan’s first football appearance outside North America, signaling a major step in global outreach.

Athletic Directors Warde Manuel (Michigan) and Dan Bartholomae (Western Michigan) both stress the historic, cultural, and educational significance of this event, promising unforgettable experiences for players and fans.

The game also marks Michigan’s first neutral-site clash against a Mid-American Conference team, reflecting a trend of expanding college football internationally.

Both universities are working to finalize details, and anticipation builds for this unique kickoff as the 2026 season draws near.

📣 Nominate Your Favorite Local Business! 📣

Do you have a favorite business in Battle Creek that deserves to be celebrated? We want to shine a light on the hardworking local businesses that make our community special! Whether it’s a cozy cafe, a dedicated service provider, or a unique boutique, we want to hear about it.

Submit your nominations for our "Local Business Spotlight" section in The Battle Creek Buzz! Help us recognize the businesses that bring energy, creativity, and warmth to Battle Creek. Tell us what makes them exceptional and why they deserve the spotlight!

Reply to this email with your nominations and a brief description to  – let’s lift up local Businesses!

Tip of The Day

Tip of the Day: Looking for a fun outdoor activity in Battle Creek?

Check out the Willard Beach Park for a relaxing day by the water!

Pack a picnic, grab a good book, and soak up the sun at this local gem.

Don't forget your sunscreen and beach towels!

Tickets

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Do you know someone in Battle Creek who’s making a difference?

Submit a brief story and their name — let's spread some positivity together!

YnM 15lbs Weighted Blanket for Adults

Breathable Heavy Bed Throw Blanket with Cooling Glass Beads for All Season Use, Ideal for ~140lbs (48x72 Inches, Twin/Full, Dark Grey)

Interesting Facts

Mastering Environment, Time, and Harmony

Chapters 10–12 of Outwitting the Devil

This week, Napoleon Hill continues his deep dive into the forces that shape our lives, revealing how our surroundings and daily choices determine whether we thrive, or drift.

In Chapter 10, Hill focuses on the power of environment.

The Devil admits that he thrives when people surround themselves with negative influences.

Our friends, colleagues, and even the media we consume can either push us toward purpose or drag us into drifting.

Choose carefully who and what you allow into your life.

Chapter 11 moves into the concept of time. The Devil explains that drifters waste time without even realizing it.

Successful people, however, treat time as their most valuable resource, planning intentionally and using each day to move closer to their goals.

Finally, Chapter 12 addresses harmony, both in relationships and in mindset.

Discord, gossip, and negativity weaken resolve and make drifting easier. By seeking harmony within ourselves and with others, we strengthen our ability to stay on purpose.

These chapters remind us that life isn’t just about big decisions—it’s about where we spend our time, who we spend it with, and the atmosphere we create around us.

Stay Engaged:

Amazon Book Link for Outwitting the Devil
Audible Link for Outwitting the Devil

Quote Of The Week

"The only way to achieve success is to have the courage to take the first step, the determination to keep moving forward, and the resilience to overcome any obstacles along the way." - Unknown

 Now Hiring in the Creek

Top Employers Posting Jobs Now

Flex‑N‑Gate — multiple positions available (Press Packer, Assembly, Machine Operator, forklift roles) starting around $19–20/hr, with benefits including 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and paid training. Indeed

City of Battle Creek — hiring General Labor – Streets (seasonal/temp) at $13/hr, and part-time roles like Victim/Mental Health Advocate Assistant (~ $24.60/hr). 

Manufacturing & Maintenance

Maintenance Technician roles posted by EG Professional & Edward Rose & Sons, offering $29.75–44/hr for 3rd‑shift full-time. ZipRecruiterIndeed

Prairie Farms Dairy — Customer Service Representative roles paying $15–20.50/hr. ZipRecruiter

ResourceMFG — hiring Machine Operators at local manufacturing facilities, with advertised safety-first culture and competitive pay. resourcemfg.com

Maintenance Technician roles posted by EG Professional & Edward Rose & Sons, offering $29.75–44/hr for 3rd‑shift full-time. ZipRecruiterIndeed

Prairie Farms Dairy — Customer Service Representative roles paying $15–20.50/hr. ZipRecruiter

ResourceMFG — hiring Machine Operators at local manufacturing facilities, with advertised safety-first culture and competitive pay. resourcemfg.com

LinkedIn+

Hemisphere (Talent Strategy) — Forklift Operator (~$19/hr) for 2nd shift positions. ZipRecruiter

Retail, Food & Hospitality

Meijer, Inc. — roles such as Lot Attendant and Retail Sales Associate, paying between $14.25–17/hr. ZipRecruiter+1Zippia+11

Chartwells K12 (Battle Creek Public Schools) — hiring Food Service Workers, $15–/$20/hr, with immediate openings. ZipRecruiter

ALDI — Part-time roles for Cashiers/Stockers at ~$17.50–19.50/hr. Indeed

Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Denny’s, 115 Restaurant, Gordon Food Service, and others — hiring for cashier, food service, service assistant jobs across Battle Creek and nearby areas. Pay generally ranges from $13 to $17/hr. SnagajobIndeed

Healthcare, Administrative & Support

Grace Health — hiring Patient Services Assistants, with annual pay ~$44 k/year, full-time. Indeed

Calhoun County / State of Michigan — roles like Assistance Payments Worker, Friend of the Court Clerk, Foster Care Services Specialist, ranging $17–$33+/hr, some offering hybrid schedules. ZipRecruiter+

Heritage Assisted Living / Reflections Memory Care — hiring Medication Technicians ($15.50–17/hr). IndeedIndeed+1

Beacon Specialized Living Services — Direct Support Professional, entry-level roles with training and benefits; rates roughly $17–19/hr. Indeed+1ecruite

Manufacturing & Maintenance

Maintenance Technician roles posted by EG Professional & Edward Rose & Sons, offering $29.75–44/hr for 3rd‑shift full-time. ZipRecruiterIndeed

Prairie Farms Dairy — Customer Service Representative roles paying $15–20.50/hr. ZipRecruiter

ResourceMFG — hiring Machine Operators at local manufacturing facilities, with advertised safety-first culture and competitive pay. resourcemfg.com

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