WNZR Through the Years: 2016–2026 — A Decade of Ministry, Milestones & Memories

This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Thursday, we revisited highlights from 2016-2026 in WNZR’s recent history! WNZR’s last 10 years on the air have produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped continue the stations rich legacy.

Here are the milestones that we took a look at:

  • September 2016 – WNZR started the video streaming of all MVNU’s Chapel Services at mvnu.tv
  • Joe Rinehart, MVNU Director of Broadcasting coordinated the WNZR Video Team members for all camera and equipment operation and production.
  • October 1, 2016 – WNZR 30th Anniversary – We hosted a birthday party in Hunter Hall in downtown Mount Vernon. We partnered with Happy Bean for free coffee, cupcakes, special giveaways and a slide show highlighting 30 years of ministry.
  • March 2017 – WNZR was able to install and use a new fundraising data tracking software for Lifeline 2017. This software was created by WNZR staff member and Senior, Cameron Davidson as his Senior Computer Programming project. He created unique tracking software specifically tailored for WNZR’s fundraising format and needs.
  • September 2017 – Marcy Rinehart and 4 students attended the annual Christian Music Broadcasters’ Convention, Momentum, in Orlando, Florida. Orlando was in the path of Hurricane Irma, the first category 5 hurricane of the 2017 season.
  • Marcy and the students were able to fly safely out of Orlando early on a Saturday morning, just as the State started to close down airports, roadways and all other forms of transportation.
  • December 2017 was a historical year for the annual Food For The Hungry Drive. The WNZR staff is integral in the operation of this campaign, including handling the entire production of the annual Food For The Hungry radio/video simulcast. The 2017 total was $313,691! The goal was $200,00! The experience of being involved with this project will have a life-lasting impact on our students.
  • March 1, 2018 – WNZR met the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) deadline to have the station’s public file posted online. WNZR’s interim Office Manager, Jenna Potts, worked with Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart to complete the 6 month project to meet this deadline. The public file contains station licenses, authorizations, ownership reports, contour maps, quarterly issue reports, donor listings and other FCC required documents related to station operation. This was a huge blessing to complete this requirement for non-commercial, educational stations.
  • June 2018 – Wesley Boston returned to WNZR as Office Manager/Underwriting Coordinator. He serves WNZR as a full time staff member.
  • June 2018 – Jim Ferguson joined the WNZR Team as Contract Engineer. He replaced long-time engineer, Mark Hiner who had worked for the station since 2000. Jim lives in Mount Vernon and has provided valuable support and expertise to our broadcast operation. His arrival was a true answer to prayer!
  • August 22, 2018 – WNZR completed a Station Inspection with the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. WNZR now maintains a certificate of compliance until August, 2021. This certificate gives WNZR compliance with all applicable FCC requirements for broadcast stations. Listener support helped to cover this expense for our ministry.
  • March, 2019 – WNZR was able to cover the MVNU Men’s Basketball Team’s trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We were able to broadcast each game with live play-by-play coverage of the Cougars. We also provided special video and social media coverage with players, coaches and fans. We produced a special video for the players featuring their family members sharing their thoughts and congratulations on the historic season. 
  • March, 2019 – WNZR partnered with the Knox Network of Christian Ministries to host reviveOH:: Knox County. This event focused on outreach ministry to the community through the training and execution of sharing your faith with others.
  • March 20 – 25, 2019 – Lifeline 2019 surpassed all expectations bringing in over $75,000 with a goal of $64,000. Our theme, God is On The Move, accurately described what was happening in the Knox County community.
  • November 2019 – Marcy and 7 students attended the first ever CMB University – an interactive broadcast conference specifically designed for college students, hosted by Christian Music Broadcasters. Marcy, Joe and Rachel Rinehart had the opportunity to serve as advisors for the conference, providing input on the scope, schedule and format. CMB University hosted a production competition. All 7 MVNU students participated on separate teams and faced the challenge of creating a marketing campaign for the ministry Compassion International. Rachel Rinehart’s team won. She received a gift package that included gift cards and a pair of professional stereo headphones.
  • All students were able to make valuable connections with broadcast professionals.
  • 2020 – COVID – WNZR took on the challenge of Covid with daily updates that included safety information, Governor DeWine’s press conferences and updates from Knox Public Health. We had an extensive list of important information on our website that was updated regularly throughout the country’s shutdown. We also maintained a list of local business and restaurant services including promoting anyone that was open to serve the community. We hosted several weeks of special day sponsorships to thank the many workers that helped to keep our community going throughout the pandemic.
  • Then God has blessed us with 5 back-to-back historic Lifelines!
  • March 2021 – Lifeline 2021 was very successful – $85,677.50 was raised! Our goal was $65,000
  • March 2022 — Lifeline 2022 was very successful – $83,231 was raised! our goal was $65,000
  • March 2023 – Lifeline 2023, $86,508 was raised! Our goal was $65,000
  • June 2023 – WNZR received the first ever CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) University Station of the Year Award.
  • March 2024 – Lifeline 2024 was the most successful fundraiser in the history of the station – $88,033.50 was pledged with a goal of $70,000
  • March 2025 – Lifeline 2025 was another successful fundraising with a theme that was perfect for our world, our staff and listeners – Made For These Days. $86,548.69 was pledged with a goal of $75,000
  • May 2025 – WNZR was nominated for the CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) University Station of the Year Award.

We also heard from former WNZR employee and student Mike Basko, who share memories and stories from his time at the station. His conversation gives us a special glimpse into WNZR’s first CMBU University Station of the Year Award that we won in 2023. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation with Mike Basko!

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WNZR celebrates History Highlights from their 3rd decade in ministry – 2006 – 2015

WNZR is celebrating a 40th Anniversary on 10/1/26! Today, the spotlight shined on the 3rd decade in radio ministry – 2006 – 2015! Joe and Marcy Rinehart shared stories of some of those big moments:
– developing the positioning statement, “The More You Listen, The More You Hear”
– the station’s power increase to 1,300 watts
– and the debut of the station’s cell phone app

Former MVNU Faculty Member and WNZR Alum, Jayme McMillan talked about the debut of online video streaming for MVNU Sports, experiencing the power increase as a student and the purchase and broadcast debut for Big Blue! A lot of exciting things happened for WNZR in this decade!

Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture link below.

History Highlights from 2006 – 2025 with WNZR.

February 2006 – WNZR hosted the annual Valentines Banquet and welcomed Dove nominated artists Bethany Dillon to Mount Vernon.  The event was an intimate dinner and acoustic concert in the MVNU dining commons.

February 2006 – Dove award nominated artist Todd Agnew visited WNZR studios.  He talked about his ministry and gave listeners a special treat.  He played the song “My Jesus” live for us on the air. This was a pre-release acoustic version.

June 2006 – WNZR debuts a new website address, www.wnzr.fm

July 2006 – Canadian Dove award winning artist Downhere visited WNZR studios.  They talked about their ministry and gave listeners a special treat.  They played three songs from their new album “Wide Eyed and Mystified” live for us on the air. This was a pre-release acoustic set live on the air.

August 2006 – WNZR and MVNU sponsored Gospel Day at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival.  We welcomed Dove award nominated artist Joy Williams to downtown Mount Vernon. 

June 2006 – WNZR debuts a new positioning statement, “the more you listen, the more you hear”

October 2007 – WNZR partnered with the Knox Network of Christian Ministries for the Greater Knox County Will Graham Celebration.   Over 5,000 people came to these special services held at Kenyon College and 268 people got saved!  Marcy Rinehart served as the Communication Chair.

Summer 2008 – The WNZR expansion becomes a reality.  The “old Spanish room” is divided into 3 parts:  a) WNZR conference room, b) WNZR work area and c) MVNU Video Lab

June 2008 – WNZR receives a construction permit from the FCC to complete the tower work for our power increase.  The construction permit is good through June, 2011.

September 2008 – WNZR partnered with Premiere Theaters to bring Fireproof to the Big Screen.  Fireproof focused on strengthening marriage.  It stayed in the theater for 6 weeks and over 4,000 people came to see the movie!

May 2009 – Big Blue – our station vehicle is purchased from Fredericktown Chevrolet.  It took the entire month to get the logo wrap finished and all equipment installed.  The debut of our (then white) Big Blue happened at the Utica Ice Cream Festival Parade. 

June 2009 – Big Blue has her first official broadcast at the Danville/Howard Turkey Festival.

October 2009 – The equipment for the WNZR Power Increase was ordered.  A 2nd floor was built at the tower site, and the electrical portion of the project was completed.

May 21, 2010 – WNZR’s power increase project was completed.  90.9FM was increased to 1,300 watts broadcasting to Knox, Richland, Licking and Morrow counties.

June 2010 – Joe, Marcy and Rachel Rinehart won a contest to visit the movie set of “Courageous” – the new movie from Sherwood Pictures (the makers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants).  Joe & Marcy were able to blog about their experience on the station’s website and in the Mount Vernon News.

October 2010 – WNZR debuts a new children’s program for Saturday mornings – Kid’s Playlist.  The show features host Rachel Rinehart and a special guest co-host each week.  The program showcases the guest’s top 5 favorite songs.

October 2010 – WNZR replaced 6 computers including 3 broadcast computers and the computer for Associated Press service.  Listener support covered this expense.  The computer upgrade greatly enhanced WNZR’s ministry.

November 2010 – WNZR debuts online video streaming of Cougar basketball.  Listeners now have the choice to view the live action of choice home basketball games.  MVNU video broadcasting students participate in the video production.

10/7/2011, Friday – October First Friday – WNZR’s 25th Anniversary Cake Contest, in downtown Mount Vernon. We hosted the event in the vacant Woodward Opera House storefront and decorated it for our big Anniversary. We hosted a big birthday party where listeners got to vote on their favorite cake. We showcased t-shirts and promotional products from 25 years at WNZR.

November 2011 – WNZR hosts our 25th Anniversary with a special concert. Dove Award‐winning band Building 429 and three‐time Grammy nominees Leeland joined forces this fall to co‐headline the 30‐city “Sounds of Hope” Tour, which will also feature emerging pop‐rock band Royal Tailor. The concert was part of MVNU’s Homecoming celebration and happened on
11-11-11.

May 10-11, 2012 – WNZR provided live broadcasts of the MVNU baseball team’s play in the 2012 NAIA National Tournament Opening Round in Marion, IN.  Joe Rinehart and MVNU Sports Information Director Dave Parsons called the action.

June 29- July 3, 2012 – a massive thunderstorm (derecho) results in the loss of electric power throughout Knox County and many parts of Ohio.  WNZR is able to stay on the air due to generator backup and provides updates throughout the entire power outage. The Mount Vernon News does a newspaper story about our coverage on July 14.

October 5, 2012: WNZR broadcasts from First Friday in downtown Mount Vernon and hosts “Dogtoberfest.”  This was a dog costume parade around the Public Square.

January 17-18, 2013 – WNZR partnered with Care Net Pregnancy Services of Knox County to host two showings of the film October Baby at MVNU’s R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium.

April 21, 2013 – WNZR and MVNU co-sponsor “Champions for Life” with the Escape Zone in Mount Vernon.  The event featured guest speakers Kim and Corwin Anthony speaking to teens and young adults about good life decisions.

June, 2013 – May 2014 – WNZR Radio hosted live remote broadcasts at approximately 30 off-campus community events.  WNZR also hosted three community VeggieTales video premieres on campus in July, November and March. 

Fall 2013 – Spring 2014 – Under a new partnership with the President’s Office, Athletics and Marketing, WNZR.TV and MVNU.TV provided live video/audio streaming of nearly 60 home athletic events over the course of this year, 23 chapel services, and two special events – the John Knight Theology Conference and the spring Boesger Business Ethics lecture, plus live audio of another 25 or so athletic events off-campus.

February 2015 – Six students were honored by the intercollegiate branch of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) for placing in the organization’s 2015 student production contests and challenges.  The awards were handed out February 25th at the NRB’s annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Wesley Boston (junior) won 1st place in the Radio Original Short Form Feature category

July 2015 – WNZR staff (Joe, Marcy and 2015 graduates Rachel Held and Andrew Yoder) drove Big Blue and attended the Nazarene Youth Conference in Louisville, KY during the first week of July. They provided marketing and recruiting support to the university’s enrollment events and admissions staff.

Here are pictures from May 21, 2010 – when WNZR’s power increase project was completed!

Here are pictures from our big 25th Celebration including the winning cake from our contest at October First Friday and our concert with Building 429 on 11/11/11!

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WNZR Through the Years: 1996–2005 — Growing the Lifeline

This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Tuesday, we revisited highlights from 1996-2005 in WNZR’s history! WNZR’s second 10 years on the air produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped establish the station over the years.

Here are the milestones that we took a look at:

  • 1996 – Marcy Rinehart returned to WNZR as the new Station Manager.  A new morning show hit the airwaves called “Rinehart and Russell” – with Marcy and sophomore Mike Russell
  • 1997 – WNZR becomes an official partner of Food for the Hungry in December 1997.
  • Summer of 1999 – we had a studio renovation of our practice studio where MVNU broadcasting students go through their initial DJ training.
  • 2001 – WNZR participated in Ohio Family Fest – June 2001.  This activity was connected to the Focus on the Family National Bike Ride for the Family.  Molly Saunders, a WNZR listener participated in the ride!
  • 2001 – WNZR was the FIRST radio station in the country to be featured on Briargate Media’s website with station affiliates across the world.
  • November 2002 – WNZR’s tower took a massive lightning strike, which left us off the air for 2 days.
  • 2002 – Plus One Contest…we had a Luau Party and the Plus One members came. This was part of MVNU’s Homecoming 2002.
  • Summer 2002 – The WNZR website debuted.
  • October 1, 2003 – WNZR started our on-line broadcast ministry. You can hear WNZR live on www.wnzr.fm
  • December 2004 and January 2005 – THE BIG Studio renovation.  WNZR’s main studio for 90.9FM underwent a complete renovation.  This $30,000 renovation was made possible by listener support!  This change has given us a digital studio with the latest broadcast equipment and a state-of-the-art studio for our students.  Please stop by for a tour!
  • February 2005 – Joe Rinehart came to MVNU as the Director of Broadcasting and started a new show called “The Afternoon Drive”
  • July 2005 – WNZR created the official soundtrack for Mount Vernon’s Bicentennial fireworks display.  The soundtrack featured Bicentennial flashbacks highlighting the 200 year history of the city of Mount Vernon.  Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart served as an announcer for the city’s Bicentennial parade.
  • September 2005 – WNZR participates in “Cards for Katrina” – a nationwide campaign of Christian radio stations to collect gift cards for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
  •  October 2005 – WNZR coordinates a Knox County drive to support victims of Hurricane Katrina. “Knox County Makes A Difference” Over $7,000 was collected in one day. The event involved county-wide collection points, a full line-up of music at Riverside Park, kids’ games at Mount Vernon High School and a live broadcast with WNZR from City Hall. The event also featured a hog auction where a WNZR listener donated the pork that he won from WNZR at the Knox County Fair. This meat was auctioned off to give money to the effort.

We also hear from former WNZR employees and students who share memories and stories from their time at the station. Our guests today included Mitch Barber, Alan Reed, and Joe and Marcy Rinehart! Their conversations give us a glimpse into WNZR’s history and the impact the station had on the the people who helped build it. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with Mitch Barber!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with Joe and Marcy RInehart!

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WNZR Celebrates 40 Years: Remembering our first 10 years on the air!

This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Monday, we revisited highlights from 1986-1995 in WNZR’s history! WNZR’s first 10 years on the air produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped establish the station in its early years.

Here are the milestones that we took a look at:

  • Mount Vernon Nazarene College applied to the FCC for an educational, non-commercial broadcast license in 1982.
  • On January 21, 1986 – MVNC received the construction permit from the FCC.  The 300 foot tower was erected and the transmitter installed in April.  WNZR started to broadcast on 90.9FM in the Fall semester of 1986.
  • October 1, 1986 – is WNZR’s official birthday as stated in the FCC radio license. Today, 10/1/2025 – WNZR is celebrating 39 years in ministry
  • November 1993 – WNZR was presented with the Marconi award for format programming achievement from the Loyola Radio Conference. WNZR won the award by best reaching their target audience with the chosen format.
  • 1995 – WNZR became “The Lifeline”. The station held a campus-wide contest to find a logo that would bring this slogan to life. The early version of today’s logo was designed by an MVNU art student.

We also hear from former WNZR employees and students who share memories and stories from their time at the station. Our guests today included Bill Bridges, Alan Reed, and Jim and Jayme McMillian! Their conversations give us a glimpse into WNZR’s early days and the impact the station had on the the people who helped build it. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversations!

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Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy Through the Imagination Library

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with NEW United Way Executive Director, Brit Eaton about a special opportunity to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the United Way of Knox County.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

On September 25, the community is being invited to celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy by making a donation to Knox County’s Imagination Library through a special website: 9to5knox.com. The September 25 event includes a fun connection to Dolly’s famous movie and song, 9 to 5, along with special photo opportunities around downtown featuring a life-size Dolly Parton cutout.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children with a free book every month from birth until they turn five. The program was inspired in part by Dolly’s own father, who was unable to read, and her desire to help children develop strong literacy skills. The Imagination Library began in Knox County in 2009, and today nearly 3,000 local children are currently receiving books, with approximately 12,500 children having been served through the program over the years. Knox County has invested more than $250,000 in the program to help bring books and the joy of reading to local children. This special opportunity allows the community to continue that legacy by supporting literacy right here in Knox County. To learn more or make a donation, visit 9to5knox.com.

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Spotlight on Mount Vernon: Mayor Matt Starr Shares City Updates

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr about what’s happening around the city, including several ongoing construction and infrastructure projects.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

Demolition along South Sandusky Street is complete, while work continues on Burgess and Hamtramck Streets with new brickwork, curbs, gutters, and storm water systems.
The city is also moving forward with projects including a new salt storage facility, pickleball courts at Riverside Park, and preparations for improvements throughout the community.

Mayor Starr also provides an update on the new Mount Vernon Police Station, the future use of 40 Public Square for Municipal Court operations, and the continued planning for the city’s wastewater and water treatment facilities.

The monthly update also covers city services, public safety, community events, and planning for Mount Vernon’s future. Starr discusses water meter replacements, fall cleanup at Mound View Cemetery, maintenance along the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, leaf collection, and preparations for winter weather.

He also addresses City Council’s ongoing review of automated license plate reader technology, recent council actions, recognition for members of the police department, and the annual fire hydrant flushing program.

Looking ahead, Starr highlights several October events, including Biketoberfest, the Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and Trick-or-Treat on October 31.

He also shares thoughts on the city’s budget planning, growth, and the importance of community cooperation, closing with encouragement from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – a celebration of Music and WNZR’s 40th Anniversary

WNZR is preparing to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. In honor of this milestone, The Morning Thing hosts decided to focus on music for the Friday Favorites this week. The hosts shared their favorite songs from WNZR’s 40 years on air.

Click HERE to hear from the hosts.

Xander loves the song “Dare You To Move” from Switchfoot. Click HERE to see the video.

Josiah loves the song “The Prodigal” from Josiah Queen. Click HERE to see the video.

Ethan loves the song “Finally Home” from MercyMe. Click HERE to see the video.

Marcy loves the song “The Great Adventure” from Steven Curtis Chapman. Click HERE to see the video.

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Abby Almodovar Highlights Starting Point’s Community Outreach

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Abby discusses Starting Point’s growing relationship with Mount Vernon Nazarene University, including connections with student organizations, campus events, athletics, and several recent MVNU graduates who now serve on the Starting Point staff. She also shares how social media is being used to provide educational content, updates, and information about the free resources available to individuals and families throughout Knox County.

Abby also highlights Starting Point’s participation in community events through its mobile unit and opportunities to connect with local families. She discusses the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, which will include family activities and help raise funds to support Starting Point’s free services. Abby encourages community members to learn more about Starting Point, stay connected through social media, and discover the many resources available through the organization.

Click HERE to learn more about Starting Point!

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Josh Foley Brings a Bold Detective to Life in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Josh Foley, who plays Kramer in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Josh describes Kramer as a bold and sarcastic character who isn’t afraid to say exactly what he sees, and he prepared for the role by watching classic television characters, including Columbo and Kramer from Seinfeld. He also shares how much he enjoys performing alongside the talented cast of women who bring the show’s older characters to life.

Josh has been involved in theater since elementary school and brings years of stage experience to the production. He discusses his unique costume, which combines elements of Seinfeld’s Kramer and the classic detective Columbo, as well as his opportunity to serve as an assistant director for the show. Josh encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved and invites the community to see Bull in a China Shop, describing it as a fast-paced, hilarious production filled with memorable characters and plenty of laughs.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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Lily Haws Talks Community, Comedy and Her Role in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Lily Haws, who plays Bertie Spinster in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Lily describes Bertie as the oldest resident of a boarding house who values proper manners and etiquette, but as the play unfolds, her character becomes involved in a dark and unexpected plot to commit murder. Lily says the role has been a natural fit and has enjoyed the humorous contrast between Bertie’s proper personality and the darker elements of the story.

Lily also shares about her long history with Orange Barrel Productions and the special experience of performing alongside longtime friends, family members, and familiar faces. She discusses the production’s mid-1950s setting, her character’s costume, and the many ways people can get involved in community theater beyond acting. Lily encourages the community to support local arts organizations, emphasizing the role they play in bringing people together and keeping the arts thriving for future generations.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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