EC Grad Earns Top State Music Award
EC Senior Leaguers End Year At State Page 1-B
Page 3-B
IN TODAY’S CLASSIFIEDS:
33 Employment Ads Filling Over
58 Positions!
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New LCRA water plan undergoing state review
Copyright ® 2015
Volume 131 Number 38 • Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s proposed amendments to the current water management plan, if accepted, could go into effect in 2016. Rainfall so far this year has led many to say the drought is over, but how long before the dry, cracked earth returns. Rice farmer and chairman of the Colorado Water Issues Committee Ron Gertson thinks more needs to be done by the Lower Colorado River Authority. “The reality is that even as this drought appears to be ending, the future supply of water from the Colorado will be about 25 percent less reliable than it was in the past until and unless LCRA is able to successfully mitigate this with the addition of multiple off-channel reservoirs in our area to supplement the decreased water from the Highland Lakes,” Gertson told the LeaderNews Monday. Lakes Buchanan and Travis are
75¢
Disaster declaration expands County Individuals, Businesses Can Now Seek Assistance By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com
20 Pages, 2 Inserts
El Campo and Wharton County residents can now get state and federal help repairing damage wrought by recent storms. The federal disaster declaration covering
storms, tornadoes, winds and flooding between May 4 and June 19 was expanded to cover Wharton County Friday, according to a FEMA press release. “We are going in the right direction. We are making progress,” County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Kirkland said Monday, adding FEMA representatives will be at El Campo and Wharton Civic Centers soon to discuss claims. Specific times and dates, however, had not been set as of presstime. Homeowners and renters can request grants
to help pay an assortment of relief including rent, temporary housing and home repairs. Businesses can apply for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those seeking relief should continue to pursue claims with their insurance companies in the meantime and take steps to ensure they can support any requests for funding as repairs are made. A FEMA representative will make a site visit. “Please, please, please make sure you take
Never
(See DEADLINE, Page 10-A)
Forgotten
(See NEW PLAN, Page 10-A)
State Law A new law will take truancy cases out of criminal court and put them in the school’s hands.
– See Page 2-A ALSO INSIDE: VIEWPOINT......................................Page 4-A OBITUARIES.....................................Page 9-A SPORTS.............................................Page 1-B LIFESTYLE.........................................Page 3-B CROSSWORD...................................Page 6-B CLASSIFIEDS & REAL ESTATE........Page 7-B
LOCAL WEATHER Wednesday
Afternoon Thunderstorms DAY: 20% HIGH: 95º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 76º
Thursday Mostly Sunny DAY: 0% NIGHT: 0%
HIGH: 95º LOW: 77º
Friday
Mostly Sunny DAY: 0% NIGHT: 0%
HIGH: 95º LOW: 76º
Saturday Mostly Sunny DAY: 0% NIGHT: 0%
Community, veterans honor Vietnam War’s fallen troops By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
Tightly packed under tents in an attempt to avoid the sweltering sun, a crowd of veterans, families of the fallen and a supportive public gathered on Blossom Meyer Saturday morning to honor those who never made it home. Facing the black ribbon on the traveling Vietnam wall, they watched as organizers and members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1069 saluted the 28 area service members killed during the Vietnam War along with the 58,242 other names on the memorial. “We don’t know how they were honored when they came home, “We don’t know how they or even if they were,” VVA Chapter President Leonard Sternadel were honored when they came said, adding the chapter’s goal was home or even if they were,” to ensure the fallen were properly honored for their sacrifice. “We ac– Leonard Sternadel complished what we wanted to do. The public was great. The guys were great. I’m proud of them.” A cross and set of dog tags had been placed before the name of each KIA from the local area prior to the main service. During it, VVA members placed a single rose before each cross, offering a salute to service rendered with the ultimate price. Then the Honor Guard from VVA Chapter 854 in Halletsville fired a 21gun salute before the echoing wail of Taps. “This is a story about men and women who unselfishly left their homes,” (See CEREMONY, Page 8-A)
HIGH: 96º LOW: 76º
Last Week: Avg. High: 95º • Avg. Low: 72º
RAIN GAUGE
Last 7 Days............................. 0.00 In.
Last 30 Days........................... 0.36 In. Same Time In '14...................... 4.09 In.
Year To Date......................... 31.53 In. Year To Date '14..................... 18.27 In. Data Collected by LCRA at El Campo Memorial Hospital
BURN BAN LIFTED COUNTY’S MEAN KBDI: 392 Burn Ban is put into effect when the mean KBDI reaches or goes above 500.
Services For The Fallen
L-N Photos by Shannon Crabtree
At top: members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1069 prepare to place roses below the names of the area fallen on the traveling version of the Wall during a ceremony Saturday. Above: Chapter President Leonard Sternadel thanks Arlilia Taylor of Kendleton for her loved one’s service. Foster Eugene Triggs, her first cousin, is among the local names on the wall.
Rate hike looms as city sales tax revenue lags By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
The slight decline in El Campo’s economy continues, according to one major economic indicator showing a drop in consumer and business spending. For 15 out of the last 19 months, city sales tax rebates have been lower than expected – a fact which likely will force a municipal tax increase next year. As consumers pay 8.25 percent or $8.25 per $100 on taxable property or services within the city limits, 1.5 percent or $1.50 per $100, is rebated back to El Campo. The city then funnels .25
“There is no doubt that it (the tax rate) will be an increase,”
– City Manager Mindi Snyder percent to the City Development Corporation for economic development efforts. This month El Campo received a check for $261,245 down 1.67 percent from July 2014. The check reflects dollars spent on purchases in May. Sales tax rebates cover about 45 percent of El Campo’s $8.5 million general operating fund, about the same as last fiscal year. El Campo ended 2014 with sales tax rebates
1.74 percent lower than the previous year. At the end of 2013, the city was up 4 percent in sales tax receipts from the year before. In 2012, the final sales tax rebate collection was up 16.11 percent. So far this year, El Campo sales tax rebates are down 3.39 percent. If the trend continues, city taxes may increase to offset the loss, according to information City Finance Director Courtney Sladek presented at a Council workshop last month. “We are still trying to finalize the numbers as to how much of an increase and are trying our best to keep it as low as possible,” City Manager Mindi Snyder said Monday, adding the city is “hoping that we will see some new growth with (See STATEWIDE DROP, Page 7-A)
Page 4-A
Viewpoint
El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
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lettertoeditor@leader-news.com
Women’s winter wear while pretty, ineffective To: The designers of women’s winter wear. From: WINTER (Women In Need (of) Thermal, Environmentally-Reasonable outfits). Subject: Fashion vs. freezing. Dear Sir (for it is painfully obvious you absolutely MUST BE male): It has recently come to the attention of virtually all women in Texas (if not the whole of the United States) that the garments currently marketed as winter wear – while admittedly quite pretty and figure flattering – are about as effective in blocking a 20-degree wind chill as those swatches you declared fashionable summer shorts last April were in covering our behinds. And, we are beginning to suspect, this lessthan-warming winter design trend is not an innocent error. The proof was evident throughout the Lone Star State last week as temperatures plunged into the 20s and shivering became an officially recognized sport in many southern counties
(the quarterfinals bracket ments, prompted by the will be held during the leave-zero-to-the-imaginanext cold snap). tion form fit of our modern Dashing onto the frigwinter wear. hannon id, yet not-quite-frozen And, while compliprairie, men could be ments are always welrabtree seen gathered and gufcome, they don’t make fawing, oblivious to the amends for the half hour cold, comfortable in downof wrap-yourself-in-afilled, flannel-lined layers, blanket and don-thosewrapped within high-tech, heat-holding fabric. fuzzy-bunny-slippers recovery period each trip Thus protected, even the tinniest, spaghet- outside necessitated. ti-armed fellow appeared bulky enough to try Apparently, these “Oh, my God it’s cold out walking onto the Texans’ practice squad. there,” shiver sessions aren’t required when In the meantime, us gals stood by our men, you’re engulfed in men’s winter wear which as Tammy Wynette once sang, – or at least seems designed to make the fellow look like tried to – clad in our single layer, form-fitting a cross between the Pillsbury Doughboy and winter wear for women. that rather odd looking, cartoon tire logo robot, Fashionable? Certainly. but oh so warm. Pretty? Admittedly. Answers are required, sir. Form fitting? Any tighter and you’d need to If sleek, form-fitting jackets and pants so oil up before slipping on. tight you barely have room for yourself are the But warming? Now that’s funny. latest in how to stay warm in the winter, why, Many of us received the meant-to-be-flat- pray tell, don’t you see the same trend in men’s tering, “Girl, you’re sure looking good,” com- wear as well? We wouldn’t mind meting out a
S C
few compliments and wolf-whistles of our own now and then. Why do our sweat pants have the thickness of a couple of sheets of quilted toilet paper while his could be recycled as pot holders? In this day of equal opportunity everything, we – the members of WINTER – dare to say there has to be a design compromise where we can still hear those “Lookin’ good, girl,” comments and not have to mutter under our breath with chattering teeth, “Oh, my God, I’m freezing.” Therefore, we challenge you sir to rectify this injustice, if not now, by the next winter fashion cycle. Bring back our fluffy down-filled vests and coats. Our shawls thicker than a summer t-shirt. Our fuzzy ear muffs. Our shoes and boots that can actually hold back the water of an errant step into a not-quite-freezing puddle. Put simply: We long for warmth. And we expect equality. Sincerely, Shannon Crabtree WINTER representative
Letters to the Editor Hospice grateful to Mennonite Youth Editor, the Leader-News: There is a very special group of young people in our community that I would like to acknowledge. They are the El Campo Mennonite Youth Group. This group has taken on our organization, Hospice Support, Inc., as one of the charities they donate to. They have been making monetary donations to us for several years now. From time to time, they have donated gifts to the patients under the care of Houston Hospice - El Campo. At the end of 2014, they made another generous donation to us using funds they earned from their El Campo Mennonite Youth Annual Chili Supper. They are a wonderful, thoughtful group of young men and women. They are to be commended for their fundraising efforts. We truly thank them all for their hard work and for the generosity they have shown to us over the years. We are so grateful for their continued support. Sincerely, Reneau Gold Executive director On behalf of the Hospice Support, Inc. board
CASA children still need help
Passive aggression not always easy to see We often hear people use the term “passive aggressive.” But I don’t think everyone understands the concept. My favorite Internet definition of passive aggressive is: “Number 1: Being marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination, pouting and stubbornness). Or number 2: Pretending one does not (care) when, in fact, one (does).” As you can see, there can be some confusion in discerning a true case of passive aggressiveness. So, I have rummaged through the Internet to come up with several examples of this particular activity. Here are a few of my favorites: “I’m not saying I hate you, but I do often catch myself fantasizing about you, barefoot in a desert of Lego bricks, covered with honey and attacked by army ants, while being forced to listen to a Justin Bieber album over and over and over.” “Your passive aggressive behav-
Michael Reisig ior is the same as lying. Actually, it’s worse, because at least a liar isn’t being a two-faced weasel about it.” “I’m not saying go out and kill all the stupid people. I’m just saying let’s remove all the labels and let the problem sort itself out.” “I’m sorry I missed your passiveaggressive post on Facebook. I was too busy winning at life.” “I would like to say congratulations to Myra Lander and Rufus Cromley. They are expecting a baby. Hope you are both really in love and I hope it works out. Rufus’ wife, Tanya Cromley…” “That was a very well laid out, rational point. But I’ll stick with my emotional opinion based on no facts
Jay Strasner...................................................Editor & Publisher THE EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS (USPS 169520) is published semi-weekly on Wednesday and Saturday for $48 per year in Wharton County; $63 per year out of county; and $88 per year out of state; and $48 per year for the online edition only, by Wharton County Newspapers, Inc., 203 E. Jackson St., El Campo, Texas 77437. Periodical postage paid at El Campo, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS, P.O. Box 1180, El Campo, Texas 77437. © 2015 Wharton County Newspapers, Inc.
979-543-3363 Fax: 979-543-0097 Website: www.leader-news.com Email address: lettertoeditor@leader-news.com
or evidence.” – Al Sharpton. “I’m not anti-social. I just have a strong aversion to bullpucky, drama, and pretending.” “To all those passive-aggressive folks out there, I would just like to say, never give up on your stupid, stupid dreams.” Ultimately, passive resistance is just another form of argument. So I’ll close with one of my favorite quotes by Thomas Paine: “To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” Michael Reisig is a best-selling novelist and an award-winning newspaper columnist. His novels are available at bookstores everywhere, and in paperback and ebook format through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Apple.com. Visit his website at michael-reisig.com for information on his latest adventure/ humor novel, The Road to Key West, and his apocalyptic thriller, The New Madrid Run.
Editor, the Leader-News: I should never be surprised by the willingness of individuals and businesses from Wharton and Matagorda counties to contribute to our children who are in the care of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care) during the Christmas season. Again, so many of you have seen this need and filled it over and over again. Special thanks go to the First State Bank of Louise (El Campo, Louise, Angleton, Bay City and Blessing branches) and to Prosperity Bank (El Campo and Bay City branches) for displaying the kids’ wants/needs on their lobby Christmas trees. Unfortunately, this need continues throughout the year and will continue as long as abuse and neglect happen. And sadly, it will. Matagorda and Wharton County CASA volunteers serve anywhere from 40 to 60 plus children at any given time. If you want to know more about how your Matagorda/Wharton County CASA serves our children, please contact the Wharton office right away by calling: 979-282-9223, or call me: 979-578-1600. These three things remain: faith, hope and love. It’s so easy to love these abused and neglected children. Call and we will guide you in getting started. Thank-you again. Judy Peter CASA board president
Whistleblowers need protection Editor, the Leader-News: Since the Texas Legislature is about to convene, I would like to address my opinion as a former state employee of the lack of functioning whistle-blower protection in the State of Texas. It does little good to have laws in place that have no practical force and effect. The present Whistleblower Act, in order to be a law, needs attorneys and a government to make sure it works. This is presently not the case. Presently the criminal justice system is somewhat discredited by the fact that you can be fired as a state employee for even trying to report alleged official misconduct or crime. Please do some research and contact your elected officials so that we can get a fully transparent and fair system of whistleblower protection here in Texas. John Ely
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SPORTS
El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Page 1-B
sports@leader-news.com
2015 Ricebird Baseball
Not Done Yet (Top photo) Brock Brandl slides into the Sweeny catcher during action in Game 3. (Right photo) The El Campo students showed up in numbers to support the team. Pictured are front row, from left: Brett Crivellari, Melea Socha, Heather Raun and Elise Raun. Back row: Cameron Crivellari, Abby Anderson, Kinsey Priesmeyer, Jordyne Priesmeyer, Jillian Ermis, Natalie Nohavitza, Margo Warncke and Jessica Rodriguez.
L-N Photos by Jay T. Strasner
Class 4A Baseball Regional Semis EC vs Sinton at Texas Lutheran Seguin, TX Game 1: Thursday, May 28 7:30 p.m. Game 2: Friday, May 29 7:30 p.m. Game 3: (if necessary) Saturday, May 30 3 p.m.
Family Time
L-N Photos by Jay T. Strasner
El Campo Head Coach Russell Krenek lifts his daughter, Bella, into the air while mom Tasha looks on. The Ricebirds defeated Sweeny in the three-game series and will face Sinton this weekend.
The Sweet SIXTEEN Ricebirds defeat Sweeny, Sinton up next at TLU By JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com
It was a 3-game series that featured a little bit of everything. But in the end, it was the Ricebirds that had the most important thing: a Regional quarterfinal championship. El Campo jumped out to a 2-0 first inning lead and then held off several Sweeny rallies for a 5-3 victory in Game 3 Saturday to move on to the Regional semifinals. The Ricebirds will face Sinton in the next best-of-3 round, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Texas Lutheran. “The locations moved because of rain, then there were weather delays, there was a play at the plate where a call was reversed, there were balks, more rain delays, you name it,” EC Head Coach Russell Krenek said. “There were some plays in the series that were definitely ESPN Top Ten worthy. It had it all. We’re just glad we won it.” El Campo claimed the lead in the bottom of the first. Brylan Crivellari singled then stole sec-
ond and scored on Clayton Harp’s RBI single to right field. Harp then scored on Riley Stock’s RBI single as EC moved ahead 2-0. Sweeny pulled within 2-1 in the top of the third, but the Birds answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame for a 3-1 lead. Tayton Priesmeyer started and held the Bulldogs to 2 earned runs on 5 hits over 4.2 innings pitched. The Bulldogs tied the game 3-3 in the top of the fifth, but EC answered again in the bottom of the fifth, this time in exciting fashion. Chad Quinn reached on an error, and quickly became a terror on the basepaths, stealing second then third base. With two outs, Blaine Fuechec walked and Collin Quinn entered as a courtesy runner. The Quinn brothers then executed a masterful double steal, with Chad Quinn stealing home for a 4-3 lead. “That play is something we’ve worked on all year, but that’s the first time it’s really worked to that level for us,” Krenek said. “We were aggressive all afternoon on the basepaths, putting pressure on them and keeping their pitchers distracted. Just a great execution by our guys there.” El Campo added an insurance run in the bot(See BIRDS, Page 2-B)
EC Excitement (Above) El Campo ballboy Bryce Krenek celebrates with Brock Brandl in the late innings of Saturday’s Game 3 win. (Right photo) Clint Kruppa laces a base hit during El Campo’s 5-3 win over Sweeny. L-N Photos by Jay T. Strasner
Pray Together, Stay Together
L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner
Members of the Ricebirds gather for a prayer before the game Saturday.
Lifestyle
El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, September 23, 2015
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Page 5-B
lifestyle@leader-news.com
Who Will Be Crowned? Louise High School will crown their King and Queen during a half-time ceremony Friday at Hornet Stadium. Nominees pictured left to right are LHS seniors Blaine Machicek, Nikki Bain, Jase Bill, Breona Long, Nicole Valcik, Tyler Collins, Valerie Cardenas and Fabian Cardenas.
Contributed Photo
Louise High homecoming nominees announced Nikki Bain Favorites: Volleyball and Wharton County Youth Fair. Favorite subject: Ag classes. If chosen homecoming queen ... “If I was chosen homecoming queen it would mean the world to me to be able to represent our school and also to feel honored and blessed that my high school classmates chose me to be queen.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “I enjoy the small classes and the opportunity to have one on one time with the teachers.”
Valerie Cardenas Favorites: Powerlifting; I love to do hair and make-up. Favorite subject: Science. If chosen homecoming queen... “To be nominated is a privilege, but to be Queen would be an honor.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “I’m a senior and I love the friends I have and everybody who goes to Louise.”
Breona Long Favorites: Spending time with animals, reading, watching movies, riding horses. Favorite subject: AP biology. If chosen homecoming queen ... “Considering that I didn’t really expect to be nominated, it’s meaningful. It’s a good feeling to know that my peers think so well of me.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “Majority of everyone gets along with each other, and our senior class is pretty fantastic.”
Nicole Valcik Favorites: Cheer, softball. Favorite subject: Animal science. If chosen homecoming queen ... “Being chosen Queen to me would mean that people see me as a role model. It would make me feel that people see me in a positive way.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “I enjoy being a student at Louise High because it’s a small school, we are big on sports, and the teachers are nice and helpful.”
Jase Bill Favorites: Playing football, hanging out with my friends and listening to music. Favorite subject: Science. If chosen homecoming king ... “It would be a special experience and I would be honored to represent the class of 2016.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “It is pretty cool how our school is so small that everybody knows everybody.”
Cristian Cardenas Favorites: Football. Favorite subject: Spanish. If chosen homecoming king ... “I would be one step closer to being a legend.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “I have opportunities to become successful in my future.”
Tyler Collins Favorites: Football, baseball, hunting and fishing. Favorite subject: Ag Mechanics. If chosen homecoming king ... “It would mean that I am looked at as a good representative for my school and community.” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “The fact that the community is involved in everything the school does.”
Blaine Machicek Favorites: Sports, hunting, fishing. Favorite subject: History. If chosen homecoming king ... “Whether I win or lose, I’m still a hooper (basketball player).” I enjoy being a student at LHS because ... “Everyone knows everyone and gets along.”
Louise High School will announce their 2015 Homecoming Court during Friday’s halftime festivities when the Louise Hornets take on the Tidehaven Tigers. Kick off is 7:30 p.m. The Homecoming pep rally is 3:10 p.m. Friday in the High School Gym. Vying For Queen Nominees for Queen are Nikki Bain, daughter of Mark Bain; Valerie Cardenas, daughter of Robert and Isabel Cardenas; Breona Long, daughter of Shelia Long and Nicole Valcik, daughter of Melissa Garza. Who Will Be King? King nominees are Jase Bill, son of Joe Bill and Crystal Bertrand; Fabian “Cristian” Cardenas, son of Fabian and Lorena Cardenas; Tyler Collins, son of Craig Collins, Amie Collins and Steve Chanek and Blaine Machicek, son of Joseph and Cheryl Machicek. Prince/Princess Nominees for Junior Princess and Prince are Shelby Koudela, Amanda Lutringer and McKenna McCown and Tariq Barron, Carlos Garcia and Brandon O’Neal. Duke/Duchess Sophomore Duchess and Duke nominees are Brenda Alvarez, Sanae Brandes and Kirsten Vajdos and Will Ermis, Robert Martinez and Aidan Pressler. Lord/Lady Nominees for Freshman Lady and Lord are Madison Bartlett, Leslie Briano and Gabriella Rodriguez and Aaron Cardenas, Collin Gonzales and Kristian Munoz.
High school sweethearts tie the knot after 60 years Couple rekindle love relationship By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com
Together Again Engaged to each other 60 years ago, Vada (Morton) and Marvin Machart went their separate ways after she broke off their engagement. After failed marriages, their paths met again and their love was rekindled. The couple recently married and are happy to say they were meant to be together ... even after 60 years. The Macharts live in the home Vada grew up in on FM 1300.
It took Marvin Machart 60 years to propose to his high school sweetheart again. Back in the mid to late 50s, Vada Morton and Machart were serious about each othMarvin Machart er, dated for five years 19 years old and then he asked her to marry him. It was she who broke off the engagement and they went their separate ways. “I have regretted it ever since,” she said. The couple finally made those vows a reality as they married in her childhood home on FM 1300 where they now live together. Marvin and Vada weren’t childhood sweethearts, but they were friends in the beginning. “His family used to drive by our home and he waved to me as they passed by,” she said. “His siblings always teased him about waving to his girlfriend.” This was in the mid to late 40s. She was around seven or eight years old at the time
Vada Morton 16 years old
and he was 11 or 12. But how did they become a couple, the first time that is? “Years later, about 1953, we were destined to meet in a little country church just three miles down the road from my home,” Vada recalls. “One of his favorite memories is buying my box lunch at a church social. We began dating
soon afterward.” She was 14, he was 17; she was a freshman and he was a senior. Their’s was a unique relationship; they didn’t do the usual date-type activities, like going to the movies or a dance. “Our dates included simple and fun things such as grape picking, frog gigging, coon hunting, pecan thrashing, fishing, swimming in rice canals...not what you’d call your typical dates. The age of innocence flowed over into our relationship,” she said. (See COUPLE BECOME, Page 7-B)