UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY
Feds order Georgia to redraw unfair political maps giving Dems shot at another seat in Congress
NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2023 VOL. 12 NO. 7
Farmer and homesteader Brandi Wallace holds on of her goats on the Wallace’s Farm property in south Richmond County. Wallace is seeking to re-zone her property from residential to agricultural. Photos by Vincent Hobbs
ENDANGERED? The Wallace’s Farm future depends on favorable outcome in rezoning bid
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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin
A new entertainment complex? City has a governmental complex to solve
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orty years ago, in the old St. Joseph’s Hospital, I was born. I love Augusta. Always have, always will. When I see people promoting a project with a tagline of “Building Augusta’s Future,” I’m all ears. If the project is promising new jobs, economic impact and exciting acts, even better. I just believe we can do those things independent of a $400 million price tag. Anything that you love, you must learn, and so it goes with Augusta. There are some people who want a new entertainment complex, but haven’t yet made peace with the city’s governmental complex. I was a younger reporter more than a decade ago when conversations were had over the boondoggles known as the convention center and the parking deck. Since that time, I have wondered how the city could have used those funds more constructively.
The answer wasn’t in buildings or businesses. The answer has always been and will always be the people. It’s tough for me to talk about building a new entertainment house, when so many Augustans are homeless. It’s tough to talk about the promises of shuttles to alleviate potential parking problems with a downtown arena, when lack of transportation denies opportunities to so many. This isn’t just an Augusta problem – it’s a national problem. Society prioritizes entertainment over empowerment, and we elect men and women who carry out this shallow agenda. I’m not disregarding the arts – Lord knows, as someone who works in the media and as someone who has young children, I believe in the enriching cultural power of music and storytelling. I also understand that part of the reason why Augusta can’t get big acts is because of the government’s refusal to allow Black media to tell this
city’s story. I can personally attest to reaching out to the entertainment companies who carry Augusta’s name, only to be ignored or unheard. That infrastructure is just as important to promoting community and raising arenas as the physical materials we use to build. I find this conversation ironic as I notice a certain devil in the details – the disappearance of James Brown’s name in talks of a new Augusta arena. For Brown’s flaws, there were two things that he valued – people and the power of the media. This is why the holiday charity events which carry his name still endure, and why his legacy as a radio station owner, ever hidden in plain sight, shows his power as an entertainment mogul. Leaving Brown’s name out of the arena and out of the entertainment conversation is like putting a statue of James Brown in town that pales in comparison to other nearby statues, much less the white and rac-
ist confederate monument only a few blocks down the street. Surely Augusta wouldn’t allow that to happen. Augusta has an opportunity to help people, and it isn’t through an entertainment arena. We can increase economic impact, create new jobs, bring in new acts and raise community morale by improving transportation, building houses for the homeless and creating the type of partnerships between Black media, the government and the community that inform and empower us all. We can do all of that for well under $400 million. Best of all, we get to keep the change. Ken Makin is the host of Makin’ A Difference and a freelance writer for ESPN and The Christian Science Monitor, among other outlets. Look him up on Facebook at Makin’ A Difference, and you can also send him an email with your thoughts at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com.
RCBOE’s issuer rating upgraded to from A1 - Aa3 The Richmond County Board of Education’s issuer rating has been upgraded to Aa3 from A1 by Moody’s Investors Service. The rating impacts the board’s recent issuance of $86.8 million in General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds. Chief Financial Officer Bobby Smith says, “Our team has worked hard over the last six years to improve our financial condition and our hard work was recognized by Moody’s Investors Service by upgrading our bond rating. I was excited that so many investors were interested in purchasing our bonds and these bond proceeds will be put to good use as we fund two new schools and other capital improvements for our school district.”
UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY
PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (762) 233-5299
CONTRIBUTORS • K.L. Gordon • Ken Makin • Vincent Hobbs • Menia L. Chester • F/Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia
NEIGHBORHOODS • HEPHZIBAH • BROWN RD.
3 UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 6 - 19, 2023 Brandi Wallace at work on the family farm. A zoning matter threatens to upset the business that she has been operating for years. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Wallace’s Farm survival depends on favorable outcome in rezoning bid I HEPHZIBAH, Ga. n a story that underscores the challenges and unexpected obstacles faced by budding agricultural entrepreneurs, the Wallace family (led by Brandi and Davon) is currently embroiled in a zoning dispute that threatens their beloved agritourism business, the Wallace’s Farm. Just three years ago, Brandi and Davon purchased a 10-acre piece of the former McElmurray dairy farm, known as 1898 Brown Rd, Tract 2. With dreams of creating an oasis of agricultural education and entertainment, they transformed the property into a thriving mobile petting zoo business, welcoming the public to share in their passion for farming and agriculture. The venture appeared to be a great success, with an increasing number of visitors and clients eager to experience life on the farm. However, their dreams came crashing down when an unexpected phone call from the local zoning office revealed that not only was their business unauthorized, but they were also not permitted to keep their livestock on the property due to a residential zoning designation. This revelation left the Wallace family in a state of shock and confusion. The situation took an even more perplexing turn when the Wallaces
presented paperwork indicating that the property was zoned as “bona fide agricultural property.” Nevertheless, the zoning office’s records showed that the land had been zoned residential since 1998, rendering their paperwork null and void. The tax assessor’s office clarified that a previous landowner had placed a covenant designating the land as agricultural, but with the owner’s passing, this designation was no longer applicable. To make matters more complicated, it was claimed that the zoning had changed from agricultural to residential when the land was sold to the auctioneer. Faced with this baffling contradiction between their documentation and the zoning office’s records, the Wallace family decided to file a rezoning application in the hope of resolving the issue and keeping their dream alive. Their rezoning hearing is scheduled for November 6th at 3 p.m., and they are anxiously awaiting the outcome. Brandi and Davon Wallace are young, minority, urban professionals who have brought a unique perspective to the world of farming and agritourism. Both veterans and IT professionals, the couple is well-known in the community for their thriving agritourism business. In addition to
their efforts, three generations of the Wallace family have worked diligently to make the farm a success, and Brandi has taken on the role of educating homeschooled children at the site. Brandi, affectionately known as “the petting zoo lady,” has played a pivotal role in the farm’s success. She is cherished by both children and adults, who have come to know her as a warm and welcoming figure at the farm. Brandi possesses a unique talent for answering every farming question, no matter how simple or complex, and for putting both children and adults at ease about farm life. Her dedication to educating visitors about the world of agriculture has made her a beloved and trusted resource in the community. Brandi expressed her concerns, saying, “This zoning dispute not only threatens our family business but also stunts our dreams of providing an educational and entertaining space for the community. It’s heartbreaking to think that the children who have come to love our farm may no longer have this opportunity.” The Wallaces are resolute in their mission to continue providing an opportunity for the children of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) to experience farm animals and farm
life. They hope to inspire the next generation of farmers, particularly since 53% of farmers are set to retire over the next five years.* The Wallaces firmly believe that “no farmers mean no food.” As the Wallace family awaits the outcome of their rezoning application, the local community is closely following their story, hoping for a resolution that will allow Wallace’s Farm to continue its educational and entertaining mission. Brandi also shared her perspective on the broader issue, stating, “Agriculture is the #1 industry in the state of Georgia, with Hospitality and Tourism in tow. We need more support and flexibility for those who want to contribute to the local economy AND offer unique experiences.” For now, the Wallace family remains the face of the new generation of farmers, forging a path that defies stereotypes and celebrates the diversity and resilience of those who are passionate about farming and agritourism. Stay tuned for updates as the Wallace family’s rezoning hearing approaches, and their fight to save the Wallace’s Farm continues. * https://brownfieldagnews.com/ news/more-farmers-planning-to-retire-or-not-grow-their-operation-inthe-next-five-years/
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DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN A SEAT IN CONGRESS
Fed judge throws out Georgia’s redistricting, orders new maps By Mark Niesse and Maya T. Prabhu AJC.COM ATLANTA A federal judge ruled Thursday that Georgia’s district lines must be redrawn to ensure adequate representation of Black voters in Congress and the General Assembly, finding that the state’s maps illegally weakened their political power. The decision could result in the election of additional Black representatives next year, with Democrats hoping to gain a seat in the U.S. House, where Republicans currently hold a 222-212 majority and control nine of 14 Georgia congressional seats. Before the General Assembly’s 2021 redistricting, the GOP held an 8-6 advantage in Georgia. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones concluded that the Republicancontrolled General Assembly violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in elections. Jones’ order requires legislators to create an additional majority-Black congressional district in west metro Atlanta by Dec. 8. His ruling also calls for two more state Senate districts and five more state House districts with Black majorities in the Atlanta and Macon areas. Hours after the ruling, Gov. Brian Kemp ordered a Nov. 29 special session for lawmakers to return to Atlanta and redraw the state’s political districts. “Georgia has made great strides since 1965 towards equality in voting,” Jones wrote in his 516page order. “However, the evidence before this court shows that Georgia has not reached the point where the political process has equal openness and equal opportunity for everyone.” U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, chairwoman of the the Georgia Democratic Party, called Thursday’s ruling a “resounding victory” for democracy. “Republicans knew they couldn’t win on their ideas, so they resorted to redrawing the maps in their favor instead,” she said. Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, called
U.S. Dist. Judge Steve Jones
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams
“. . . the evidence before this court shows that Georgia has not reached the point where the political process has equal openness and equal opportunity for everyone.”
“Republicans knew they couldn’t win on their ideas, so they resorted to redrawing the maps in their favor instead.”
Jones a “partisan Democrat ally.” Jones was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in 2011 by then-President Barack Obama. “It is simply outrageous that one far-left federal judge is invalidating the will of the elected representatives of the people of Georgia who drew fair maps in conformity with long-standing legal principles,” he said. Black voters in Georgia accounted for nearly half of the state’s sharp population growth — over 1 million new residents during the past decade — but state legislators shaped districts in a way that resulted in Democrats losing a seat in Congress during last year’s elections. Black voters overwhelmingly support Democrats while most white voters back Republicans. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, who leads more than 500 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia and was a witness in the redistricting trial, said Thursday’s order was a “long march to justice.” His organization, the Sixth District
of the A.M.E. Church, was a plaintiff in the lawsuit. “It is unfortunate that, decades after the civil rights movement, we still need to defend and promote the right for the African American community to vote. (But) make no mistake that we will continue to fight for these causes, not only because the facts and the law are on our side, but because democracy is our country’s most important tenet and is always worth fighting for,” Jackson said. Georgia is likely to appeal the ruling, but the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Voting Rights Act in June, and a federal court picked a new congressional map for Alabama this month that adds a second district where Black voters form a substantial portion of the electorate. Attorneys for Georgia argued during an eight-day redistricting trial last month that the state’s political maps are based on partisanship rather than race, saying Republicans created districts that benefit their party but didn’t discriminate against Black voters. But plaintiffs in the case, including civil rights organizations and reli-
gious groups, said the Republicancontrolled General Assembly denied opportunities for Black voters during redistricting two years ago. During that redistricting, the General Assembly shifted the boundaries of the 6th Congressional District, which was previously held by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, a Black woman from Cobb County. The new district included heavily Republican and white areas to the north, resulting in Republican Rich McCormick winning the seat in last year’s election with 62% of the vote. McBath ran and won in the neighboring 7th District, ousting her Democratic colleague in the U.S. House, Carolyn Bourdeaux. Senate Republican Caucus leadership expressed disappointment in the ruling. “The majority party went to great lengths to draw maps that were legal, fair, compact and kept communities of interest together,” Senate GOP leadership said. “Obviously, we strongly disagree with the ruling and expect that all legal options will be explored to maintain the maps as passed by the Legislature.” Even before the ruling, Democrats in Atlanta’s suburbs began maneuvering to run for solid-Republican seats in anticipation of Jones’ decision. White Republicans now hold nine of Georgia’s 14 U.S. House seats, a larger share than white residents’ 50% of the state’s population. Black Democrats control five seats while Black residents account for one-third of the state’s residents. The Republican majority also used redistricting to safeguard its control of the General Assembly. Republicans hold a 33-23 lead in the state Senate and have a 102-78 advantage in the state House. The General Assembly will have the first opportunity to create a state map that complies with the judge’s order during the special legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, a Republican from Dahlonega, said it’s likely that many congressional, state House and state Senate districts will have to be redrawn across Georgia when legislators return to the state Capitol in the coming weeks. ”It’s unfortunate that we have to go back in, but we will comply with the laws of the land and govern accordingly,” Gooch said.
ARTS& &COMMUNITY
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The Foodees Food & Cultural Festival this at downtown’s Freedom Bridge AUGUSTA
Destination Augusta has announced Augusta’s newest festival, the Foodees Food & Cultural Festival, the first event to take place at the Freedom Bridge in downtown Augusta. Coming this weekend, November 3 -5, the Freedom Bridge, and Reynolds Street will be filled with food trucks from various areas, artisans and craftsman will showcase their wares on the bridge and appetites will be satisfied. Foodees Festival organizers have stacked the deck to create one of the largest food festivals to serve the state of Georgia. There will be over 50 food trucks, dozens of tented food vendors, and over 75 artisans and makers from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. The community can expect international foods from Honduras, Salvador, Germany, Italy, France, Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Africa.
Don’t miss the Wok Lobster, Ashely’s Yummy Tummy, and That Won Truck. Plus, attendees will find all the traditional favorites from turkey legs to good old-fashioned American made cheeseburgers and hotdogs. “We cannot express the gratitude that we have for the community of Augusta, and surrounding area”, said Tricia Croft, Director of Foodees, LLC. “The outpouring of support and levels of excitement have encouraged us to take our brand to the next level and Augusta will be the first stop of many larger and more ambitious Food and Culture Festivals.” Destination Augusta reached out to the Foodees Festival in April to explore an event in Augusta, specifically at Augusta’s new gathering place, the Freedom Bridge. As a firsttime event on the bridge together Destination Augusta and the City of Augusta committed to
preparing the way for this unique venue to be the host for this event and others in the future. “Augusta’s Riverwalk now accentuated by the Freedom Bridge is the newest backdrop for locals and visitors to gather and experience the river. We look forward to seeing how this new space draws in events and creates new reasons to visit and enjoy Augusta,” said President & CEO, Bennish Brown. “November is a good time of the year to generate new business like the addition of the Foodees Food & Cultural Festival. This festival will have an economic impact through the vendors staying overnight, local grocery stores and suppliers selling their goods and customers enjoying a new event. We hope the festival will become an annual event and attract overnight visitors in the coming years,” said VP of Destination Development & Community Engagement, Jennifer Bowen.
The newly-renovated 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge a.k.a. “Freedom Bridge,” will be the site of the FOODEES FOOD & CULTURAL FESTIVAL. The historic bridge is a recreational walkway for pedestrians that crosses the Savannah River into South Carolina. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
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A BRAND NEW AUGUSTA FESTIVAL IS BORN
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November Conferences and Events in Augusta’s River Region Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council are pleased to announce that visitors attending meetings, reunions, events, and sporting events in Augusta’s River Region will generate at least $6,259,939 in total estimated economic impact (EEI) in November 2023. A portion of the total number of events and meetings in Augusta’s River Region in November are listed in the chart below for more event detail. These are groups Destination Augusta, or the Augusta Sports Council have worked with at some point in the site selection and/ or planning phase. Groups meeting in Augusta’s River Region, that have available websites, have been hyperlinked for those who would like additional information. Both Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council agree that recruiting and hosting these various activities play a critical role in sustaining the nearly 27,000 jobs.
DHS announces behavioral health care pilot project The CAT team model is based on a family-centered approach in which the CAT team helps parents and caregivers in obtaining services and support as well as aid with referrals. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is thrilled to announce the establishment of community action treatment (CAT) teams as a behavioral health care pilot project for children and youth with significant mental and/or behavioral health needs and conditions. The goal of the pilot is to help Georgia’s kids reach their full potential—while remaining at home—by addressing underlying issues that often lead to foster care placements, such as serious behavioral health concerns. “These CAT teams will be a game-changer in our commitment to ensure Georgia’s families receive the support they need to stay together and thrive,” said DHS Commissioner Candice Broce. “By addressing issues early on and providing specialized care, we are building stronger families and laying the groundwork for a future in which there are fewer out-of-home placements.” This behavioral health care pilot has been implemented in DHS’ Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) Regions 1, 2, and 12. During the initial pilot program term, children are being referred to the CAT team program by DFCS staff, allowing those staff to get involved and provide wraparound services to a child and his or her family prior to their case escalating to a point where of out-of-home placement is necessary. The CAT team model is based on a family-centered approach in which the CAT team helps parents and caregivers in obtaining services and support as well as aid with referrals. Each CAT team has a full-time leader, mental health clinicians, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurse practitioner, registered or licensed practical nurse, case manager, therapeutic mentors, and support staff to fully address the needs of children/youth and their families.
Local organizations to host forum featuring Women Office Holders lic. The panel will include Justice Verda Colvin of the Supreme Court of Georgia, State Representative Lynn Gladney of the Georgia General Assembly, the Honorable Amanda N. Heath of the Augusta Judicial Circuit Superior Court, and Richmond County Solicitor General Omeeka Loggins. The forum is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in the Dr. Roscoe Williams Ballroom in the Jaguar Student Activities Center (“JSAC”). The address for the JSAC building is 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia 30904 on the Summerville Campus of Augusta University.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Zeta Xi Omega, Zeta Eta, and Mu Zeta Chapters in partnership with Greater Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition and National Council for Negro Women present “HERstory in Being Elected…Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” a free public forum. The panelists will share their inspirational journey to elected office. The public will have a rare opportunity to engage their elected officials in dialogue about their office, moreover, their plight to shatter the glass ceiling in their respective field. The panelists will answer questions from the pub-
Verda Colvin
RCSS to host 6th Battle of the Bands The Richmond County School System will present our 6th Battle of the Bands competition on Sunday, November 5, at Butler Comprehensive High School at 3 p.m. The competition features the Academy of Richmond County (ARC), Butler, Cross Creek, Glenn Hills, Hephzibah, T.W. Josey, and Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High Schools, and Westside High School. A few of the guest bands scheduled to perform are are Benedict College (Columbia, SC), Morehouse College
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(Atlanta, GA), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), and Shaw University (Raleigh, NC). Tickets are $15 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased in advance of the event for $10 online at gofan.co, at participating high schools, and at the RCSS Board of Education office at 864 Broad St., Augusta 30904. Co-sponsors of the event are Perry Broadcasting, Miracle Infiniti of Augusta, and Horizon Motor Coach. Butler Comprehensive High School stadium is located at 2011 Lumpkin Rd,
Lynn Gladney
Amanda Heath
Omeeka Loggins
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Get Your Goat On:
Wallace’s Farm Roasted Goat Leg Nestled in the Augusta River Region, meet farmer Brandi Wallace, a Hephzibah, Georgia, resident. Her life revolves around homesteading
and promoting the exceptional flavors and nutrition of goat meat. Goat meat, celebrated worldwide, offers versatility and impressive
health benefits. Despite its global popularity, it’s rare in American cuisine. Brandi and her family are changing that.
Wallace’s Farm Roasted Goat Leg with Herbed Honey Glaze INGREDIENTS FOR THE GLAZE: 1/2 cup honey 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped 1 tablespoon oregano, finely chopped 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon coriander Pinch to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt and black pepper to taste
FOR THE GOAT: 3-5 pounds leg of goat, bone-in 10 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half lengthwise 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped 8 Fresh oregano sprigs, chopped 2 lemons, zested and juiced 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon onion powder ½ tablespoon pepper 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 cup dry white wine or chicken stock, plus extra 2 bay leaves 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut in half 2 large yellow, sliced thin
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. For the Glaze: add all ingredients to a small saucepan, stir well. Simmer over low heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove front heat, set aside. 2. For the goat: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 3. Pat meat dry with paper towels. Make 20 1-inch incisions in meat with paring knife. Insert 1 garlic clove half into each incision. 4. In small bowl, combine rosemary,oregano lemon juice, zest, oil, salt, and pepper, and into a paste. Rub meat liberally with mixture. 5. To roasting pan, add sliced onions, potatoes, bay leaf, and stock to pan, sprinkle potatoes and onions with salt. Lay prepared goat leg on top. 6. Cover tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil, place pan in the preheated oven. 7. Cook for 1 hour. Remove the foil and brush goat leg with half of glaze. 8. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 2-2.5 hours until meat is
tender and begins to pull away from the bone. This may take longer, if the leg is closer to 5 pounds. Add more stock or water if the liquid begins to evaporate before cooking is complete. 9. Remove foil, continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes until the meat is browned and pulls away from the bone. 10. Remove from oven and allow the roasted leg to rest for at least ten minutes. Meanwhile, warm remaining glaze on low heat. Place meat and potatoes on a platter, serve with remaining glaze. Create a new holiday tradition this season while enjoying the mindful and delicious eats. Savor the flavors of Wallace’s Farm Roasted Goat Leg, an ecofriendly delight sure to impress your guests with its unique and savory blend of sweet and tangy notes. Recipe by: Chef Cassandra/IG: @chef.cassandrda
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The Laney Wildcats girls vs. Westside Patriots The Laney Wildcats girls varsity flag football team defeated the Westside Patriots 7-0 in a game held at Laney. October 30, 2023 (Augusta, GA). All photos by Vincent Hobbs
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SPORTSVIEW
Hephzibah Rebels vs. ARC Patriots The Hephzibah Rebels girls flag football team defeated the ARC Patriots 19-0 during an invitational tournament held at Lakeside High School. 10.21.23 (Evans, GA) Photos by Vincent Hobbs
Lakeside vs. Clark
OUT ‘N’ ABOUT
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