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Thursday, November 12, 2026
Butler Chamber Business Spotlight: Bates County Health Center
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Bates County Health Center
For over 50 years, the Bates County Health Center has been a vital cornerstone of our community. Originally opened as a demonstration unit on April 1, 1975, and officially sustained by a citizen-approved mill tax in 1976, the center has spent decades fiercely dedicated to one core mission: to Prevent, Promote, and Protect the health and well-being of every Bates County resident.
Led by Administrator Missy Lancaster, the center has adapted to the evolving needs of our community while maintaining top-tier, accessible public health services.
Whether you need routine care or specialized support, they are here for you with an incredible range of services:
- Lab Screenings & STD/HIV Testing – Accessible, confidential health tracking.
- Immunizations & Vaccines – Keeping families protected at every stage of life.
- WIC & Temporary Medicaid Assistance – Essential nutritional and healthcare support for growing families.
- Birth & Death Certificates – Quick, local processing for important life records.
- Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness – Keeping our local food, water, and community spaces safe.
The team at Bates County Health Center works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our community safe, educated, and healthy. Next time you see their team, be sure to thank them for their incredible dedication to public health!
- Find them at: 501 N. Orange, Butler, MO 64730
- Give them a call: 660-679-6108
- Learn more: www.batescountyhealthcenter.org
Hours:
• Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Extended Hours: Open until 7:00 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month!
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Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Little Apple news
November 11, 2026
H2O Solutions will be working throughout town over the next month to replace residents’ water meters. Residents can recognize the two-person crew by their high-visibility shirts and black Dodge Ram truck. The new meters will use cellular technology to provide more accurate daily readings, helping identify leaks sooner. Readings for monthly billing will be taken on approximately the same day each month, which should make the billing periods more consistent. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off and dinner is 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, at the Forest Park Building. Cook and compete, or just come to eat! Either way, prepare for some heat! The fee is $15 per chili entry. The 3 categories are: Traditional Chili, Non-Traditional Chili and Spicy Chili. Chili needs to be fully cooked and in a warmer or crockpot. 1st place in each category will win $100 and a trophy. 2nd place in each category wins $50. There must be 3 entries per category to judge. The cost of a meal is $8.00 for adults is $5.00 for ages 4-12 and under 3 years old eat free. The meal is chili or soup, dessert and drink. There will be
The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. on Saturday November 14. All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. James Damon will have a short devotional.
St. Clair County Historical Society invites you to join them for “State of the Crater” 7:00 p.m. November 12 at the St. Clair County Museum. Dr. Kevin Evans will speak on the topic. Free refreshments will be served. Entrance and registration fees will be by donation.
University of Missouri Extension of St. Clair County will host an informational course in estate planning 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17 at the Forest Park Building, 206 E. 5th Street in ACMO. Participants may register in advance by visiting https://pears.io/events/mu/11210/ or by calling (417) 646-2419. Walk-in attendees are also welcomed. The cost is $15/person or $25/couple. In this course, participants will see a fictional family who has done no estate planning. As life circumstances occur, participants will see the unintended consequences of having done no estate planning. After learning what all goes wrong, we’ll examine the tools available in an estate plan, and then apply those tools to our fictional family to see how it might have changed their outcome. The purpose of the course is to demonstrate the importance of estate planning in general, but also to give participants more knowledge about estate planning tools and how they might apply so that they are better prepared when they meet with their own estate planning attorneys. This course will be taught by a licensed attorney with 20 years of experience in probate and estate planning.
December 5, 2026 is Appleton City’s 30th annual Christmas in the Country. The Depot Craft Show is scheduled 9:00-2:00 and it features handmade items made by area crafts people. Please call Kenna Bartz at 660-200-6370 for craft show information. This event is sponsored by the Appleton City Museum. All groups and organizations are encouraged to plan activities for this fun filled day.
The Montrose Knights of Columbus will hold their 67th annual Germantown Turkey Shoot on Sunday November 29, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field. Tickets are $3.00 each and advance sale tickets will enter the purchaser into cash prize drawings. There will be youth shoot lines and a shotgun raffle. Tickets are available in Appleton City at Dr. Payton’s office, Fennewald Plumbing or any Knights members.
Amy Raybourn is Parent Educator for the Appleton City PAT program. She has been a teacher for 29 years. This is her second year as a Parent Educator for Parents as Teachers. Parents as Teachers is a program for families with children ages birth to kindergarten. They also serve families who are expecting. Whether you have participated in the PAT program in the past or would like to start, PLEASE contact her at 660-476-2108 or araybourn@appletoncity.k12.mo.us.
Growing in Grace Community Center will be delivering Thanksgiving meals, November 22 at 2:00 p.m. Message 660-492-3425 for a meal of turkey, mashed pot and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, roll, and pie
AC Rural Health Clinic has flu vaccines available. Call 660-476-2121 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nominations are being accepted for the January 17-23 public election of St. Clair County’s University of Missouri Extension Council. Candidate recommendations may be made by contacting the county extension center, (417) 646-2419. Nominees will then be contacted to secure their permission before being placed on the ballot. Nominations for the 5 open positions must be made prior to December 11, 2026. 3 Candidates are needed from the North District (Appleton, Monegaw, Chalk Level, Butler, Jackson, Center Osage and Taber Townships). 2 Candidates are needed from the South District (Osceola, Polk, Dallas, Doyal, Roscoe, Speedwell, Washington and Collins Townships). In St. Clair County, they are seeking people from all walks of life who are interested in education and the progress of our communities, to serve on the extension council. Council candidates must be at least 18 years old and reside in the district they represent. The St. Clair County Extension Council meets on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. Missouri state statues create county extension councils to work with University of Missouri Extension. Council members assist in planning and carrying out extension programs in their county, providing local extension governance and representing the diversity of the county’s changing population.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Nov 11 Veterans Day Holiday Banks, Post Office and government offices
Nov 12 St Clair County Historical Society presentation “State of the Crater” 7:00 p.m. at the St. Clair County Museum
Nov 14 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m.
Nov 14 Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off and dinner is 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Forest Park Building.
Nov 17 University of Missouri Extension course in estate planning 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Forest Park Building
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Veterans Day reminder
The Veterans Day ceremonies will be held on the north side of the Butler square beginning at 11 am
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Obituary - Darrel Lynn Nation
Darrel Lynn Nation, age 83, Mound City, Kansas passed away Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Funeral service will be 10 am Friday, November 13, 2026 at the Mound City Christian Church. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, November 12, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
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Coming along nicely
The Metz depot, now located at Frontier Village in Adrian, is getting non-stop attention as work continues to breathe new life into the historic structure. Here, final touches are put into a solid foundation before other structural enhancements and eventually all the 'bells and whistles' to make it complete once again.
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Leeanna Bell receives DAR Good Citizen Award
Congratulations to Leeanna Bell, who was selected to receive the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award, presented by the Harmony Mission Chapter!
Leeanna was nominated by RHHS staff in recognition of her patriotism, leadership, and outstanding character. In addition to receiving this honor, she was also selected as the Chapter-level winner of this year’s essay contest! Her essay will now advance to the state level for further consideration.
Congrats, Leeanna!
Courtesy Rich Hill Tiger Talk
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Missouri firearms Deer November portion opens this weekend
Remember, wear your hunter-orange (cap/hat and shirt, vest or coat). Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Best of luck, hunters!
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Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Veterans Day: Some interesting local history
The late Charlie Fritts graduated from Miami High School in 1954. After college, he joined the US Navy and served as an aviator.
This photo was taken on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CVN-65 and features the officers of Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) “The Fighting Tigers.”
Charlie is in the front row on the far left. You might recognize the aviator sitting directly to his right: John McCain. McCain was held as a POW for 5 ½ years at Vietnam’s "Hanoi Hilton" and was later elected US Senator of Arizona.
Courtesy Larry Fritts via Facebook, Miami R-1 alumni
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Obituary - Stanley L. Robb
Funeral services for Stanley L. Robb of Rich Hill, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Salem Cemetery, Foster, Missouri. Contributions to Salem Cemetery. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Stanley Leon Robb, age 79 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Friday, November 6, 2026 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born December 31, 1946 to Harry Leon and Mary Jane Peacock Robb in Foster, Missouri. At the age of four, Stanley’s father passed away. His mother then married Billy Joe Vaughn taking Joe’s last name becoming Mary Jane Vaughn.
Stanley is survived by one daughter, Tricia Robb of Belton, Missouri; one son, Leon Robb and wife Kelley of Rich Hill, Missouri; three grandchildren, Cody Ensor, Joshua Robb and wife Kara and Blaine Robb; two sisters, Shanna G. Morris of Belton, Missouri and Vicki Jo Bussard and husband Joe of Raymore, Missouri; sister-in-law, Becky Robb of Rich Hill, Missouri; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Joe Vaughn; wife, Sandra; and grandson, Corey Ensor.
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BCMH to expand with full time ambulance service in Adrian area
During the regular meeting of the Adrian Board of Aldermen on November 9th, this plan was unveiled and "the timing couldn't be better" according to Fire Chief Gary Dizney who told Mid America Live that while his department is running an ever increasing number of medical calls, having an ambulance readily available will certainly speed up response times as much as 20 minutes or so, depending on location.
Those sentiments were echoed by Bates County Memorial Hospital CEO Greg Weaver as well as Chad Stark, representing emergency services, who were present at the meeting along with several hospital board members.
"The data shows that the ever increasing amount of calls in northern Bates county, coupled with the fact that Adrian fire department covers a very large area, it only makes sense to have an ambulance with crew dispatched from Adrian, which will absolutely be of benefit" said Weaver who added that doing such would not affect current operations in Butler.
As the discussion continued, it seems there is only one major hurdle- where to house the ambulance and crew in Adrian as the fire station is currently full to capacity with one vehicle now having to be stored at another location.
Adrian City Administrator Ryan Wescote agreed that city buildings are in short supply, and the only logical answer would be to build one, which brought a response from Alderman Jeremy Bridges who suggested that in doing so, the city should plan ahead so the building could be used for something else, if for some reason the agreement with BCMH would ever be terminated.
Those present agreed with his logic. With that, Bridges made a motion to accept the offer from the hospital and move ahead with the project which will certainly be a leading topic in the upcoming December 14 alderman meeting; the public is highly encouraged to attend.
Mid America Live will continue to follow this story with regular progress updates.
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Obituary - Johannes Weidler Brann
His father, a German Jew, escaped to the United States in Dec. 1938, had two best friends named Johannes. During his internment in an American Prisoner-of-War camp, he became a baptized Christian.
His mother was born on a farm near Windsor, Nova Scotia; her father was a whaler on the North Atlantic. Johannes' parents met at Berea College, in Berea, KY but married after his father began his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin (UW), Madison. The Holy Spirit implanted saving faith within Johannes as he received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at Calvary Chapel, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) chapel on the campus of the U.W.
Johannes learned the joy and peace of the Gospel of Christ, classical music and the church year at his home parish of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Madison. Receiving his first three years of formal education at his home church's Madison Lutheran School, He spent much of the week of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis in Immanuel's civil defense shelter, well below ground. In 1964 he gazed across the inner and outer Berlin Walls while in 1989, his parents were in Berlin as all that came down and brought their son a piece of it.
Brann received his high school diploma from Madison East High School in 1974, his bachelor's degree in history (U.W., Madison) in 1978 and a Master of Divinity (Christ Seminary-Seminex, St. Louis) in 1982. His vicarage (student pastor) was at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Indianapolis. His supervisor was taken by our Lord to Himself the day after Thanksgiving in 1980. Brann led that funeral with 1100 in attendance and with much help, led that 900-member congregation until a new pastor was installed.
Brann was ordained a Lutheran pastor in January 1983 in Port Huron, Michigan, at a parish whose pastor also battled cancer. Thankfully, he got better and Brann then served three years at Gloria Christi Lutheran Church in Dearborn Heights, MI. After that he served a 9-month in Salem, MO before serving a decade as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran in Buffalo, MO. During his time in Buffalo, he and the parish moved from a liberal branch of Lutheranism to the bible based and confessional LC-MS. In Sept. 1997, Pastor Brann began serving the Missouri Synod congregation in El Dorado Springs, MO, before adding Trinity Lutheran, Nevada in April 1999; he served both until he retired at the end of Sept. 2026.
Called by God to serve congregations unable to afford a full-time pastor, Brann worked a variety of outside jobs including home-health, librarian, newspaper reporter and as a para-professional special education teacher.
In Sept. 1989, Johannes was united in holy matrimony to Carol Marie (Boe) Staber; he adopted her youngest child, Joy Joanna Helena (Brann) Jennings. As he liked to say, "My daughter lives up to her name; she's a true joy!"
Brann took delight in proclaiming salvation by faith in Christ Jesus as a parish pastor, researching and writing local history, poetry, reading from his extensive library while enjoying children of all ages. Because at his birth - his mother required three units of blood, his father eventually donated 27 gallons while Johannes donated 14 through the American Red Cross.
Johannes was preceded in death by his great aunts Mildred and Jane H. Cove, parents, ER. and Helen Brann, and wife, Carol. He is survived by his daughter Joy, brother, Paul (Mary) Brann and their four children in Madison.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church 1630 N. Ash St., Nevada, MO, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. led by the Rev. Daniel Huitshusen, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Aurora, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Those who wish may contribute in Johannes's memory to Trinity Lutheran Church.
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Obituary - Michael Danny Goehrig
Michael Danny Goehrig, age 69, passed away on November 3, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1957, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Harry and Kathryn Goehrig. Mike was the youngest boy of six children.
Mike took great pride in his career as an over-the-road truck driver, a profession he began at just 18 years old. For decades, the open road was his workplace and his way of life. He traveled all 48 continental United States, seeing more of the country than most people ever will. Of all the places his travels took him, he always believed Libby, Montana, was the most beautiful city in America. There was still one place on his bucket list, though: Alaska. It was a trip he had always hoped to make.
A hard worker by nature, Mike was someone who would go out of his way to help a friend or even a complete stranger. He had a generous heart, although he wasn't always one to sugarcoat his words. He had a distinctly Northeastern, blunt sense of humor, loved to laugh, and wasn't afraid to tell it like it was.
Mike enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels, listening to Josh Turner and Creedence Clearwater Revival, and, above all, singing the old Catholic hymns he loved so dearly. Those who attended early morning or Saturday evening Mass may remember his unmistakable, deep voice filling the church. His faith was an important part of his life, and his church family held a special place in his heart.
The trucking life meant long stretches away from home and family. It was a sacrifice that came with the career he loved. But retirement brought Mike something precious: time. Time to be present, time to build friendships, and time to enjoy being the father and friend that years on the road had sometimes made difficult. Those years gave him an opportunity to reconnect, share a laugh, and simply enjoy the people around him.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, faith, laughter, and a lifetime of stories from the road. He will be remembered for his unmistakable voice, his straightforward nature, his willingness to lend a hand, and the laughter he brought to those fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his children: Ginger, Cathi, Cory, Crystal, and Olivia; his longtime friend and priest, Fr. Tom Hermes; along with his church family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Kathryn Goehrig, and his son, Matthew Ryan Goehrig.
A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be held at Dickey Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri, on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Michael will be inurned at Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri.
May he finally find rest, with no more miles to travel, no more roads to conquer, and a heavenly choir singing the hymns he loved.
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Obituary - Mary Simpson
Mary Fyock Simpson, formerly of Pleasanton, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026. She was born on October 18, 1947, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd and Virginia Coffman Fyock. She graduated from Pleasanton High School in the Class of 1965 and following graduation she attended cosmetology school at Fort Scott Community College. After working in that profession for a while, she then changed directions and started working in the accounting department at Key Industries in Ft. Scott. She later held positions at several other accounting offices including the local newspaper. Once Mary found her way into the newspaper industry, she worked her way through the various aspects of newspaper operations and management before becoming the editor of the local paper; a job she thoroughly loved. She later retired as editor of the Linn County News. Mary’s belief in God was always strong and while her faith was first, it was followed very closely by loving and caring for her family. She was active in the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church and was involved with the Ladies Auxiliary. Her favorite pastimes were genealogy and spending time with her family, especially hosting family dinners. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, painting, crafting, playing cards and writing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Virginia Fyock, a brother, Charles C. Fyock, and a sister, Eleanore Bowers. Mary is survived by her three beloved children, daughters Alexandria (Danny) Childers and Laurie Masters, and son Joshua (Renea) Marshall; four grandchildren, Zachary, Zoe, Stephen, and Christopher. Other survivors include her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nephews, and her best friend since childhood, Ruth Ann Weaver. Mary will be remembered for her smile, creativity, independent spirit, infectious laugh and her beautiful blue eyes. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she shared so generously with those around her.
Visitation will be held 10 am Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 11 am. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfuneals.com.
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Obituary - Estel Owens Keirsey
Estel Owens Keirsey, 98, of Adrian, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, surrounded by love and family at Baptist Homes of Adrian. There will be a visitation on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO. Interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, MO, will follow the service.
Estel was born to Fred and Grace Keirsey on June 1, 1928, in Ballard, MO. He spent most of his life in the Ballard and Adrian areas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, serving during the Korean War. After finishing his tour, Estel completed a business degree at the University of Missouri, where he met his lifelong love, Donna Jo York. The two married on November 27, 1957, and shared 68 wonderful years. During their happy union, a son, Fred Bruce, and a daughter, Jamie Denise, were born.
In his leisure time, Estel especially enjoyed hunting and spending time in the wilderness alongside his family and friends. This passion fueled a yearly pilgrimage to Wyoming with Donna and other loved ones, where he tagged many deer and antelope. He enjoyed his last hunt at 97 years old last November.
Estel and Donna traveled extensively throughout the fifty states and visited six foreign countries in their time together. For many years they spent the winter months in Texas. They were proud to share their curious and explorative nature with their granddaughters, whom they brought along on near and distant adventures most summers of their upbringing. His compass persistently pointed West, but his appreciation for all manner of landscape and wildlife was boundless.
At home on Keirsey Farms, Estel and Donna successfully bred, raised, and showed registered Arabian horses. One of their biggest successes was Crimson Ginger, Jamie's prized National Champion Mare. Others included an Arabian mare, Odra, who was named Top Five Western Pleasure, and Shah El Shams, a Champion Stallion who won third overall in National Futurity at the National show in Louisville. In addition to being a beloved pastime, Keirsey Farms found some outstanding success in their small breeding operation.
Estel is preceded in death by his son, Fred Bruce, and his parents, Fred and Grace. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Jo; daughter Jamie and her husband, Martin Lockard; granddaughters Haley and Paige; and dear friends Kenny Hooper and family...
He is loved beyond measure. May he rest in peace.
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Bears break four more records
The Bears had a great day at the Missouri Class 2 State Championship meet with three personal records, a new school record, and an All-State finish!
Results from the Friday state meet:
Erica Wilbers- 20th 20:02.0 PR, School Record, All-State
Catherine Cook- 58th 21:18.0 PR
Hayden Dickens- 75th 17:42.5 PR
Courtesy Butler High School
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Adrian students enrolled in dual credit classes receive scholarships
From Adrian R-III:
The Adrian Optimist Club has presented scholarships to the Blackhawks for years. One of the scholarships they offer is the Floyd Buhr College Credits Scholarship. This year, the Optimists awarded this scholarship to eight juniors and seniors enrolled in dual credit classes. Presenting the scholarships on behalf of the Adrian Optimist Club is AHS Teacher Mr. Jake Weeks. Recipients are: Devon Duncan, senior; Aynsley Zerbe, senior; Claire Newkirk, senior; Berkleigh Pierce, junior; Sydney Gach, senior; Emma Holmes, senior; Grace Engeman, junior; and Mya Glass, junior. Congratulations!
Thank you to the Adrian Optimist Club for always supporting the Blackhawks on their educational journeys.
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