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Mary Ruth Thomas Collier

Mary Ruth Thomas Collier, age 95, of Gainesville, entered heaven Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Bell Minor Nursing Home.

Ruth was born September 15, 1928, in Gainesville to the late George & Bertha Gilmer Thomas. She formerly worked at New Holland Mill, Gibson Greetings, and was a member of Glory Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lee Collier; son, Brent Collier; brothers, Rev. Willard Thomas & Rev. Edgar Thomas.

Left to cherish memories, daughter Elaine Campbell; granddaughters Mandy Vander Pol, Tara Williams, Brandy Brewington & Brianna Murray; a number of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.

Services honoring Ruth will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Ward’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Roys officiating. Burial will follow in New Holland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Mary Ruth Thomas Collier.

Jim Jordan gains support as vote nears for U.S. House speaker, but outcome still in doubt

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) leaves his office in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 16, 2023 in Washington, DC. Following the October 4 ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House, Republicans are expected to vote for his successor Tuesday and Jordan is campaigning for the top job. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

(GA Recorder) — U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan swayed several Republican opponents to his side Monday, moving the Ohio Republican closer to the speaker’s gavel ahead of a crucial Tuesday afternoon vote.

Jordan, who has been a polarizing figure in American politics for much of his time in Congress, will need the backing of nearly all the chamber’s 221 GOP lawmakers in order to hold the highest office in Congress, next in the presidential line of succession after the vice president.

The Ohio congressman and his allies seemed confident Monday evening that he would reach that benchmark after pressing members of the House GOP throughout the weekend, though they didn’t know if that would happen ahead of the first vote. Multiple votes could be held to elect a speaker, as happened in January when Kevin McCarthy won after 15 ballots.

Jordan said following a two-hour closed door conference meeting Monday night that the House must elect a speaker, in part, so the chamber can begin moving legislation again.

“I felt good walking into the conference. I feel even better now,” Jordan said. “We’ve got a few more people we want to talk to, listen to and then we’ll have the vote tomorrow.”

But some members complained of the pressure they faced. Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana wouldn’t say Monday night whether she would support Jordan.

“I truly believe we shouldn’t have concluded the conference and (should) deliberate further, not try to push people on the floor before we find consensus,” Spartz said. “I truly believe these intimidation techniques and tyranny are not acceptable.”

Jordan opponents

Several other Republicans said Monday after the meeting they are firmly opposed to Jordan becoming speaker, including Reps. Ken Buck of Colorado and Mario Díaz-Balart of Florida

Buck said he has concerns over Jordan’s votes to overturn the electoral results in Pennsylvania and Arizona following the 2020 presidential election.

“I do think that the 20 Republicans who are in Biden districts have a problem if everybody in leadership is saying that the election was stolen,” Buck said. “I think that’s a problem.”

Díaz-Balart said that he would not vote for Jordan and would instead vote for Louisiana’s Steve Scalise, because Scalise won the first nomination vote last week, and therefore the entire party should have voted for him. Scalise withdrew his nomination one day after winning the nomination.

Díaz-Balart also expressed frustration over pressure from his party to vote for Jordan.

“A little bit of advice if anybody is trying to get my vote,” Díaz-Balart said. “The last thing you want to do is try to pressure me because then I close out entirely.”

Greene defends Jordan

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Rome, Georgia, said she was not concerned about Republicans in districts that Biden won in the 2020 presidential election. She argued that Republican voters support Jordan.

“They couldn’t have won those seats without Republican voters,” she said. “They may be Biden districts, but they aren’t all Biden voters that voted for these Republican members of Congress and so they’re Republican voters; their opinions matter too, even if it’s a Biden district.”

Electing Jordan, a founder of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, would mark a significant turnaround from Friday when more than 50 House Republicans said during a secret ballot they wouldn’t vote for him on the floor.

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, however, estimated Monday evening that Jordan’s support deficit had shrunk to about eight.

When asked whether he was confident Jordan would reach the approximately 217 votes needed to win, Burchett said “I’m just confident I’m standing here.”

“It’s looking better of course,” Burchett added.

But Rep. Don Bacon said he wouldn’t support Jordan.

“I respect people with different opinions on this. We need a speaker, we got a world on fire. But I didn’t put us in this, a small group who took out Kevin (McCarthy) and blocked Steve (Scalise) got us in this spot,” the Nebraska Republican said.

Florida’s Rep. John Rutherford told reporters “nothing’s changed” for him and that he only wants to see McCarthy in the speaker’s role.

Jordan acknowledges frustrations

After a weekend of vote wrangling, Jordan urged support for his bid in a “Dear Colleague” letter released Monday where he acknowledged the “frustrations about the treatment of Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise and the events of the past month.”

“The role of a Speaker is to bring all Republicans together. That’s what I intend to do.” Jordan wrote.

“Our goal will be to empower our committees and committee chairs to take the lead on the House’s legislative work through regular order,” Jordan wrote. “This will bring us together to pass responsible legislation to fund our government and support our military.”

Jordan also said he would “tirelessly work to defend and expand our majority and help every Republican member back at home.”

House Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican, said Monday night that Jordan becoming speaker more than nine months into this Congress means he’ll inherit issues that were created earlier this year.

“There are going to be some legitimate questions about the plan.” Perry said. “But I think you’ve got to give him some time to try and be successful. I think that’s appropriate for anybody.”

Jordan picked behind closed doors

House Republicans voted Friday to nominate Jordan for speaker following a tumultuous week that highlighted several of the challenges facing the razor-thin House majority.

Louisiana’s Scalise was nominated for speaker first, but bowed out after just one day as the nominee. Jordan said after losing the first nomination vote that he would back Scalise, though several of his allies refused to support Scalise and a floor vote was never held.

House Republicans on the second ballot voted for Jordan as their nominee over Georgia Rep. Austin Scott, who announced his candidacy shortly before the vote.

After Jordan won the nomination, Republicans held a secret ballot vote to gauge how much support Jordan would receive on the floor. More than 50 Republican lawmakers were opposed to him taking on that role.

New support

By Monday, House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers and Missouri Rep. Ann Wagner, both of whom were opposed to Jordan becoming speaker last week, came around to supporting his bid for the gavel.

Rogers, of Alabama, wrote on X that he and Jordan “agreed on the need for Congress to pass a strong NDAA, appropriations to fund our government’s vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill.”

Wagner said in a written statement that Jordan had allayed her “concerns about keeping the government open with conservative funding, the need for strong border security, our need for consistent international support in times of war and unrest, as well as the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation.”

Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez did not move to support Jordan, saying he planned to vote for McCarthy on the floor.

“I will not partake in this despicable coup,” Gimenez wrote on X. “Speaker McCarthy should have never been removed to begin with.”

Ashley Murray of States Newsroom contributed to this report

Body found in Hall County, investigation underway

FILE PHOTO (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) are working to identify a man found dead over the weekend in a wooded area on Aviation Boulevard.

The body was discovered just before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 14, in a wooded area between the parking lot of the Department of Driver Services (DDS) and Queen City Parkway. A customer made the discovery while walking on the property and alerted DDS employees, who called 911.

The body, believed to be that of an adult white male, was in an advanced state of decomposition, a press release from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office says.

The body was transported to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy to determine his cause of death.

Escapees on run from Central Georgia jail; sheriff cautions public

Four men escaped from Bibb County Jail on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Clockwise from top left: Johnifer Barnwell, Joey Fournier, Kerry Anderson and Demaryo Stokes. (Bibb County Sheriff's Office)

Law enforcement officers in Central Georgia are searching for four men who escaped from Bibb County Jail in the early hours of Monday morning.

According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s office, the men, including one accused murderer, slipped through a broken window in a dayroom and a cut in a perimeter fence before fleeing in a blue Dodge Charger which had apparently been waiting for them at 3 a.m.

When the public was notified a little after 11 a.m., all the schools in Bibb County were placed on a precautionary lockdown, though school officials said they saw no real danger to students.

The escapees are 52-year-old Joey Fournier, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 140 pounds, held on a charge of murder;  24-year-old Marc Kerry Anderson, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 165 pounds, held for aggravated assault; 37-year-old Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 190 pounds, detained for the United States Marshalls; and 29-year-old Chavis Demaryo Stokes, 5 feet, 7 inches inches tall and 160 pounds, detained for possession of a firearm and drug trafficking.

All are being sought by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office along with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Marshalls Office.

This article comes to Now Habersham through a news partnership with GPB News

Two injured in weekend wrecks in Habersham

File photo (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Two people were sent to the hospital with suspected serious injuries following separate weekend wrecks in Habersham County.

The first wreck happened on Friday, October 13, on GA 365 at GA 105.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, Candace Krefft, 72, of Clarkesville, was driving a Mazda CX3 north on GA 365 in the left lane negotiating a curve. The car ran off the left side of the highway. State troopers say Krefft overcorrected, causing the vehicle to travel off the right side of the road while rotating clockwise.

The Mazda struck a ditch with its front right side, traveled a distance, and then struck a second ditch.

Habersham EMS transported Krefft to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for treatment of suspected serious injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Sharon Krefft, 75, also of Clarkesville, was uninjured.

The investigating trooper issued the driver a warning for failure to maintain her lane.

Motorcycle wreck on Oakey Mountain Road

A crash Saturday morning, October 14, landed an Alpharetta biker in the hospital.

Around 11:27 a.m., William Bachman Soule, 62, was driving a Kawasaki ZR750 north on Oakey Mountain Road. The state patrol accident report says he drove too fast around a curve and ran off the road. The motorcycle traveled into the grass. Soule lost control and then laid down the motorcycle.

An ambulance took Soule to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville with suspected serious injuries. The investigating trooper issued him a warning for driving too fast for conditions.

Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa investigated both accidents.

Georgia reinstates Medicaid for thousands kicked off by mistake

Georgia public health agencies are currently undertaking Medicaid redeterminations for just shy of 3 million people and have until next year to complete them. (Sofi Gratas/GPB News)

Georgia is one of 30 states that was flagged by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services late last month for its improper handling of automatic renewals, as the state continues to reevaluate eligibility under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

During Medicaid unwinding, automatic renewals, also known as ex parte renewals, are supposed to make it easier for eligible people to keep their Medicaid by allowing agencies to use existing income and demographic information to determine people’s eligibility.

It’s one of several waivers states can apply to their unwinding plan. Read more about Georgia’s adopted waivers here.

But by mid-September, an error in this process removed Medicaid coverage from almost 18,000 adults and kids in Georgia, according to the Department of Community Health. They’ve since had that coverage reinstated, DCH said, with assistance from CMS.

Other states saw as many as 100,000 people affected by noncompliance with guidelines for automatic renewals.

Here’s what happened

States are supposed to assess people’s Medicaid and CHIP eligibility at an individual level. By doing so, public health agencies can ensure that only those no longer eligible for the health insurance programs have their coverage rescinded.

Instead, the 30 states flagged by CMS have or had been conducting renewals at a household level. That resulted in some family members losing coverage even if they could have maintained it through automatic renewals, simply because others didn’t turn in the right information.

“It is something that we’re very concerned about, because ex parte renewals are the best way to help families renew their coverage, it’s the least burdensome route for families,” said Brittney Newton, senior policy analyst for Voices for Georgia’s Children.

Georgia’s U.S. senators and other congressional members expressed their concerns about the issue too, in a letter sent to Secretary Xaviar Becerra of the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

Ongoing challenges

Nationally and in Georgia, far more people have been renewed through the ex parte process rather than by turning in renewal forms.

Still, since early on, the unwinding process has proved confusing for many people.

Newton said it still is. Many families she’s heard from aren’t aware they’ve lost coverage until they need it.

“Sometimes they’ll go to refill a prescription or go to the doctor, and then that’s when they find out that they no longer have coverage,” Newton said.

Those who do lose coverage but are still eligible have 90 days to reach out to the state. Georgia also has an appeals process for people who feel they’ve been wrongly denied coverage.

Since the start of Medicaid unwinding in Georgia, almost three times as many people have lost their health insurance coverage in Georgia because of procedural reasons rather than changes in eligibility.

“The issue is just the volume,” said Sheryl-Anne Murray, vice president of Market Operations for CareSource, one of three primary Medicaid providers in Georgia.

But while the volume of people going through redetermination is one thing — just shy of 3 million people in Georgia are expected to go through redeterminations — barriers to reaching those in rural areas or those without stable housing is another, Murray said.

“We’re pushing, pushing, pushing the information out there, text messages, phone calls, emails, advertisements,” Murray said. “We’re pushing to make sure members are aware of this and they need to act.”

This article comes to Now Habersham through a news partnership with GPB News

Thomas “Daulton” McLendon

Thomas “Daulton” McLendon, age 24, of Demorest, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Born on October 6, 1999, in Atlanta, he was a son of Jim and Carrie Bateman McLendon of Demorest. Daulton graduated from Habersham Central High School in 2018, then went on to attend the University of North Georgia before working in the family business. He enjoyed nature, including hiking and canoeing. His love of nature led Daulton to document his experiences through photography. Daulton was a soccer fan who played on school and travel teams. Daulton shared his love of the sport by assisting coaching younger players in the community. Daulton was an avid sports fan and could often be found cheering on the Baltimore Ravens, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Leverkusen Soccer Club. Those who knew him felt Daulton’s beautiful, giving, loyal, honest, and compassionate soul. He was loved and treasured by his friends and large family. Daulton had a quick wit and great humor that would put a smile on your face. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Frederick Leo Bateman; uncle, Frederick Leo “Rick” Bateman, Jr.; and aunt, Tonya René Carroll.

In addition to his loving parents, he is survived by his brother, James “Garrett” McLendon of Dahlonega; maternal grandmother, Peggy Boutwell Carroll of Hampton, Florida; maternal grandfather, Francis Levon Carroll of Hampton; paternal grandmother, Barbara Gwen McLendon of Fairburn; paternal grandfather, Thomas O. McLendon of Summer Haven, Florida; maternal step-grandmother, Mary Lynn Bateman; uncles: Lynwood Stephens Bateman (Corrie) of Whitehall, Montana, Nathan Todd Bateman (Sonya) of St. Mark, Florida, and Bert Crosson (Haley) of Tifton; aunts, Tracey McLendon (Selena) of Palmetto and Holly McLendon of Fairburn; cousins: Callie, Madison, Woody, Jonathan, Nathan, Connor, Erik, Erica, Ivy, Logan, and Cubbie; godmother, Glenda Thornton; and a host of other relatives and close friends.

A private ceremony will be held. A celebration of life will be held in November.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Habersham County Animal Shelter, 4231 B Toccoa Highway, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523, or a charity close to your heart.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Kinsey Crawford

Margaret Kinsey Crawford, age 73, of Gainesville, entered rest Sunday, October 15, 2023, at her residence with her loving husband, Teddy, by her side.

Margaret was born November 5, 1949, in Etowah, Tennessee. She retired from Schreiber Foods and then became a homemaker. She & Teddy attended Free Chapel Worship Center.

You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Margaret Kinsey Crawford.

Repairs to lap pool filtration progressing

Safety concerns sparked by cloudy water forced Habersham County to close the lap pool at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. (Rob Moore/Habersham County)

There is good news for swimmers in Habersham County. The lap pool inside the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center could be reopening soon.

Repairs got underway Friday, with five of the eight valves replaced.

A few of the valves that were ordered will not work, so they had to get a rush order on parts that will work, and those are scheduled to arrive today (Monday).

“We’re hopeful to be back in business late this week or early the week of the 23rd,” said Habersham County Parks and Recreation Director Brooke Whitmire.

Once all repairs are made, the Habersham County Environmental Health staff will inspect the pool to ensure the water quality has been maintained.

The problem first surfaced in September when the lap pool water became cloudy. Since then, Recreation Department officials say the water quality has been maintained, but the lack of visibility made it unsafe for people to swim since lifeguards could not see all areas of the pool.

Whitmire noted that not everything will immediately return to normal the minute the pool opens.

“Swimmers should expect water temperatures to be colder than normal as it will take a few days for the heater to warm the water back up,” she said.

Nature’s canvas

Vibrant fall colors are beginning to paint our local landscape. The next two weeks should bring some of the brightest colors we’ve seen this fall across North Georgia.

Leaf watching – or as many refer to it, leaf peeping – is a favorite pastime in the region. As we look ahead to peak coloration during these last two weeks of October, it seemed like a good time to take a look back at last year’s fall foliage.

The images in this video were captured along routes in Helen, Clarkesville, Clayton, and Highway 76 in Rabun County.

Meet Brontosaurs, your future paw-some pup-o-saur!

Hi, I'm Brontosaurs - Bronto for short. I'm good with other dogs and children and walk well on a leash. I'm eager to bring Jurassic-sized love and fun into your home!

Meet Brontosaurs, an 8-month-old “paw-some-saurus” who’s ready to stomp her way into your heart and make your dino dreams come true! Bronte, or Bronto for short, started her journey as a feral pup. But thanks to some “paw-sitively” dedicated volunteers and staff, she’s now a remarkably sweet and gentle companion.

I know, I know. I’m cute!

This petite dog weighs under 30 pounds and loves hanging out with other dogs. Bronto’s outdoor antics will have you “dino-sore” with laughter. Whether she’s chasing her tail like a T-Rex in pursuit of prey or engaging in playful “ruff-and-tumble” games with her doggy friends, her energy is infectious.

Bronte’s infectiously lovable attitude extends to her interactions with kids, where she exhibits her gentle nature. She’s a remarkable leash walker, and her patience and well-behaved demeanor on walks will have you and your family enjoying outdoor adventures with ease. As a bonus, she’s also incredibly cute, making her an instant hit with the kids and a perfect addition to any family.

Bronto at play with her shelter pals. (HCACC)

So, if you’re ready to embark on a “dino-mite” adventure filled with endless tail wags and snuggles, come meet Bronto at the shelter. Adopting Bronte will surely add a positive touch to your life, turning every day into a “roar”-ring good time!

Click image to schedule a time to meet me!

Raiders fall big to Gainesville in rain-soaked clash

A smattering of Raider faithful remained after halftime to see the end of a rainy game between Habersham Central and Gainesville on Friday, Oct. 14, 2023 in Mt. Airy. (Zack Myers/NowHabersham.com)

The buzzsaw that is the Gainesville Red Elephants football team rolled through Mt. Airy Friday night and walked away with a 49-7 victory over Habersham Central High School in a dreary rain-soaked affair.

The Raiders (3-4, 1-2 Region 8-AAAAAA) fell behind quickly and were never really able to gain level footing in the contest.

Gainesville (7-0, 3-0 8-AAAAAA), which is ranked No. 2 in the state in Class AAAAAA by MaxPreps, won the toss and took the ball on the opening kick.

The first offensive play for the Red Elephants was a 50-yard run for senior running back Gavin Hall.

On the Raiders ensuing drive, they fumbled the ball on the second play and junior linebacker Carmelo Byrd scooped the ball and scored.

Gainesville forced a punt on the next drive for Habersham Central, blocking it and recovering the ball on the 11-yard line.

From there, on the first play, senior quarterback Baxter Wright (8-of-11, 144 yards, 3 TD) found Sky Niblett.

That touchdown pass gave the Red Elephants a 21-0 lead less than three minutes into the contest.

“You’ve got to make them earn everything,” Habersham Central Head Coach Benji Harrison said. “We let them bust a play right off the bat. Then we turned it over right off the bat, then we had two blocked punts right off the bat. You’re not going to do that and win against anybody, much less a team like them.”

That second blocked punt came six minutes later and set up a one-play, 33-yard touchdown pass caught by senior Eric Hart.

Gainesville went up 42-0 following two scores – an 11-yard pass to Travien Watson and a 21-yard run by Hall – in the second quarter and held that lead at halftime.

Harrison said his message at the break was to “forget the scoreboard” and work on things that can help them prepare for the remainder of the season.

“We did everything as bad as we could possibly do it in the first half against a good football team,” Harrison said. “Forget the scoreboard, don’t look at the scoreboard. Everything we didn’t do well, let’s try to improve on it in the second half and build momentum because there’s things we’re going to do in the second half of this game we’re going to do next week and the following week, so let’s work on us and try to solidify some of the things we messed up in the first half and fix them for the second half.”

With a running clock in the second half, running back Donnie Warren (16 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD) took a tough run to the end zone, capping off a 10-play, 86-yard drive for the Raiders.

The final score of the contest came on a 46-yard run by Gainesville’s Zion Buffington.

“We knew we’d dug ourselves probably too big of a hole in that first half, but let’s just go and do things the right way, handle ourselves the right way and do what you know how to do regardless of who’s lined up across from you,” Harrison said of the mentality for the second half. “We knew it was a tough battle from the get-go, but you can’t start the way we did and now you’ve got to learn from that because next week is a big one against a team we feel like we match up with well.”

Next week, Habersham Central returns to the friendly confines of Raider Stadium to face the Raiders of North Forsyth.

Harrison said the coaching staff has seen North Forsyth and credits their built-up confidence in making them a tough team.

“The thing they’ve got is they’ve graduated some guys, but the thing they do is they’ve created a little tradition of winning,” Harrison said. “When you do that, even when you graduate guys, you still feel confident when you go into a game. That’s what I see from them.”

The game will be senior night, but Harrison said that should be a little extra motivation from the senior leadership on the team.

“Senior night, it’s not a distraction. If anything, I think it motivates those seniors to realize it could be their last time playing on this field,” he said. “I think that’ll motivate them, but the motivation will be that it’s another opportunity that means a lot and we’ll be ready to play.”

The Raiders have three games remaining on the schedule, including North Forsyth. Those contests, in Harrison’s opinion, are “huge” to getting into the playoffs and determining any kind of seeding for the playoff bracket.

Still, he’s taking the schedule one game at a time.

The head coach said his team will have to prepare well this next week and “flush” this loss to Gainesville and move on.

“We’ve got to put this one behind us, which I think we will,” Harrison said. “We’ve got to go play a really good four quarters of football against a team that, if we don’t, it won’t be good.

“I like our team. I like how we’ve been playing,” he continued. “I don’t like how we played tonight, but I feel like we’ll bounce back quick and go have a good showing next week.”