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Athlete of the Year breaks a record

By The Tacoma Weekly

The Pierce-Tacoma Athletic Commission has been around for 83 years, but it broke a record on March 13 with the biggest turnout ever for its 2025 Winter Athlete of the Year luncheon. Students came literally by the busload with their families, friends, coaches and school athletic directors right behind them such that more tables and chairs had to be brought in and set up to accommodate everyone.

It was a proud moment for the TAC membership that puts so much attention and care into the event months before it happens.

“It was outstanding. It was the largest crowd we’ve ever had, and we had the greatest number of individual champions in the history of our organization,” said TAC’s Athlete of the Year Committee Chair Willie Stewart, a highly respected educator and education advocate, past principal at Lincoln High School, and namesake of the Willie Stewart Academy.

“It is a delight for me to serve as chair of the Athlete of the Year committee. I do not do this job alone. I have a tremendous committee and they’re all around the room. We do this three times a year: in December for fall sports, in March for winter sports, and in June for spring sports and to present TAL scholarships.”

Estimates stand at more than 560 people that filled the McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College. They came from throughout Pierce County representing 31 high schools. According to the event program, there were 132 Athlete of the Year nominees, 31 individual state champions and six team state champions. Student athletes showed up in force to celebrate their own, and each other’s, achievements in 10

sports categories: competitive cheer, competitive dance/drill, gymnastics, girls wrestling, boys wrestling, boys swim and dive, girls bowling, girls flag football, girls basketball, and boys basketball.

The atmosphere was like that of a pep rally at times, as everyone was having a great time rooting for their home teams and the individual athletes that bring so much pride to their family, school and community. The positive energy was irresistible as it swept through the conference center reflecting why everyone was there and how important it is to recognize the achievements of these young men and women.

Cold case in boy’s death solved

By The Tacoma Weekly

A case of a Bonney Lake boy missing since 1996 has finally come to a conclusion after nearly 30 years.

This month, investigators received a postmortem examination report from the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office for Jeffrey Klungness. It found that a skull fragment recovered in 2017 and a fibula bone found in the same area in 2020 were positively identified as those of Jeffrey.

The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries of the head, and the manner of death was listed as homicide. The prosecutor’s office stated that adult male suspect Martin Malcolm would be charged. While awaiting the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to finish reviewing the investigation and issue a warrant for Malcolm’s arrest, investigators learned that he had died in the Thurston County area at the age of 67 from natural causes in August 2022. There are still parts of the investigation being finalized. However, in light of the facts and evidence of the case as well as the suspect being deceased and unable to be formally charged or continue with court proceedings, the case as a whole is considered resolved and closed.

In 1980, Malcolm had been charged and convicted of stabbing and killing his wife, who was the mother to his child. He assaulted two of the wife’s friends by stabbing them during the same incident. Malcolm served 12 years prison time and was released in 1992.

The Klungness family were introduced to Malcolm through their church as a handyman. Malcolm was known to assist around the Klungness household as well as hang around the house, eating meals, playing board games with Jeffrey, and taking Jeffrey to school. It was reported that his mother, Susan Klungness, often felt Malcolm was overstaying his welcome at the house and, in addition, she was becoming less comfortable with his relationship with Jeffrey.

TAC’s Athlete of the Year Committee Chair Willie Stewart praised his fellow committee members.

COURTESY

Jeffrey Klungness went missing in 1996 and the case was finally concluded this month.

The White River High School boys wrestling team was among state champions recognized and honored at the event.

COURTESY

Alcohol Anonymous meetings offered

Alcoholics Anonymous is available for people who have a problem with alcohol. Meetings begin at noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the American Legion Hall/ Lions Club, 123 Rainier Ave. N.

Community council

Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center at Benston Hall has a new class called Flex & Flow on Wednesdays from 10:30-11 a.m. Also, Taichi is from 2-3 p.m. Both are free for members and $4 for non-members.

Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center is starting a new art class from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Benston Hall. Gather to pain and draw. Cost is $10. Bring your own supplies to reduce the fee. Contact Malogorzata Hajler at studio@mhajler.com for more information.

Alanon help

Alanon is available to help people struggling with a loved one’s drinking. Call 425-8300314.

Learn about Friends Of Eatonville Library

The Friends of the Eatonville Library operates as a fundraising group to assist the Eatonville community. Primarily, it does so by accepting books and other donations and conducting book sales during the year. All of the funds are used to supplement the various library programs that enrich the local community.

To learn more about the group, contact Mike Eaton at 253-310–7709 or reach him in person at the library any Friday. There is no obligation. Application forms to join the organization are available at the library.

Also, The Friends of the Eatonville Library Group is currently operating with only two members — in contrast to 10-13 members in the pre-Covid era. The group seeks members and volunteers. Contact Mike Eaton.

Savvy Senior: Are

at risk for kidney disease?

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the risk factors for kidney disease? My mother died from kidney failure a few years ago at age 75 but didn’t even know she had a problem until it was too late. Inquiring Daughter

Dear Inquiring, Anyone who has diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems or has a family history of the disease is at increased risk for chronic kidney disease, a condition in which the kidneys can no longer effectively filter your blood.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around 37 million U.S adults have chronic kidney disease, and millions more are at risk of developing it, yet most people don’t realize it.

That’s because kidney disease develops very slowly over many years before any symptoms arise. But left untreated, the disease can eventually require people to spend hours hooked up to a dialysis machine or get a kidney transplant. Even mild kidney problems can double a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as cause anemia and bone disease.

The reason kidney disease has become so widespread today is because of the rise of obesity, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure which all strain the kidneys.

Another factor is the increasing number of people who take multiple medications, which can overtax the organs. People over age 60 are especially vulnerable both because they tend to take more drugs, and because kidney function normally declines

somewhat with age.

GET SCREENED

Because kidney disease is often symptomless, it’s usually undiagnosed. The only way to catch it before it advances is to have a routine blood and urine test by your doctor. So, anyone that has diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or is age 60 or older needs to be tested annually.

If your lab tests show a decline in kidney function for more than three months in a row, you might be diagnosed with kidney disease and referred to a nephrologist. You also need to know that while kidney damage cannot be reversed, there are a number of effective lifestyle steps and treatments that can help contain the damage, including: Control your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, get it under 130/80. If you need medication to do it, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are good choices because of their proven ability to protect the kidneys. Control your diabetes: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. Diabetes medications called SGLT-2 inhibitors have also shown to be effective in helping slow the progression of kidney disease, even in non-diabetic patients.

Adjust your diet: This usually means reducing the amount of protein and phosphorus you eat and cutting back on sodium, sugar and possibly potassium. Your doctor can help you determine an appropriate eating plan, or you may want to talk to a dietitian.

Watch your meds: Dozens of commonly SENIOR, A3

By TJ Martinell

Attitudes mixed about proposed fixes to WA’s Clean Fuel Standard Track and field upgrade on track

Recently, the Washington State Legislature enacted a Clean Fuel Standard program, which directs fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity in their products such as gasoline and diesel. Now, the original bill sponsor for that program wants to modify it in a way that supporters believe will improve implementation.

However, some opposed to Second Substitute House Bill 1409 say it’s a sign the program itself is fundamentally flawed and should be scrapped.

“It's only in the second year of implementation, and yet, even supporters admit that it has already deeply flawed,” Washington Policy Center Vice President of Research Todd Myers said during a Wednesday morning Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee public hearing. “The Clean Fuel Standard should not be fixed, it should be eliminated.”

The Clean Fuel Standard law requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels so that they are 20% below 2017 levels by 2034. Several pathways towards complying with the law are providing or blending biofuels into their own fuel, or purchasing credits generated by fuel providers whose product is below the thresholds, which can include entities that own and operate electric vehicle charging stations.

The program is the result of repeated legislative efforts to get a low carbon fuel standard imposed, with backers finally achieving success in 2021.

SSHB 1409’s sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Seattle, told the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee that “this program would benefit from a more tailored enforcement structure rather than relying on the existing Clean Air Act enforcement structure, which includes

criminal penalties. I don't think we ever want to have criminal penalties be applied for the enforcement of this program.”

Aside from removing criminal penalties, the bill requires that carbon intensity in transportation fuels be reduced by 45% below 2017 levels by Jan. 1, 2038. It also requires the state Department of Ecology to publish an analysis and forecast of the program’s credit market.

Speaking in favor of the bill was Logan Bahr with Tacoma Public Utilities.

He told the committee that “Washington is on a bold path to decarbonize its transportation sector and a well-functioning clean fuels program is essential to ensuring the reliable investments needed to realize this transformation.”

He added that the bill “accomplishes this by stabilizing credit prices and giving utilities like ours the certainty to move forward with critical projects.”

While concerns were raised about the impact of the bill on gas prices, Leah Missik with Climate Solutions said, “I actually think this will help put some downward pressure on prices overall. it spurs these reinvestments in opening access to cleaner fuels that actually cost people less over the long run in a way that doesn't draw on the state budget. And it helps with compliance.”

However, Jeff pack Washington with Citizens Against Unfair Taxes spoke against the bill, saying that as a farmer and contractor "I used to pay $2 a gallon for farm diesel. Now I pay $4.29. We voted this stuff down and yet you folks did it anyways.”

He added that he’s having “injectors regularly … replaced because of the lower quality of the fuel.”

SSHB 1409 originally passed in the House on March 10 54-41 vote. It is not currently scheduled for any further committee action.

By Eatonville School District

The Eatonville School District is excited to announce that we are on track to replace and upgrade the Eatonville High School track and field — an important and long-overdue improvement made possible by our voters who approved the capital

projects levy last February. Your support is turning plans into reality. Promises made, promises kept! But that’s not all! The replacement of our stadium is also long overdue. While a new stadium was not included in the levy measure, thanks to the dedication of many who worked tirelessly to write and

secure grants, along with generous donations, we are getting close to securing the funds needed to make it happen. This project — funded entirely through grants and donations — will save Eatonville taxpayers nearly $2 million while addressing safety concerns and ensuring ADA accessibility.

County proclaims Women’s History Month

By The Tacoma Weekly

Just before the month of March commenced, the Pierce County Council and Executive proclaimed March 2025 Women’s History Month in Pierce County. The theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” to recognize the collective efforts of women in shaping a more just and equitable society.

For the first time in history, the Pierce County Council is composed of a majority of women, marking a significant milestone in local governance and reflecting the growing leadership and representation of women in public service.

Council member Paul Herrera expressed it best to those who came to accept the proclamation: “You might be the hero to someone who’s not even born yet.”

The proclamation reads in part: “Throughout history, women have played a vital role in shaping the culture, economy, and governance of the United States, leaving a legacy of leadership, resilience, and innovation. The contributions of women in Washington State and Pierce County

have advanced education, civil rights, public service, healthcare, business, and countless other fields, enriching the lives of generations to come.

“Women educators and mentors across Pierce County have dedicated themselves to inspiring and empowering young minds, ensuring that knowledge and opportunity are passed on to future generations. The achievements of women entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and activists in our region demonstrate the transformative power of leadership and collaboration, strengthening our communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women in healthcare, education, and essential industries bore extraordinary burdens, ensuring the well-being of communities while balancing unprecedented challenges in their personal and professional lives.

“Equal Pay Day 2025 is on March 25 and marks the current state of the gender pay gap for women: 83 percent for full-time, year-round workers and 75 percent for all workers, including part-time and seasonal work. Despite years of progress in women’s rights and representation of women on corporate boards,

herbal products you take to identify potential problems and find alternatives.

used drugs can damage the kidneys, especially when taken in high doses over long periods – most notably NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications taken for heartburn and GERDS, and herbal supplements can also be problematic. Talk to your doctor about all the prescription, over the counter and

Exercise and lose weight: If you’re overweight and inactive, start an aerobic fitness routine (walk, swim, cycle, etc.) that gets your heart pumping. This will help lower blood pressure, control diabetes and help you lose excess weight all of which will help your kidneys.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can affect kidney function, so try to drink

executive and managerial positions, and employment in publicly traded companies, recognizing Women’s History Month and Equal Pay Day has become increasingly important in recent years as global events and public policy in the U.S. and around the world have impacted a women’s access to healthcare, job opportunities, and education.”

Kim Anderson, executive vice president for the Gig Harbor Women’s Co-op, was among the women’s groups there to receive the proclamation. The co-op just obtained its 501c3 last year as a community service non-profit organization with its mission to empower and unite communities of women through the exchange of skills, services and time.

“As women, we are conditioned from a very young age to be everything to everyone – supermom, supportive partners, productive workers, great homemakers, etc,” she told the council. “The glossy images we see of having it all can really make us forget that the real connections are not found in perfection but in our human authenticity. The reality is we need each other. Nobody can do it all by themselves.”

at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Quit smoking: If you smoke, quit. Smoking damages the kidneys and doubles the rate of progression to end-stage renal failure.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The Center Square

COURTESY SKIP SMITH

ADOBESTOCK

WA's latest budget outlook shows $845M decline in projected revenue through 2029

By Brett Davis The Center Square

The good news: Washington state is expecting a $54 million increase in anticipated revenue for the remainder of the current 20232025 budget cycle.

The bad news: Revenue for the 2025-2027 and 2027-2029 budget cycles are down $479 million and $420 million, respectively, from the previous forecast in November.

That translates into a total projected revenue drop of $845 million, or 0.6%, over the state’s four-year budget outlook.

“We expect that we’ll probably be running lower balances going forward now, given the tough budget situation that we’re in, so it’s really a story about the balances; we expect the balance of funds to be lower,” Dave Reich, executive director of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, told the group at its Tuesday meeting.

Lawmakers will use Tuesday’s

SPORTS

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forecast to help craft an operating budget for the upcoming 20252027 biennium, a potentially daunting task given a projected four-year budget shortfall.

Majority party Democrats have largely settled on a $12 billion figure during the current session.

Longtime TAC member, now at 45 years, and two-time past president Sandy Snider coemceed the luncheon with Jay Stricherz. He is also a past president and an official TAC member ever since he retired from teaching in the public school system in 2002. This was Snider’s first time to emcee a TAC Athlete of the Year event, bringing

Republicans say numbers from nonpartisan staff indicate the shortfall is expected to be $6.7 billion over the next four years.

Lawmakers responded to the ERFC report shortly after the meeting.

“Today’s revenue forecast shows

spark and ad-libbed humor that everyone enjoyed.

“I just love hearing about these kids and what they’ve done. It blows my mind. Not only do they do things on the court, gridiron or wherever they’re doing their sport, academically they’re just amazing,” she said.

“You hear a lot about the non-profit work they’re doing in communities and giving back and it’s a wonderful thing we’ve got in our backyard.”

a modest decline in projected revenue, which is what we expected,”

Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson, D-Everett, said in a news release. “While it doesn’t change the broader fiscal challenges we face, it reinforces the need for a balanced and sustainable approach as we finalize the 2025-27 operating budget.

“Throughout this process, we have been focused on making thoughtful, strategic decisions that protect essential services and put the state on a stronger financial footing. The proposal we release next week will reflect that commitment, ensuring stability now and in the years ahead.”

According to a budget leader for Senate Republicans, the state needs to limit spending and avoid new taxes.

“Even with today’s forecast, the state expects to have $4.5 billion more over the next two years, so the sky is not falling,” said Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, in a

This was indeed a highlight of the day –hearing the students speak from the stage. They were humble and gracious. They expressed deep gratitude to their parents. They said how proud they were to be part of their team, that they were not alone in their accomplishments, and how they couldn’t have done it without the support of their teammates and coaches. While kids today can get a bad rap to the point of leaving grown-ups worried about the future, these young people had a way of dispelling any trepidation one might have that the world is going downhill.

“It makes you think there is hope for our future,” Snider said. “My grandkids are going to have these people in their lives and have people to look up to and aspire to be like.”

Strichertz wholeheartedly agreed.

“We look at these student athletes as being solid, school-based citizens doing the right things. When we look up to kids like that, it is for the betterment of their school community, our cities and our communities as they grow up and grow older.”

This year included students that are in unified and adaptive athletics, those who either have a physical disability or are somewhere along the autism spectrum.

After every student in each sport was led to the stage to give their name, school and grade level, and their biggest thrill or most memorable sports moment this winter, the champions were announced as follows: Competitive Cheer: Zoey Martinson, Sumner, and Hannah Graves, Stadium; Competitive Dance/Drill: Sienna Berrett, Bonney Lake; Girls Flag Football: Hokulani Mose, Curtis; Bowling: Tamia Yeager, Spanaway Lake, and Molly Malone, Stadium; Gymnastics: Rylee Evans, Puyallup; Boys Swimming: Seth Balderson, Silas (Adaptive), and Aiden Hammer, Gig Harbor; Girls Wrestling: Lilyana Lamothe, White River, and Mira Sonnen, Peninsula; Boys Wrestling: Alan Salguero, Jr., Orting, and Matthew King, Sumner; Girls Basketball: Kyla Frazier, Bellarmine, Bailey Andersen, Eatonville, Maggee Schmitz, White River, and Olivia Collins, Jr., Sumner; Boys Basketball: Jeremiah Harshman, Annie Wright, Javon Barbeem, Franklin Pierce, Drew Jones, Puyallup, and Tim Waffle, Lincoln (Unified).

Team State Champions: Emerald Ridge High School 4A Competitive Cheer; Orting High School 2A Boys Wrestling; White River High School 3A Boys Wrestling; and

news release. “Still, our chief economist repeatedly cautioned us to expect slow revenue growth. Legislative budget writers should take heed and show restraint going forward, especially with the uncertainty about actions at the federal level that could affect our situation.”

He went on to say, “The smart approach is to avoid new and higher taxes, limit new spending to core priorities like K-12 and public safety, preserve social services, and protect the rainy-day fund. Our $ave Washington budget does all of that.”

Earlier this month, Senate Republicans unveiled a budget proposal they say closes the budget shortfall without raising taxes or dipping into the state’s rainy-day fund.

The $75.6 billion plan includes a 5% spending hike for things like increased K-12 funding, 1,800 new higher-education positions and public safety enhancements.

Annie Wright 1A Boys Basketball. In addition, 35 individual state champions were named as well.

At the opening of the luncheon, Curtis High School Athletic Director Suzanne Vick took the podium to speak about issues facing high school sports locally and nationally – the need for sportsmanship and the lack of officials willing to participate in some high school sports.

“What we’re finding is that it just keeps getting tougher and tougher. If you watch the news, officials are getting attacked and the officials crisis is real,” she said. “I want you to know that you are the best of the best athletes and best of the best parents. You can make a difference. You can make the change from what we’re seeing globally to our community.”

She said the goal is to get to the place where nobody gets ejected – not fans, not coaches, not players.

“But we do need your help because you have seen crazy. I know you have. You see it in the stands, you see it in some athletes, but if you can do anything to help us, we would really appreciate it because at some point, if we don’t get hold of it, we’re not going to have officials or coaches which means we’re just going to be in recess. It’s going to be gone. We have to change this.”

Next up for the TAC is the 2025 Spring Athlete of the Year Dinner on July 12, 5-8 p.m. at the McGavick Conference Center. This “Salute to Sports” event honors outstanding athletes from across Pierce County and recognizes the winners of eight different TAC scholarships.

The Stan Naccarato Sports & Civic Betterment Scholarship and the Clay Huntington Sports Broadcasting Scholarship are now accepting applications. Each scholarship awards $2,500 to deserving students. Learn more and apply at tacomaathletic.com. Coming up on Saturday, March 29, the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum is bringing a film screening event to The Grand Cinema. Two films will make their debut in Tacoma. “Last Lap” is about Seattle’s legendary runner and coach Doris Brown Heritage, and “The Dawgfather: The Legacy of Don James” tells the story of James’ impact as a coach and mentor. Q&A sessions will follow each film.

Learn more at facebook.com/ tacomasportsmuseum.

CRIME

In 1996, Susan was killed in her residence while her husband, Ronald Klungness, was at work. Susan suffered several blunt force trauma injuries to her head and body. Malcolm was a strong person of interest in the case. On the day of the homicide, he was reported to be at the residence as well as later seen driving Susan’s vehicle with Jeffrey as a passenger. Malcolm took Jeffrey to get a haircut and Malcolm could be seen on video footage withdrawing money from a bank. Jeffrey was never seen or heard from again. Malcolm was not apprehended or charged and the case went cold.

In October 2017, mushroom pickers found a skull fragment in the Greenwater area of unincorporated Pierce County. A search of the nearby area was conducted, but nothing further was located.

The skull fragment was examined by the Pierce County Medical Examiner as well as a forensic anthropologist from the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was later sent to the FBI laboratory for possible DNA extraction. Damage consistent with blunt force trauma was present on the skull. The skull was determined to be from a juvenile, likely teenaged,a male. A search of Pierce County Sheriff’s Office cold cases revealed the Klungness case and the missing Jeffrey Klungness.

In August 2020, it was determined that mitochondrial DNA comparisons between the skull and Jeffrey’s halfsister were a match. In September 2020, another search of the area, a slightly different area than the prior search, was conducted over the span of several days. Items located during this search, and all in the same general area, included a fibula bone and some clothing items.

The partial cranium and fibula were sent to Bode Technology for DNA processing. In April 2021, Bode Technology identified both as belonging to the same individual. Results of the examination were later sent to the University of North Texas which, in November 2021, confirmed the DNA and remains originated from a biological child of Ronald and Susan Klungness as well as being related to his maternal half-sibling. Jeffrey’s remains were confirmed as being located and identified.

A unique take on French toast

By MetroCreative

Few breakfasts are as beloved as French toast, a dish so hearty and fulfilling that many people enjoy it for dinner. Though traditional French toast is very popular, the traditional recipe can be altered to make the dish even more delightful. Such is the case with the following recipe for "Panettone French Toast With Caramelized Apples" from Norman Kolpas' "Buongiorno!" (Contemporary Books).

PANETTONE FRENCH TOAST WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

Serves 4

■ ¼ cup slivered almonds

■ Caramelized Apples

■ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

■ 2 Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2inch thick wedges

■ ¼ cup apple juice

■ 3 tablespoons honey

■ Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

■ Panettone French Toast

■ 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

■ ½ cup low-fat milk

■ 1 tablespoon sugar

■ ½ teaspoon almond extract

■ 8 3/4-inch thick slices panettone or egg bread

■ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Put the almonds in a baking dish and toast in the oven until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the oven temperate to 200 F. For the caramelized apples, melt the

butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and saute until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the apple juice, honey and nutmeg and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and a thick, caramel-like sauce has formed. Cover and keep warm.

To make the French toast, stir together the eggs, milk, sugar, and almond extract in a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish. Add the bread slices to the mixture, turning to coat them evenly on both sides and

then leaving them to soak.

Meanwhile, melt half of the butter in another nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add half of the bread slices and cook them until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Transfer them to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and put in the oven to keep warm. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and cook the remaining French toast. Serve topped with the caramelized apples and garnished with the toasted almonds.