About a decade ago, local AM radio shock jocks mocked Reyes' grand vision to revitalize the river: his school-age daughter even came home upset, Reyes said.

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But a few days later head teacher Mrs Groom received a shock when a local policeman visited the school to hand out cycling proficiency certificates.

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The 30-year-old produced a massive shock, knocking out local favorite and 24th seed Julia Georges in a 7-6 (10-8) 6-0 victory.

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Matt Slocum, guitarist for the Texan group said it was a "bit of a shock" when a local newspaper pointed out what was glaringly evident to more worldly listeners, even if songwriter Lee Mavers has never outlined the meaning directly.

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Mr Stroskin has told local media that he is "in shock" and understands the locals' feelings.

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The news was met with shock by the owners and local politicians.

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Luther Tan, a local clergyman, says his parish is still in shock.

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"We're all still in shock, " said Ester Maxman, a local resident who had watched Friday as traffic trickled through Boston's normally bustling downtown streets.

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The Conservatives have warned that town halls could face a "massive financial shock" and be forced into council tax hikes or cuts in local services.

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At the start of July speculation in a local newspaper forced the Championship club to issue a statement denying any possibility that Hammam would make a shock return to the club.

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