Life and health exemptions to abortion bans are complex. With the legality of abortion effectively on the Aug. 2 ballot, Kansans should understand how looming government regulations might affect women’s health.&nbsp;

If the abortion amendment passes, the Kansas legislature will likely ban all or most abortions soon. Conservatives have generally avoided talking about abortion bans during this campaign, instead opting for emotional arguments that often mislead voters about threats to current abortion regulations and what types of abortions are actually occurring here.&nbsp;

But recently, conservatives have started going off script. Most notably, the&nbsp;Kansas Reflector&nbsp;reported on comments from conservative legislators and an activist group staffer about House Bill (HB) 2746.&nbsp;

HB 2746 was introduced in the Kansas legislature this year. It banned abortion except in limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Let’s focus on life and health. Should something like HB 2746 pass, states that have newly banned abortion are giving Kansas hints of its future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most state abortion bans offer some vague exception for a woman’s life, though sometimes not her health in non-fatal situations. Doctors and hospitals in many states are voicing concerns in media reports that they are unsure how to navigate the intentionally vague language of these exceptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Specifically, doctors are often unsure if they can legally provide emergency abortions in many cases, even when they feel women have clear health needs. Violating these new abortion bans carries penalties up to life in prison in some states, so it’s understandable that doctors who fear prosecution are denying or delaying medical care to women.&nbsp;

Let’s identify some scenarios where it’s often uncertain whether abortion is allowed under vague life or health exceptions:&nbsp;

If a woman develops a serious condition where her chance of dying is under fifty percent or not quantifiable, is that “life-threatening” enough?&nbsp;

If a woman discovers cancer but it won’t immediately kill her, should government require her to delay chemotherapy?&nbsp;

Since many states explicitly require health threats to be physical, what about women experiencing severe mental health crises?&nbsp;

If a pregnancy will likely result in stillbirth or a quick death for the fetus, should government require women to endure the mental and physical effects of continuing with that pregnancy?&nbsp;&nbsp;

What about high risk of cardiac failure but symptoms haven’t yet manifested? Pre-eclampsia? Placenta accreta?&nbsp;

Responding to confusion among doctors, President Biden recently issued Executive Order 14076. It reminds medical providers of their obligation to provide emergency care—including emergency abortions—under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act of 1986. Texas has filed a lawsuit challenging that emergency care obligation, and federal courts have yet to rule.&nbsp;

Kansas already bans abortion after 22 weeks. If conservatives ban abortion before that point and if they allow health or life exemptions, then like any new government regulation, it takes time and—ultimately—testing the law to learn how government is implementing it.&nbsp;

Under a ban, if Kansas doctors perform emergency abortions under a life or health exemption and if the government does not prosecute them or their female patients, then doctors may get comfortable performing emergency abortions they feel are warranted. But as that process evolves, women can expect delayed or denied care—and likely riskier pregnancies—while doctors navigate the new regulations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Life and health exemptions to abortion bans are complex. With the legality of abortion effectively on the Aug. 2 ballot, Kansans should understand how looming government regulations might affect women’s health.&nbsp;If the abortion amendment passes, the Kansas legislature will likely ban all or most abortions soon. Conservatives have generally avoided talking about abortion bans during this campaign, instead opting for emotional arguments that often mislead voters about threats to current abortion regulations and what types of abortions are actually occurring here.&nbsp;But recently, conservatives have started going off script. Most notably, the&nbsp;Kansas Reflector&nbsp;reported on comments from conservative legislators and an activist group staffer about House Bill (HB) 2746.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HB 2746 was introduced in the Kansas legislature this year. It banned abortion except in limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s focus on life and health. Should something like HB 2746 pass, states that have newly banned abortion are giving Kansas hints of its future.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most state abortion bans offer some vague exception for a woman’s life, though sometimes not her health in non-fatal situations. Doctors and hospitals in many states are voicing concerns in media reports that they are unsure how to navigate the intentionally vague language of these exceptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, doctors are often unsure if they can legally provide emergency abortions in many cases, even when they feel women have clear health needs. Violating these new abortion bans carries penalties up to life in prison in some states, so it’s understandable that doctors who fear prosecution are denying or delaying medical care to women.&nbsp;Let’s identify some scenarios where it’s often uncertain whether abortion is allowed under vague life or health exceptions:&nbsp;If a woman develops a serious condition where her chance of dying is under fifty percent or not quantifiable, is that “life-threatening” enough?&nbsp;If a woman discovers cancer but it won’t immediately kill her, should government require her to delay chemotherapy?&nbsp;Since many states explicitly require health threats to be physical, what about women experiencing severe mental health crises?&nbsp;If a pregnancy will likely result in stillbirth or a quick death for the fetus, should government require women to endure the mental and physical effects of continuing with that pregnancy?&nbsp;&nbsp;What about high risk of cardiac failure but symptoms haven’t yet manifested? Pre-eclampsia? Placenta accreta?&nbsp;Responding to confusion among doctors, President Biden recently issued Executive Order 14076. It reminds medical providers of their obligation to provide emergency care—including emergency abortions—under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act of 1986. Texas has filed a lawsuit challenging that emergency care obligation, and federal courts have yet to rule.&nbsp;Kansas already bans abortion after 22 weeks. If conservatives ban abortion before that point and if they allow health or life exemptions, then like any new government regulation, it takes time and—ultimately—testing the law to learn how government is implementing it.&nbsp;Under a ban, if Kansas doctors perform emergency abortions under a life or health exemption and if the government does not prosecute them or their female patients, then doctors may get comfortable performing emergency abortions they feel are warranted. But as that process evolves, women can expect delayed or denied care—and likely riskier pregnancies—while doctors navigate the new regulations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Complexity of life, health exemptions to abortion bans 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659130232400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Do those events sound like items on the calendar at your local grocery store? They might not be what one would expect, but those are examples of creative events that one rural grocery store is using to expand and engage its customer base.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marilyn Logan is general manager of The Marmaton Market in Moran, a rural Allen County community of 466 people – but there’s more. Marilyn grew up in the Crawford County community of Walnut, Kansas, population 187 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“My dad taught us a good work ethic,” Logan said. She earned a degree in business with a minor in accounting and worked for years as an accountant and auditor. She raised four sons and is now widowed. She has 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.&nbsp;

Marilyn moved back to southeast Kansas in 2016. “I like little towns,” Logan said. She serves on several local volunteer boards such as the Iola Public Library, Iola Housing Authority, Allen County GROW and SEKCAP.&nbsp;

In Moran, the local grocery store owners were wanting to retire. In 2018, the store was purchased by a group of citizens who formed what Logan called a for-profit semi-cooperative. She served on the board. They named the store The Marmaton Market.&nbsp;

“The first thing we did was take everything down to the bare walls,” Logan said. They added LED lighting, remodeled and restocked the store. By December 2019, the store was struggling financially again. Logan took over as general manager.&nbsp;

“I don’t know anything about groceries but I do know something about business,” she said. “I try to think of innovative ways to bring customers in and keep them happy. I have a wonderful Board of Directors that has been very supportive of the ideas I bring to them.”&nbsp;

Today, The Marmaton Market is a full-line grocery store that also offers health, beauty and cleaning items. Logan seeks local meat and produce as much as possible. “In my store, you can get everything you need to prepare a full, healthy meal,” she said.&nbsp;

She launched several creative ideas to grow business in the store. One was a more aggressive use of social media, specifically Facebook.&nbsp;

“I post each day,” Logan said. Each week she does what she calls Trivia Tuesday when she posts fun and educational trivia questions in addition to ads and sale items. She started holding contests for kids’ coloring pages and offering member-only sales plus drawings for holiday gifts.&nbsp;

Customers have the option to sign up to get sale ads emailed to them in advance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplies are provided to local food pantries at a discount.&nbsp;

On the Second Saturday of each month, craft vendors are invited to display products inside the store. Lunches are prepared using in-store products and hoagie sandwiches are made up to go. When the school district stopped offering summer meals, Logan said, “We can do that.” A farmers market operates at the store twice a month.&nbsp;

“I like to think outside the box,” Logan said. “Or, maybe I don’t have a box. I try to learn something new every day.”&nbsp;

In 2022, she wrote a grant proposal with input from K-State’s Rural Grocery Initiative staff&nbsp;for a Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant that will enable installation of a commercial kitchen for use by local food entrepreneurs.&nbsp;

During 2021 and 2022, she also wrote grants to various programs that allowed for the purchase of coolers, freezers, and a new HVAC system. Almost $250,000 has been generated through grants to upgrade The Marmaton Market and better serve customers.&nbsp;

“The Kansas Healthy Food Initiative and Rural Grocery Initiative have been a blessing to us,” Logan said.&nbsp;

For more information on the store, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themarmatonmarketinc.com/">www.themarmatonmarketinc.com</a>.&nbsp;

Second Saturday. Trivia Tuesday. These are examples of creative ideas resulting from outside-the-box thinking by owners and managers of this store in rural Kansas. We salute Marilyn Logan and all those involved with The Marmaton Market for making a difference with commitment to their community and creativity in marketing.&nbsp;

It makes for a Compelling Calendar at a Successful Store.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658925682503.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Second Saturday. Trivia Tuesday.&nbsp;Do those events sound like items on the calendar at your local grocery store? They might not be what one would expect, but those are examples of creative events that one rural grocery store is using to expand and engage its customer base.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marilyn Logan is general manager of The Marmaton Market in Moran, a rural Allen County community of 466 people – but there’s more. Marilyn grew up in the Crawford County community of Walnut, Kansas, population 187 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“My dad taught us a good work ethic,” Logan said. She earned a degree in business with a minor in accounting and worked for years as an accountant and auditor. She raised four sons and is now widowed. She has 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.&nbsp;Marilyn moved back to southeast Kansas in 2016. “I like little towns,” Logan said. She serves on several local volunteer boards such as the Iola Public Library, Iola Housing Authority, Allen County GROW and SEKCAP.&nbsp;In Moran, the local grocery store owners were wanting to retire. In 2018, the store was purchased by a group of citizens who formed what Logan called a for-profit semi-cooperative. She served on the board. They named the store The Marmaton Market.&nbsp;“The first thing we did was take everything down to the bare walls,” Logan said. They added LED lighting, remodeled and restocked the store. By December 2019, the store was struggling financially again. Logan took over as general manager.&nbsp;“I don’t know anything about groceries but I do know something about business,” she said. “I try to think of innovative ways to bring customers in and keep them happy. I have a wonderful Board of Directors that has been very supportive of the ideas I bring to them.”&nbsp;Today, The Marmaton Market is a full-line grocery store that also offers health, beauty and cleaning items. Logan seeks local meat and produce as much as possible. “In my store, you can get everything you need to prepare a full, healthy meal,” she said.&nbsp;She launched several creative ideas to grow business in the store. One was a more aggressive use of social media, specifically Facebook.&nbsp;“I post each day,” Logan said. Each week she does what she calls Trivia Tuesday when she posts fun and educational trivia questions in addition to ads and sale items. She started holding contests for kids’ coloring pages and offering member-only sales plus drawings for holiday gifts.&nbsp;Customers have the option to sign up to get sale ads emailed to them in advance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplies are provided to local food pantries at a discount.&nbsp;On the Second Saturday of each month, craft vendors are invited to display products inside the store. Lunches are prepared using in-store products and hoagie sandwiches are made up to go. When the school district stopped offering summer meals, Logan said, “We can do that.” A farmers market operates at the store twice a month.&nbsp;“I like to think outside the box,” Logan said. “Or, maybe I don’t have a box. I try to learn something new every day.”&nbsp;In 2022, she wrote a grant proposal with input from K-State’s Rural Grocery Initiative staff&nbsp;for a Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant that will enable installation of a commercial kitchen for use by local food entrepreneurs.&nbsp;During 2021 and 2022, she also wrote grants to various programs that allowed for the purchase of coolers, freezers, and a new HVAC system. Almost $250,000 has been generated through grants to upgrade The Marmaton Market and better serve customers.&nbsp;“The Kansas Healthy Food Initiative and Rural Grocery Initiative have been a blessing to us,” Logan said.&nbsp;For more information on the store, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themarmatonmarketinc.com/">www.themarmatonmarketinc.com</a>.&nbsp;Second Saturday. Trivia Tuesday. These are examples of creative ideas resulting from outside-the-box thinking by owners and managers of this store in rural Kansas. We salute Marilyn Logan and all those involved with The Marmaton Market for making a difference with commitment to their community and creativity in marketing.&nbsp;It makes for a Compelling Calendar at a Successful Store.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Marilyn Logan, Marmaton Market 

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston stops by to share safety tips for the school year.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Help keep school age children safe with these tips" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9wncy-12870d2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston stops by to share safety tips for the school year. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Help keep school age children safe with these tips

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-07-08/how-an-increasingly-brutal-kansas-climate-threatens-cattles-health-and-ranchers-livelihoods">Kansas News Service</a>

As Kansans prepare to vote on the future of abortion, rural western Kansas offers a preview of what life with an abortion ban might eventually look like for the rest of the state.

HAYS, Kansas —&nbsp;The westernmost abortion provider in Kansas sits in the eastern half of the state — in Wichita. So for someone in Hays or Dodge City, it takes more than two and a half hours to drive to the nearest clinic.

For Kansans who live farther west, the closest place to get an abortion is hundreds of miles away in another state.

A clinic near Denver is the nearest option for people in Colby and Oberlin. For those in Leoti and Syracuse, it’s one in Colorado Springs. The town of Elkhart in southwest Kansas is just about as far from a clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as it is from the one in Wichita.

“There are people in western Kansas who are sort of already living in this post-Roe reality,” said Jack Teter, regional director of governmental affairs for Planned Parenthood in Colorado. “Abortion might be legal in Kansas, but that doesn't mean it’s accessible.”

Even before Kansans decide the future of the state’s abortion rights with Tuesday’s constitutional amendment vote, tens of thousands of western Kansans already live in a world that pro-abortion rights advocates in eastern Kansas fear might be their future. And that far-from-a-clinic reality might offer a glimpse into how the vote could change life in places like Kansas City or Lawrence.

<a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-rocky-mountains" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains</a>, which operates those locations in Colorado Springs and Denver, already treats patients who travel there from Kansas — 33 of them came last year — even though abortion is legal in both states.

Based on the recent surge of patients coming to Colorado from other states with abortion bans, such as Texas and Oklahoma, he expects that number to increase dramatically if Kansas follows those states’ lead.

“We’re not imagining what could happen,” Teter said. “We’re seeing it happen.”

For example, Planned Parenthood’s Colorado clinics saw roughly 400 patients from Texas in all of 2021. Now they’re getting 400 appointment requests from people in Texas every two weeks.

In total, the Colorado clinics had about 1,500 patients travel from other states last year. Over the past two weeks, however, roughly 500 out-of-state patients have scheduled appointments.

That puts the clinics on pace to receive requests from 13,000 out-of-state patients a year. That would be nearly nine times the number of out-of-state patients they saw last year.

Teter said the wait time to get an appointment with one of Planned Parenthood’s Colorado clinics has historically been two or three days. Now it’s three weeks.

“It’s not sustainable,” Teter said. “It becomes even less sustainable if Kansas votes yes on this ballot measure.”

Kansas abortion providers have recently seen their own&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-07/the-end-of-roe-has-yet-to-draw-even-more-women-to-kansas-for-abortions" target="_blank">flood of patients</a>&nbsp;from other states, such as Oklahoma and Texas. So if abortion becomes illegal in Kansas — even if the amendment passes, lawmakers would still need to pass new restrictions — more of those patients from neighboring areas will turn to Colorado.

The Colorado clinics plan to meet that increasing need, Teter said, whether that means hiring more staff or having staff work longer hours. He said Planned Parenthood will also continue to help pay for gas, hotels and appointment costs for out-of-state patients who can’t afford to travel.

But as more and more states in the middle of the country ban abortion, it creates a domino effect that compounds the barriers people in places like western Kansas already face, according to Elizabeth Nash, state policy analyst with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/" target="_blank">Guttmacher Institute</a>, a research group that supports abortion rights.

“It's a big ripple effect … every time a state bans abortion,” Nash said. “It increases the distance and it shrinks the number of clinics, which increases delay.”

If Kansas makes abortion illegal, the next closest providers for people in Kansas City and Topeka would be in Nebraska and Iowa.

But Nash doesn’t consider those states long-term abortion refuges. She said both could implement their own bans in the coming months, perhaps even before the time a potential Kansas ban might go into effect.

That means someone in Lawrence could face a longer drive to get an abortion than someone in Colby or Leoti — the nearest clinic to Lawrence would be more than four hours away in Illinois.

For someone in Wichita, the closest option would be a six-and-a-half-hour drive to that same Illinois clinic.

And based on what Nash has seen in other states, that’s what she anticipates will happen in Kansas if the amendment passes.

Alabama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.al.com/news/2018/11/alabama-passes-anti-abortion-amendment.html" target="_blank">approved</a>&nbsp;a similar constitutional amendment in 2018 and passed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/05/14/723312937/alabama-lawmakers-passes-abortion-ban" target="_blank">abortion ban</a>&nbsp;the following year. In Tennessee, an amendment that&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/05/04/in-tennessee-roots-of-expected-ban-on-abortion-date-20-years-back/" target="_blank">passed in 2014</a>&nbsp;set the stage for the state’s abortion ban that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2022/07/26/tennessee-abortion-trigger-law-ban-2022-expected-august/10061093002/" target="_blank">goes into effect</a>&nbsp;in a few weeks.

A potential ban in Kansas, Nash said, would also disproportionately harm Black women — who are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-23/u-s-black-maternal-mortality-rate-triple-that-of-white-hispanic-women-in-2020" target="_blank">three times</a>&nbsp;more likely to die during pregnancy than white women — and people living in poverty. Roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/infographic/2016/abortion-patients-are-disproportionately-poor-and-low-income" target="_blank">three of every four</a>&nbsp;Americans who seek an abortion are considered low-income.

“What happens is that in states that have abortion bans,” Nash said, “those who are wealthier and whiter and have more resources go to another state, even if it's three states away.”

On a sweltering July Saturday, dozens of abortion rights advocates line the busiest intersection in Hays holding homemade signs. Between the group’s chants, the sounds of encouraging honks — and of engines revving in disapproval — illustrate the sharp divide on this issue.

Hays resident Tracie Baalman sits behind the main line of protestors next to the sidewalk. In one hand, she holds an umbrella to shade herself from the sun. In the other, she grasps a piece of cardboard painted with the words “Keep your laws off my uterus.”

The amendment vote is a life-or-death matter for her, she said, since spinal and blood clotting disorders could make pregnancy fatal.

“If it got to the point where it was me or the baby, I would have to choose myself,” Baalman said. “If abortion was illegal, how could I do that?”

Like everyone else in western Kansas, she would already need to travel hours to the nearest Kansas clinic. If abortion becomes illegal statewide, she’s afraid of what that could mean, especially for women without much money.

“I make less than $400 a month. There's no way I could travel (out of state) to get a legal abortion,” Baalman said. “I couldn’t afford to travel. So I would die.”

Western Kansans advocating against the amendment, however, face an uphill battle.

Western Kansas is a predominantly conservative region — 70% of voters in Ellis County, where Hays is located, chose Donald Trump in 2020. And the influence of the local Catholic church — the region’s two&nbsp;<a href="https://salinadiocese.org/news-and-updates/value-them-both-message-from-bishop-vincke/" target="_blank">dioceses</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcdiocese.org/bulletin-corner/56392-value-them-both-amendment" target="_blank">endorsed</a>&nbsp;the amendment — is strong both among the descendants of Volga German immigrants in northwest Kansas and Latino communities in southwest Kansas.

And proponents of the constitutional amendment, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://valuethemboth.com/" target="_blank">Value Them Both</a>&nbsp;coalition, contend that it’s needed to restore limits on abortion that were struck down by the Kansas Supreme Court when it ruled in 2019 that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2019-04-26/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">the state constitution includes abortion rights</a>.

Without the amendment, the coalition’s website warns Kansas could “become like New York or California” and use tax dollars to fund late-term abortions.

Current Kansas laws, however, do&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-07-22/faq-getting-the-facts-right-on-the-kansas-abortion-vote" target="_blank">regulate abortions</a>&nbsp;in a number of ways. Abortions are prohibited in Kansas after 22 weeks of pregnancy unless the patient’s health is in danger. Patients must receive an ultrasound and pre-procedure counseling followed by a 24-hour waiting period. No public funding goes to abortions except in cases of rape, incest or life-threatening emergencies.

A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://coefficient.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KS-VTB-Amendment-7.18.pdf" target="_blank">statewide poll</a>&nbsp;indicates that the amendment vote will be close, with 47% of Kansans saying they plan to vote to remove abortion rights from the state constitution and 43% saying they plan to vote against it.

But the part of the state with the most support for the amendment is western Kansas — 52% of respondents from the region’s congressional district said they plan to vote in favor of it.

Even so, abortion rights advocates in this part of the state vow to do what they can to help rural patients who want to access those services.

<a href="https://help4abuse.org/" target="_blank">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a>, for example, is the only organization that provides around-the-clock sexual violence care for an 18-county region in northwest Kansas that’s roughly the size of Maryland and New Jersey combined. So, many of its patients face long travel times just to get a medical exam after a sexual assault, let alone an abortion.

Executive director Jennifer Hecker said the amendment would open the door to legislation that criminalizes abortions even in cases of rape and incest.

“That’s unconscionable,” Hecker said. “And that’s the reality that we’re facing.”

She said Options plans to continue helping patients get any health care services they request — including emergency contraception and abortion — regardless of whether or not they have the money to travel.

Even if that means driving a patient more than two hours to Wichita or five hours to Denver.

Options doesn’t keep track of how many patients it connects with emergency contraception or abortion services, she said, because the staff purposefully doesn’t ask patients why they need to go to a pharmacy or clinic. And she’s worried that additional state abortion restrictions could end up forcing women to answer those types of questions as a way of gatekeeping health care.

But regardless of the outcome of the Aug. 2 vote, she said Options doesn’t plan to stop offering to drive patients to health care appointments — no matter which state they’re in — anytime soon.

“There would be pressure to,” Hecker said, “but I'm not going to buckle to it.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">&nbsp;@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5e1df8c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3881x2842+0+0/resize/880x644!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F63%2F20ec23034641bfa27f3e8318a405%2Fimg-4557-crop.jpg" alt="Dozens of people gather in the northwest Kansas town of Hays to protest against the amendment that would remove abortion rights protections from the state constitution-David Condos/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Dozens of people gather in the northwest Kansas town of Hays to protest against the amendment that would remove abortion rights protections from the state constitution-David Condos/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-07-08/how-an-increasingly-brutal-kansas-climate-threatens-cattles-health-and-ranchers-livelihoods">Kansas News Service</a><h2>As Kansans prepare to vote on the future of abortion, rural western Kansas offers a preview of what life with an abortion ban might eventually look like for the rest of the state.</h2>HAYS, Kansas —&nbsp;The westernmost abortion provider in Kansas sits in the eastern half of the state — in Wichita. So for someone in Hays or Dodge City, it takes more than two and a half hours to drive to the nearest clinic.For Kansans who live farther west, the closest place to get an abortion is hundreds of miles away in another state.A clinic near Denver is the nearest option for people in Colby and Oberlin. For those in Leoti and Syracuse, it’s one in Colorado Springs. The town of Elkhart in southwest Kansas is just about as far from a clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as it is from the one in Wichita.“There are people in western Kansas who are sort of already living in this post-Roe reality,” said Jack Teter, regional director of governmental affairs for Planned Parenthood in Colorado. “Abortion might be legal in Kansas, but that doesn't mean it’s accessible.”Even before Kansans decide the future of the state’s abortion rights with Tuesday’s constitutional amendment vote, tens of thousands of western Kansans already live in a world that pro-abortion rights advocates in eastern Kansas fear might be their future. And that far-from-a-clinic reality might offer a glimpse into how the vote could change life in places like Kansas City or Lawrence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659139116792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-rocky-mountains" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains</a>, which operates those locations in Colorado Springs and Denver, already treats patients who travel there from Kansas — 33 of them came last year — even though abortion is legal in both states.Based on the recent surge of patients coming to Colorado from other states with abortion bans, such as Texas and Oklahoma, he expects that number to increase dramatically if Kansas follows those states’ lead.“We’re not imagining what could happen,” Teter said. “We’re seeing it happen.”For example, Planned Parenthood’s Colorado clinics saw roughly 400 patients from Texas in all of 2021. Now they’re getting 400 appointment requests from people in Texas every two weeks.In total, the Colorado clinics had about 1,500 patients travel from other states last year. Over the past two weeks, however, roughly 500 out-of-state patients have scheduled appointments.That puts the clinics on pace to receive requests from 13,000 out-of-state patients a year. That would be nearly nine times the number of out-of-state patients they saw last year.Teter said the wait time to get an appointment with one of Planned Parenthood’s Colorado clinics has historically been two or three days. Now it’s three weeks.“It’s not sustainable,” Teter said. “It becomes even less sustainable if Kansas votes yes on this ballot measure.”The domino effectKansas abortion providers have recently seen their own&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-07/the-end-of-roe-has-yet-to-draw-even-more-women-to-kansas-for-abortions" target="_blank">flood of patients</a>&nbsp;from other states, such as Oklahoma and Texas. So if abortion becomes illegal in Kansas — even if the amendment passes, lawmakers would still need to pass new restrictions — more of those patients from neighboring areas will turn to Colorado.The Colorado clinics plan to meet that increasing need, Teter said, whether that means hiring more staff or having staff work longer hours. He said Planned Parenthood will also continue to help pay for gas, hotels and appointment costs for out-of-state patients who can’t afford to travel.But as more and more states in the middle of the country ban abortion, it creates a domino effect that compounds the barriers people in places like western Kansas already face, according to Elizabeth Nash, state policy analyst with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/" target="_blank">Guttmacher Institute</a>, a research group that supports abortion rights.“It's a big ripple effect … every time a state bans abortion,” Nash said. “It increases the distance and it shrinks the number of clinics, which increases delay.”<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/67b0602/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/880x660!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2Fd0%2F68ba957b4b2ab048a1a535c8d26f%2Fimg-4580-crop.jpg" alt="A sign painted to protest the constitutional amendment that would remove abortion protections from the constitution sits in a yard in Hays-David Condos/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A sign painted to protest the constitutional amendment that would remove abortion protections from the constitution sits in a yard in Hays-David Condos/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>If Kansas makes abortion illegal, the next closest providers for people in Kansas City and Topeka would be in Nebraska and Iowa.But Nash doesn’t consider those states long-term abortion refuges. She said both could implement their own bans in the coming months, perhaps even before the time a potential Kansas ban might go into effect.That means someone in Lawrence could face a longer drive to get an abortion than someone in Colby or Leoti — the nearest clinic to Lawrence would be more than four hours away in Illinois.For someone in Wichita, the closest option would be a six-and-a-half-hour drive to that same Illinois clinic.And based on what Nash has seen in other states, that’s what she anticipates will happen in Kansas if the amendment passes.Alabama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.al.com/news/2018/11/alabama-passes-anti-abortion-amendment.html" target="_blank">approved</a>&nbsp;a similar constitutional amendment in 2018 and passed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/05/14/723312937/alabama-lawmakers-passes-abortion-ban" target="_blank">abortion ban</a>&nbsp;the following year. In Tennessee, an amendment that&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/05/04/in-tennessee-roots-of-expected-ban-on-abortion-date-20-years-back/" target="_blank">passed in 2014</a>&nbsp;set the stage for the state’s abortion ban that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2022/07/26/tennessee-abortion-trigger-law-ban-2022-expected-august/10061093002/" target="_blank">goes into effect</a>&nbsp;in a few weeks.A potential ban in Kansas, Nash said, would also disproportionately harm Black women — who are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-23/u-s-black-maternal-mortality-rate-triple-that-of-white-hispanic-women-in-2020" target="_blank">three times</a>&nbsp;more likely to die during pregnancy than white women — and people living in poverty. Roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/infographic/2016/abortion-patients-are-disproportionately-poor-and-low-income" target="_blank">three of every four</a>&nbsp;Americans who seek an abortion are considered low-income.“What happens is that in states that have abortion bans,” Nash said, “those who are wealthier and whiter and have more resources go to another state, even if it's three states away.”<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ec1a7b7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/880x660!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd2%2F31%2F27d4961b4d398025c4b3c479c7d9%2Fimg-4508-crop.jpg" alt="Tracie Baalman said she's afraid of what an abortion ban might mean for women with serious health risks and low incomes. “I couldn’t afford to travel," she said. "So I would die.”-David Condos/Kansas News" />
 <figcaption>Tracie Baalman said she's afraid of what an abortion ban might mean for women with serious health risks and low incomes. “I couldn’t afford to travel," she said. "So I would die.”-David Condos/Kansas News</figcaption>
 </figure>‘Not going to buckle’On a sweltering July Saturday, dozens of abortion rights advocates line the busiest intersection in Hays holding homemade signs. Between the group’s chants, the sounds of encouraging honks — and of engines revving in disapproval — illustrate the sharp divide on this issue.Hays resident Tracie Baalman sits behind the main line of protestors next to the sidewalk. In one hand, she holds an umbrella to shade herself from the sun. In the other, she grasps a piece of cardboard painted with the words “Keep your laws off my uterus.”The amendment vote is a life-or-death matter for her, she said, since spinal and blood clotting disorders could make pregnancy fatal.“If it got to the point where it was me or the baby, I would have to choose myself,” Baalman said. “If abortion was illegal, how could I do that?”Like everyone else in western Kansas, she would already need to travel hours to the nearest Kansas clinic. If abortion becomes illegal statewide, she’s afraid of what that could mean, especially for women without much money.“I make less than $400 a month. There's no way I could travel (out of state) to get a legal abortion,” Baalman said. “I couldn’t afford to travel. So I would die.”Western Kansans advocating against the amendment, however, face an uphill battle.Western Kansas is a predominantly conservative region — 70% of voters in Ellis County, where Hays is located, chose Donald Trump in 2020. And the influence of the local Catholic church — the region’s two&nbsp;<a href="https://salinadiocese.org/news-and-updates/value-them-both-message-from-bishop-vincke/" target="_blank">dioceses</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcdiocese.org/bulletin-corner/56392-value-them-both-amendment" target="_blank">endorsed</a>&nbsp;the amendment — is strong both among the descendants of Volga German immigrants in northwest Kansas and Latino communities in southwest Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d0eec61/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/880x660!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fea%2F6a%2Fdcb0e0dc4bd68ab0206a4ce5b7bb%2Fimg-4667-2.JPG" alt="A permanent sign along K-156 in Hodgeman County is one of many along rural western Kansas highways that call for an end to abortion.-David Condos/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A permanent sign along K-156 in Hodgeman County is one of many along rural western Kansas highways that call for an end to abortion.-David Condos/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>And proponents of the constitutional amendment, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://valuethemboth.com/" target="_blank">Value Them Both</a>&nbsp;coalition, contend that it’s needed to restore limits on abortion that were struck down by the Kansas Supreme Court when it ruled in 2019 that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2019-04-26/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">the state constitution includes abortion rights</a>.Without the amendment, the coalition’s website warns Kansas could “become like New York or California” and use tax dollars to fund late-term abortions.Current Kansas laws, however, do&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-07-22/faq-getting-the-facts-right-on-the-kansas-abortion-vote" target="_blank">regulate abortions</a>&nbsp;in a number of ways. Abortions are prohibited in Kansas after 22 weeks of pregnancy unless the patient’s health is in danger. Patients must receive an ultrasound and pre-procedure counseling followed by a 24-hour waiting period. No public funding goes to abortions except in cases of rape, incest or life-threatening emergencies.A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://coefficient.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KS-VTB-Amendment-7.18.pdf" target="_blank">statewide poll</a>&nbsp;indicates that the amendment vote will be close, with 47% of Kansans saying they plan to vote to remove abortion rights from the state constitution and 43% saying they plan to vote against it.But the part of the state with the most support for the amendment is western Kansas — 52% of respondents from the region’s congressional district said they plan to vote in favor of it.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7dbe97a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3608x2528+0+0/resize/880x617!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2Fec%2F08697a384147ad7669b22fade665%2Fimg-4452.jpg" alt="Proponents of the constitutional amendment walk along a parade route in Hays.-David Condos/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Proponents of the constitutional amendment walk along a parade route in Hays.-David Condos/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Even so, abortion rights advocates in this part of the state vow to do what they can to help rural patients who want to access those services.<a href="https://help4abuse.org/" target="_blank">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a>, for example, is the only organization that provides around-the-clock sexual violence care for an 18-county region in northwest Kansas that’s roughly the size of Maryland and New Jersey combined. So, many of its patients face long travel times just to get a medical exam after a sexual assault, let alone an abortion.Executive director Jennifer Hecker said the amendment would open the door to legislation that criminalizes abortions even in cases of rape and incest.“That’s unconscionable,” Hecker said. “And that’s the reality that we’re facing.”She said Options plans to continue helping patients get any health care services they request — including emergency contraception and abortion — regardless of whether or not they have the money to travel.Even if that means driving a patient more than two hours to Wichita or five hours to Denver.Options doesn’t keep track of how many patients it connects with emergency contraception or abortion services, she said, because the staff purposefully doesn’t ask patients why they need to go to a pharmacy or clinic. And she’s worried that additional state abortion restrictions could end up forcing women to answer those types of questions as a way of gatekeeping health care.But regardless of the outcome of the Aug. 2 vote, she said Options doesn’t plan to stop offering to drive patients to health care appointments — no matter which state they’re in — anytime soon.“There would be pressure to,” Hecker said, “but I'm not going to buckle to it.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">&nbsp;@davidcondos</a>.

W. Kan. offers a glimpse of what an abortion ban might look like for KC, Wichita

Dr. Wally Walstrom, an orthopedic physician who specializes in sports medicine at the Orthopedic Clinic, recently was selected to be part of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

The committee’s primary role is to advise and work cooperatively with the association’s executive board, staff and legal counsel in matters related to sports medicine and student-athlete safety within the 750 member schools. Additional responsibilities include evaluating and developing potential recommendations, guidelines, policies, services, and educational resources related to medical and student safety matters.

The committee was formed in 2014 and meets twice a year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658936775928.jpeg" alt="Walstrom " />
 <figcaption>Walstrom </figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedDr. Wally Walstrom, an orthopedic physician who specializes in sports medicine at the Orthopedic Clinic, recently was selected to be part of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.The committee’s primary role is to advise and work cooperatively with the association’s executive board, staff and legal counsel in matters related to sports medicine and student-athlete safety within the 750 member schools. Additional responsibilities include evaluating and developing potential recommendations, guidelines, policies, services, and educational resources related to medical and student safety matters.The committee was formed in 2014 and meets twice a year.

HaysMed physician named to KSHSAA advisory committee

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in&nbsp; Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F750 driven by Earl Hamp, 34, Conyers, Georgia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of U.S. 24 Junction.

The truck left the roadway to the left, struck a guardrail and overturned. EMS transported Hamp and a passenger Twalanea&nbsp;Hamp, 37, Conyers, Georgia, to the hospital in Colby. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in&nbsp; Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F750 driven by Earl Hamp, 34, Conyers, Georgia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of U.S. 24 Junction.The truck left the roadway to the left, struck a guardrail and overturned. EMS transported Hamp and a passenger Twalanea&nbsp;Hamp, 37, Conyers, Georgia, to the hospital in Colby. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after truck strikes I-70 guardrail, overturns

Hi! My name is Monique Koerner. &nbsp;I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District. I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!

Hays&nbsp;is my hometown, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Most&nbsp;recently, I&nbsp;graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master's in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration. Before being hired as an Extension agent,&nbsp;I worked for Early Childhood Connections. I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.&nbsp;

My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs — a long-haired Chihuahua named Bella,&nbsp;and a yellow lab named&nbsp;Phiobe — round out the family.

Advocating&nbsp;for and supporting&nbsp;families who breastfeed&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a passion of mine. &nbsp;I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International&nbsp;Board Certified&nbsp;Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. &nbsp;

I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State. I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug. 4,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept. 22,&nbsp;at Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;5-7pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a></a>started&nbsp;planning the annual Family Dinner&nbsp;Night&nbsp;make and take pizza event the last Monday&nbsp;in&nbsp;September. Please come out and say “hi”! I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.

If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St. I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Hi! My name is Monique Koerner. &nbsp;I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District. I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!Hays&nbsp;is my hometown, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Most&nbsp;recently, I&nbsp;graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master's in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration. Before being hired as an Extension agent,&nbsp;I worked for Early Childhood Connections. I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.&nbsp;My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs — a long-haired Chihuahua named Bella,&nbsp;and a yellow lab named&nbsp;Phiobe — round out the family.Advocating&nbsp;for and supporting&nbsp;families who breastfeed&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a passion of mine. &nbsp;I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International&nbsp;Board Certified&nbsp;Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. &nbsp;I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State. I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug. 4,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept. 22,&nbsp;at Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;5-7pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a></a>started&nbsp;planning the annual Family Dinner&nbsp;Night&nbsp;make and take pizza event the last Monday&nbsp;in&nbsp;September. Please come out and say “hi”! I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St. I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>.

Extension welcomes new family, community wellness agent

COLBY — The Colby Community College volleyball team was recognized for their academic efforts by earning the United States Marine Corps and American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The honor highlights collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.&nbsp;

The Trojans, who posted a 16-14 record and advanced to the Region VI semifinals, finished the academic year with a 3.79 GPA. It marks the ninth time in 13 years one of Coach Carey Jones's teams earned the Team Academic Award. In addition, the squad was one of seven two-year schools nationally to make the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, a distinction reserved for the top 20 percent of team GPAs in NJCAA Division I.

"&nbsp;I couldn't be more proud of Coach Jones and the whole volleyball team," said CCC Athletic Director Mike Saddler. "They narrowly missed being the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year, but adding another academic award is a great honor. Her teams have been great on the floor, but what they have been able to do in the classroom year-in and year-out is amazing."

Additional information on the award is available on the AVCA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avca.org/awards/team-academic/2022-usmc-avca-team-academic-release.html">website</a>.

The 2022 Trojans are arriving in early August to prepare for their Aug. 19-20 tournament games in Beatrice, Neb. The first home contest is Aug. 24 in a Jayhawk Conference battle with Seward County Community College.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — The Colby Community College volleyball team was recognized for their academic efforts by earning the United States Marine Corps and American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The honor highlights collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.&nbsp;The Trojans, who posted a 16-14 record and advanced to the Region VI semifinals, finished the academic year with a 3.79 GPA. It marks the ninth time in 13 years one of Coach Carey Jones's teams earned the Team Academic Award. In addition, the squad was one of seven two-year schools nationally to make the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, a distinction reserved for the top 20 percent of team GPAs in NJCAA Division I."&nbsp;I couldn't be more proud of Coach Jones and the whole volleyball team," said CCC Athletic Director Mike Saddler. "They narrowly missed being the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year, but adding another academic award is a great honor. Her teams have been great on the floor, but what they have been able to do in the classroom year-in and year-out is amazing."Additional information on the award is available on the AVCA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avca.org/awards/team-academic/2022-usmc-avca-team-academic-release.html">website</a>.The 2022 Trojans are arriving in early August to prepare for their Aug. 19-20 tournament games in Beatrice, Neb. The first home contest is Aug. 24 in a Jayhawk Conference battle with Seward County Community College.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colby CC volleyball among academic elite

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659129837009.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.

Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.

Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;

It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;

Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.

Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;

Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

KRUG: Are you a lifelong learner?

Click <a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a> to learn more or apply.

Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner? 

The Salina Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking an on-air news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to — their community and audience.

This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the Salina coverage area for our three radio stations and SalinaPost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the on-air news director will work closely with the digital news director, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers and the video team.  

Responsibilities: •&nbsp; &nbsp; Ensure reliable coverage of Salina-area local news, sports and community events •&nbsp; &nbsp; Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers •&nbsp; &nbsp; Broadcast news coverage •&nbsp; &nbsp; Publish text, visual and audio content to SalinaPost.com •&nbsp; &nbsp; Help maintain a growing social media presence

Experience: •&nbsp; &nbsp; News writing and on-air experience preferred. Photography and video skills a plus •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of radio production preferred •&nbsp; &nbsp; Excellent communication skills

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Other Information: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a> to learn more or apply.Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner? The Salina Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking an on-air news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to — their community and audience.This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the Salina coverage area for our three radio stations and SalinaPost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the on-air news director will work closely with the digital news director, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers and the video team. Responsibilities: •&nbsp; &nbsp; Ensure reliable coverage of Salina-area local news, sports and community events •&nbsp; &nbsp; Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers •&nbsp; &nbsp; Broadcast news coverage •&nbsp; &nbsp; Publish text, visual and audio content to SalinaPost.com •&nbsp; &nbsp; Help maintain a growing social media presence Experience: •&nbsp; &nbsp; News writing and on-air experience preferred. Photography and video skills a plus •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of radio production preferred •&nbsp; &nbsp; Excellent communication skillsCompensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.Other Information: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.

Eagle Radio / Salina Post seeks on-air news director

RUSSELL – This week, the Duke Johnson Municipal Pool announced the pool would close earlier than expected for the year, drawing criticism from area residents.

On Thursday, City Manager&nbsp;Jon Quinday addressed those concerns in a Facebook post to the City of Russell page.&nbsp;

I understand that the decision to close the Duke Johnson Municipal Swimming Pool on August 7, 2022, has created quite a stir with quite a few questions and some misinformation that I'd like to clarify. 

 Before I do, I want to thank folks on social media who posted positive comments about the lifeguards. 

 The lifeguards are certified and provide an invaluable service to the pool patrons. 

 They are not daycare providers and do not deserve public criticism on a social media platform without the opportunity to respond. 

 These are young men and women whose primary responsibility is the safety of all patrons at the pool. 

 They make mistakes, and we receive calls when they do, which we address. 

This year the pool opened on May 28th with a tentative closing date of August 14th. 

 The pool will close on August 7th because of staffing issues. 

 We won't have enough lifeguards to stay open longer. 

 The American Red Cross standard is one certified lifeguard per 25 people. 

 The City requires a minimum of seven certified lifeguards for the entire pool to be open. 

 The seven-person requirement is to provide one certified lifeguard at each station and one in the office. 

 We prefer to have nine certified lifeguards on duty, so they can take a 30-minute break after completing the rotation. 

 Two weeks ago, I directed the pool managers to move to a modified heat schedule so the guards could take a 15-minute break every 60 minutes. 

 I based this decision on high heat indexes and the lifeguards' safety.  There was a comment that the pool used to be open until Labor Day. 

 The pool has been closed in August for the past decade. 

 Last year the pool closed on August 9th; in 2020, it closed on August 11th, and in 2019 it closed on August 9th. 

 The August closing coincides with the beginning of school in Russell and when college-aged lifeguards start moving into the dorms and preparing for the fall semester.

  The number of days the pool closed this year was another hot topic. 

 Please let me add some context to that discussion. 

 The pool opened on May 28th and will close on August 7th, 72 operating days.  As of today (July 28th), the pool has closed nine times for the following reasons:

In summary: that is four closures for low attendance, two for weather, two for mechanical issues, and one for scheduled maintenance. 

 Three of the nine days were full-day closures. 

 The low attendance policy is six or fewer patrons. 

1. The temperature must be 67 degrees Fahrenheit at 12:30 pm to open.

2. The pool remains open for rain-only events unless attendance drops to six or below. 

3. The lifeguards clear the pool for lightning, as determined by the lightning prediction system installed at Memorial Park.  Once the system gives the all-clear signal, patrons can return to the pool.  The pool is closed if the storm is long-lasting or attendance drops to six or below.

 One concern about the pool closings is that the person bought a season pass. 

 Let's put some numbers to that concern. 

 A single-season pass is $50.00.  Assuming the pool stays open all 72 days, the cost of attending is $0.69 per day. 

 Since the pool (as of today) has closed early or opened late six times and fully closed three times, that cost per day increased to $0.79. 

 That may rise as it rained all morning and still looks pretty overcast today. 

 Weather and other unforeseen events are reasons placed on the pool pass application as to why the pool may close. 

 Whether a person wishes to purchase a season pass to save money or pay the daily $2.00 entry fee is an economic decision that is out of my control. 

 It's similar to the decision I faced as a young kid.

  Do I pay for a season ski pass for a lift ticket each time I go skiing? 

 Some days the snow is not good, so I stay home. 

 Some days the mountain is closed due to weather. 

 I digress, back to the concerns raised on social media. 

 The installation of the two new slides and other water features at the pool was a decision to replace old worn-out equipment.

 The manufacturer's safety recommendations do not allow persons under forty-eight inches to ride the slide, no more than one person at a time, and no one at the slide's base to "catch" those coming down the slide. 

 We would be remiss to ignore the safety recommendation of the manufacturer – especially when young children are involved. 

 Contrary to some suggestions, the lifeguards are not at the base of the slides to "catch" people. 

 The lifeguards are present to prevent and respond to water emergencies.

Lifeguards are not allowed to have cell phones while at their duty station. 

 Phones are left in the office where lifeguards can access and use their phones during breaks. 

 Is the office an ideal area for the lifeguards to take a break? 

 Is it difficult to tell who in the office is on break and who is not?

 We can and will work on a better break area where the lifeguards can cool off and unwind for their short breaks. 

 Finally, I want to close with two items: About our lifeguards and how to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

First, as I said previously, our lifeguards provide an invaluable service monitoring patron activity to prevent and respond to water emergencies. 

 Yes, they will blow the whistle if you run around the pool, and no one wants you to slip and hurt yourself. 

RUSSELL – This week, the Duke Johnson Municipal Pool announced the pool would close earlier than expected for the year, drawing criticism from area residents.On Thursday, City Manager&nbsp;Jon Quinday addressed those concerns in a Facebook post to the City of Russell page.&nbsp;The full statement can be seen below.I understand that the decision to close the Duke Johnson Municipal Swimming Pool on August 7, 2022, has created quite a stir with quite a few questions and some misinformation that I'd like to clarify. Before I do, I want to thank folks on social media who posted positive comments about the lifeguards. The lifeguards are certified and provide an invaluable service to the pool patrons. They are not daycare providers and do not deserve public criticism on a social media platform without the opportunity to respond. Are our lifeguards perfect? No. They are not robots. These are young men and women whose primary responsibility is the safety of all patrons at the pool. They make mistakes, and we receive calls when they do, which we address. More on that later.This year the pool opened on May 28th with a tentative closing date of August 14th. The pool will close on August 7th because of staffing issues. We won't have enough lifeguards to stay open longer. The American Red Cross standard is one certified lifeguard per 25 people. The City requires a minimum of seven certified lifeguards for the entire pool to be open. The seven-person requirement is to provide one certified lifeguard at each station and one in the office. We prefer to have nine certified lifeguards on duty, so they can take a 30-minute break after completing the rotation. Two weeks ago, I directed the pool managers to move to a modified heat schedule so the guards could take a 15-minute break every 60 minutes. I based this decision on high heat indexes and the lifeguards' safety. There was a comment that the pool used to be open until Labor Day. The pool has been closed in August for the past decade. Last year the pool closed on August 9th; in 2020, it closed on August 11th, and in 2019 it closed on August 9th. The August closing coincides with the beginning of school in Russell and when college-aged lifeguards start moving into the dorms and preparing for the fall semester. The number of days the pool closed this year was another hot topic. Please let me add some context to that discussion. The pool opened on May 28th and will close on August 7th, 72 operating days. As of today (July 28th), the pool has closed nine times for the following reasons:<ol>
 <li>7/26 Closed at 5 pm due to low attendance&nbsp;</li><li>7/25 Closed at 4 pm due to low attendance&nbsp;</li><li>7/23 Closed for the day due to mechanical issue – Chlorinator issue, low chlorine(Was able to open for a pool party at 7:00, chlorine level improved)</li><li>7/17 Delayed Opening due to mechanical issue – Chlorinator issue, low chlorine</li><li>6/27 Closed for the day for scheduled maintenance – water sunscreen application which is performed at least once during the pool season</li><li>6/26 Closed at 2 pm due to low attendance&nbsp;</li><li>6/22 Closed at 2:48 pm due to weather conditions</li><li>6/9 Closed at 4:23 pm due to low attendance</li><li>6/1 Closed for the day due to low temperatures</li>
 </ol>In summary: that is four closures for low attendance, two for weather, two for mechanical issues, and one for scheduled maintenance. Three of the nine days were full-day closures. The low attendance policy is six or fewer patrons. The weather policy is:1. The temperature must be 67 degrees Fahrenheit at 12:30 pm to open.2. The pool remains open for rain-only events unless attendance drops to six or below. 3. The lifeguards clear the pool for lightning, as determined by the lightning prediction system installed at Memorial Park. Once the system gives the all-clear signal, patrons can return to the pool. The pool is closed if the storm is long-lasting or attendance drops to six or below. One concern about the pool closings is that the person bought a season pass. Let's put some numbers to that concern. A single-season pass is $50.00. Assuming the pool stays open all 72 days, the cost of attending is $0.69 per day. Since the pool (as of today) has closed early or opened late six times and fully closed three times, that cost per day increased to $0.79. That may rise as it rained all morning and still looks pretty overcast today. Weather and other unforeseen events are reasons placed on the pool pass application as to why the pool may close. Whether a person wishes to purchase a season pass to save money or pay the daily $2.00 entry fee is an economic decision that is out of my control. It's similar to the decision I faced as a young kid. Do I pay for a season ski pass for a lift ticket each time I go skiing? Some days the snow is not good, so I stay home. Some days the mountain is closed due to weather. I digress, back to the concerns raised on social media. The installation of the two new slides and other water features at the pool was a decision to replace old worn-out equipment. The manufacturer's safety recommendations do not allow persons under forty-eight inches to ride the slide, no more than one person at a time, and no one at the slide's base to "catch" those coming down the slide. We would be remiss to ignore the safety recommendation of the manufacturer – especially when young children are involved. Contrary to some suggestions, the lifeguards are not at the base of the slides to "catch" people. The lifeguards are present to prevent and respond to water emergencies.Lifeguards are not allowed to have cell phones while at their duty station. Phones are left in the office where lifeguards can access and use their phones during breaks. Is the office an ideal area for the lifeguards to take a break? No., but it gets them out of the sun. Is it difficult to tell who in the office is on break and who is not? Yes. It's a small area. We can and will work on a better break area where the lifeguards can cool off and unwind for their short breaks. Finally, I want to close with two items: About our lifeguards and how to contact me if you have questions or concerns.First, as I said previously, our lifeguards provide an invaluable service monitoring patron activity to prevent and respond to water emergencies. Yes, they will blow the whistle if you run around the pool, and no one wants you to slip and hurt yourself. Our lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and pass a pre-course swimming skills test before taking the lifeguarding courses. The skills test is a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke, a 2-minute tread using legs only, and the ability to retrieve a 10- pound dive weight from 7 feet deep, surface, and swim twenty yards with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds.Once the lifeguard passes the pre-course swimming skills test, they begin the lifeguard training course. You can find more information about the lifeguard training process at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2Ftake-a-class%2Flifeguarding%2Flifeguard-training%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1itPcd6YhQVFSLvQDYu7LQkc5lgvrN40M1Oz_mTqp3QU8H-YDiwng_Bfs&amp;h=AT3axwXtVxzIC8iaxj8iGFoZbA-bBLTKyWIhKKXfAcXfN8bSFXnonxxMJ3Xnj5--jfhd8N_-IZA9zno3LeY8JIwDKblQIFyWLZYaDc3PKYSbUrtdoVZyBEPbBfFgVTP_&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT0JzsWFqn3lZttU1FpwQ1vVjUFuMyOEbVQeArqDDTNRk9b3OdZf5kOQXf3scjHa0YiRiOoL-BR4W_y6p21xjIZskVQTkTalEl8fTeEKmvYEKcBTcQ9wEUP7B4g76jy1KpuzI2GoLpmSSuKgZLJBnHJQZJ8ttxleY6QtRzKvbpakxBHQI1vL8BydPShVVEZC4Ufqj7CBur2h1cw9GkexXJ_A_-60DF0TAyP2J8Y" target="_blank">https://www.redcross.org/.../lifeguarding/lifeguard-training</a>.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2Ftake-a-class%2Flifeguarding%2Flifeguard-training%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1itPcd6YhQVFSLvQDYu7LQkc5lgvrN40M1Oz_mTqp3QU8H-YDiwng_Bfs&amp;h=AT3axwXtVxzIC8iaxj8iGFoZbA-bBLTKyWIhKKXfAcXfN8bSFXnonxxMJ3Xnj5--jfhd8N_-IZA9zno3LeY8JIwDKblQIFyWLZYaDc3PKYSbUrtdoVZyBEPbBfFgVTP_&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT0JzsWFqn3lZttU1FpwQ1vVjUFuMyOEbVQeArqDDTNRk9b3OdZf5kOQXf3scjHa0YiRiOoL-BR4W_y6p21xjIZskVQTkTalEl8fTeEKmvYEKcBTcQ9wEUP7B4g76jy1KpuzI2GoLpmSSuKgZLJBnHJQZJ8ttxleY6QtRzKvbpakxBHQI1vL8BydPShVVEZC4Ufqj7CBur2h1cw9GkexXJ_A_-60DF0TAyP2J8Y" target="_blank"></a>These young men and women spend hours in the hot sun monitoring their assigned pool area to prevent and respond to water emergencies. This is a huge responsibility for anyone, regardless of age. We are fortunate to have young men and women willing to train, become certified, and take on the job, and I am proud of the work they do each day. Do we have a lifeguard make a mistake occasionally? Yes, they are human. We address performance issues or policy violations with each employee. That brings me to the second part.Please call me if you have an issue with the pool or any city operation. We don't know what we don't know, and I don't have or monitor social media. You can call me at 785.483.6311. If I'm unavailable, someone will take your call and route it to the appropriate person. This is preferable to denigrating the lifeguards or any other city employee on social media. I've said it before and will continue to boast about the community and the City's operation. As a community, we have a great group of men and women who work daily to provide the services our community expects. Do we make mistakes? Yes. Can we improve in certain areas? Yes. Are we working each day to improve? Yes.If you have an issue with the City, please call, and someone will route you to the appropriate person. If you post your issue on social media, we may see it, and we may not. Thanks again to those who pointed out the good work our employees, including lifeguards, do daily. That lets them know they are making a difference in the community. I also thank those who took the time to call when they have an issue or concern; knowing our shortcomings allows us to improve. Please remember that these people being rundown on social media are part of our community, and they are our neighbors, someone's daughter, son, mom, dad, husband, or wife. My name is Jon Quinday, I've been fortunate to be the City Manager for ten years, and I assume full responsibility for any imperfection we have as an organization. You can reach me at 785.483.6311.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local