Researchers and grocery stores say the Republican-backed law only makes it harder for grocery stores to survive, and the profit margins are already low.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/06/snap-cuts-will-hurt-grocery-stores-in-kansas/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Everything%20has%20ramifications%20on%20aging%20individuals&amp;utm_campaign=08072025%3A%20seniors%20medicaid">The Beacon</a>

The Merc Co+op started in Lawrence in 1974. It originally was a group of neighbors who pooled money together to buy foods like eggs, milk and fresh produce in bulk.&nbsp;

The group’s original goal was to ensure neighbors had access to healthy foods that weren’t always available for a good price. Eventually, the Merc opened a grocery store with that same mission. But grocery stores like the Merc face a cloudy future because of federal cuts by congressional Republicans signed into law by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The One Big Beautiful Bill will cut food assistance to Kansas, with one recent estimate saying 27,000 Kansans would be kicked off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.&nbsp;

Laura Marsh, marketing director at the Merc Co+op, said 5% of total sales at its Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas, locations were paid through SNAP.&nbsp;

“In grocery, where margins are tight, small dips can have a big impact,” Marsh said over email. “Cuts to SNAP — particularly at this scale — will be deeply felt.”

Families losing benefits will face hard choices while budgeting and have less purchasing power in neighborhood grocery stores, Marsh said.

A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/grocery-prices-tariffs-buy-now-pay-later-poll?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiospm&amp;stream=top">53% of adults say grocery prices are a major source of stress.</a>

The nonprofit Food Systems for the Future held a virtual panel in July where grocery stores across the country sounded similar alarms.&nbsp;

A South Dakota-based grocery store said 60% of sales at some stores come from SNAP. Another Milwaukee-based store said 68%-71% of its customers use the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

SNAP cuts will increase the number of food deserts, limit food access and reduce the numbers of grocery stores, research papers and experts told The Beacon. What isn’t known is to what extent that will happen.&nbsp;

A full grocery store parking lot and long lines at checkout may seem to suggest that grocery stores are making money. Some do, but stores usually have a 1%-2% net profit margin, said Stephanie Johnson, group vice president at the National Grocers Association.&nbsp;

Johnson said labor is a major cost. So too are refrigeration costs and credit card fees.&nbsp;

She said stores average about 12% of sales from food assistance, while some depend on food assistance for as much as 70% of sales. Some percentages are so high because stores use SNAP data to determine if a grocery store in that location will stay open.&nbsp;

“Those grocers in those low-income communities will really be fighting for their lives,” she said.&nbsp;

The recently approved budget bill cut food assistance in a handful of ways. It shifted millions in costs to states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-29/kansas-snap-funding-harvesters-food-banks">which could be about $56 million more per year for Kansas</a>. Kansas would lose all SNAP funding if it doesn’t pick up that additional cost.&nbsp;

The bill also<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/25/missouri-work-requirements-medicaid-mo-healthnet/">&nbsp;imposed work requirements</a>&nbsp;and kicked undocumented immigrants off the program.&nbsp;

Bekah Selby-Leach, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University, said these reductions would mean more grocery stores close. But there isn’t a good estimate for exactly how many will shut down, or where. Rural areas will be hit hard, but that doesn’t mean urban areas will remain untouched.&nbsp;

“The answer to that is a little bit nuanced,” she said.&nbsp;

Researchers from the University of California, Davis Center for Poverty Research said SNAP’s original implementation decades ago increased sales at grocery stores by 1%-2%. SNAP increased grocery store employment by 3%-5%.&nbsp;

SNAP was created in the 1960s. Its creation meant “more people working in food and grocery stores, more employment, higher real payroll and higher real sales,”&nbsp;<a href="https://poverty.ucdavis.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/bitler_snap_retailers_brief.pdf?1582578917">the 2020 research paper said</a>.&nbsp;

The program had benefits both for people on the program and off the program, they concluded.&nbsp;

Maurice Wince, a grocery store owner in Milwaukee who spoke on the July panel, is hopeful his store will stay open.&nbsp;

He has the only grocery store within a two-mile radius, and five grocery stores nearby have announced they are closing.&nbsp;

Even if he stays open, there is constant risk that he must raise prices and reduce hours to stay afloat. But losing a large chunk of his business is just not sustainable.&nbsp;

“We combat childhood obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and other heart ailments by bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to our customers,” he said.

One Big Beautiful Bill will close grocery stores and create new food deserts in Kansas

WSU Strategic Communications &amp; FHSU University Communications

The Wichita State University Board of Trustees has approved up to $750,000 to fund a comprehensive feasibility study exploring the creation of Kansas’ first dental school. This is inclusive of support from Fort Hays State University, a partner in the project, which aims to address the state’s shortage of dentists, particularly in rural communities.

The study, to be completed by fall 2026, will evaluate the scope, scale and structure of a potential dental school based in Wichita, with a presence in rural Kansas through Fort Hays State. 

Key areas of focus include cohort size, faculty and staff needs, accreditation requirements, facility planning and potential partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers to expand clinical access.

If found feasible, the proposed dental school would be part of Phase II of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, a joint initiative between Wichita State and the University of Kansas to strengthen the state’s health care education pipeline. Phase I of the campus — currently under construction in downtown Wichita — is expected to be completed in 2026 and will house health sciences programs from both institutions.

Kansas faces significant gaps in oral health care, with many rural counties lacking practicing dentists. Today, close to 600,000 Kansans have little to no access to professional dental care. Additionally, 20 Kansas counties currently have no practicing dentists, and more than 80% of the state’s 105 counties are experiencing a serious shortage of dentists.

This challenge impacts Kansas’ children, the elderly, and low-income families the hardest, as only one in four dentists in our state serve Medicaid patients. The lack of a doctoral dental education program in Kansas means that the state does not benefit from an annual influx of dental program graduates, who are more likely to establish a practice in the state.

Wichita State President Rick Muma said the study is a bold step toward solving one of the state’s most pressing health care challenges.

“Access to dental care should not depend on your ZIP code,” Muma said. “By partnering with Fort Hays State and the dental community, we can design a program that educates future dentists in Kansas, keeps them in Kansas and ensures every Kansan can get the care they need.”

The study will provide the foundation for building a program that serves Kansas residents statewide, and the process will be guided by data, collaboration and a statewide focus.

“This study will allow us to map out the facilities, faculty, partnerships and accreditation pathways needed to launch a high-quality dental school that meets the realities of our state,” said Monica Lounsbery, Wichita State’s senior executive vice president and provost. “It’s about creating a sustainable model that strengthens our health care workforce and improves lives for generations to come.”

“Nowhere is the critical shortage of access to professional dental care more pressing than in the rural Kansas counties served by Fort Hays State University,” said FHSU President Tisa Mason. “We are honored to join Wichita State University in this important initiative.”

The feasibility study will engage stakeholders from across the state, including dental professionals, policymakers and health care providers, to ensure the proposed program is responsive to Kansas’ unique needs.

WSU  approves feasibility study for dental school in partnership with FHSU

Washington, D.C. — Having a lot of debt can be stressful at any age. But if you’re retired or about to live on a fixed income, paying off debt can sometimes be more challenging. 

As you explore your options, know that scammers might promise to take away your debt — for a fee. If you pay them before they help you, you’ll likely lose money instead of getting a fresh start. So, what’s the best way to pay down debt while avoiding scams?

• Take a look at your household budget.&nbsp;Use this&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1041A_BudgetWorksheet-508.pdf">worksheet</a>&nbsp;to help you get organized. • Call companies you owe money to, before a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/debt/debt-collectors-and-your-rights">debt collector</a>&nbsp;gets involved. Explain why you’re having trouble paying and ask for a payment plan. Some companies might agree to accept less than what you owe. • Consider a<a href="https://consumer.gov/debt/getting-help-when-youre-debt">&nbsp;credit counselor or credit counseling agency</a>&nbsp;if you need help. A good credit counselor will help you make a budget and repayment plan that works for you.

• Never pay anyone before they help settle your debts.&nbsp;Legitimate organizations won’t try to charge you before they settle any of your debts or enter you into a debt management plan. • Get any agreement to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/debt/getting-help-when-youre-debt">settle or manage your debt</a>&nbsp;in writing. Before you sign, understand how the plan works and how it will affect your credit. • Know your rights.&nbsp;Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/debt/getting-help-when-youre-debt">Getting Help When You’re in Debt</a>&nbsp;to learn more on your options and rights. • Improve your credit over time.&nbsp;No credit repair company can legally remove negative information from your credit if it’s correct and current. But there are steps you can take to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fixing-your-credit-faqs">repair your credit over time</a>.&nbsp;

Have you seen a scam or have a problem with a debt settlement or other debt relief company? Tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=A">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

Federal Trade Commission: Spot scams while getting out of debt

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Blue-green algae blooms are an issue that usually occurs during the spring and summer. Calm, sunny, dry, and hot days of summer create ideal conditions for blue-green algae to thrive in our livestock ponds. Blue-green algae occurrence is sporadic, making its threat unpredictable. 

Despite its name, these blooms are not algae, but a cyanobacteria. Some of these cyanobacteria can produce and release dangerous toxins that are of major concern for our livestock.

These “cyanotoxins” typically show up as either neurotoxins, or hepatotoxins which means they can damage the nervous system or the liver function of animals. 

Typically, the first clinical sign noticed in pasture cattle that have consumed neurotoxins are dead cattle. If found early enough, cattle may have muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, slobbering, and diarrhea. Hepatotoxins can cause an acute death similar to neurotoxins or lead to delayed issues with liver failure. An example of this would be weight loss and photosensitization, which can be recognized by severe sun burns on areas of the body not covered with hair. 

Since there are several causes of acute death in pasture cattle, contact your local veterinarian for diagnosis. Unfortunately, there are no known antidotes to these cyanotoxins. So, understanding what to look for, and avoiding livestock exposure is important.

Blue-green algae blooms float at or just below the surface of the water. The appearance almost looks like paint in the water. Once the cyanobacteria die, it turns a blue color. The color can also vary to a grey to almost a red or brown color as well. 

Toxin concentrations in affected water can vary drastically. The wind can move these blooms and concentrate them in certain areas along the shorelines of ponds. These concentrations increase the lethality of the toxic blooms.

Preventing exposure to blue-green algae toxins is very important during the summer months. 

There are some options for livestock producers if blue-green algae is suspected or has been identified. Of course, fencing off natural water sources and providing alternative water sources is the best option (well water, hauled water), but is typically financially limiting.

 Fencing off certain areas of the ponds (downwind portion of ponds) may help limit exposure. Improved&nbsp;watering areas, such as pipe-fed waterers, may also limit exposure as long as the water inlet is located in a low-risk area of the pond. 

A submerged inlet in the center of the pond is an area where the cyanobacteria are unlikely to concentrate. Improved water sources like this will also help increase other water quality attributes.

 Controlled access and tank waterers decrease sediment, nutrients and fecal coliform bacteria from building up in the water source. 

Treatment of the water source with copper sulfate has historically been recommended. However, the copper accumulates in the pond, leading to other potential problems with plants and animals alike and is not recommended. 

Barley straw is also often discussed as a control measure. While the mechanism is unknown, barley straw may help reduce new blooms from forming but do not directly kill active blooms.

Monitoring of stock ponds during the summer months and having a plan in place to combat blue-green algae will help ensure the health and wellbeing of our herds. 

Water samples can be sent to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab: KSVDL Mosier D-117 1800 Dension Ave. Manhattan, KS 66506

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Preventing exposure to blue-green algae toxins during summer months 

<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

Now Enrolling &amp; Hiring at Two Unique Preschool Locations!

For parents seeking a preschool that nurtures curiosity, builds confidence, and feels like a second home — The Learning Academy may be just what you're looking for.

Owner Krystan Stinemetz, is passionate about creating a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow! Founded by Crystal Longsdale, she valued the multigenerational concept they had once created within Learning Cross Preschool. The Learning Academy is now housed in two locations and both are now accepting enrollment for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age. With flexible full and half day options.

Via Christi Campus – Part-Time, with Purpose Nestled inside the Via Christi nursing home, this location offers more than just early education — it provides something truly special: multigenerational connection. Children enrolled in the Via Christi campus attend either AM or PM sessions, Monday through Friday, and benefit from daily social interactions with residents. These moments help foster empathy, emotional growth, and a deep sense of community — all while learning through play.

Hadley Center Campus – Full-Time, Full Heart Located in the former WeKan space, The Learning Academy’s Hadley Center campus offers full-time care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Designed for working families, this location blends structure and exploration in a safe, supportive environment. Children must be potty trained and will enjoy nutritious meals and snacks, a creative play-based curriculum, and experienced teachers focused on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of each child.

From early introductions to writing, math, and literacy, to music, art, and developmental screenings — The Learning Academy believes every child deserves a strong, joyful start.

As enrollment grows, so does the team! The Learning Academy is also hiring teachers and paraeducators who are passionate about early childhood education. If you believe in nurturing young minds and inspiring wonder, this could be the opportunity for you.

Whether you're looking for the perfect preschool for your child or a fulfilling career in early education, The Learning Academy invites you to discover where wisdom meets wonder. For enrollment or employment information, email enroll@childcarehays.com or call them at 785-787-2020 today or visit The Learning Academy’s Facebook page.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Bunker Hill by KS Dept. of Health and Environment

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Three Hays women were arrested after a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 22-year-old&nbsp;Jade Danese Sellers, 24-year-old&nbsp;Arrianna Marie Patterson and 40-year-old&nbsp;Jennifer Lyn Haney were charged with alleged disorderly conduct after a brawl broke out.

Scheibler said the incident took place at 1:46 a.m. July 27 in the 700 block of Park St., where officers on patrol observed a verbal argument escalate into an alleged fight.

Scheibler said there were five to seven people at the scene, but the alleged physical altercation&nbsp;that led to three arrests mainly involved two women. All parties knew each other.

No injuries were reported. All three were booked into the Ellis County Jail.

Three Hays women arrested after alleged street fight 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a knife during a domestic dispute while a child was present in the home.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 38-year-old James Edward Foster of Hays was arrested for alleged aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, endangering a child and domestic battery.

Scheibler said the incident occured at 11:56 p.m. on July 24 in the 1900 block of MacArthur St., where officers responded to a report that Foster had allegedly pulled a knife on his girlfriend during an argument and made threatening gestures.

Scheibler said the woman and the child were not injured. Officers allegedly found additional weapons at the scene: a short-barreled AR-15 rifle and a handgun.

Foster was booked into the Ellis County Jail on July 25.

Hays man arrested for allegedly threatening woman with knife

HAYS, Kan. (Aug. 7, 2025) — The Hays Police Department is issuing a public safety alert regarding a significant increase in scams that coerce residents into sending money through Bitcoin Automated Teller Machines (BTMs).

These sophisticated schemes, often involving impersonation of government officials or trusted entities, have resulted in substantial financial losses for victims nationwide, and Hays is not immune.

"Let me be absolutely clear: no legitimate government agency, law enforcement, or utility company will ever demand payment through a Bitcoin ATM, gift card, or wire transfer,” said Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler. “If someone tells you to use one of these machines to pay a fine, resolve an issue, or protect your money, it is a scam. Hang up immediately and verify the request through official channels."

Scammers typically initiate contact through unexpected phone calls, text messages, or email, often creating a high-pressure, urgent scenario.

They may pose as IRS agents threatening arrest for unpaid taxes, law enforcement officials claiming involvement in money laundering, or tech support representatives warning of compromised bank accounts.

The common thread is the demand for immediate payment via a Bitcoin ATM, often directing victims to specific locations and providing QR codes to facilitate the transfer of funds directly to the scammer's digital wallet.

"These criminals exploit fear and a sense of urgency," Scheibler said. "They will keep you on the phone, preventing you from seeking advice from family or friends, and pressure you into withdrawing large sums of cash. Once that cash is deposited into a Bitcoin ATM and converted to cryptocurrency, it is almost impossible to retrieve."

The financial toll of these scams is alarming.

Nationally, fraud losses involving Bitcoin ATMs have surged, increasing nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2023, and exceeding $65 million in tracking the first half of 2024 alone, according to the latest information available.

The median loss reported by individuals who used BTMs in these scams was a staggering $10,000.

Individuals aged 60 and over are disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately $46 million, or 71%, of reported BTM-related losses in the first half of this year.

Broader cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes have led to billions of dollars in losses annually.

The difficulty in recovering funds stems from the inherent nature of cryptocurrency transactions.

Once funds are transferred via a BTM, the transaction is irreversible.

The decentralized and often anonymous nature of blockchain technology, coupled with the international reach of these criminal networks, makes tracing and recovering stolen funds exceptionally challenging for law enforcement.

Scammers frequently disperse stolen cryptocurrency across numerous digital wallets to obscure their tracks, further complicating recovery efforts.

Further, victims are often re-victimized by "recovery scams," fraudulent services that promise to retrieve lost cryptocurrency for an upfront fee, only to steal more money.

The Hays Police Department urges all residents to remain vigilant and follow these critical prevention tips:

· Never respond to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails demanding immediate payment, especially if they involve Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, or wire transfers.

· Always verify requests independently. If you receive a suspicious call from an alleged government agency or business, hang up and call them back using a phone number found on their official website or a trusted bill, not one provided by the caller.

· Slow down. Scammers rely on panic. Take time to think and discuss the situation with a trusted family member or friend.

· Understand that legitimate entities will never demand payment in cryptocurrency.

If you believe you have been targeted by a Bitcoin ATM scam or any other financial fraud, please contact the Hays Police Department immediately at (785) 625-1030.

You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

Hays Police Department warns residents targeted by Bitcoin ATM scams

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Following a recent water main break at the intersection of Sixth and Main, the City of Hays has finalized a repair plan and will begin work on Thursday, Aug. 7.

Repairs to the damaged infrastructure and the roadway are expected to take up to two weeks.

During the repair period, the intersection of Sixth and Main will be closed.

Main Street will be closed near the intersection, and the 100 block of West Sixth Street will also be inaccessible to through traffic.

Traffic signs will be placed to alert motorists of the closures and direct them to alternate routes.

"We appreciate the community's patience as we work to repair the damage," said Director of Water Resources Jeff Crispin. "Our crews will be working diligently to restore the infrastructure and the roadway as quickly and safely as possible."

The project will address the damage to both the underground infrastructure and the street surface caused by the break.

The City of Hays reminds all residents and visitors to exercise caution when traveling near the construction zone and to follow all posted detour signs. For updates follow the City of Hays on Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Nextdoor, TikTok and LinkedIn, or visit HaysUSA.com.

Repairs to Hays' Main St. following water main leak begin today

Herzogfest weekend is August 8 and 9 in Victoria. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Brenton Hoffman, committee president and vice-president Jennifer Bernes about the German-themed event.&nbsp;

🎙Celebrate Herzogfest in Victoria this weekend

Beginning Tuesday, 13th Street east of Canterbury Drive in Hays will return to one-way traffic - westbound ONLY - for a mill and overlay of roadway until further notice. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Public Works office at 785-628-7350.

13th St. east of Canterbury in Hays returns to 1-way traffic Tuesday

HOXIE – The Main Street Arts Council is excited to announce the final performances of the 2025 Main Street Summer Theater Festival, which will take place in Oakley on August 8 and 9. 

These performances of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. will bring the festival’s incredible run to a close after an amazing summer of inspiring youth theater across northwest Kansas.

The Main Street Summer Theater Festival has been a celebration of local talent, with performances in six different towns, all showcasing the creativity and hard work of young performers. Oakley will host the last two performances, giving attendees one final chance to experience this magical production of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr., featuring beloved songs from Encanto, Frozen II, Coco, and more.

Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. Oakley High School Auditorium, 118 W 7th St., Oakley

In addition to the festival’s final performances, we are also thrilled to announce a special Broadway guest performance by Desi Oakley, a Wichita native and renowned Broadway performer. Desi will be performing live in Hoxie on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, as part of the festival’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

Desi Oakley has an extensive Broadway career, having starred in productions such as Wicked, Waitress, and Chicago. Her concert will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the talent of this Broadway star in a local, intimate setting.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Hoxie High School Auditorium, 1625 Queen Ave., Hoxie

We invite everyone to attend both the final festival performances in Oakley and Desi Oakley’s Broadway concert to celebrate the culmination of this incredible summer of youth theater and professional talent.

For more information about the festival, tickets for the remaining performances, or to reserve your seat for Desi Oakley’s concert, visit <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/msstf2025">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/msstf2025</a>.

Final summer theater performances in Oakley, Broadway guest Desi Oakley in Hoxie

Aug. 9-10 Shady Bend 2-Day Golf Tournament;&nbsp;Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne;&nbsp;9:00 a.m. 4-Man Scramble. To enter call or text Eric Mans at 785-346-4654

Aug. 12 Mommy &amp; Me Tea;&nbsp;Second Street Café, 715 N. 2nd St, Natoma; 6:00 p.m.; Come on in for an elegant, fun and fanciful tea party; Call 785-346-4772

Aug. 16 See You at the Library;&nbsp;Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne; BRAVE Books See You at the Library Story Hour 11:00 a.m.

Families will gather in libraries across the country for this nationwide event to celebrate faith, freedom, and the power of storytelling. Together, we’ll rediscover what libraries are meant to be: places that spark imagination, shape character, and speak truth to the next generation. We’ll read books that inspire faith and conviction Spark meaningful conversations And build community with families who care about what really matters Bring your kids. Invite your friends. Let’s fill the library with stories and values that matter.

Aug. 20 Dinner Club at the Second Street Café;&nbsp;Second Street Café, 715 N. 2nd St., Natoma;&nbsp;Enjoy a 7-course meal every third Wednesday at 7:00 at the Second Street Cafe Dinner Club; For more information call 785-346-4772

A super fun day for the whole family in Alton. Starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Front Porch Event Center for coffee and rolls followed by a full day – car and bike shows, cake and pie contests, parade, free watermelon, money dig, food stands, Bull City Olympics, water balloon volleyball, bouncy houses, jam sessions, drawings, Jamie Campbell, comedian, Bull City Newlywed Game, cornhole tournament…it all ends with a free street dance featuring Kill Creek Rising! For more information, check out the Alton Jubilee Facebook page.

Aug. 24 Community Church Service in the Park;&nbsp;10:30 a.m. at the Alton City Park; Sponsored by Mt. Ayr Friends Church and Alton United Methodist Church

Aug. 24 2-Person Golf Tournament;&nbsp;Downs Golf Course, KS-181, Downs;&nbsp;9:00 a.m.; Hosted by Knights of Columbus; Contact Brady Cline at 785-545-6183

Aug. 30 Natoma City Wide Garage Sale, Natoma

August events for Osborne County

2025 Alton Jubilee set for Aug. 23-24

COLBY — The Colby Community College men's basketball team will host their 27th annual Golf Tournament and Sponsor Appreciation event on Friday, August 29 at Meadow Lake Golf Course. All proceeds will be used to support the program.

Registration for the four-person scramble begins at 8 a.m., with a tee time of 9 a.m. Participants are asked to make their own cart arrangements. The entry fee is $300 per team and includes a sack lunch on the course. After golfing, participants and season sponsors will have dinner and an opportunity to meet the 2025-26 men's basketball team.

For more information on being a season sponsor or to register for the golf tournament, scan the QR code or contact Coach Jerrod Stanford at 620-385-0273.

Colby Community College men's basketball team hosts golf tourney Aug. 29

 3rd-annual women's self-defense workshop set in Hays

NEW YORK (AP) — Millions of Americans saving for retirement through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-pensions-retirement-401k-tax-34574f697826495333a4293485624293">401(k) accounts</a>&nbsp;could have the option of putting their money in higher-risk private equity and cryptocurrency investments, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-democratizes-access-to-alternative-assets-for-401k-investors/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;signed Thursday by President Donald Trump that could give those financial players long-sought access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-401-k-plans-d59940fdfbec720b6fbef99b8e055999">a pool of funds worth trillions</a>.

There is no immediate change in how people invest part of their work earnings. Federal agencies would need to rewrite rules and regulations to allow the expanded choices, and that would take months or more to complete. But once done, employers could offer a broader array of mutual funds and investments to workers, according to the White House. New plans could invest in alternative assets, particularly private equity, cryptocurrencies and real estate.

The Republican president’s order directs the Labor Department and other agencies to redefine what would be considered a qualified asset under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-sponsor/401k-plan-overview" target="_blank">401(k) retirement</a>&nbsp;rules.

Americans’ retirement plans are governed by a law known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, better known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa" target="_blank">ERISA</a>. Employers are required by law to offer retirement options that are in the best interest of their employees, not Wall Street. Most retirement plans for Americans are made up of stock and bond investments, and to a much lesser extent, cash and heavily traded commodities such as gold.

Trump’s move rewards both the $5 trillion private equity industry, which for decades has wanted to compete for a role in retirement plans, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-businesses-trump-organization-white-house-conflicts-of-interest-b970b5681b27f86dcd461ff473be23fa">cryptocurrency industry</a>, whose executives strongly supported Trump’s 2024 campaign as they aimed for more mainstream acceptance among Americans.

The price of bitcoin was up 2% on Thursday to $116,542 and has nearly doubled since Trump was elected.

Under Democratic President Joe Biden, federal regulators were to treat cryptocurrency investments with “extreme care” because of the extreme volatility of crypto. It is not uncommon for bitcoin, ethereum and other big cryptocurrencies to move up or down 10% in a single day, whereas a 2% or 3% single-day move in the stock market would be considered historic.

For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-stablecoins-congress-cryptocurrency-94fa3c85e32ec6fd5a55576cf46e58ea">cryptocurrency companies</a>, which donated millions to Trump’s campaign as well as his inauguration, one goal was to get their industry qualified under ERISA. Coinbase, one of the largest crypto companies in the United States, was also a major donor toward Trump’s military parade in Washington this summer. Under Trump, the Securities and Exchange Commission dropped its lawsuit against Coinbase, where the Biden administration said crypto should be treated as a security.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-trump-crypto-bitcoin-convention-regulation-007bf9ce161fdb33a7e1613fb5a3e661">Crypto</a>&nbsp;is particularly popular among young Americans. While volatile, bitcoin has generally moved upward since it was created by an anonymous programmer nearly 20 years ago.

“It was inevitable that bitcoin would make its way into American 401(k)'s,” said Cory Klippsten, the CEO of Swan Bitcoin. “As fiduciaries realize bitcoin’s risk-adjusted upside over the long term, we’ll see growing allocations, especially from younger, tech-savvy workers who want hard money, not melting ice cubes.”

Private equity firms rely heavily on high-net-worth individuals and state and private pension plans, which have extremely long investment timelines. But having access to Americans’ retirement assets would open up a deep pool of cash.

Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman has told investors going back to at least 2017 that it was a “dream” of his and the industry to be able to draw upon these retirement assets. Previous administrations, Republican and Democrat, have agreed that private equity investments, which can be riskier, more expensive and less liquid than traditional stock and bond market mutual funds, should not be included in 401(k) plans.

The average historic annual return on private equity assets going back to 1990 is roughly 13%, net of fees, according to Cambridge Associates. The S&amp;P 500 index has had an approximate annual return, including dividends, of roughly 10.6% in the same period of time. However, private equity assets tend to be locked up for years, because the companies underlying the assets have to be sold on the private market, making them highly illiquid compared to stocks, which can be sold in a day.

“We look forward to working with the Trump Administration on a thoughtful framework that expands access to alternatives for retirement savers, offering Americans more diversification and investment options with appropriate investor guardrails,” said Bryan Corbett, the president and CEO of the Managed Funds Association, which is the trade group for the private equity industry.

Even after the regulations are written, it will take time for major retirement plan companies, such as Fidelity, Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, and others, to develop appropriate funds for employers to use. Employers are unlikely to revise their retirement plan options quickly, so it may take several years before crypto and private equity investments become mainstream in an individual’s retirement plan.

“While Vanguard has not committed to launching a product for defined contribution plans, Vanguard is dedicated to educating retirement investors to ensure a clear understanding of the opportunities and risks of investing in private assets,” the company said in a statement.

Trump signs order providing amazing new options for your 401(k)

HARVEY COUNTY—&nbsp;Matthew Ratzlaff, 38, of Burrton, entered guilty pleas Wednesday in Harvey County District Court to Kidnapping and 2 counts of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child involving sexual crimes against a child under the age of 10, according to&nbsp; Harvey County Attorney Heather L. Figger.

At the time of the offenses, Ratzlaff was on post-release supervision. His guilty pleas mark a significant step toward justice for the victim and community.

Sentencing is scheduled to take place before Judge Nancy Parrish on October 8. 

Ratzlaff faces a potential prison sentence of 283 to 315 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, followed by lifetime post-release supervision. He will also be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.

“This case is a painful reminder of the seriousness of crimes against children,” said County Attorney Heather L. Figger. “We are committed to holding offenders accountable and pursuing justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Kan. felon on parole admits to sex crimes with child under age 10

JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.

Just after 2a.m. on August, 5, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 2018 Chevy Silverado heading north on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road for allegedly committing traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued northbound on U.S. Hwy 75. The suspect vehicle allegedly exceeded over 100mph.  At one point, a Jackson County Deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention which temporarily disabled the suspect vehicle. The suspect allegedly ran motorists off the road way during the pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually came to a stop near 278th Road on U.S. Hwy 75. 

 The driver, 35-year-old Michael Andrew Richardson of Topeka was arrested and taken into custody.  Richardson was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery on law enforcement, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, two counts battery on law enforcement, battery on a corrections officer, one count of aggravated assault, felony criminal damage to property, flee and eluding law enforcement by reckless driving, driving under the influence and felony interference with law enforcement.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements