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

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman with teacher Morgan Berkgren about the national winners of the KidWind Challenge from schools in Oakley.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: National KidWind Challenge winners from Oakley

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

COLBY —&nbsp;The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation is proud to partner with the family of Brandon Gaede to establish a memorial scholarship to honor Gaede’s lifelong commitment to public service. It will support students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, with preference given to those planning careers in law enforcement or emergency response.

To learn more or to contribute, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/ColbyCommunityCollegeEndowmen/BrandonGaede.html">Brandon Gaede Memorial Scholarship Page</a>.

SEE RELATED STORY: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bbc61d67-a53b-4909-a504-10e56d8bbe84">Hays honors fallen Phillipsburg deputy at escort</a>

Born and raised in Colby, Gaede graduated from Colby High School in 2013, where he excelled in multiple sports. He began his law enforcement career immediately after high school as a jailer with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, he earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Colby Community College in 2015.

In 2017, Gaede joined the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) as president of the 247th Basic Training Class. Over the years, he served as a field training officer and drone operator, earning a promotion to sergeant in 2023 and then to undersheriff in 2024.

Whether it was football, wrestling, fishing, debating with family, or serving as a deputy, Gaede committed wholeheartedly to every endeavor. He was known for his honesty and integrity, and his dedication to work extended beyond duty. He volunteered his time to enrich the community, actively connecting with schools, sharing laughter, and making law enforcement relatable to the younger generation.

Gaede’s passion for law enforcement began at the age of 7, and it was the only career he had ever wanted. His service was more than a job; it was an honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Striving to make a meaningful impact in every community he served, he looked after family, friends, and neighbors.

Known for his favorite phrase, “You’re killing me, Smalls!” (a nod to his love of the film The Sandlot), Gaede was a devoted father who never missed his children’s events. One of their favorite evening traditions was a spirited game of “Dog Pile” in the living room, usually right before bedtime. He shared his love for old cars and fishing with his children, especially his eldest son, Axel. Whether fixing a vehicle or working on a house project, his kids were often right by his side.

Always willing to lend a listening ear, he is remembered as a genuine, one-of-a-kind individual. His legacy as a true hero lives on in the hearts of his family and community.

Brandon Gaede Memorial Scholarship established at Colby Community College

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 

&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

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect following a road rage incident, his second arrest for similar behavior in three months, according to Garden City police.

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a road rage altercation along W. Kansas Avenue in Garden City. The reporting party stated that they and another driver, identified as Andrew Ortiz, 31, were involved in an incident during which Ortiz allegedly pointed a handgun at them before fleeing the area. 

With the assistance of the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, police quickly located Ortiz in the 200 block of N. 11th Street. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and Ortiz was taken into custody. 

Officers later recovered a lower receiver of a firearm. Ortiz, who was arrested for a similar incident in May, is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault. There were no injuries from the incident. 

Road rage: SW Kan. man jailed again for pointing a gun at another driver 

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would meet with Vladimir Putin even if the Russian leader will not meet with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in comments that suggested Washington and Moscow could soon hold a summit.

Trump's comments followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">a statement from Putin</a>&nbsp;earlier in the day that he hoped to meet with Trump next week, possibly in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/united-arab-emirates">United Arab Emirates</a>. But the White House was still working through the details of any potential meetings, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

When asked by a reporter if Putin would need to meet with Zelenskyy in order to secure a meeting with the U.S., Trump said: “No, he doesn’t. No.”

A White House official told The Associated Press earlier Thursday that a U.S.-Russian summit would not happen if Putin did not agree to meet with Zelenskyy, but the official later said it only made the summit less likely. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and had spoken on condition of anonymity.

A meeting with Trump would be a coup for Putin, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-istanbul-talks-zelenskyy-putin-05795eea960b9035f93a143c3e177c3d">has spurned</a>&nbsp;previous offers of a face-to-face meeting with Zelenskyy and has been isolated globally since the invasion. He has long suggested a meeting with Trump to discuss ending the fighting. Trump too has repeatedly boasted that he and Putin could make a deal to end the war.

Any direct talks between them about the conflict would also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-talks-ceasefire-00af5f61f1faf41e78a3b4e072c21a14">renew questions</a>&nbsp;about the risk of excluding Ukraine from peace efforts.

Putin’s announcement came on the eve of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-sanctions-tariffs-witkoff-9444ab7b042944090d51a73ae871571a">White House deadline</a>&nbsp;for Moscow to show progress toward ending the 3-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;or suffer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-ukraine-war-b265ec364349a7e2065982064748e69a">additional economic sanctions</a>.

When asked Thursday at the White House whether his deadline for Friday would hold, Trump said of Putin: "It’s going to be up to him. We’re going to see what he has to say. It’s going to be up to him. Very disappointed.”

The president also touched on the killing that has continued on both sides and added, “I don’t like long waits. I think it’s a shame.”

Speaking of possible direct talks with Zelenskyy, Putin said he has mentioned several times that he was not against it, adding: “It’s a possibility, but certain conditions need to be created” for it to happen.

The Kremlin has previously said that Putin and Zelenskyy should meet only when an agreement negotiated by their delegations is close.

Ukraine fears being sidelined by direct negotiations between Washington and Moscow, and Zelenskyy said he had phone conversations with several European leaders Thursday amid a flurry of diplomatic activity. European countries have pledged to back Ukraine for as long as it takes to defeat Russia's invasion.

Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, earlier brushed aside the possibility of Zelenskyy joining the summit, something the White House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-witkoff-moscow-trump-deadline-118b3cbcfa12d1dd9a75ce20b0b3e61e">said Trump was ready to consider</a>. Putin has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-istanbul-talks-zelenskyy-putin-05795eea960b9035f93a143c3e177c3d">spurned Zelenskyy’s previous offers</a>&nbsp;of a meeting to clinch a breakthrough.

“We propose, first of all, to focus on preparing a bilateral meeting with Trump, and we consider it most important that this meeting be successful and productive,” Ushakov said, adding that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff's suggestion of a meeting including Ukraine's leader “was not specifically discussed.”

Putin made the announcement in the Kremlin about a possible meeting with Trump after meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE.

Asked who initiated the possible talks with the American president, Putin said that didn't matter and “both sides expressed an interest.”

Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund who met Wednesday with Witkoff, said a Trump-Putin meeting would allow Moscow to “clearly convey its position," and he hoped a summit would include discussions on mutually beneficial economic issues, including joint investments in areas such as rare earth elements.

The meeting would be the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021, when former President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva. It would be a significant milestone toward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">Trump’s effort</a>&nbsp;to end the war, although there’s no guarantee it would stop the fighting since Moscow and Kyiv remain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-memorandum-talks-instanbul-6014fb7e87c15aa60e30bf72bf6cd2fd">far apart on their conditions for peace</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-diplomatic-putin-trump-2a2c4bda9bb53ae2036837af899573a3">Months of U.S.-led efforts</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-drone-attacks-0c2e0a4aeccd86c3fe18edf5cc73b250">yielded no progress</a>&nbsp;on stopping Russia's invasion of its neighbor. The war has killed tens of thousands of troops on both sides and more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians, according to the United Nations.

Western officials have repeatedly accused Putin of stalling in peace negotiations to allow Russian forces time to capture more Ukrainian land. Putin previously has offered no concessions and said he will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-peace-talks-istanbul-7cafd1b233b30de0c9683aaa2b042212">accept a settlement only on his terms</a>.

At the start of his second term, Trump was conciliatory toward Putin, for whom he has long shown admiration, and even echoed some of his talking points on the war. But he recently has expressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rutte-nato-putin-ukraine-524abe34764e4bb5838bbc90fc992520">increasing exasperation with Putin</a>, criticizing the Kremlin leader for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-peace-talks-istanbul-7cafd1b233b30de0c9683aaa2b042212">unyielding stance</a>&nbsp;on U.S.-led peace efforts, and has threatened Moscow with new sanctions.

Zelenskyy said European countries must also be involved in finding a solution to the war on their own continent.

“Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same bold approach from the Russian side. It is time to end the war,” he added.

A ceasefire and long-term security guarantees are priorities in potential negotiation with Russia, he said on social media.

Securing a truce, deciding a format for a summit and providing assurances for Ukraine’s future protection from invasion — a consideration that must involve the U.S. and Europe — are crucial aspects to address, Zelenskyy said.

He noted that Russian strikes on civilians have not eased despite Trump publicly urging Putin to relent. A Russian attack Wednesday in the central Dnipro region killed four people and wounded eight others, he said.

Poll shows support for continuing the fight waning in Ukraine

A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/693203/ukrainian-support-war-effort-collapses.aspx">new Gallup poll</a>&nbsp;published Thursday found that Ukrainians are increasingly eager for a peace settlement. In the survey, conducted in early July, about seven in 10 Ukrainians said their country should seek to negotiate a settlement as soon as possible.

The enthusiasm for a negotiated deal is a sharp reversal from 2022 — the year the war began — when Gallup found that about three-quarters of Ukrainians wanted to keep fighting until victory. Now only about one-quarter hold that view, with support for continuing the war declining steadily across all regions and demographic groups.

The findings were based on samples of 1,000 or more respondents ages 15 and older living in Ukraine. Some territories under entrenched Russian control, representing about 10% of the population, were excluded from surveys conducted after 2022 due to lack of access.

In Kyiv, opinions on the usefulness of a Trump-Putin meeting were divided.

“Negotiations are necessary, and we all really want the war to end … because this war will only end with negotiations,” resident Ruslan Prindun said.

But Volodymyr Tasak said it was “unlikely” that anything good would come from U.S.-Russia talks and that Zelenskyy was “being squeezed out.”

Lyudmila Kostrova said in downtown Kyiv that Putin was simply trying to avoid U.S. sanctions by agreeing to meet with Trump. “Putin is not interested in ending the war now,” she said.

🎥Trump wants meeting with Putin: Anything to stop the killing

The Department of State and the Department of Justice are announcing a reward offer increase of up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolás Maduro for violating U.S. narcotics laws, according to a statement from agency.

For over a decade, Maduro has been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.&nbsp; On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Cartel de Los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).&nbsp;

Since 2020, Maduro has strangled democracy and grasped at power in Venezuela.&nbsp; Maduro claimed to have won Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, presidential election but failed to present any evidence that he had prevailed.&nbsp; The United States has refused to recognize Maduro as the winner of 2024 election and does not recognize him as the President of Venezuela.&nbsp;

Today’s reward offer is authorized by the Secretary under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/releases-bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs?results=30&amp;currpage=2&amp;totalpages=2&amp;coll_filter_year&amp;coll_filter_month&amp;coll_filter_speaker&amp;coll_filter_country&amp;coll_filter_release_type=1438&amp;coll_filter_bureau&amp;coll_filter_program&amp;coll_filter_profession" target="_blank">NRP</a>, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice as a key pillar of President Trump’s “America First” priorities.&nbsp; If you have information, please contact the DEA by phone (voice, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or text) at +1-202-681-8187, or by&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CartelSolesTips@dea.gov">email</a>.&nbsp; If you are located outside the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.&nbsp; If you are in the United States, you can also contact the local DEA field office.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.&nbsp; Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.

🎥U.S. offers $50M reward for arrest of Venezuelan President 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement a investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 42-year-old&nbsp;Braisen Cain, according to KCKPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 Block of Morrell in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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