The Bricks in downtown Hays has a new executive director. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June and Ben Dome, operations director.

🎙Post Podcast: New executive director of The Bricks Lee Ann June

Beginning Tuesday, August 12, the intersection of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive will become a 4-way stop as this intersection will be getting traffic light upgrades and modifications. 

 Temporary stop signs will be utilized at this intersection. 

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

13th & Canterbury intersection to be temporary 4-way stop in Hays starting Tuesday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review the fourth draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

This is the last chance for the commission to make changes before the proposed budget is published. After publication, a public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate and budget will be set for Sept. 9.

During last week’s meeting, the commission discussed High Plains Mental Health’s funding request of about $378,600 and its plan to honor it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/214198c7-e910-476d-b7b7-6c39644d6eb9">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission readjusts 2026 funding; discusses 1 mill tax hike</a>

Request for proposal for appraisal contract services

The Ellis County Appraiser's Office is seeking approval to enter into a consulting agreement with Equitable Solutions for commercial and industrial income and expense analysis services.

The proposal also includes staff training to eventually bring the service in-house and eliminate the need for a contractor by 2027.

This request comes after the retirement of the county’s longtime contractor earlier this year. The goal for 2026 is for the appraisal staff to handle most of the analysis with Equitable Solutions offering limited guidance.

The total cost is $21,000 and would be paid in three installments. The expense will be covered from the appraiser's 2025 general fund and the capital reserve fund.

Commissioners will receive an update from Mike Thomas, vice president of WoodRiver Energy, on the option to lock in natural gas rates for county facilities. The aim is to protect against price surges like those seen during the February 2021 cold spell, when rates exceeded $600 per million British thermal units.

The commission will decide between one to three-year fixed rate options. The current price rate for Ellis County is $5.65.

The commission will be asked to approve a waived fee of about $500 in waste disposal for the upcoming Volga German Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 in Hays.

Commissioners will also be asked to approve an updated job description for the Noxious Weed Department, including the addition of a new position level. This change aims to align with stricter state certification requirements and improve employee retention.&nbsp;No new positions would be created.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-692">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss fourth 2026 budget draft

Ellis County Jail bookings: Aug. 3-9, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Aug. 3-9 2025

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

 The Bricks in Downtown Hays invites the community to Sip, Stroll, and&nbsp;Support The Bricks at the return of&nbsp;Wines &amp; Steins, presented by Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

This 21+ ticketed event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy carefully curated wine and beer pairings at 12&nbsp;unique “stroll stops” throughout Downtown Hays. Each stop features thoughtfully paired hors d’oeuvres from&nbsp;local restaurants and caterers — all while highlighting the vibrant businesses and cultural atmosphere of The&nbsp;Bricks.

This year’s presenting sponsor, Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic, is also the exclusive glassware&nbsp;sponsor. All attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass as part of their experience.

New for 2025, each guest will also receive an interactive tasting passport that includes pairing notes, vendor&nbsp;highlights, exclusive coupons, and space to rate your favorite sips and stops. 

Additional fundraising features this&nbsp;year include a gift card pull and a 50/50 raffle to support ongoing initiatives.

Tickets are $75 and available now at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/wines-steins">downtownhays.com/wines-steins</a>.

Only 250 tickets will be sold. With the&nbsp;cancellation of Brews on The Bricks this year, this event is expected to sell out — early ticket purchases are&nbsp;highly encouraged.

All proceeds support The Bricks in Downtown Hays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the&nbsp;economic and cultural vibrancy of the downtown district through events, beautification, and community&nbsp;partnerships.

“Wines &amp; Steins is a community favorite that celebrates Downtown Hays,” said Lee Ann June, executive&nbsp;director of The Bricks. “It brings people together in a meaningful and delicious way. We’re thrilled to partner&nbsp;with Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic this year and can’t wait to welcome both new and returning&nbsp;guests to sip, stroll, and support The Bricks.”

For sponsorship information, contact the director at TheBricks@downtownhays.com or call 785-621-4171.

Tickets on sale now for Wines & Steins: A night of pairings and purpose in Downtown Hays

Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina

SALINA – The Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina (CFDS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Hartman as chief executive officer. Hartman, who has served the foundation since 2021, brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, donor relations, and community building, along with deep ties to the Diocese of Salina.

“Heather has a heart for the Church, a deep love for the people of our diocese, and a gift for building relationships,” said Bishop Jerry Vincke. “I’m grateful for her leadership and excited to see how the Catholic Foundation will continue to grow and serve under her guidance.”

Hartman is a longtime Kansan with over a decade of experience in philanthropy, community foundations, and rural leadership. A former small business owner, she understands the importance of long-term investment and community connection — values that now shape her work in stewarding donor gifts and strengthening the mission of the Church across the Diocese. 

As CEO, she will continue to lead efforts to grow the Foundation’s endowment funds, support parishes and schools, and steward the generosity of donors who believe in the mission of the Catholic Church in north-central and northwest Kansas.

The Foundation is also proud to welcome three new members to its board:

· Jerry Kuckleman of Manhattan, a longtime leader in western Kansas with extensive experience in the beef industry, including his time as president of Innovative Livestock Services.

· Katie Platten of Salina, the foundation’s founding leader and first CEO, who brings valuable experience in organizational leadership and development.

· Mitzi Richards of Manhattan, who brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit administration through her work with the KSU Foundation and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

In addition, Francine Hestermann of Hays has been elected as the new President of the CFDS Board, leading the foundation’s efforts to further its mission. Francine joined the board in 2021.

About the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Salina

 The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Salina exists to provide long-term financial support for the ministries of the diocese, its parishes, and Catholic schools. The foundation partners with generous donors to sustain the mission of the Church and ensure its presence for future generations.

The CFDS Board includes Francine Hestermann, Hays (President); Ron Gfeller, Russell (Vice President); Jeff Thompson, Salina (Treasurer); Katie Platten, Salina (Secretary); Doug Hinkin, Manhattan; Don Boos, Salina; Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt, Manhattan; Cheri Mense, Hoxie; Betty Johnson, Lawrence; Jerry Kuckelman, Manhattan; Mitzi Richards, Manhattan; and Bishop Jerry Vincke, Salina.

Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina announces new CEO, board leadership

SHERMAN COUNTY—A pilot avoided being injured after an incident while landing just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an Air Tractor crop duster piloted by Rosemarie L. Surette, 48, Vail, Colorado, was attempting to land at Goodland Municipal Airport.&nbsp; The aircraft caught a gust of wind, came down and rotated, snapping off the left landing gear.

Surette was not injured. The KHP released no additional details. The incident remains under investigation.

Pilot in NW Kan. avoids injury after crop duster lost landing gear

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension

Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. 

Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.

The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2025 from K-State Extension, will soon be released. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas.

Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat breeders and researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.

A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection is the Kansas Wheat Variety Performance Tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. 

These variety performance tests are replicated, each variety is randomly planted in four different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>, click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for any of these resources.

The Wheat Trials Database decision tool provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states including Kansas. 

The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. It is an easy tool to use and very helpful!

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Kansas Wheat Variety Guide and selection

Kansas Department of Transportation

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place July 23, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

KDOT announces approved July area bids

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&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

Beginning Monday evening, Aug. 11, the Vine Street roundabouts in Hays will be getting new pavement markings installed. 

This work will be done during the evening hours as to limit daytime traffic interruptions. 

Please use caution in these areas as traffic control devices will be used. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

Hays roundabouts to get new pavement markings Monday night 

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a series of improvement projects along portions of highways K-18 and U.S. 183 in Rooks and Ellis counties the week of Aug. 11.

The first project will involve milling and overlay on 12 miles of U.S. 183 starting at S Road north of Plainville and ending at the Ellis County line. 

Crews will then resurface approximately 13 miles of K-18 between Palco and Plainville. 

The final project will continue milling and overlay on 15 miles U.S. 183 in Ellis County beginning at the Rooks County line and ending near 55th&nbsp;Street in Hays.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane and directed by flaggers and a pilot car through the areas where crews are actively working. Motorists should plan for delays not exceeding 15 minutes during daylight hours.

KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.

Bettis Construction and Asphalt, of Topeka, is the primary contractor for the projects with a combined contract cost of $7.2 million. 

For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

Highway construction projects set in Rooks, Ellis counties

Hungry for bierocks? Place your order with the Cancer Council of Ellis County for their BIEROCK FUNDRAISER until Monday, September 1, 2025. These delicious bierocks are made by Cervs on Main Street. 

To place your order call the Cancer Council at 785-625-6653 or mail your order to 701 Riley St., Hays KS 67601. 

Orders must be paid for at time of order. 

Pick up will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of Main Street Cervs, 1601 Main Street.

Cost is $30 for ½ dozen or $50 for a dozen; with cheese $35 for ½ dozen or $60 for a dozen.

The Cancer Council of Ellis County is a local organization that has been helping Ellis County residents dealing with cancer for 39 years.

Bierocks fundraiser underway for Cancer Council of Ellis County

Farmers, are you needing to pick a new variety of wheat, or wanting to learn more about the Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus complex?

Then make plans to attend the Pre-Plant Wheat School on Wednesday, August 20 at the Great Bend Event Center, 3111 10th Street.

Registration and supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program will conclude about 8 p.m.

According to Cottonwood District Extension Agent Stacy Campbell, some topics of discussion by Extension specialists will be wheat variety performance and selection, wheat streak mosaic virus complex and there will always be time for Q &amp; A.

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, August 15 to ensure a meal, call 785-628-9430, email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu or scan the QR Code.

Pre-plant wheat school offered for local farmers

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to an equipment malfunction. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-324-0187, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198866eb699-91059f6d-714c-40dc-a9e2-9ae7ad45c5e4-000000/aVlpUXP4H9xS0ZuVrbIVFgUf4DmGd1qNh7XicgLXPLs=417">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

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

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

Deputy Elijah Ming's funeral service will be held Monday, August 11, at Children's Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, Kansas.

The service is open to the public and will begin at 11:00 AM. Parking lots will open at 9:00 AM with stadium gates opening at 9:30 AM. 

Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Ave. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. 

Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic. There will be a Law Enforcement Processional starting 30 minutes following the service, at approximately 1:30 PM. 

The route is posted below. Residents and businesses are invited to line the procession route and to display blue ribbons or signs of support for Deputy Ming’s family.

• East On France Family• South on Village West Pkwy• East on State Ave• South on I-435• East on I-70• North on N. 7th St.• West on State Ave• Ends at N. 94th St. and State AveBurial services will be private.

Deputy Ming’s service will be livestreamed on the Unified Government’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.Livestream Access Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZf6B6O7uA">Honoring the Life of Fallen Deputy Elijah Ming - YouTube</a>

🎥Funeral service honoring life of Deputy Elijah Ming

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/larry-neumeister">LARRY NEUMEISTER</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Transcripts of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/breonna-taylor-shootings-police-juries-courts-ae8527aa406ea4c7dd35fac4f7203f66">the secret grand jury testimony</a>&nbsp;that led to the sex trafficking indictment of Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell won’t be released, a judge decided Monday.

Judge Paul A. Engelmayer said in a written ruling that the government had suggested that the materials could be released publicly “casually or promiscuously,” which would risk “unraveling the foundations of secrecy upon which the grand jury is premised” and eroding confidence by persons called to testify before future grand juries.

“And it is no answer to argue that releasing the grand jury materials, because they are redundant of the evidence at Maxwell’s trial, would be innocuous. The same could be said for almost any grand jury testimony, by summary witnesses or others, given in support of charges that later proceeded to trial,” the judge added.

Federal prosecutors had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-bondi-91f911d2d7a909f78259cdca7b55d9a6">asked to unseal the documents</a>, in an effort to calm a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">whirlpool of suspicions</a>&nbsp;about what the government knows about Epstein, a well-connected financier who died behind bars while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell, his socialite ex-girlfriend, was later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-convicted-jeffrey-epstein-trial-verdict-63a71a2825eab41184a79e37bb967e90">convicted of helping him prey on underage girls</a>.

It’s unclear how much the transcripts would have revealed since the Justice Department has acknowledged they contained no testimony from witnesses who were not members of law enforcement.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-grand-jury-transcripts-trump-d7b6be64eb7cf79de765d7870069e780">Prosecutors have said</a>&nbsp;much of what was discussed behind the grand jury’s closed doors ultimately became public at Maxwell’s 2021 trial in 2021, in victims’ civil lawsuits or in public statements from victims and witnesses. The only grand jury witnesses were law enforcement officers.

The decision about the grand jury transcripts doesn’t affect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-bondi-91f911d2d7a909f78259cdca7b55d9a6">thousands of other pages</a>&nbsp;that the government possesses but has declined to release. The Justice Department has said much of the material was court-sealed to protect victims and little of it would have come out if Epstein had gone to trial.

Another federal judge still is weighing whether to release the transcripts from the grand jury testimony that led to Epstein’s indictment.

A federal judge in Florida&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-grand-jury-records-florida-3254decc623fbf2a5ee2967c7adfa2e6">declined to release grand jury documents</a>&nbsp;from an investigation there in 2005 and 2007.

Some Epstein victims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-victims-trump-criticism-doj-ghislane-maxwell-45075bebef48aa82607100c1dc3d3d09">supported releasing</a>&nbsp;the grand jury transcripts with some redactions. Other accusers said the debate over the material was causing them anguish.

Maxwell, who’s appealing her conviction,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-grand-jury-transcripts-db60a21b4dfc5e312780759b41ce9eb4">opposed unsealing the documents</a>. Her lawyers said she hasn’t seen them but believed they were full of questionable statements that her defense had no opportunity to challenge.

Maxwell recently was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-053ad2ae16f31b9d7300340d5f9349c5">interviewed by the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;and was moved from a prison in Florida to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">a prison camp in Texas</a>. Her attorney says she testified truthfully.

The Epstein saga has again become a national flashpoint six years after authorities said the financier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a947e0d85d31496eb5bd9ff4994c9718">killed himself</a>. The 66-year-old was facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb41822a39a147ccb03501acf049b58c">federal sex trafficking charges</a>&nbsp;involving dozens of teenage girls and young women, some as young as 14.

Epstein already had served jail time and registered as a sex offender after pleading guilty to Florida prostitution offenses in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury-transcript-florida-b5dce49bdd9bcbce2969107919ddc2d0">2008 deal</a>&nbsp;that let him avoid federal charges at the time.

President Donald Trump later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-their-words-bondi-patel-bongino-70176344eeab6f66e015bc294afbbf59">raised questions about Epstein’s death</a>, and Trump allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">stoked conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;that dark secrets were covered up to protect powerful people. Some of those allies got powerful positions in Trump’s Justice Department and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-pam-bondi-trump-fa39193d5b5ff91970428bf077a5ce44">promised to pull back the curtain</a>&nbsp;on the Epstein investigation — but then announced this summer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">that nothing more would be released</a>&nbsp;and that a long-rumored Epstein “client list” doesn’t exist.

The about-face only amplified the clamor for transparency. After trying unsuccessfully&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">to change the subject</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supporters-epstein-sex-trafficking-investigation-bondi-47370e63060d79af64b0b8ac70b970a4">denigrating his own supporters</a>&nbsp;for not moving on, the president told Attorney General Pam Bondi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-bondi-91f911d2d7a909f78259cdca7b55d9a6">to ask courts to unseal the grand jury transcripts</a>.

Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-congress-subpoena-clintons-a02749e1fe6f0de0c385c7fac186d3ba">subpoenaed the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;for files in the case. The committee also issued subpoenas to conduct sworn questioning of former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and eight former top law enforcement officials.

Bill Clinton, a Democrat, was one of Epstein’s many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-bill-clinton-donald-trump-385ccf8d49d337ae4866022877aa9a90">famous former friends</a>. So was Trump, a Republican. Both men have said they knew nothing of Epstein’s crimes until he was charged, and Epstein’s accusers have not alleged any wrongdoing by Trump or Clinton.

Judge: Epstein grand jury records to remain sealed

KANSAS CITY —Officials are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 5a.m. Sunday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 5100 block of East 23rd Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. 

Crews reported "heavy fire and smoke" showing from a 2-story home and initiated an offensive fire attack, advancing 2 hose lines.

Searches throughout the structure came back "all clear." The fire was reported under control at 5:05 a.m.

KCFD continued with overhaul operations to expose and extinguish hot spots. No injuries were reported at this incident. Dangerous Buildings was ordered to the scene to evaluate the structure.

Fire consumes 2-story Kansas City home

WASHINGTON (AP) —American businesses and consumers soon will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-effect-05bc12428163b9f28ef80f952cf9dafd">a better idea</a>&nbsp;of how President Donald Trump's foreign trade agenda might affect them now that the United States has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-into-effect-economy-warning-signs-eafe20de9abad312573b320fd4b5fb33">imposed higher tariffs</a>&nbsp;on products from dozens of countries.

It’s been nearly 100 years since the nation had an overall import tax rate as high as the one&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-effect-05bc12428163b9f28ef80f952cf9dafd">set Thursday</a>. But the individual impact on business costs and consumer prices could vary as much as the tariffs applied to goods of nearly 70 U.S. trading partners, from complicated economies like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-us-trump-tariffs-leyen-trade-719adddee95d0f4759f7f57cd30fdb30">the European Union</a>&nbsp;to the small African nation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-lesotho-clothing-industry-jeans-denim-trump-ea9754135855675400b76c8ce13dde04">Lesotho</a>.

Exports from a majority of them are getting taxed at 15%. For a handful of countries&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-tariffs-trump-china-trade-78d11d9d8ab4eb66898e12fdbd5aa9b4">in Asia</a>, the rate is 19%. Products from the rest are subject to taxes of 20% to 50%. Meanwhile, a 55% tariff on Chinese-made goods is scheduled to take effect next week if a U.S.-China trade deal is not agreed on before then.

Businesses in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/trump-tariffs-into-effect-global-trade-photos-64d75ac1cc0cc3dd11ade5ff7f878345">and abroad</a>&nbsp;have been dealing in various ways since February with Trump's fluctuating tariffs on specific products and countries. Many automakers appeared to have absorbed the costs for now. But recent government data indicated that retail prices for groceries, furniture and appliances&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-economy-8c9298ce80d2e40a71a17e0c3af3c292">started creeping up</a>&nbsp;in June.

Because tariffs are a tax on imports, economists have expected U.S. consumers to foot at least part of the bill eventually.

The country-specific round enforced Thursday, together with the president's earlier tariffs on specific sectors such as automobiles and steel, will increase prices 1.8% in the short term, the Budget Lab at Yale estimated. That’s the equivalent of a $2,400 loss of income per U.S. household, according to the non-partisan policy research center

The projections were based on an analysis of duties implemented this year through Wednesday, as well as a doubling of the levy on items made in India that Trump said would be implemented near the end of August.

"Retailers have been able to hold the line on pricing so far, but the new increased tariffs will significantly raise costs for U.S. retailers, manufacturers and consumers,” Jon Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation trade group, said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press.

Here’s what to know about the tariffs and where U.S. consumers are most likely to notice effects:

Trump unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-announces-sweeping-new-tariffs-to-promote-us-manufacturing-risking-inflation-and-trade-wars/">sweeping import taxes</a>&nbsp;on goods coming into the U.S. from 66 countries, the European Union, Taiwan and the Falkland Islands in April. He said the “reciprocal” tariffs were meant to boost domestic manufacturing and restore fairness to global trade.

The president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariffs-higher-rates-china-9645cf4608a8c153e90bdd10263ccb01">paused</a>&nbsp;the country-specific tariffs a week later but applied a 10% tax to most imports. In early July, he began notifying countries that their exports would be subject to higher tariffs on Aug. 1 unless they reached trade deals. A week ago, he pushed the start date to Thursday.

In the meantime, Trump announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-tariffs-drugs-trade-7d331082f313df53c9ad66271ae8a628">35% tariff on imports from Canada</a>, but delayed action on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-3b03b98296424e59c7dc19a865d21969">Mexico</a>&nbsp;while negotiations continued. However, a free trade agreement reached with Mexico and Canada during Trump's first term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-exemption-969a4cfb03638ce9d6c0ffad2b98b4b1">shields most of those countries' products</a>&nbsp;from punishing duties.

The president also ordered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-brazil-tariffs-bolsonaro-lula-trade-imbalance-de4cf0669b00a76149e8f39f200af502">50% tariff on goods from Brazil</a>. This week, he signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/addressing-threats-to-the-united-states-by-the-government-of-the-russian-federation/">executive order</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">take India's tariff rate</a>&nbsp;from 25% to 50% for its purchases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-oil-china-turkey-f377653aebf6d5a34a09a7466d85fd56">Russian oil</a>. The timing gives India and Russia a chance to negotiate with the Trump administration.

Other duties not specific to countries remain in place, such as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-steel-aluminum-trade-240dbc3823ecd66d3dd05a66883f9277">50% tariff on imported aluminum and steel</a>&nbsp;announced in June. Trump also threatened 100% tariffs on computer chips that aren’t made in the U.S. The administration has said tariffs are still coming on imported pharmaceutical drugs.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported on July 31 that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-economy-8c9298ce80d2e40a71a17e0c3af3c292">prices rose 2.6% in June</a>, up from an annual pace of 2.4% in May. Earlier in July, the government reported that its primary inflation measure, the Consumer Price Index, also ticked higher in June as the cost of furniture, toys and other frequently imported items increased.

Shoppers should be prepared to pay more for clothes and shoes because the combined tariffs “disproportionately affect clothing and textiles,” according to the Budget Lab at Yale. It estimates that shoe prices will go up 39% temporarily and stay 19% above where they are now. For apparel, the Budget Lab put the comparable figures at 37% and 18%.

Overall, Americans face an average tax of 18.6% for imported products, the highest rate since 1933, the research center said.

The tariffs will almost certainly result in higher food prices, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. The U.S. simply doesn't make enough of some products, like bananas or coffee, to satisfy demand. Fish, beer and liquor are also likely to get more expensive, the foundation said.

The U.S. Wine Trade Alliance and other alcohol industry trade groups sent a letter to Trump that warned a 15% tariff on European wines and spirits could result in more than 25,000 American job losses and cost the industry nearly $2 billion in lost sales.

“Mr. President, we need toasts, not tariffs, as we head into the most important season for our industry,” read the letter dated Wednesday.

Wine distributors and retailers avoided price increases before now by accelerating shipments from France and other EU countries earlier in the year. But with the EU's tariff rate raised to 15% on Thursday, customers may see European wines costing 30% more in September, U.S. Wine Trade Alliance President Ben Aneff said.

Some automakers already raised prices to counteract tariffs. Luxury sports car maker Ferrari said last week it was waiting for more details of Trump's trade deal with the EU before scaling back a 10% surcharge it put on most vehicles in the U.S.

For the most part, automakers waited for details instead of passing on tariff costs to consumers. But that could change.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-gm-stellantis-tariff-trump-ev-6b82523319408e03ae2729ab2ebb33b8">General Motors</a>&nbsp;said on July 22 that the impact of the tariffs could get more pronounced in the third quarter of the year. GM has estimated the tariffs will cost it $4 billion to $5 billion this year.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toyota-automaker-japan-trump-tariffs-c2d3e682b1a43adc9390f954c0f0a355">Toyota reported Thursday</a>&nbsp;a 37% drop in profits in the April-June quarter, cutting its full-year earnings forecasts largely because of Trump’s tariffs.

Even with so many new tariffs kicking in, the tariff situation remains fluid. Trump’s use of an emergency powers law to implement tariffs is being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-4a2b662a908d1d6cec057d88c5059502">challenged</a>&nbsp;in the courts. The case is expected to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Moreover, the tariffs on goods from China haven't been finalized. Consumers may start seeing more effects when the administration ends a tax exemption for small parcels sent from other countries.

<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/31/president-trump-ends-unfair-de-minimis-tariff-exemption-major-victory-securing#:~:text=Securing%20the%20Homeland-,President%20Trump%20Ends%20Unfair%20%E2%80%9CDe%20Minimis%E2%80%9D%20Tariff%20Exemption%2C%20A,Victory%20in%20Securing%20the%20Homeland&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20%2D%20President%20Trump%20signed%20an,value%20shipments%20from%20all%20countries.">Trump last week signed an order</a>&nbsp;to suspend the “de minimis" exemption that has allowed shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free. International e-commerce companies have widely used the rule to avoid paying customs charges.

Trump withdrew the exemption in early April for goods shipped from China and Hong Kong tariff-free. It is now set to be eliminated for low-value packages from every country on Aug. 29.

What you can expect from new tariffs on imported goods

JASPER COUNTY, Missouri—One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Jasper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda Accord driven by a 20-year-old Galena, Kansas woman was westbound on Route 66 one and one half miles west of Joplin. The car struck a westbound bicycle driven by a 63-year-old Joplin man.&nbsp; 

He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county coroner's office.&nbsp; The Honda driver was properly restrained and not injured. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releasees names of accident victims.

Patrol: Kansas driver struck and killed bicyclist

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent knife attack.

At 6p.m. on Saturday police responded to a disturbance in an alley on the north side of the 800 block Commercial Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. It was determined two men, who were known to each other, had been involved in the disturbance and both were still at the scene.&nbsp; 

A 52-year-old man had sustained a stab wound to his arm. EMS was called to the scene but he refused transport to the hospital. Police took 42-year-old Albert Goodman into custody at the scene on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault and taken to the County Jail. Police also recovered a knife used in the stabbing, according to Wilson.

Police: Kansas man jailed after stabbing during dispute

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is promising new steps to tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-district-takeover-trump-crime-d0ebfa76584753635327d792f6c0b8fc">homelessness and crime in Washington</a>, prompting the city's mayor to voice concerns about the potential use of the National Guard to patrol the streets in the nation's capital.

Trump wrote in a social media post that he planned a White House news conference at 10 a.m. Monday to discuss his plans to make the District of Columbia “safer and more beautiful than it ever was before.”

“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote Sunday. “We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”

Last week the Republican president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-increased-federal-law-enforcement-takeover-33b186a95dabf111bac61db398aa7543">directed federal law enforcement agencies</a>&nbsp;to increase their presence in Washington for seven days, with the option “to extend as needed.”

On Friday night, federal agencies including the Secret Service, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service assigned more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-increased-federal-law-enforcement-takeover-33b186a95dabf111bac61db398aa7543">120 officers and agents</a>&nbsp;to assist in Washington.

Trump said last week that he was considering ways for the federal government to seize control of Washington, asserting that crime was “ridiculous” and the city was “unsafe,” after the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-crime-assault-doge-05aaaeb09d106ca1af673b46e89d60e1">assault</a>&nbsp;of a high-profile member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-donald-trump-962778979dd35ea79d6092df9cb2cb56">Department of Government Efficiency</a>.

The moves Trump said he was considering included bringing in the D.C. National Guard.

Mayor Muriel Bowser questioned the effectiveness of using the Guard to enforce city laws and said the federal government could be far more helpful by funding more prosecutors or filling the 15 vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court, some of which have been open for years.

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