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

SHERMAN COUNTY—Two adults and three children were injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas driven by Tanner Charles&nbsp;Jackson, 42, Powell, Wyoming, was eastbound on Interstate 70 one mile west of the Brewster exit.

The SUV traveled off the road to the south, struck the guard rail and rolled.

EMS transported the driver and passengers Britany Danielle Jackson, 37,&nbsp; a 10-year-old boy, a 6-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy all of Powell, Wyoming to the Thomas County Hospital. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

2 adults, 3 children hospitalized after I-70 rollover crash

WICHITA, KAN, – A Northwest Kansas businessman pleaded guilty to various charges related to defrauding clients of his accounting firm by falsely claiming money he had stolen was being used to pay business expenses.

According to court documents, Quintin Flanagin, 45, of Colby pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of money laundering.

Flanagin, a certified public accountant (CPA), used his status as a signatory on the accounts of his clients’ business, Diamond M. Farms, to make unauthorized transactions between December 2021 and August 2022. 

He wrote multiple checks and initiated wire transfers totaling approximately $409,710 to Middle Finger Ranch under the guise of being payments for farm operations. Middle&nbsp;Finger Ranch is a fictitious business name that Flanagin connected to his personal bank account. Flanagin actually used the illegally obtained funds to pay for the construction on his new home.

Flanagin is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

NW Kan. CPA, creator of ‘Middle Finger Ranch,’ admits to fraud scheme

Will the new Hays High School open in time for the first day of school on Aug. 20?

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Dustin Armbruster talks with Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal about the new USD&nbsp;489 building.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Will Hays High School open in time for the first day of classes?

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 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

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

&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

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

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

KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas.

Preliminary information indicates that at 2:49 p.m., a male subject, later identified as Paul Beasley Jr., 24, of Kansas City, Kansas, entered a business at 8301 State Avene and pointed a firearm at the cashier, according to a media release from the KBI. Beasley demanded that the cashier call 911 and indicate the store was being robbed.

At approximately 2:50 p.m., a KCKPD officer entered the store and was confronted by Beasley. The officer observed the suspect was holding a firearm, and retreated outside. Beasley followed the officer out of the store, where police had gathered, and a shooting occurred. Five officers fired during the shooting, striking the suspect.

Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and transported Beasley to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

KBI: Man dead after Kansas officer shooting

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just before 7a.m. August 5, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a narcotic search warrant in the 1100 block of Laing Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

John C. Neu, 42, of Osage City was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Kansas man accused of meth possession after drug bust

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday in Alaska&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-poll-trump-sanctions-deadline-7cefb2df66f494f58a16b684a2c76687">to discuss ending the war in Ukraine</a>, a potential breakthrough after weeks of expressing frustration that more was not being done to quell the fighting.

The Kremlin has not yet confirmed the details, which Trump announced on social media, but both nations had said they expected a meeting could happen as soon as next week.

Such a summit could be a pivotal moment in a war that began more than three years ago when Russia invaded its western neighbor and has led to tens of thousands of deaths, although there’s no guarantee it will 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>.

Trump earlier Friday suggested that any agreement would likely involve “some swapping of territories," but he gave no details. Analysts, including some close to the Kremlin, have suggested that Russia could offer to give up territory it controls outside of the four regions it claims to have annexed.

Earlier in the day, Trump indicated his meeting with Putin would come before any sit-down discussion involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump also previously agreed to meet with Putin even if the Russian leader would not meet with Zelenskyy. That stoked fears in Europe that Ukraine could be sidelined in efforts to stop the continent’s biggest conflict since World War II.

Trump's announcement that he planned to host one of America's adversaries on U.S. soil broke with expectations that he'd meet Putin in a third country. The gesture gives Putin validation after the U.S. and its allies had long sought to make him a pariah over his war against Ukraine.

Early in Putin's tenure, he regularly met with his U.S. counterparts. That dropped off and the tone became icier as tensions mounted between Russia and the West after Moscow illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and faced allegations of meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections.

Putin's last visit to the U.S. was in 2015, when he attended the U.N. General Assembly Meeting in New York. The meeting in Alaska would be the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021, when former President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva.

Speaking to reporters earlier Friday at the White House after announcing a framework aimed at ending decades of conflict elsewhere in the world — between Armenia and Azerbaijan — Trump said he would meet with Putin “very shortly," but refused to say exactly when or where.

Later on social media, he announced what he called “the highly anticipated meeting” would happen Aug. 15 in Alaska. He said more details would follow.

Trump had told reporters that the summit would have been sooner, “but I guess there’s security arrangements that unfortunately people have to make.”

Trump said, “President Putin, I believe, wants to see peace, and Zelenskyy wants to see peace." He said that, “In all fairness to President Zelenskyy, he’s getting everything he needs to, assuming we get something done.”

Trump said a peace deal would likely mean Ukraine and Russia would swap some territory they each control.

“Nothing easy," the president said. “But we’re gonna get some back. We’re gonna get some switched. There’ll be some swapping of territories, to the betterment of both.”

Pressed on if this was the last chance to make a major peace deal, Trump said, “I don’t like using the term last chance,” and said that, “When those guns start going off, it’s awfully tough to get ’em to stop.”

Exasperated that Putin did not heed his calls to stop bombing Ukrainian cities, Trump almost two weeks ago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-trump-putin-deadline-ultimatum-0e4cfb5969be5d02217be90f7521ce48">moved up his ultimatum</a>&nbsp;to impose additional sanctions on Russia and introduce secondary tariffs targeting countries that buy Russian oil if the Kremlin did not move toward a settlement. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-sanctions-tariffs-witkoff-9444ab7b042944090d51a73ae871571a">deadline was Friday.</a>

Prior to his announcing the meeting with Putin, Trump’s efforts to pressure Russia into stopping the fighting have so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-drone-attacks-0c2e0a4aeccd86c3fe18edf5cc73b250">delivered no progress</a>. The Kremlin's bigger army is slowly advancing deeper into Ukraine at great cost in troops and armor while it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-attack-trump-putin-42474bc80c492190ec88861322ff0f84">relentlessly bombards Ukrainian cities</a>. Russia and Ukraine are far apart on their terms for peace.

Ukrainian troops say they are ready to keep fighting

Ukrainian forces are locked in intense battles along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line that snakes from northeast to southeast Ukraine. The Pokrovsk area of the eastern Donetsk region is taking the brunt of punishment as Russia seeks to break out into the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine has significant manpower shortages.

Intense fighting is also taking place in Ukraine's northern Sumy border region, where Ukrainian forces are engaging Russian soldiers to prevent reinforcements being sent from there to Donetsk.

In the Pokrovsk area of Donetsk, a commander said he believes Moscow isn’t interested in peace.

“It is impossible to negotiate with them. The only option is to defeat them,” Buda, a commander of a drone unit in the Spartan Brigade, told The Associated Press. He used only his call sign, in keeping with the rules of the Ukrainian military.

“I would like them to agree and for all this to stop, but Russia will not agree to that. It does not want to negotiate. So the only option is to defeat them,” he said.

In the southern Zaporizhzhia region, a howitzer commander using the call sign Warsaw, said troops are determined to thwart Russia’s invasion.

“We are on our land, we have no way out,” he said. “So we stand our ground, we have no choice.”

The Kremlin said Friday that Putin had a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during which he informed Xi about the results of his meeting earlier this week with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-witkoff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Trump envoy Steve Witkoff</a>. Kremlin officials said Xi “expressed support for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis on a long-term basis.”

Putin is due to visit China next month. China, along with North Korea and Iran, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pacific-russia-china-north-korea-weapons-ukraine-8ad7156898f1391557d5e53d5d09a02c">provided military support</a>&nbsp;for Russia’s war effort, the U.S. says.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he also had a call with Putin to speak about the latest Ukraine developments. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-india-russia-oil-tariffs-2db9dc22d7b56624bdceb2e15c134d60">signed an executive order</a>&nbsp;Wednesday to place an additional 25% tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, which the American president says is helping to finance Russia’s war.

Putin’s calls followed his phone conversations with the leaders of South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Belarus, the Kremlin said.

The calls suggested to at least one analyst that Putin perhaps wanted to brief Russia’s most important allies about a potential settlement that could be reached at a summit with Trump.

“It means that some sort of real peace agreement has been reached for the first time,” said Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin Moscow-based analyst.

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