U.S. Senator Roger Marshall visited Junction City to tour the YMCA’s Summer Program for school-age children. The program, housed at Franklin Elementary, keeps kids engaged with art and STEM projects, field trips, special guest visits, and group activities that promote teamwork and creativity.“

The partnership with the school district has been amazing,” said YMCA CEO Amber Stanley. “Franklin Elementary offers a great space, and we utilize every spot.” Each afternoon during the school year, children receive a healthy “Power Meal” and participate in enrichment activities such as homework help and hands-on learning. The site also hosts the YMCA’s ECBG program and the district’s Parents as Teachers program.

During his visit, Senator Marshall watched kids play bingo , then toured the YMCA to observe their Summer Food Program in action. Despite ongoing renovations, the Senator was able to view the newly opened pool and updated gym floor. He also met families benefiting from the YMCA’s free, nutritious summer meals, which are available for take-away. The YMCA offers these free meals during the school year as well that must be consumed on site.

Senator Marshall tours the Family YMCA

Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson-

Including the cities of Clay Center, Topeka, Emporia, Greenleaf, Wamego, Clifton, Frankfort, Belleville, Sabetha, Hiawatha,Seneca, Holton, Abilene, Ottawa, Lebo, Concordia, Alma, Nortonville, Hanover, Osage City, Eskridge, Meriden, McFarland, Council Grove, Grantville, Garnett, Harveyville, Lawrence, Valley Falls, Marysville, Lyndon, Herington, St. Marys, Alta Vista, Paxico, Burlingame, Horton, Blue Rapids, Junction City, Carbondale, Oskaloosa, Maple Hill, Bennington, McLouth, Linn, Manhattan, Burlington, Washington, Perry, Minneapolis, and Overbrook.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAID A HEAT ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 8 PM CDT FRIDAY...

Heat index values up to 108 are expected on Friday for portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas.&nbsp;Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat  cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Heat Advisory will be in effect on Friday

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary County Schools USD 475 announced that Junction City Middle School seventh grade student Elijah Fernandez&nbsp;recently competed in bowling at the 2025 Friendship Games&nbsp;in Denmark and Sweden.

Fernandez, who competed for U.S. Athletes International during the 10-day tour, was the youngest student-athlete at 12 years old to compete on his team at the games in July. He not only helped his squad place first overall at the trio’s team competition in Sweden, but also placed third overall, individually, in singles action in Denmark.

“Elijah is excited to be able to try out for the Junction City Middle School bowling team this year,” said Denise Acosta, mother of Elijah and Spring Valley Elementary teacher. “You can find him spending a lot of his free time at bowling allies and we are very grateful for all the support we received to allow this opportunity to happen.”

 Fernandez Shines at 2025 Friendship Games

Junction City Public Works will be conducting maintenance that may cause low water pressure or no water for customers between Jefferson to Franklin and from Chestnut to 3rd Street, daily from 8 AM to 5 PM fom now until Aug.15.

 No road closures will occur during this time



Junction City Public Works conducts maintenance

Stuff the Bus school supply deliveries are under way this week.

School supplies delivery days included Tuesday and will be done again on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adopt-A-Backpack pick up days were Wednesday and Thursday. 



Stuff the Bus school supplies are being delivered

The two-day country music festival Rock the Plains will be held at Tuttle Creek State Park Friday and Saturday. It will feature Texas red dirt country music. 

Executive Producer Brandyn Steen noted that he and the other co-founders are K-State graduates who had experienced Country Stampede which used to be located at Tuttle Creek State Park, "Wanted to bring back an environment where those memories could be made."

Some of the scheduled performers include Kaitlin Butts, Braxton Keith, Aaron Watson, the Randy Rogers Band, Clay Aery, Pat Green, the Josh Abbott Band and Casey Donahew.

Tickets are available at ticket booths on both sides of the festival entrances or online. A few camping spots remain. Ticket prices are $80 for a single day or $135 for two days.

Rock the Plains will come to Tuttle Creek State Park

Geofencing data comparing approximately the first 12 days of July this year with July of 2024 was shared during the Geary Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday.

It showed visitor days decreased from 91,747 in 2024 down to 82,953 in 2025. Total trips decreased from 45,091 in 2024 to 40,982 in 2025. The average length of stay remained unchanged at two days both years.

Visitor behavior shifted with a notable increase in attendance at Freedom Fest. The share of visitor days nearly doubled from 6.46% in 2024 to 12.7% this year. Visitor lodging increased from 23.9% to 26.2%.&nbsp;

Visitor days at Fort Riley decreased from 0.4% down to 0%.

The most significant change in visitors involved an increase from Nebraska, up from 6.47% to 7.19%. Kansas remained the top state for visitors going from 31% to 31.2%. The lagest age group remained at 25-44 but there was a shift toward younger visitors.

CVB receives Geofencing Visitor Data

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Junction City will host its Back to School Night on Monday, August 11th, from 6-8 P.M. The event will include a Meet and Greet Ice Cream Social.

Activities will include meeting the teachers, visiting classrooms, dropping off supplies, picking up class schedules, and locker assignments.

-- 6:00 – 7:30 PM: Ice Cream Social (Cafeteria)

-- 6:00 PM: Preschool – 6th Grade Meet and Greet (Gym)

-- 6:45 PM: 7th – 12th Grade Meet and Greet (Gym)

-- 7:30 PM: 6th – 12th Grade Fall Sports Meeting (Cafeteria)

The school is located at 200 N. Washington St. in Junction City.

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.saintxrams.org/">saintxrams.org</a> or call (785) 238-2841.

The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 13th.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School to host Back to School Night 

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has provided more information on Tuesday's Primary Election and answers questions that the public has asked about voter turnout.&nbsp;

Just for clarification: There is a difference in who was eligible for this election vs. how many registered voters we have in Geary County as whole.

To be eligible for this Primary, you had to reside in City Limits, which was a total of 13,053.

This number does not include our rural voters, which is why they were not eligible.

Currently, Geary County has a total of 18,323 registered voters.

In a County Wide or Statewide election, all registered voters would be eligible to vote.

Geary County Clerk provides clarification on Primary Election and Turnout

Junction City Commissioners dealt with numerous business items Tuesday evening.

-The governing body approved the use of up to $30,000 in opiod funds by Fresh Start for prevention and mitigation of substance and alcohol abuse.

--They received a report on chickens in Junction City. No action was taken but if allowed concerns could include noise, sanitary conditions and the possibility of chickens getting loose. There is no uniform chicken code in neighboring cities but in some including Manhattan and Abilene roosters are not allowed.

--The community cleanup began Monday. As of Tuesday night commissioners learned more than 1,000 tires had been dropped off. Rollaway dumpsters had been filled, but were due to be emptied Wednesday and returned to service.

--There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2 at 7 p.m. during the regularly scheduled City Commission Meeting to consider the renewal of the city's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.

--A $193,187.34 bid for replacement of insulation at the 12rh Street Community Center to H &amp; H Spray Foam was approved.

--Commissioners approved the purchase of bunker gear from Delta Fire &amp; Safety for $29, 924.02.

--Commissioners approved a Main Street fire hydrant request regarding the Aqua Adventures Main Street planned during the Main Street Market this Saturday. A fire hydrant at 10th and Franklin will be used.&nbsp;

Junction City Commission News Notes 

Geary County Emergency Management noted that the heat returns through Saturday. Friday looks to be the hottest day with heat index values around 103 to 105 degrees.Be sure to take breaks to cool off and limit strenuous outdoor activities to the morning or late evening hours&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hot weather returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff: Kansas driver ran vehicles off the road during 100mph chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change the way&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-census-bureau">the Census Bureau</a>&nbsp;collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants who are in the United States illegally, he said Thursday.

The census' data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024,” the Republican president said on his social media platform, an indication he might try to inject his politics into survey work that measures everything from child poverty to business operations.

Trump stressed that as part of the changes people in “our Country illegally” will be excluded from census counts.

His Truth Social post fits into an overall pattern in which he has tried to reshape basic measures of how U.S. society is faring to his liking, a process that ranges from monthly jobs figures to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/redistricting">how congressional districts are drawn</a>&nbsp;going into the 2026 midterm elections. But there could be legal challenges if he were to reshape the census, which also guides the distribution of $2.8 trillion in federal funds to the states for roads, health care and other programs.

In a 2019 decision, the Supreme Court effectively blocked Trump from adding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-9ea2d39220e14e4e80979a68effa93cd">a citizenship question</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-ap-top-news-9193a30c38c345a88997020b6b958d9f">the 2020 census</a>. The 14th Amendment says that “the whole number of persons in each state” should be counted for the numbers used for apportionment, the process of allocating congressional seats and Electoral College votes among the states based on population.

The last time the census included a question about citizenship was in 1950, and the Census Bureau’s own experts had predicted that millions of Hispanics and immigrants would go uncounted if the census asked everyone if he or she is an American citizen.

Changes to the census could also play into the efforts by Trump to urge several Republican-led states, including Texas, to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-texas-california-house-map-trump-0f5f79185bbeeba8c2ff9999f48e5867">redraw their congressional maps</a>&nbsp;ahead of schedule in ways that would favor GOP candidates.

Redistricting typically occurs once every 10 years following the census, as states adjust district boundaries based on population changes, often gaining or losing seats in the process.

Despite Texas having redrawn its maps just a few years ago, Trump is pressuring Republicans in the state to redistrict again, claiming they are “entitled” to five additional Republican seats. Texas Republicans have cited population growth as justification for redrawing the congressional map.

Trump’s team is also engaged in similar redistricting discussions in other GOP-controlled states, including Missouri and Indiana.

Last Friday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jobs-firing-f00e9bf96d0110519be9bf4f3ec89195">fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-erika-mcentarfer-bls-fired-by-trump-ae0b3ac36971070265dedf16223ddfd1">Erika McEntarfer</a>, after standard revisions to the monthly jobs report showed that employers added 258,000 fewer jobs than previously reported in May and June. The revisions suggested that hiring has severely weakened under Trump, undermining his claims of an economic boom.

The White House insists that the problem was the size of the revisions and that it wants accurate numbers.

Trump's census posting raised the question as to whether he would embark on a mid-decade census, or simply change the standards for 2030 or change how the estimates operate between censuses. It was unclear what his changes would be.

It would be almost logistically impossible to carry out a mid-decade census in such a short period of time, New York Law School professor Jeffrey Wice said. Any changes in the conduct of a national census, which is the biggest non-military undertaking by the federal government, also would require approval from Congress, which has oversight responsibilities, and there likely would be a fierce fight, he said.

“This isn’t something that you can do overnight,” said Wice, a census and redistricting expert. “To get all the pieces put together, it would be such a tremendous challenge, if not impossible.”

AP writer Mark Sherman in Washington contributed to this report. Schneider reported from Orlando, Fla.

Trump wants a new census now; what he won't include in the count

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Great Bend.

Just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence located at 217 Pine Street in Great Bend in reference to a domestic disturbance, according to a media release.

 Officers were advised that the suspect 34-year-old Robert C. Amador was damaging property inside the residence and making threats to harm others with a homemade hatchet. 

 Upon officers’ arrival they were able to safely get two other occupants of the home out safely. Robert Amador barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to come out.  Officers tried talking Amador out of the residence for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes and were unable to get him to cooperate. 

 Officers used the department drone to help locate Amador in the residence, then using a distraction on the opposite side of the residence, officers made entry into the residence and took Amador into custody. Amador was transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Assault Domestic Violence and Felony Obstruction.

Kan. man armed with a homemade hatchet jailed after standoff

By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

OTTAWA COUNTY - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is currently reviewing a proposed sow farm/facility that is potentially looking to be established in Ottawa County, KS.

On January 2025, the KDHE received a notice from <a href="https://www.schwartzfarms.com/">Schwartz Farms</a> (Minnesota Hog &amp; Pork Producer, family-owned company that specializes in pork production) for the establishment of a<a href="https://exafan.com/en/swine-farms/sow-farm">&nbsp;breeding sow farm </a>(female pig giving birth to at least one litter of piglets) 'Smoky Hills Pork' to be installed in Ottawa County.

That following month in February, both Schwartz Farms and Ottawa County members signed&nbsp;habitable structure separation agreements and was then submitted to the KDHE.

On March 4th, Schwartz Farms submitted a permit application to KDHE for the potential installation of Smoky Hills Pork. Then on March 13th, certified mail was distributed, which notified Ottawa County Commissioners and owners of habitable structures within a mile of the proposed farm of the forthcoming public notice.

Then on the 20th that same month, a&nbsp;public notice was sent out to inform the public that a permit was submitted and published in the <a href="https://www.theminneapolismessenger.com/">Minneapolis Messenger</a> (official Ottawa County paper).

Afterwards, the public was given until&nbsp;April 20th to provide comments towards the KDHE on how they feel about the potential establishment of Smoky Hills Pork.&nbsp;

Furthermore, on May 29, the KDHE notified public of the intent to issue a draft permit. From there, the public was given until June 9th to give their comments towards the agency.

Then on July 9th, KDHE assembled a public hearing with members of Ottawa County at the Minneapolis Jr/Sr High School gym regarding the proposed sow farm/facility. The public had the opportunity to voice their opinion on where they stood about the proposed permit, as they were given a total 3 minutes to speak.&nbsp;

The majority of the public who spoke were 'against' the permit, but many other members of Ottawa County who attended were 'for' it. Those who were against the permit voiced concerns about 'water contamination, the volume of animals, wastewater, lagoon liners, health and the location of the proposed facility.

Views of those who are 'against' the sow farm

“Its a bad location because it is (proposed) in a sensitive groundwater area,” said Ottawa County resident, Kathy Scharplaz. "According to Schwartz' permit application, the facility is proposed in a sensitive groundwater area and some of these export fields are apart of that as well."

According to Scharplaz, sensitive groundwater areas 'designate areas where it is fairly easy for contaminants to get into the groundwater.'

Cassie Roth,&nbsp;one of the leading advocates that is fighting against this permit said she first heard about the proposed sow farm, when a farmer (who owns land on the location of the proposed facility) drove to her house and told both Cassie and her husband about it. She commented she 'had no idea about the proposed sow farm' and is concerned since she lives a mile away from the proposed facility.

Roth stated that she and her husband were concerned about their quality of water and started to speak about the proposed sow farm with other surrounding neighbors. Roth and her husband then thought to start a petition to potentially stop the permit.&nbsp;Roth and other Ottawa County residents also received letters from the KDHE about what Schwartz Farms wanted to do as far as installing the sow farm.&nbsp;

In the meantime, Roth got in touch with Scharplaz to talk about the proposed sow farm. 

“She (Scharplaz) did a whole research paper on <a href="https://www.epa.gov/npdes/animal-feeding-operations-afos">CAFO</a>. She is very passionate about this,” said Roth.

Roth stated that a presentation was then put together on June 30th to show how the facility could negatively affect the community.

According to the KDHE, the permit for Smoky Hills Pork is a maximum capacity facility of 14,976 head (5990.4 animal units) of swine weighing more than 55 pounds each and 30,583 (3,058.3 animal units) of swine weighing less than 55 pounds, for a total of 9,048.7 animal units. The farm is proposed to be located in the Southeast quarter in Ottawa County.&nbsp;

Ottawa County resident, Kyrsten Rodenbeek stated the process of the proposal has 'moved forward with very little public notification or community engagement.'

"It appears the process has moved forward with very little public notification or community engagement," she said. "Many of us only learned about it recently, well after initial steps had already been taken, and we’re concerned that it’s being pushed through before the broader public has a chance to weigh in."

Views of those who are 'for' the sow farm

Despite many residents wanting to not go forward with the permit, other Ottawa County members have voiced their opinion on how they feel about the <a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/environmental/cafo.htm">CAFO</a>.

David Kiser thinks there are 'alot of positives' when it comes to Schwartz Farms' "Smoky Hills Pork."

"This facility will bring economic growth of the area," said Kiser. "The county has been stagnant and we need to get something going so we can provide more jobs. In my opinion there are alot of positives with this.”

Though there are several concerns with the overall quality of water in Ottawa County, Kiser believes there will be 'no effect' on the groundwater if this sow farm were to be installed. He also commented that the proposed lagoon which would be set, would be difficult to experience an overflow.

“There will be no effect on the groundwater and the plants will take up the nitrates," he said, "I just don't see a possibility of that happening.&nbsp;We are going to have to get 10-15 feet of rain for the lagoon to overflow."

Though Kiser is on the other side of the public's perspective, he is still open to hearing their opinion and not making enemies with those who are 'against' the permit.

“We are all still neighbors at the end of the day."

Another Ottawa County resident Beau Cline, described that his wife used to manage a hog farm and did not mention of her experiencing any health issues. He disagrees the smell that would come from the proposed facility would affect people's health.

“I think they are over exaggerating about the smell," Cline said.

<a href="https://www.schwartzfarms.com/">Schwartz Farms Inc.</a> is a 2nd generation family-farm company that has been in operation for 50 years. With their primary operation being in the pork industry,&nbsp;Schwartz Farms employs over 550 full-time individuals and owns sows in the upper Midwest, predominantly in Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Schwartz Farms told Salina Post, they are very ‘grateful’ for those who are 'for' the permit, but are also aware of the comments who are 'against' it.

“The concerns that the public brings forth are also things we also care very deeply about, whether that is safeguarding the environment, providing a safe and positive working environment for our people, caring for our animals, protecting the groundwater and just in general supporting the communities we are proud to call home,” said Owner, Tim Schwartz.

Tim noted that they work with teams of engineers to design the farm, along with the installation of the lagoon liner.

“We make sure what we construct meets the standards of the KDHE and we will do just that.," said Tim. "We have to do testing in advance of the permit to establish whether the ground is suitable, and there are technical standards we must meet. The engineers were very satisfied with the clay soil that is present on the site to meet and exceed the technical requirements for the lagoon liner.”

Schwartz Farms has two other farms in Kansas and are set ‘in close proximity of the other two.'

Though Schwartz is based outside of Kansas, the family-owned company promises to still provide 'philanthropic efforts' to the local communities they base their facilities in. Schwartz commented on how they are excited about potentially working with Ottawa County and the economic activity it will create. 

According to Schwartz, the company donates around $120,000 to the local communities they 'call home.'

Members of the public have voiced concerns about the 'lack of accountability' there would be, in the event if 'anything were to go wrong' from the sow farm. Furthermore, that the 'county and residents alone would have to deal with the consequences.'

Schwartz Farms stated 'there are clear consequences for non-compliance,' and they 'take that seriously.'

"In the rare event of a catastrophic issue, we are required to activate emergency response plans, notify the appropriate regulatory agencies and take immediate action to address and remediate the situation—under their direct oversight," said Owner, Tim Schwartz. "Our long-standing track record of environmental compliance and good standing in the communities, we have farms reflects our commitment to doing the right thing."

According to CAFO statutes from the KDHE, swine facilities are required to follow specific various guidelines. Most of those guidelines include:

As per<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0071d.html">&nbsp;KSA 65-171d</a>:

"Protect the soil and waters of the state from pollution resulting from underground storage of liquid petroleum gas and hydrocarbons, other than underground porosity storage of natural gas;&nbsp;“control the disposal, discharge or escape of sewage (as defined in KSA 65-164)"

"Such contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to public health, safety or welfare, or to the plant, animal or aquatic life of the state or to other designated uses; or (B) such discharge as will or is likely to exceed state effluent standards predicated upon technologically based effluent limitations."

Once the KDHE has received an application for a permit for construction of a new swine facility, the KDHE is required to a per <a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0179.html">KSA 65-1,179</a>:

"Publish in the Kansas register ( official state newspaper, serving as a publication for various public notices, including proposed and adopted administrative regulations, new state laws, bond sales, open meeting notices, and state contracts) a notice of receipt of the application"

<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0180.html">KSA 65-1,180</a> provides information on the “required distances from water” for a swine facility.

Lagoon standards and the monitorization of water wells

<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0181.html">KSA 65-1,181</a>:

“The facility shall maintain a log of removal of the manure or wastewater from the facility and such log shall contain the following:” "The facility shall provide to the hauler of the removed manure or wastewater the most recent manure nutrient analysis conducted pursuant to subsection (c) of <a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0182.html">K.S.A. 65-1,182</a> and amendments thereto, if the removed manure or wastewater are to be land applied.”

"The sides and bottom of such lagoon or pond shall be lined with:

(i) A compacted soil liner with a minimum depth of one foot and maximum seepage rate of 1/8 inch per day; or

(ii) an impermeable liner on top of a compacted soil liner with a minimum depth of one foot and maximum seepage rate of 1/4 inch per day.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0180.html">KSA 65-1,180</a>&nbsp;there is more information about 'odor control’ and ‘dead animal handling.’&nbsp;

Investigations, services and orders; fees

(a) "The secretary of health and environment is authorized and directed to establish by duly adopted rules or regulations a schedule of fees to defray all or any part of the costs of administering the water pollution control permit system established by K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0065.html" target="_blank">65-165</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0066.html" target="_blank">65-166</a>,"

"All investigations, services and orders rendered, issued or promulgated under the provisions of K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0071d.html" target="_blank">65-171d</a>, and amendments thereto, shall be made by such agency, section or division of the department of health and environment, or any of them, as may be designated by the secretary of health and environment, and all fees collected shall be remitted by the secretary to the state treasurer in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch75/075_042_0015.html" target="_blank">75-4215</a>, and amendments thereto. Upon receipt of each such remittance, the state treasurer shall deposit the entire amount in the state treasury to the credit of the state general fund.

<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch02/002_033_0018.html">KSA 2-3318</a>:

"Regardless of whether irrigation water is added, whenever swine waste is applied to crops or land, the secretary of health and environment is authorized to investigate, inspect or conduct any manner of examination or review of the application of swine waste. No swine waste shall be applied to crops or land in excess of agronomic application rates."

"Failure of the operator of a swine confined feeding facility to implement a nutrient utilization plan approved by the secretary of health and environment shall be considered a violation of the Kansas chemigation safety law for which the secretary may suspend a permit pursuant to K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch02/002_033_0010.html" target="_blank">2-3310</a>, and amendments thereto, or may impose a civil penalty pursuant to K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch02/002_033_0017.html" target="_blank">2-3317</a>, and amendments thereto, or both."

According Kansas statute <a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch17/017_059_0008.html">KSA 17-5908</a>: County Commissioners can independently permit or deny the CAFO.&nbsp;

Ottawa County commissioners have currently not made a decision and chose not to comment about Smoky Hills Pork.

Ottawa County Commissioner Duane Morris, told Salina Post they will make no comment at this time, as per their attorney.

Salina Post will provide any updates and information once received as far the decision on the permit.

Proposed sow farm in Ottawa County causes widespread concerns

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after a couple who was fishing located a body in the Missouri River on Wednesday night, according to a statement from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 8:30p.m. the couple called 911 and reported seeing a body in the water near 210 Highway and Edwards Road. 

When deputies arrived, they found the body of a man on the north side of the river. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division assisted with recovering the man’s body.

Due to the state of the body, detectives have not yet been able to determine the man’s identity.

Sheriff: Couple fishing found body in the river

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impact-trump-tariffs-consumer-prices-11a60663140aab0b79c20bb8e2a5f3a7">latest round of punishing new taxes</a>&nbsp;on imports arrived Thursday — with dozens of countries now facing even higher tariffs on goods that their businesses send to the U.S.

It’s been nearly 100 years since the nation had an overall import tax rate as high as the one set Thursday. Starting just after midnight, products from more than 60 countries and the European Union would face tariff rates of 10% or higher. Goods from the European Union, Japan and South Korea will be taxed at 15%, while imports from Taiwan, Vietnam and Bangladesh will be levied at 20%.

The Trump White House is confident that the onset of his broad tariffs will ramp up new investments and jump-start hiring in ways that can rebalance America as a manufacturing power. But there are already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-warning-signs-financial-numbers-6f9754dbb6b21c9ef5c557b1ebfe6ce9">warnings signs of self-inflicted wounds to the U.S. economy</a>&nbsp;— as companies and consumers feel the impact of higher prices from current levies, and brace for more. Beyond the latest country-specific tariffs to go into effect, Trump on Wednesday announced plans for a steep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-trump-computer-tariff-c01b5ce0265b0d294dd10b8966be4436">100% tariff on non-U.S. computer chips</a>, stoking more confusion among businesses worldwide.

Wall Street drifts to a mixed finish, with muted effect from tariffs

U.S. stocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shares-markets-tariffs-china-trump-earnings-06cc62c73fb63a6246b26b651d53098c">drifted to a mixed finish</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, as Trump’s new tariffs on dozens of countries had only a muted effect on markets worldwide.

The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.1% Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%.

Worries are high that Trump’s tariffs are damaging the economy, particularly after last week’s worse-than-expected report on the job market. But hopes for coming cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve and a torrent of stronger-than-expected profit reports from big U.S. companies are helping to offset the concerns, at least for now.

Questions remain around Trump’s plans for a 100% tariff on computer chips

The U.S. imports a relatively small number of computer chips because most foreign-made chips in a device — from an iPhone to a car — were already assembled into a product, or part of a product, before it landed in the country.

But a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chip-tariff-exemptions-confusion-4fdca3d1bd93c18a657a2905b037eb29">key question the industry is asking</a>&nbsp;is “whether there will be a component tariff, where the chips in a device would require some sort of separate tariff calculation,” said Martin Chorzempa, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Regardless, Wall Street investors interpreted Trump’s planned tariff as good news not just for U.S. companies like Intel and Nvidia, but also for the biggest Asian chipmakers like Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company that have been working to build U.S. factories. But in contrast, it left greater uncertainty for smaller chipmakers in Europe and Asia that have little exposure to the artificial intelligence boom but still make semiconductors inserted into essential products like cars or washing machines.

These producers “probably aren’t large enough to get on the map for an exemption and quite probably wouldn’t have the kind of excess capital and margins to be able to add investment at a large scale into the United States,” Chorzempa said.

Ralph Lauren warns that tariffs could hurt shopper sentiment

Shares of Ralph Lauren fell more than 7% on Thursday as the maker of iconic polo shirts, sport coats and other luxury clothing said that tariffs and general uncertainty could affect consumer sentiment later this year.

“The big unknown sitting here today is the price sensitivity and how the consumer reacts to the broader pricing environment and how sensitive that consumer is,” Ralph Lauren’s CEO Patrice Louvet told analysts on Thursday. “That’s what we’re watching very closely as we head into the second half.”

The comments came after the clothing maker posted strong sales in its fiscal first quarter — and upgraded its sales outlook. In May, the New York-based company had said that it would raise prices this fall because of tariffs.

Brazil president and India prime minister call to discuss tariffs

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday about unilateral U.S. tariffs, according to a statement from Brazil’s presidency.

The call came as new tariffs imposed by Trump took effect. On Wednesday, Trump said he would be adding a 25% tariff on Indian imports tied to Russian oil starting in 21 days, raising the total to 50%. A similar rate was applied to Brazilian exports last week, which went into effect on Wednesday — though exemptions included aircraft parts, aluminum, tin and wood pulp.

Lula and Modi reaffirmed their goal to boost bilateral trade to more than $20 billion by 2030 and agreed to expand the MERCOSUR-India trade agreement. Lula confirmed plans to visit India in early 2026, with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin visiting in October.

Americans will see an average tax of 18.6% for imported goods, Yale's Budget Lab says

As Trump’s tariffs take effect, Americans will see an average tax of 18.6% for imported products, the highest rate since 1933, according to the Budget Lab at Yale, a non-partisan policy research center.

The Budget Lab estimated prices will increase 1.8% in the short term as a result of the trade war the U.S. waged this year. That’s the equivalent of a $2,400 loss of income per U.S. household, the group said.

The analysis, which is based on the effects of all U.S. tariffs and foreign retaliation implemented in 2025 and through Wednesday, including the 50% tariff rate on India. The analysis assumes the Federal Reserve doesn’t react to tariffs and so the real income adjustment comes primarily through prices rather than nominal incomes. If the Federal Reserve reacted, the adjustment could in part come in the form of lower nominal incomes, the group said.

US trade group warns of ongoing uncertainty for retail businesses

The National Retail Federation, the largest retail trade group in the U.S., is continuing to point to uncertainty facing businesses across the country.

Jon Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy for The National Retail Federation, said that while increased U.S. tariffs take effect for dozens of countries, there are still some ongoing negotiations and discrepancies about the deals that have been reached, leading to “continued uncertainty” around the final rates. He also pointed to concerns about the impact of the different sectoral tariffs being considered and potential secondary tariffs over Russian oil.

“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,” Gold said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press. “While we support better trade deals, we need to negotiate clear and binding agreements that all parties will adhere to.”

Beauty brand e.l.f. raises the prices of all of its products by $1 each, citing tariffs

Cosmetics company e.l.f. Beauty, which makes a majority of its products in China, said on Wednesday said that it raised prices by one dollar on its entire product assortment as of Aug. 1 because of tariff costs. That marks the third price hike in its 21-year history.

E.l.f. Beauty CEO Tarang Amin noted that its average selling price is now $6.50, but that that’s still lower compared to nearly $9.50 for other well-established mass cosmetic brands and over $20 for upscale brands.

“I think we’re just in that environment right now with the uncertainty of tariffs and the tariff impact that you will probably see more companies take pricing,” Amin told analysts on an earnings call Wednesday. “We tend to lead, and then we will see how many more will follow us.”

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