HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In a recent evaluation, Diversicare of Hutchinson achieved a 5 Star Quality Measures Rating and a 4 Star Overall Rating from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

The Five-Star Quality Rating System helps consumers, their families, and caregivers easily compare nursing centers, and helps identify areas that may spur additional questions. Centers with a 5 Star Quality Measure Rating are considered to have much above average quality in clinical data measures. The 4 Star Overall Rating indicates above average ratings in health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

“This achievement showcases the hard work, compassion, and commitment of our incredible team," said Diversicare Regional Vice President Kevin Crowley. "I am very proud of the entire team at Diversicare of Hutchinson. Well Done!”

These outstanding achievements are a direct reflection of Hutchinson’s commitment to Diversicare’s Mission, Core Values and Service Standards, which guide them to what matters most: creating a warm, caring, safe and professional environment for our customers and each other.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724841336919.png" alt="Image Courtesy Diversicare of Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Diversicare of Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>Diversicare of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. — In a recent evaluation, Diversicare of Hutchinson achieved a 5 Star Quality Measures Rating and a 4 Star Overall Rating from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Five-Star Quality Rating System helps consumers, their families, and caregivers easily compare nursing centers, and helps identify areas that may spur additional questions. Centers with a 5 Star Quality Measure Rating are considered to have much above average quality in clinical data measures. The 4 Star Overall Rating indicates above average ratings in health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.“This achievement showcases the hard work, compassion, and commitment of our incredible team," said Diversicare Regional Vice President Kevin Crowley. "I am very proud of the entire team at Diversicare of Hutchinson. Well Done!”These outstanding achievements are a direct reflection of Hutchinson’s commitment to Diversicare’s Mission, Core Values and Service Standards, which guide them to what matters most: creating a warm, caring, safe and professional environment for our customers and each other.

Diversicare of Hutchinson scores high with CMS

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

8/28/2024 1:34 AM-Chavez	Michael Williams-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

8/28/2024 12:08 AM-Cristian	Jovanny	Ruiz Andrade-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

8/27/2024 10:43 PM-Debra	Diane Green-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

8/27/2024 9:48 PM-Karen	Rosalie McDade-Failure to Appear

8/27/2024 9:13 PM-Lukas	Alexander McDade-FTA; Municipal Court&nbsp;

8/27/2024 8:34 PM-Brooklyn	Rose Sanchez-Probation Violation&nbsp;

8/27/2024 8:16 PM-David	Allen West-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

8/27/2024 7:15 PM-Justin	Eugene Gardner-Failure to Appear; Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon; Conviction in Previous 5 Years of specified KSA; DL Violation; No Drivers License; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance&nbsp;

8/27/2024 1:51 PM-William	Jack Allyn Shaw-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

8/27/2024 12:01 PM-Ethan	McKay Helus-Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;8/28/2024 1:34 AM-Chavez	Michael Williams-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO; Failure to Appear&nbsp;8/28/2024 12:08 AM-Cristian	Jovanny	Ruiz Andrade-Failure to Appear&nbsp;8/27/2024 10:43 PM-Debra	Diane Green-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body8/27/2024 9:48 PM-Karen	Rosalie McDade-Failure to Appear8/27/2024 9:13 PM-Lukas	Alexander McDade-FTA; Municipal Court&nbsp;8/27/2024 8:34 PM-Brooklyn	Rose Sanchez-Probation Violation&nbsp;8/27/2024 8:16 PM-David	Allen West-Failure to Appear&nbsp;8/27/2024 7:15 PM-Justin	Eugene Gardner-Failure to Appear; Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon; Conviction in Previous 5 Years of specified KSA; DL Violation; No Drivers License; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance&nbsp;8/27/2024 1:51 PM-William	Jack Allyn Shaw-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;8/27/2024 12:01 PM-Ethan	McKay Helus-Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon

Daily Bookings

JESSICA WOODYARD City of Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In our ongoing commitment to improving River Banks Orchard Park and ensuring the safety of our community, we are pleased to announce the installation of new speed bumps throughout the park as of today.

This addition complements the recently implemented security cameras, reinforcing our dedication to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all park visitors. The new speed bumps are strategically placed to slow down traffic, enhancing safety for pedestrians, particularly children and families who frequent this beloved community space.

The park remains open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy its facilities. We ask all guests to respect these new measures and adhere to the posted speed limits. By doing so, you contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724840713451.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy City of Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy City of Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>JESSICA WOODYARD City of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. — In our ongoing commitment to improving River Banks Orchard Park and ensuring the safety of our community, we are pleased to announce the installation of new speed bumps throughout the park as of today.This addition complements the recently implemented security cameras, reinforcing our dedication to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all park visitors. The new speed bumps are strategically placed to slow down traffic, enhancing safety for pedestrians, particularly children and families who frequent this beloved community space.The park remains open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy its facilities. We ask all guests to respect these new measures and adhere to the posted speed limits. By doing so, you contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Speed bumps installed at Orchard Park

TOPEKA—&nbsp;Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in honor of former chief judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals, Gary Rulon.&nbsp;

“From his time in the Navy to his tenure on the bench, Judge Rulon spent his life in service to Kansas and our country,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“He undoubtedly touched the lives of many. My thoughts and condolences go out to his loved ones.”&nbsp;

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9rYW5zYXMtZmxhZy1ob25vciIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MDYuOTg2NDkzNjEifQ.AiYR5BQA3x1jW9QPDj62IRCNCGeV13kIc8szNUjYJeg/s/3103296892/br/246961992824-l" target="_blank">https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623900641496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Office of the GovernorTOPEKA—&nbsp;Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in honor of former chief judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals, Gary Rulon.&nbsp;“From his time in the Navy to his tenure on the bench, Judge Rulon spent his life in service to Kansas and our country,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“He undoubtedly touched the lives of many. My thoughts and condolences go out to his loved ones.”&nbsp;To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9rYW5zYXMtZmxhZy1ob25vciIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MDYuOTg2NDkzNjEifQ.AiYR5BQA3x1jW9QPDj62IRCNCGeV13kIc8szNUjYJeg/s/3103296892/br/246961992824-l" target="_blank">https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor</a>.

Gov. Kelly directs flags at half-staff for former Chief Judge of the Kan. Court of Appeals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A revision to the agreement between Interfaith Housing and Reno County regarding ARPA funds has been added to Wednesday's Board of County Commissioners agenda.

According to a letter from Interfaith to Reno County Administrator Randy Partington, Interfaith Housing &amp; Community Services, Inc. respectfully requests authorization from Reno County to revise project outcomes originally identified in the SLFRF/ARPA Contract Agreement executed on February 7, 2023.&nbsp;

Interfaith is requesting that current remaining un-allocated funding projected at approx. $120,000 be able to be utilized on priority rehabilitation projects including those identified within the town of Hutchinson.

A reduction in the acquisition/rehab project total to 3 finished homes with 210 W. 25th staged as final.

Acquisition/rehab sell proceeds to be utilized on future Interfaith owner-occupied rehab projects and the addition&nbsp;of St. Elizabeth demolition to the scope of SLFRF/ARPA project outcomes.

All outcomes would need to be&nbsp;completed by 12/31/2025 with final sub-recipient reporting in the first quarter of 2026.

Currently, Interfaith has completed/closed 135 total SLFRF/ARPA projects throughout Reno County. Arlington, Buhler, and Hutchinson are on pace to exceed their initial budgetary goals. In process they have 83 major projects under contract, 65 active Brush Up projects, and an additional 56 Brush Up vouchers issues. 

The Board of County Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697636146616.jpeg" alt="Veterans Room Empty-Image Courtesy Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Veterans Room Empty-Image Courtesy Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A revision to the agreement between Interfaith Housing and Reno County regarding ARPA funds has been added to Wednesday's Board of County Commissioners agenda.According to a letter from Interfaith to Reno County Administrator Randy Partington, Interfaith Housing &amp; Community Services, Inc. respectfully requests authorization from Reno County to revise project outcomes originally identified in the SLFRF/ARPA Contract Agreement executed on February 7, 2023.&nbsp;Interfaith is requesting that current remaining un-allocated funding projected at approx. $120,000 be able to be utilized on priority rehabilitation projects including those identified within the town of Hutchinson.A reduction in the acquisition/rehab project total to 3 finished homes with 210 W. 25th staged as final.Acquisition/rehab sell proceeds to be utilized on future Interfaith owner-occupied rehab projects and the addition&nbsp;of St. Elizabeth demolition to the scope of SLFRF/ARPA project outcomes.All outcomes would need to be&nbsp;completed by 12/31/2025 with final sub-recipient reporting in the first quarter of 2026.Currently, Interfaith has completed/closed 135 total SLFRF/ARPA projects throughout Reno County. Arlington, Buhler, and Hutchinson are on pace to exceed their initial budgetary goals. In process they have 83 major projects under contract, 65 active Brush Up projects, and an additional 56 Brush Up vouchers issues. The Board of County Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

Revision to Interfaith ARPA agreement added to County agenda

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Bucks for Buckles dollar distribution on Tuesday was a great success. 

KHP and Hutchinson Police officers gave out $275.00 and handed out only 13 cards for those not buckled up in less than 30 minutes. 

"That is fabulous," said State Farm agent Herchel Crainer, who helped organize the event.&nbsp; "The location at 11th and Plum was busy."

Law enforcement agencies across Kansas are in the midst of the annual You Drink, You Drive, You Lose campaign through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724769337159.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Bucks for Buckles dollar distribution on Tuesday was a great success. KHP and Hutchinson Police officers gave out $275.00 and handed out only 13 cards for those not buckled up in less than 30 minutes. "That is fabulous," said State Farm agent Herchel Crainer, who helped organize the event.&nbsp; "The location at 11th and Plum was busy."Law enforcement agencies across Kansas are in the midst of the annual You Drink, You Drive, You Lose campaign through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Bucks for Buckles successful in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In preparation for the upcoming Kansas State Fair, temporary traffic signals will be installed at 20th&nbsp;&amp; Main and 23rd&nbsp;&amp; Main by August 30th&nbsp;2024.

From August 30th&nbsp;to September 6th, the temporary traffic signals will be set to flash mode, providing motorists with an early introduction to the upcoming changes in traffic control. This will allow drivers to familiarize themselves with the new signal placements and adjust their routes accordingly.

From September 6th&nbsp;to September 20th, the traffic signals will be set to regular operation mode to help mitigate potential congestion issues that can arise during the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

The temporary traffic signals will be removed by September 24th.&nbsp; The city appreciates the understanding and cooperation of its residents and visitors during this period of adjustment.

For further information and inquiries, please contact the Public Works Street/Traffic Division at 620-694-1900 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cecilw@hutchgov.com">cecilw@hutchgov.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683043073149.jpeg" alt="City of Hutchinson generic-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>City of Hutchinson generic-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. — In preparation for the upcoming Kansas State Fair, temporary traffic signals will be installed at 20th&nbsp;&amp; Main and 23rd&nbsp;&amp; Main by August 30th&nbsp;2024.From August 30th&nbsp;to September 6th, the temporary traffic signals will be set to flash mode, providing motorists with an early introduction to the upcoming changes in traffic control. This will allow drivers to familiarize themselves with the new signal placements and adjust their routes accordingly.From September 6th&nbsp;to September 20th, the traffic signals will be set to regular operation mode to help mitigate potential congestion issues that can arise during the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;The temporary traffic signals will be removed by September 24th.&nbsp; The city appreciates the understanding and cooperation of its residents and visitors during this period of adjustment.For further information and inquiries, please contact the Public Works Street/Traffic Division at 620-694-1900 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cecilw@hutchgov.com">cecilw@hutchgov.com</a>.

Temporary traffic signals installed for Kansas State Fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — USD 308 Board of Education began its regularly scheduled meeting with a presentation from Kyle Sawyer, HHS Assistant Principal, regarding the new Pass program. The electronic pass system was implemented at the Middle Schools and Midtown last year with HHS starting this year. The overview included how it works, features of the software, and a question-and-answer session. Mr. Sawyer stated that in its first few days of use staff and student responses are mostly positive and hallway traffic is visibly reduced. Board President Corey asked for a follow-up report at the end of the school year.

During the Superintendent’s update, the board was informed of an upcoming retirement reception and its responsibility to nominate a delegate for the October Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) Conference. Cheryl Thompson's nomination was made and accepted.

Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young addressed the Board. She introduced the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment team and identified the group’s focus for the current school year and beyond. The CIA team is working to ensure that each building’s goals align with the District and KESA accreditation goals.

Three Graber parents addressed the Board during public comments regarding a recent accident. The accident occurred last Tuesday when a student was struck by a vehicle while crossing 17th&nbsp;Street at Cleveland. The parents advocated for community vigilance and increased traffic safety measures from the District and the City of Hutchinson. In later remarks, Dr. Johnson spoke of an upcoming meeting between USD 308 and the City of Hutchinson.

Director of Finance Justin Villmer presented the Local Option Budget (LOB) topic to the Board. During his presentation, he covered the calculation, function, and uses of the LOB funds. USD 308 has been levied at or below the statewide average for the past four years. The revenue-neutral hearing was set for September 9th at 5:45 p.m., with the budget hearing at 5:50 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum. The hearing date change came after the District was made aware that the Hutchinson News failed to print the required notice of the August 26th hearing.&nbsp;

The Board approved a one-hour early release on October 4th. New this year, the parade will lineup at Graber Elementary, with the route heading southbound on Plum from 15th to 11th Street and then East on 11th to the Sports Arena. The early release allows time for Hutch High traffic to clear the area and for parents to pick up students and travel to the parade location. The parade map, including parking spots, will be released soon. The homecoming game will be October 4th against Derby at 7:00 p.m.

The Superintendent’s consent agenda was passed unanimously. The full agenda can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.AWagEuh61Tby9DP97u1iB-2Fs9pfN0ZmbqFuFMprUWcLavgJrFC0M8UatKxdeV7lcJ4RPR_Wbs4kq8axC4zR23kwhgy1bAJA6O5ovpmStBKgIPhTAWbBuXyoPjD6UyRo2v5cT-2FKyqVFya6Vhr40YiJBD4-2BW-2Bn7mp7WEQ6D8rPqQSTri1CkwHwOOEfrAGNzB7OTW1zu-2By2c74ueWwI-2BSYKS6TLNPACSwozg64P2GHKYZyMfRwWiaCR6lRumsL-2B73XSzpyXoPF2cTD1Jr-2FxYFTr2-2ByONxPfF-2BrB24hjRm3xnTy1L-2Bq9ZK9QmJJT8tzIIBkxUK8CJnchwclX9FGx557Wxp17ec-2FTCYChKuGHvTbxUYuuqOhzI-3D" target="_blank">www.usd308.com/boe</a>. The next regularly held Board of Education meeting will be September 9th&nbsp;at 6:00pm at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — USD 308 Board of Education began its regularly scheduled meeting with a presentation from Kyle Sawyer, HHS Assistant Principal, regarding the new Pass program. The electronic pass system was implemented at the Middle Schools and Midtown last year with HHS starting this year. The overview included how it works, features of the software, and a question-and-answer session. Mr. Sawyer stated that in its first few days of use staff and student responses are mostly positive and hallway traffic is visibly reduced. Board President Corey asked for a follow-up report at the end of the school year.During the Superintendent’s update, the board was informed of an upcoming retirement reception and its responsibility to nominate a delegate for the October Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) Conference. Cheryl Thompson's nomination was made and accepted.Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young addressed the Board. She introduced the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment team and identified the group’s focus for the current school year and beyond. The CIA team is working to ensure that each building’s goals align with the District and KESA accreditation goals.Three Graber parents addressed the Board during public comments regarding a recent accident. The accident occurred last Tuesday when a student was struck by a vehicle while crossing 17th&nbsp;Street at Cleveland. The parents advocated for community vigilance and increased traffic safety measures from the District and the City of Hutchinson. In later remarks, Dr. Johnson spoke of an upcoming meeting between USD 308 and the City of Hutchinson.Director of Finance Justin Villmer presented the Local Option Budget (LOB) topic to the Board. During his presentation, he covered the calculation, function, and uses of the LOB funds. USD 308 has been levied at or below the statewide average for the past four years. The revenue-neutral hearing was set for September 9th at 5:45 p.m., with the budget hearing at 5:50 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum. The hearing date change came after the District was made aware that the Hutchinson News failed to print the required notice of the August 26th hearing.&nbsp;The Board approved a one-hour early release on October 4th. New this year, the parade will lineup at Graber Elementary, with the route heading southbound on Plum from 15th to 11th Street and then East on 11th to the Sports Arena. The early release allows time for Hutch High traffic to clear the area and for parents to pick up students and travel to the parade location. The parade map, including parking spots, will be released soon. The homecoming game will be October 4th against Derby at 7:00 p.m.The Superintendent’s consent agenda was passed unanimously. The full agenda can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.AWagEuh61Tby9DP97u1iB-2Fs9pfN0ZmbqFuFMprUWcLavgJrFC0M8UatKxdeV7lcJ4RPR_Wbs4kq8axC4zR23kwhgy1bAJA6O5ovpmStBKgIPhTAWbBuXyoPjD6UyRo2v5cT-2FKyqVFya6Vhr40YiJBD4-2BW-2Bn7mp7WEQ6D8rPqQSTri1CkwHwOOEfrAGNzB7OTW1zu-2By2c74ueWwI-2BSYKS6TLNPACSwozg64P2GHKYZyMfRwWiaCR6lRumsL-2B73XSzpyXoPF2cTD1Jr-2FxYFTr2-2ByONxPfF-2BrB24hjRm3xnTy1L-2Bq9ZK9QmJJT8tzIIBkxUK8CJnchwclX9FGx557Wxp17ec-2FTCYChKuGHvTbxUYuuqOhzI-3D" target="_blank">www.usd308.com/boe</a>. The next regularly held Board of Education meeting will be September 9th&nbsp;at 6:00pm at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.

USD 308 board hears about electronic passes

NEWTON, Kan. — The annual Best of Newton Photo Contest will be accepting entries now through October 21. The free contest gives photographers multiple opportunities to be recognized.

The contest will have two categories this year – the open category and one on people of Newton. The feature category can include photos of people doing activities, daily life, and all things that highlight life and fun in Newton.

Individuals may submit up to five entries in each category. Entries are accepted from Newton residents and visitors.

Photos will be considered for three different forms of recognition:

We look forward to seeing all of the photos and the wonderful places and people of Newton!&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.choose-newton.com%2Fplay%2Fphoto-contest-2024/1/010001919426040c-1ab3b9f6-7bc7-4d36-83f5-59b624582fbf-000000/svkyr0E0RU1FnJA-u0WTwaNWqs53F5ojYkIgnOaN3lU=367" target="_blank">Learn more and submit photos here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689327996403.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — The annual Best of Newton Photo Contest will be accepting entries now through October 21. The free contest gives photographers multiple opportunities to be recognized.The contest will have two categories this year – the open category and one on people of Newton. The feature category can include photos of people doing activities, daily life, and all things that highlight life and fun in Newton.Individuals may submit up to five entries in each category. Entries are accepted from Newton residents and visitors.Photos will be considered for three different forms of recognition:<ul>
 <li>The Best of Newton Photo Contest, in which photos will be judged for prizes. The top three in each category will receive Chamber Checks of $100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third. Any entries deemed worthy of honorable mention will receive $25.</li><li>The Newton 2025 calendar, which will feature 12 images to reflect a year in Newton. Photos chosen for the calendar will be horizontal on 4:3 scale or cropped horizontally.</li><li>A People’s Choice contest through the Choose Newton Facebook page, where Likes help select the most popular photos and the winners of $10 Chamber Checks gift certificates.</li>
 </ul>We look forward to seeing all of the photos and the wonderful places and people of Newton!&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.choose-newton.com%2Fplay%2Fphoto-contest-2024/1/010001919426040c-1ab3b9f6-7bc7-4d36-83f5-59b624582fbf-000000/svkyr0E0RU1FnJA-u0WTwaNWqs53F5ojYkIgnOaN3lU=367" target="_blank">Learn more and submit photos here.</a>

Best of Newton photos sought

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Supermarket chain Albertsons told a federal judge Monday that it might have to lay off workers, close stores and even exit some markets if its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-antitrust-3ba6eba066636626c4bdc6cd4f73fa29">planned merger</a>&nbsp;with Kroger isn't allowed to proceed.

The two companies proposed what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest supermarket merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history in October 2022. But the Federal Trade Commission sued to prevent the $24.6 billion deal, alleging it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and raise grocery prices in a time of already high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">food price inflation</a>.

In the three-week hearing that opened Monday, the FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while its complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge.

“This lawsuit is part of an effort aimed at helping Americans feed their families," the FTC's chief trial counsel, Susan Musser, said in her opening arguments on Monday.

Musser said Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. Shoppers benefit from that competition, she said, and will lose those benefits if the merger is allowed to proceed.

Customers also are wary of the merger, the lawyer said. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, for example, 278 shoppers wrote to the FTC to express their concerns about a combined Kroger and Albertsons, which would own five of the city's eight supermarkets.

But Kroger and Albertsons insist the FTC's objections don't take into account the rising competition in the grocery sector.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-apple-juice-recall-e4c185fd48af2438023ea94b3f6b2b74">Walmart's</a>&nbsp;grocery sales totaled $247 billion last year compared to $63 billion in 2003, for example; Costco's sales have grown more than 400% in the same period.

“Consumers are blurring the line of where they buy groceries," Albertsons attorney Enu Mainigi said.

Mainigi said Albertsons' customers now spend 88 cents of every dollar at competitors that range from Aldi and Trader Joe's to Dollar General. Albertsons can't compete with larger rivals that have national scale, but joining forces with Kroger would help it do that, she said.

Kroger attorney Matthew Wolf also defended the proposed merger.

“The savings that come from the merger are obvious and intuitive. Kroger may have the best price on Pepsi. Albertsons may have the best price on Coke. Put them together, they have the best price on both," Wolf said.

The two sides also disagree on Kroger and Albertsons' plan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">to sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their stores overlap. The buyer would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b50f18e7e7dc4701823b2d4346a8bd28">Piggly Wiggly</a>&nbsp;store brands.

The FTC says C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on those stores. Laura Hall, the FTC's senior trial counsel, cited internal documents that indicated C&amp;S executives were skeptical about the quality of the stores they would get and may want the option to sell or close them.

But Wolf said C&amp;S has the experience and infrastructure to run the divested stores and would be the eighth-largest supermarket company in the U.S., if the merger plan goes through.

The commission also alleges that workers' wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer compete with each other.

Before the hearing, several members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-united-food-and-commercial-workers-0815f09c0ad7bc7826b350abe6a2543b">United Food and Commercial Workers International</a>&nbsp;union gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland to speak out against the proposed deal.

“Enough is enough,” said Carol McMillian, a bakery manager at a Kroger-owned grocery store in Colorado. “We can no longer stand by and allow corporate greed that puts profit before people. Our workers, our communities and our customers deserve better.”

The labor union also expressed concern that potential store closures could create so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-health-6b59475a8da2ef2587f31112555ac03b">food and pharmacy “deserts”</a>&nbsp;for consumers.

For people in many communities across the U.S., when a grocery store shutters, “their only source of food actually is walking to the nearest gas station,” said Kim Cordova, the president of UFCW Local 7, which represents over 23,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming.

Mainigi argued the deal could actually bolster union jobs, since many of Kroger's and Albertsons' competitors, like Walmart or Costco, have few unionized workers.

U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to hear from around 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the preliminary injunction. If she does decide to temporarily block the merger, the FTC's in-house hearings are scheduled to begin Oct. 1.

But Nelson's decision will seal the merger's fate, according to Wolf. He said the FTC's in-house administrative process is so long and cumbersome that merger deals almost always fall apart before it's through. Earlier this month, Kroger sued the FTC, alleging the agency’s internal proceedings were unconstitutional and saying it wants the merger’s merits decided in federal court.

The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side. Washington and Colorado filed separate cases in state courts seeking to block the merger.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724718577355.png" alt="Photo from a Monday press conference courtesy United Food and commercial workers union local 3000" />
 <figcaption>Photo from a Monday press conference courtesy United Food and commercial workers union local 3000</figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Supermarket chain Albertsons told a federal judge Monday that it might have to lay off workers, close stores and even exit some markets if its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-antitrust-3ba6eba066636626c4bdc6cd4f73fa29">planned merger</a>&nbsp;with Kroger isn't allowed to proceed.The two companies proposed what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest supermarket merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history in October 2022. But the Federal Trade Commission sued to prevent the $24.6 billion deal, alleging it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and raise grocery prices in a time of already high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">food price inflation</a>.In the three-week hearing that opened Monday, the FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while its complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge.“This lawsuit is part of an effort aimed at helping Americans feed their families," the FTC's chief trial counsel, Susan Musser, said in her opening arguments on Monday.Musser said Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. Shoppers benefit from that competition, she said, and will lose those benefits if the merger is allowed to proceed.Customers also are wary of the merger, the lawyer said. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, for example, 278 shoppers wrote to the FTC to express their concerns about a combined Kroger and Albertsons, which would own five of the city's eight supermarkets.But Kroger and Albertsons insist the FTC's objections don't take into account the rising competition in the grocery sector.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-apple-juice-recall-e4c185fd48af2438023ea94b3f6b2b74">Walmart's</a>&nbsp;grocery sales totaled $247 billion last year compared to $63 billion in 2003, for example; Costco's sales have grown more than 400% in the same period.“Consumers are blurring the line of where they buy groceries," Albertsons attorney Enu Mainigi said.Mainigi said Albertsons' customers now spend 88 cents of every dollar at competitors that range from Aldi and Trader Joe's to Dollar General. Albertsons can't compete with larger rivals that have national scale, but joining forces with Kroger would help it do that, she said.Kroger attorney Matthew Wolf also defended the proposed merger.“The savings that come from the merger are obvious and intuitive. Kroger may have the best price on Pepsi. Albertsons may have the best price on Coke. Put them together, they have the best price on both," Wolf said.The two sides also disagree on Kroger and Albertsons' plan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">to sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their stores overlap. The buyer would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b50f18e7e7dc4701823b2d4346a8bd28">Piggly Wiggly</a>&nbsp;store brands.The FTC says C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on those stores. Laura Hall, the FTC's senior trial counsel, cited internal documents that indicated C&amp;S executives were skeptical about the quality of the stores they would get and may want the option to sell or close them.But Wolf said C&amp;S has the experience and infrastructure to run the divested stores and would be the eighth-largest supermarket company in the U.S., if the merger plan goes through.The commission also alleges that workers' wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer compete with each other.Before the hearing, several members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-united-food-and-commercial-workers-0815f09c0ad7bc7826b350abe6a2543b">United Food and Commercial Workers International</a>&nbsp;union gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland to speak out against the proposed deal.“Enough is enough,” said Carol McMillian, a bakery manager at a Kroger-owned grocery store in Colorado. “We can no longer stand by and allow corporate greed that puts profit before people. Our workers, our communities and our customers deserve better.”The labor union also expressed concern that potential store closures could create so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-health-6b59475a8da2ef2587f31112555ac03b">food and pharmacy “deserts”</a>&nbsp;for consumers.For people in many communities across the U.S., when a grocery store shutters, “their only source of food actually is walking to the nearest gas station,” said Kim Cordova, the president of UFCW Local 7, which represents over 23,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming.Mainigi argued the deal could actually bolster union jobs, since many of Kroger's and Albertsons' competitors, like Walmart or Costco, have few unionized workers.U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to hear from around 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the preliminary injunction. If she does decide to temporarily block the merger, the FTC's in-house hearings are scheduled to begin Oct. 1.But Nelson's decision will seal the merger's fate, according to Wolf. He said the FTC's in-house administrative process is so long and cumbersome that merger deals almost always fall apart before it's through. Earlier this month, Kroger sued the FTC, alleging the agency’s internal proceedings were unconstitutional and saying it wants the merger’s merits decided in federal court.The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side. Washington and Colorado filed separate cases in state courts seeking to block the merger.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

Kroger and Albertsons defend merger plan in federal court

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel is excited to see the development from the STAR Bond project that is going to happen in Hutchinson.

"Absolutely," Teufel said. "This one has been a long time in the making and we were all very anxious to get the final bow on this so we can get started with projects. But, you know, really the catalyst for so much of this has been what will happen with the Landmark project and Laura Meyer Dick and their development was really kind of critical to be, you know, a thing that we can hang our hat on that can be redeveloped in downtown as an anchor project. But alongside that happening was the city's plan for Memorial Hall and then a lot of planning over the last couple of years with the Cosmosphere around their remodel. All of those things moving in the same direction kind of led the community to a place that they said, okay, all of these things are catalytic and can have an impact, particularly on tourism and visitor activity and development downtown, creating momentum with the downtown master plan. It just seemed very synergistic that you put all of those together in one project and they are the recipe for a successful STAR Bond project."

The city is able to use three different areas of town to feed the repayment of the bonds in downtown and along 11th and 17th.

"The reason for that is that all of the STAR Bonds have to be repaid with a sales tax increment of new sales tax," Teufel said. "The city and the state had to embark on a study to look at where will this be most successful and where are we most likely to start generating additional sales tax as a result of those key projects. Also, because we are at a place that the new hotel and the restaurant adjacent to it have not been constructed yet, you can set those at a baseline of zero and all of the sales tax increment, and we're really talking then about the state's sales tax increment that gets pledged to this, will all be new dollars to then help repay those STAR Bonds. Yes, the area on 17th is because not only that hotel and the restaurant that will come with it, but there's some expected development, there's some locations along 17th that are there are some lots that we expect to have new development. And with all of those, coupled with the area around the Cosmosphere and then absolutely the corridor of downtown, really then create a new sizable sales tax increment from that state sales tax."

Making sure a STAR Bond can be paid back is a detailed process.

"You have to do an economic impact kind of predictive analysis of what will be generated," Teufel said. "That analysis started I'm gonna say almost a year ago. There was an economist Eric Lander that did that initial study for the state, and then these have to be vetted by the Department of Commerce. They don't take these lightly because if as you mentioned there have been some STAR Bonds across the state that haven't been successful, so the legislature looks at this program through a microscopic lens, and so Commerce tries to make sure that they have vetted every project well, and that's what they did on this, and the team from Hutchinson then once they had Laura Meyer Dick with her project and the city and the Cosmosphere all went together to the Department of Commerce to present their case, and then over the course of months the Lieutenant Governor signed off on that project as the Secretary of Commerce."

The intent is for the amount of the bonds to be around $10 to $11 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676993555557.jpeg" alt="Debra Teufel at Hutchinson City Council-Feb. 21, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Debra Teufel at Hutchinson City Council-Feb. 21, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel is excited to see the development from the STAR Bond project that is going to happen in Hutchinson."Absolutely," Teufel said. "This one has been a long time in the making and we were all very anxious to get the final bow on this so we can get started with projects. But, you know, really the catalyst for so much of this has been what will happen with the Landmark project and Laura Meyer Dick and their development was really kind of critical to be, you know, a thing that we can hang our hat on that can be redeveloped in downtown as an anchor project. But alongside that happening was the city's plan for Memorial Hall and then a lot of planning over the last couple of years with the Cosmosphere around their remodel. All of those things moving in the same direction kind of led the community to a place that they said, okay, all of these things are catalytic and can have an impact, particularly on tourism and visitor activity and development downtown, creating momentum with the downtown master plan. It just seemed very synergistic that you put all of those together in one project and they are the recipe for a successful STAR Bond project."The city is able to use three different areas of town to feed the repayment of the bonds in downtown and along 11th and 17th."The reason for that is that all of the STAR Bonds have to be repaid with a sales tax increment of new sales tax," Teufel said. "The city and the state had to embark on a study to look at where will this be most successful and where are we most likely to start generating additional sales tax as a result of those key projects. Also, because we are at a place that the new hotel and the restaurant adjacent to it have not been constructed yet, you can set those at a baseline of zero and all of the sales tax increment, and we're really talking then about the state's sales tax increment that gets pledged to this, will all be new dollars to then help repay those STAR Bonds. Yes, the area on 17th is because not only that hotel and the restaurant that will come with it, but there's some expected development, there's some locations along 17th that are there are some lots that we expect to have new development. And with all of those, coupled with the area around the Cosmosphere and then absolutely the corridor of downtown, really then create a new sizable sales tax increment from that state sales tax."Making sure a STAR Bond can be paid back is a detailed process."You have to do an economic impact kind of predictive analysis of what will be generated," Teufel said. "That analysis started I'm gonna say almost a year ago. There was an economist Eric Lander that did that initial study for the state, and then these have to be vetted by the Department of Commerce. They don't take these lightly because if as you mentioned there have been some STAR Bonds across the state that haven't been successful, so the legislature looks at this program through a microscopic lens, and so Commerce tries to make sure that they have vetted every project well, and that's what they did on this, and the team from Hutchinson then once they had Laura Meyer Dick with her project and the city and the Cosmosphere all went together to the Department of Commerce to present their case, and then over the course of months the Lieutenant Governor signed off on that project as the Secretary of Commerce."The intent is for the amount of the bonds to be around $10 to $11 million.

Teufel: STAR Bond project 'a long time in the making'

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair will have new lighting in the parking lots of the grounds this year to help fairgoers feel more safe.

"We are doing two things in the parking lots this year," Kansas State Fair general manager Bryan Schulz said. "We added the cameras, plus we're increasing the lighting out in the parking lot. We're working with Reno County Emergency Management and bringing in three light towers, so that will light up lots A and B even more."

Schulz said the need for the additional lighting in the lots comes after noticing how dark the lots were after the sun went down.

"People are leaving the grounds at 10 or 11 o'clock at night and it's almost pitch dark out there," Schulz said. "Once they're outside the fence and get into the parking lots, we don't know who is out there. We have patrol going through there, but you don't know who could be hiding out there. We are making sure that people who are on the grounds or even in the vicinity of the grounds that they feel safe."

Schulz hopes that people will notice the difference when coming to the fairgrounds beginning next week.

"We've also invested close to $600,000 in lighting out here," Schulz said. "When you come out at night, you'll definitely see a difference. There were a lot of dark spots out here. So probably by the end of the year we'll have invested almost $600,000 in the lighting."

The 2024 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 6-15 in Hutchinson. To find more information on the fair, <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">click here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724172564313.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair will have new lighting in the parking lots of the grounds this year to help fairgoers feel more safe."We are doing two things in the parking lots this year," Kansas State Fair general manager Bryan Schulz said. "We added the cameras, plus we're increasing the lighting out in the parking lot. We're working with Reno County Emergency Management and bringing in three light towers, so that will light up lots A and B even more."Schulz said the need for the additional lighting in the lots comes after noticing how dark the lots were after the sun went down."People are leaving the grounds at 10 or 11 o'clock at night and it's almost pitch dark out there," Schulz said. "Once they're outside the fence and get into the parking lots, we don't know who is out there. We have patrol going through there, but you don't know who could be hiding out there. We are making sure that people who are on the grounds or even in the vicinity of the grounds that they feel safe."Schulz hopes that people will notice the difference when coming to the fairgrounds beginning next week."We've also invested close to $600,000 in lighting out here," Schulz said. "When you come out at night, you'll definitely see a difference. There were a lot of dark spots out here. So probably by the end of the year we'll have invested almost $600,000 in the lighting."The 2024 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 6-15 in Hutchinson. To find more information on the fair, <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">click here</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas State Fair adds lighting to parking lots

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss sees one particular area of the economy as stronger right now than he thought.

"Residential real estate, there, is holding up better than I would have ever expected," Goss said. "Watch out for those inventories as they increase and housing prices come down rather than going up. Now, that's going to be a few more months out before we see that."

Commercial real estate is already seeing a price drop.

"That's, of course, a lot to do with office space. Individuals still are working from home, and we're seeing, of course, industrial side. That would be, of course, manufacturing. That's doing reasonably well. It's on the residential side where we're going to see the correction, in my judgment. Individuals cannot continue, families and individuals cannot continue to pay 40 to 45 percent of their income on housing."

Real estate taxes are causing older folks who have lived in their home and may even have it close to paid off say to themselves, I can't afford to stay where I am because the taxes are going to price me out of my home. If that starts to happen, that would create some of that additional inventory to drop overall prices.

"We're seeing that," Goss said. "It started in Florida. It's moving up to Georgia, over to Texas. It was already in Texas. Look at Austin, Texas. Texas, Arizona, to some degree California. Northeast is not doing as poorly as the rest of the nation in terms of real estate prices, monthly income to support those real estate prices there. It's a tough, tough time for those renters as well. In other words, when you want to leave your house and move to another location, you got to pay higher rent as well. It's getting on all cylinders in terms of negativism for the housing sector right now."

Also, the changes in the structure of realtor agreements may cause some ripples in that market, but how many remains to be seen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716997984523.jpg" alt="real estate, homeownership, homebuying" />
 <figcaption>real estate, homeownership, homebuying</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss sees one particular area of the economy as stronger right now than he thought."Residential real estate, there, is holding up better than I would have ever expected," Goss said. "Watch out for those inventories as they increase and housing prices come down rather than going up. Now, that's going to be a few more months out before we see that."Commercial real estate is already seeing a price drop."That's, of course, a lot to do with office space. Individuals still are working from home, and we're seeing, of course, industrial side. That would be, of course, manufacturing. That's doing reasonably well. It's on the residential side where we're going to see the correction, in my judgment. Individuals cannot continue, families and individuals cannot continue to pay 40 to 45 percent of their income on housing."Real estate taxes are causing older folks who have lived in their home and may even have it close to paid off say to themselves, I can't afford to stay where I am because the taxes are going to price me out of my home. If that starts to happen, that would create some of that additional inventory to drop overall prices."We're seeing that," Goss said. "It started in Florida. It's moving up to Georgia, over to Texas. It was already in Texas. Look at Austin, Texas. Texas, Arizona, to some degree California. Northeast is not doing as poorly as the rest of the nation in terms of real estate prices, monthly income to support those real estate prices there. It's a tough, tough time for those renters as well. In other words, when you want to leave your house and move to another location, you got to pay higher rent as well. It's getting on all cylinders in terms of negativism for the housing sector right now."Also, the changes in the structure of realtor agreements may cause some ripples in that market, but how many remains to be seen.

Goss sees residential real estate correction ahead

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Planning Commission will meet Tuesday. 

On the agenda for the commission is a review of the 2025 Capital Improvement Program and the final plat for the Plum Creek Addition.

The meeting is Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683043073149.jpeg" alt="City of Hutchinson generic-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>City of Hutchinson generic-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Planning Commission will meet Tuesday. On the agenda for the commission is a review of the 2025 Capital Improvement Program and the final plat for the Plum Creek Addition.The meeting is Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.&nbsp;

Planning Commission to meet Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson NAACP is seeking sponsors for its annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center at HutchCC.

The NAACP's mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. 

If you’d like to support the ongoing effort at the annual fundraiser, consider becoming a sponsor. Contact the Freedom Fund Dinner chair at (620) 899-1563 or email: <a href="mailto:esmeralda@hutchinharmony.com">esmeralda@hutchinharmony.com</a> to get started.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722288823170.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson NAACPHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson NAACP is seeking sponsors for its annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center at HutchCC.The NAACP's mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. If you’d like to support the ongoing effort at the annual fundraiser, consider becoming a sponsor. Contact the Freedom Fund Dinner chair at (620) 899-1563 or email: <a href="mailto:esmeralda@hutchinharmony.com">esmeralda@hutchinharmony.com</a> to get started.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Freedom Fund Dinner seeking sponsors

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

One of the things I enjoy most about agriculture is the ability of farmers and ranchers to work together on projects large and small. At times we’re competitors seeking a good deal at an auction or to rent land to expand. But we’re also neighbors and don’t hesitate to interrupt our work to help someone down the road if asked.

These connections have served all of us well over the years, whether it be the informal request for help getting chores done or the grassroots advocacy through organizations like Kansas Farm Bureau that has helped adopt favorable legislation.

We also have to be honest that while our network runs deep between farmers and ranchers, we aren’t always in tune with those outside our fences. Whether they be individual food buyers at the local farmers market or corporations everyone would recognize in the aisles of the grocery store, it is essential we expand our network based on shared values to include everyone in the supply chain who moves food from farm gates to dinner plates.

Farmers and ranchers have and will continue to face challenges from people with extreme views about agriculture. These radicals are trying to turn one of our greatest strengths — the system that delivers food from farm to fork — into a weakness by attacking individual links in the chain.

They’re following the success of the Proposition 12 campaign in California, which substitutes the ideologies of activists for the knowledge of farmers for caring for livestock. The primary result of this law has been to raise the price of pork for all the state’s residents.

A similar situation is unfolding with our neighbors just east of the Rockies in Denver where a purported animal welfare group is asking voters in November to ban “slaughterhouses,” in the combined city-county metro. There’s only one meat processing facility in Denver — 70-plus-year-old Superior Farms, which supplies sheep and lamb meat both locally and to grocers across the country.

It would be easy for me to see Superior Farms as a competitor since I also raise sheep and sell their meat, too, but that’s not how I see it. We are all in this together. An attack on one of us, is an attack on all of us.

This measure wouldn’t just put Superior Farms out of business, it would irreparably damage the country’s sheep industry by cratering prices paid to farmers and raising them for consumers. No doubt if the activists are successful in banning meat processing in Denver, they’ll soon set their sights on another target.

We can and we must prevent that from happening by growing our network from the peer-to-peer grid that’s already established into a trellis that extends up the supply chain. It is vital we recognize the values shared by those who grow, raise, prepare and market our nation’s food and let the broader public know our values are theirs as well.

The U.S. Agriculture Partnership Fund (USAPF) was created to provide public education and resources to ensure the U.S. food system remains safe, affordable, and available. The ballot initiative in Denver will be its first chance to push back on an ideological assault on the system that delivers nutritious, high-quality and low-cost options to consumers.

There are two sides to the ballot in November. On one is activists who are seeking to disrupt up to $861 million in economic activity and put more than 150 workers out of their jobs. On the other are the farmers and ranchers who actually care for animals, the Superior employees taking pride in creating a product that’s in demand and consumers who enjoy the benefits of choosing what they eat.

I’m confident agriculture can succeed in Denver and beyond by leveraging and expanding network through efforts like the USAPF to let food buyers know more about the value offered by agriculture’s abundance and contrast it with the prescriptive choices offered by activists. This is one of those times when neighbors help neighbors. If you’d like to learn more about the initiative in Denver, visit <a href="http://www.stopthebanprotectjobs.com">www.stopthebanprotectjobs.com</a>.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherOne of the things I enjoy most about agriculture is the ability of farmers and ranchers to work together on projects large and small. At times we’re competitors seeking a good deal at an auction or to rent land to expand. But we’re also neighbors and don’t hesitate to interrupt our work to help someone down the road if asked.These connections have served all of us well over the years, whether it be the informal request for help getting chores done or the grassroots advocacy through organizations like Kansas Farm Bureau that has helped adopt favorable legislation.We also have to be honest that while our network runs deep between farmers and ranchers, we aren’t always in tune with those outside our fences. Whether they be individual food buyers at the local farmers market or corporations everyone would recognize in the aisles of the grocery store, it is essential we expand our network based on shared values to include everyone in the supply chain who moves food from farm gates to dinner plates.Farmers and ranchers have and will continue to face challenges from people with extreme views about agriculture. These radicals are trying to turn one of our greatest strengths — the system that delivers food from farm to fork — into a weakness by attacking individual links in the chain.They’re following the success of the Proposition 12 campaign in California, which substitutes the ideologies of activists for the knowledge of farmers for caring for livestock. The primary result of this law has been to raise the price of pork for all the state’s residents.A similar situation is unfolding with our neighbors just east of the Rockies in Denver where a purported animal welfare group is asking voters in November to ban “slaughterhouses,” in the combined city-county metro. There’s only one meat processing facility in Denver — 70-plus-year-old Superior Farms, which supplies sheep and lamb meat both locally and to grocers across the country.It would be easy for me to see Superior Farms as a competitor since I also raise sheep and sell their meat, too, but that’s not how I see it. We are all in this together. An attack on one of us, is an attack on all of us.This measure wouldn’t just put Superior Farms out of business, it would irreparably damage the country’s sheep industry by cratering prices paid to farmers and raising them for consumers. No doubt if the activists are successful in banning meat processing in Denver, they’ll soon set their sights on another target.We can and we must prevent that from happening by growing our network from the peer-to-peer grid that’s already established into a trellis that extends up the supply chain. It is vital we recognize the values shared by those who grow, raise, prepare and market our nation’s food and let the broader public know our values are theirs as well.The U.S. Agriculture Partnership Fund (USAPF) was created to provide public education and resources to ensure the U.S. food system remains safe, affordable, and available. The ballot initiative in Denver will be its first chance to push back on an ideological assault on the system that delivers nutritious, high-quality and low-cost options to consumers.There are two sides to the ballot in November. On one is activists who are seeking to disrupt up to $861 million in economic activity and put more than 150 workers out of their jobs. On the other are the farmers and ranchers who actually care for animals, the Superior employees taking pride in creating a product that’s in demand and consumers who enjoy the benefits of choosing what they eat.I’m confident agriculture can succeed in Denver and beyond by leveraging and expanding network through efforts like the USAPF to let food buyers know more about the value offered by agriculture’s abundance and contrast it with the prescriptive choices offered by activists. This is one of those times when neighbors help neighbors. If you’d like to learn more about the initiative in Denver, visit <a href="http://www.stopthebanprotectjobs.com">www.stopthebanprotectjobs.com</a>. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: The value of abundance

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

8/27/2024 1:30 AM-Jaden	Alan Cutsinger-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance&nbsp;

8/26/2024 11:06 PM-Austin	Brandon Penner-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

8/26/2024 10:37 PM-Jonathan	Edward Rankin-Failure to Appear

8/26/2024 9:04 PM-Matthew	Nathaniel Hall-Failure to Appear

8/26/2024 8:26 PM-Edward	Lee Fowler-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours

8/26/2024 7:31 PM-Ryan	Scott McHenry-Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest&nbsp;

8/26/2024 6:16 PM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Direct Contempt

8/26/2024 3:31 PM-Garry	Leroy Ward II-DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense&nbsp;

8/26/2024 2:28 PM-Bryan	David Speir-DUI; Misdemeanor

8/26/2024 1:33 PM-Jacob	Lee Elzey-Direct Contempt

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;8/27/2024 1:30 AM-Jaden	Alan Cutsinger-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance&nbsp;8/26/2024 11:06 PM-Austin	Brandon Penner-Failure to Appear&nbsp;8/26/2024 10:37 PM-Jonathan	Edward Rankin-Failure to Appear8/26/2024 9:04 PM-Matthew	Nathaniel Hall-Failure to Appear8/26/2024 8:26 PM-Edward	Lee Fowler-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours8/26/2024 7:31 PM-Ryan	Scott McHenry-Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest&nbsp;8/26/2024 6:16 PM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Direct Contempt8/26/2024 3:31 PM-Garry	Leroy Ward II-DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense&nbsp;8/26/2024 2:28 PM-Bryan	David Speir-DUI; Misdemeanor8/26/2024 1:33 PM-Jacob	Lee Elzey-Direct Contempt

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the unit block of West 16th Monday afternoon for the report of a fire in a two-story duplex.&nbsp;

First arriving units found the duplex with smoke coming from the front entry way and the back of the home. Crews attacked inside and kept the fire to a single bedroom. There was smoke damage throughout the remainder of the home.&nbsp;

The fire is still under investigation. The home was occupied by three people. All three were able to get out safely and were not hurt. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for weather related heat exposure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724708130632.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the unit block of West 16th Monday afternoon for the report of a fire in a two-story duplex.&nbsp;First arriving units found the duplex with smoke coming from the front entry way and the back of the home. Crews attacked inside and kept the fire to a single bedroom. There was smoke damage throughout the remainder of the home.&nbsp;The fire is still under investigation. The home was occupied by three people. All three were able to get out safely and were not hurt. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for weather related heat exposure.

Hutch Fire fights afternoon duplex fire Monday

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7 a.m. Monday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Dodge Charger driven by Shane W. Riggle, 35, McPherson, was northbound on Kansas 61 at Arapaho Road in the left.

The car struck a 2008 Hyundia Santa Fe driven by Sadie M.&nbsp;Ramage, 29, Little River, who was northbound in the right lane and attempted to turn left onto Arapaho Road.&nbsp;

EMS transported Riggle to the McPherson Hospital.&nbsp;Ramage was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717498648709.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7 a.m. Monday in McPherson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Dodge Charger driven by Shane W. Riggle, 35, McPherson, was northbound on Kansas 61 at Arapaho Road in the left.The car struck a 2008 Hyundia Santa Fe driven by Sadie M.&nbsp;Ramage, 29, Little River, who was northbound in the right lane and attempted to turn left onto Arapaho Road.&nbsp;EMS transported Riggle to the McPherson Hospital.&nbsp;Ramage was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after car, SUV crash

NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Fire and EMS has been awarded a Federal Assistance for Firefighter's Grant (AFG) worth over $518,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine/tender.

The department has currently been using a 41 year old military style, employee built water tender that holds insufficient amounts of water and doesn't have the correct dump valves to operate in a water shuttle operation for rural fires. 

A new tender will be a game-changer for rural operations as well as provide redundancy in city operations if other fire engines are down or out for service.This is the 5th AFG awarded to NFEMS since 2018 with a total value of over $1.85 million. On average, approximately 20-25% of AFG applicants are awarded every year and only about 10% of apparatus requests are awarded. 

This vehicle will be a significant asset to the community and department, with minimal budgetary impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724687260389.jpeg" alt="Newton Fire EMS" />
 <figcaption>Newton Fire EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — Newton Fire and EMS has been awarded a Federal Assistance for Firefighter's Grant (AFG) worth over $518,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine/tender.The department has currently been using a 41 year old military style, employee built water tender that holds insufficient amounts of water and doesn't have the correct dump valves to operate in a water shuttle operation for rural fires. A new tender will be a game-changer for rural operations as well as provide redundancy in city operations if other fire engines are down or out for service.This is the 5th AFG awarded to NFEMS since 2018 with a total value of over $1.85 million. On average, approximately 20-25% of AFG applicants are awarded every year and only about 10% of apparatus requests are awarded. This vehicle will be a significant asset to the community and department, with minimal budgetary impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Newton Fire to get new tender

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Captain Ron Kaufman was recognized on August 22nd for completing his 5-year service commitment as a SWAT Medic. 

Captain Kaufman was part of a small group of firefighters that took on the challenge of cross training with the Reno County SWAT team. This small group initiated what is now Hutchinson Fire TEMS (Tactical Emergency Medical Service).

This group of firefighters work right alongside Reno County SWAT. They are right in the middle of the action and provide immediate medical aide to SWAT members. This is very demanding work, physically and mentally, and time consuming.

HFD congratulates Captain Kaufman on a job well done. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724686586858.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Captain Ron Kaufman was recognized on August 22nd for completing his 5-year service commitment as a SWAT Medic. Captain Kaufman was part of a small group of firefighters that took on the challenge of cross training with the Reno County SWAT team. This small group initiated what is now Hutchinson Fire TEMS (Tactical Emergency Medical Service).This group of firefighters work right alongside Reno County SWAT. They are right in the middle of the action and provide immediate medical aide to SWAT members. This is very demanding work, physically and mentally, and time consuming.HFD congratulates Captain Kaufman on a job well done.

Fire captain recognized for SWAT Medic work

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work continues to repair the K and O railroad tracks near Avenue D and Plum in Hutchinson following a Saturday morning derailment.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;Tracie VanBecelaere with Watco, there were nine grain cars that derailed on Saturday. They were all upright. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

No one was hurt and the street is open to traffic.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724679623779.jpeg" alt="K and O tracks Aug. 26, 2024-Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>K and O tracks Aug. 26, 2024-Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work continues to repair the K and O railroad tracks near Avenue D and Plum in Hutchinson following a Saturday morning derailment.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;Tracie VanBecelaere with Watco, there were nine grain cars that derailed on Saturday. They were all upright. The cause of the incident is under investigation.No one was hurt and the street is open to traffic.&nbsp;

Track work continues at derailment site

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an outbound beef genetics trade mission to Hermosillo, Mexico. The mission is a joint effort between the International Brangus Breeders Association, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and will take place November 4-8, 2024.

During the outbound mission, the team will have an opportunity to visit ranches and agribusinesses in the beef sector. Additionally, the trade mission will allow Kansas producers to network and promote U.S. beef genetics during an educational seminar and reception. Producers who raise purebred cattle and are interested in exporting to Mexico should consider applying.

Supporting all facets of agriculture is central to KDA’s mission, including facilitating opportunities for producers to market and sell beef genetics both domestically and internationally. These missions were made possible through KDA’s membership in U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) with USDA Market Access Program funding.

For an application, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MjYuOTk1MTczODEifQ.OAiPyun8_uHxHqJFHLArbk2miFeSzgi3mCn6f-vvPrA/s/1377891908/br/247975433403-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/international</a>&nbsp;or contact KDA international trade director Suzanne Ryan-Numrich at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov">Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6704. Application deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689965639199.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an outbound beef genetics trade mission to Hermosillo, Mexico. The mission is a joint effort between the International Brangus Breeders Association, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and will take place November 4-8, 2024.During the outbound mission, the team will have an opportunity to visit ranches and agribusinesses in the beef sector. Additionally, the trade mission will allow Kansas producers to network and promote U.S. beef genetics during an educational seminar and reception. Producers who raise purebred cattle and are interested in exporting to Mexico should consider applying.Supporting all facets of agriculture is central to KDA’s mission, including facilitating opportunities for producers to market and sell beef genetics both domestically and internationally. These missions were made possible through KDA’s membership in U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) with USDA Market Access Program funding.For an application, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MjYuOTk1MTczODEifQ.OAiPyun8_uHxHqJFHLArbk2miFeSzgi3mCn6f-vvPrA/s/1377891908/br/247975433403-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/international</a>&nbsp;or contact KDA international trade director Suzanne Ryan-Numrich at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov">Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6704. Application deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024.

KDA seeking beef genetics producers for Mexico trip

NEW YORK (AP) —The largest proposed grocery store merger in U.S. history is going to court.

On one side are supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons, which say their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">planned merger</a>&nbsp;will help them compete against rivals like Costco. On the other side are antitrust regulators from the Federal Trade Commission, who say the merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and raise grocery prices in a time of already high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">food price inflation</a>.

Starting Monday, a federal district court judge in Portland, Oregon, will consider both sides and decide whether to grant the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction. An injunction would delay the merger while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-trade-commission">the FTC</a>&nbsp;conducts an in-house case against the deal before an administrative law judge.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in Kansas and 34 other states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

Here’s what to know ahead of the hearing, which is expected to last until Sept. 13.

Why do Kroger and Albertsons want to merge?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694444368400.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The largest proposed grocery store merger in U.S. history is going to court.On one side are supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons, which say their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">planned merger</a>&nbsp;will help them compete against rivals like Costco. On the other side are antitrust regulators from the Federal Trade Commission, who say the merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and raise grocery prices in a time of already high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">food price inflation</a>.Starting Monday, a federal district court judge in Portland, Oregon, will consider both sides and decide whether to grant the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction. An injunction would delay the merger while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-trade-commission">the FTC</a>&nbsp;conducts an in-house case against the deal before an administrative law judge.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in Kansas and 34 other states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.Here’s what to know ahead of the hearing, which is expected to last until Sept. 13.<h2>Why do Kroger and Albertsons want to merge?</h2>Kroger and Albertsons – two of the largest grocery chains in the U.S. – announced in October 2022 that they planned to merge. The companies say the $24.6 billion deal would hold down prices by giving them more leverage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grocery-store-supply-chain-issues-166cc40b0ff095af9d0bf4041fa1b5fc">with suppliers</a>&nbsp;and allowing them to combine their store brands. They say a merger also would help them compete with big rivals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-settlement-weighted-grocery-class-action-62405b8c5fda5e63f0b0e4f1f64949e6">like Walmart</a>, which now controls around 22% of U.S. grocery sales. Combined, Kroger and Albertsons would control around 13%.<h2>Why does the FTC want to block the merger?</h2>Antitrust regulators say the proposed merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-federal-trade-commission-2fda44d9d8b82ef20d6c7e7cffb2ccc3">eliminate competition</a>, leading to higher prices, poorer quality and lower wages and benefits&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-contract-west-virginia-471b61f4212e4a803e0777c9a6b0ab67">for workers</a>. In February, the FTC issued a complaint seeking to block the merger before an administrative judge at the FTC. At the same time, the FTC filed the lawsuit in federal court in Oregon seeking the preliminary injunction. The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the federal lawsuit.<h2>Will Kroger and Albertsons close some stores if they merge?</h2>They say no. If the merger is approved, Kroger and Albertsons have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">agreed to sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their stores overlap. The buyer would be C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands. Kroger and Albertsons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">initially planned</a>&nbsp;to divest 413 stores, but the FTC said that plan would not have allowed C&amp;S to be a robust competitor. Kroger and Albertsons agreed to divest additional stores in April. Washington has the most stores that would be divested, with 124, followed by Colorado with 91 and California with 63.<h2>What happens if the Oregon judge issues a preliminary injunction?</h2>If the preliminary injunction is approved, Kroger and Albertsons would likely appeal to a higher court, said Mike Keeley, a partner and antitrust chair at Axinn, Veltrop &amp; Harkrider, a Washington law firm. The case could then move through the FTC’s own judicial system, but since that can take a year or more, companies often abandon a deal before going through the process, Keeley said. Kroger sued the FTC this month, alleging the agency's internal proceedings are unconstitutional and saying it wants the merger's merits decided in federal court. In that case, filed in Ohio, Kroger cited a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-regulatory-agencies-sec-36f16444b1d4fc52985fdb68896362bb">recent Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;that limited the power of the Securities and Exchange Commission to try some civil fraud complaints within the agency instead of in court.<h2>What happens if the Oregon judge agrees with Kroger and Albertsons?</h2>The FTC would likely appeal the ruling, but Keeley said it's rare for an appeals court to reverse a lower court's ruling on a merger, so the FTC might decide to drop the challenge. The case could still proceed through the FTC's administrative process. It's unclear what impact the presidential election could have on the case. The Biden administration has been particularly aggressive in challenging mergers that it considered anti-competitive, but lawmakers from both parties&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-prices-alex-padilla-congress-rodney-mcmullen-54929ed8d702642fbc33269fb69b0373">expressed skepticism</a>&nbsp;about the merger in a 2022 hearing.<h2>If the federal court lets the merger proceed, could state courts still prevent it?</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-colorado-06a59a420139ef8f4400b128778d408d">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-washington-lawsuit-35681b212a416d19d24d1a3a8126f4ca">Washington</a>&nbsp;have separately sued to block&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-colorado-06a59a420139ef8f4400b128778d408d">the merger</a>&nbsp;in state courts. That's an unusual situation; normally states are co-plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit. But both states believe they have a lot at stake. Colorado has more than 200 Kroger and Albertsons stores, while Washington has more than 300. Keeley said both states could seek their own injunctions from a different court if the FTC loses, but it would be surprising for another court to block the merger if Kroger and Albertsons are successful in the federal case.