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.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754597878549.png" alt="Ratzlaff photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Ratzlaff photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>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

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754599064127.png" alt="Image U.S. Census Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Census Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>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.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ou5k3RexW3">pic.twitter.com/ou5k3RexW3</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1953416856309477756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>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

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State’s second-best rushing offense
in the MIAA last season, which averaged nearly 170 yards per game, was the most
productive ground game since the team’s 2017 MIAA title run.

While All-MIAA running back Shane Watts earned a lot of the
credit, the Tigers' veteran offensive line was a key part of that success.

The 2025 Tigers return three senior starters on the
offensive line: left guard Josh Shaw, center Bradon Kerr and right tackle
Porter Dannevik. All three have at least 18 career starts. They are joined by returning veterans
DeShawn Williams, David Sjoberg, Neville Brown, Dylan Rock and Jacob Mattice,
all of whom have seen playing time.

Shaw, who has started in 26 of his 29 career games, said the
line’s depth is a major strength.

“The depth that we have this year compared to years past, we
can plug and play guys in different spots,” said Shaw, a native of Fairfield,
Nebraska. “There's a lot of us that have gotten a lot of playing time, so it's
almost like we think with one mind out there.”

Shaw earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2023 and First
Team recognition last season, but he is still focused on improvement.

“I think just getting myself in the best physical shape, you
know, being mentally tough, pushing through and critiquing myself on the minor
details,” he said. “Just those little things are going to help take me over the
edge.”

The Tigers finished 8-3 last season, just missing the
playoffs, a fact that has motivated Shaw and the team this season.

“Last year wasn't good enough,” Shaw said. “We went 8-3,
which was better than the year before, but still wasn't good enough. We want to
win championships here. We use the fact that we beat the team that got in over
us, and it still wasn't good enough. We use that to motivate us to work
harder.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754595096619.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State’s second-best rushing offense
in the MIAA last season, which averaged nearly 170 yards per game, was the most
productive ground game since the team’s 2017 MIAA title run.While All-MIAA running back Shane Watts earned a lot of the
credit, the Tigers' veteran offensive line was a key part of that success.The 2025 Tigers return three senior starters on the
offensive line: left guard Josh Shaw, center Bradon Kerr and right tackle
Porter Dannevik. All three have at least 18 career starts. They are joined by returning veterans
DeShawn Williams, David Sjoberg, Neville Brown, Dylan Rock and Jacob Mattice,
all of whom have seen playing time.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2149634508&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-shaw" title="FHSU FB Camp - Shaw" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Shaw</a></div></div>Shaw, who has started in 26 of his 29 career games, said the
line’s depth is a major strength.“The depth that we have this year compared to years past, we
can plug and play guys in different spots,” said Shaw, a native of Fairfield,
Nebraska. “There's a lot of us that have gotten a lot of playing time, so it's
almost like we think with one mind out there.”Shaw earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2023 and First
Team recognition last season, but he is still focused on improvement.“I think just getting myself in the best physical shape, you
know, being mentally tough, pushing through and critiquing myself on the minor
details,” he said. “Just those little things are going to help take me over the
edge.”The Tigers finished 8-3 last season, just missing the
playoffs, a fact that has motivated Shaw and the team this season.“Last year wasn't good enough,” Shaw said. “We went 8-3,
which was better than the year before, but still wasn't good enough. We want to
win championships here. We use the fact that we beat the team that got in over
us, and it still wasn't good enough. We use that to motivate us to work
harder.”

🏈 Shaw leads veteran offensive line into 2025 season

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753897064268.jpg" alt="Photo Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Photo Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostOTTAWA 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.<h2>Timeline of proposal</h2>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753898008322.jpeg" alt="Ottawa County residents gathered for a public hearing conducted by the KDHE on July 9th regarding the proposed 10,000 amount sow farm" />
 <figcaption>Ottawa County residents gathered for a public hearing conducted by the KDHE on July 9th regarding the proposed 10,000 amount sow farm</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Views of those who are 'against' the sow farm</h2>“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."<h2>Views of those who are 'for' the sow farm</h2>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.<h2>Schwartz Farms comments</h2><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."<h2>KSA Statutes</h2>According to CAFO statutes from the KDHE, swine facilities are required to follow specific various guidelines. Most of those guidelines include:<h2>Protection from pollution</h2>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)"Pollution in this context means: "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."<h2>Public notification</h2>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"<h2>Required distances from water</h2><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.<h2>Lagoon standards and the monitorization of water wells</h2><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;<h2>Investigations, services and orders; fees</h2><a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0066a.html">KSA 65- 166a&nbsp;</a>(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>,"<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0071e.html">KSA 65-171e</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."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754584935583.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo of Schwartz Farms" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo of Schwartz Farms</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Awaiting a decision</h2>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

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.”

E.l.f.’s CFO Mandy Fields told analysts that the company is not sure whether the $1 price increases will be enough to absorb the tariff costs and will monitor what will happen on Aug. 12, when further negotiations between the U.S. and China are planned.

“I think we’re just going to have to wait and see how things play out there,” she said.

Alcohol trade groups ask for ‘toasts not tariffs’

A coalition of 57 U.S. associations and state guilds that represent businesses that make, import, distribute and sell alcohol, called the “Toasts not Tariffs Coalition,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.distilledspirits.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Letter-from-the-Toasts-Not-Tariffs-Coalition-to-President-Trump-August-6-2025-US-EU.pdf">asked Trump</a>&nbsp;for reciprocal, tariff-free trade for U.S. and European Union spirits and wines.

The group estimates that the 15% tariff on EU wine and spirits could result in more than 25,000 American job losses and nearly $2 billion in lost sales.

“Many U.S. and EU spirits are recognized as ‘distinctive products’ and can only be made in their designated countries—Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey in the U.S., and Cognac in France,” the group wrote. “Similarly, wine is linked to its place of origin through American Viticultural Areas, appellations of origin or geographical indications. Consequently, production of these products cannot simply be relocated to circumvent tariffs.”

Switzerland says three-fifths of its US exports will face Trump’s steep 39% tariffs

Roughly three-fifths of Swiss exports to the U.S. will face steep 39% tariffs that took effect on Thursday, according to Switzerland’s government — with exceptions granted for key industries like pharmaceuticals, gold and chemicals.

Authorities responded to the whopping customs duties by laying out some workplace protections to impacted employees in Switzerland and vowing to continue talks.

After returning from Washington in a failed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kellersutter-switzerland-trump-tariffs-united-states-2a8c9448855c764a0a9ef7c494beb91f">last-ditch effort</a>&nbsp;to get the administration to back off the high tariff levels, President Karin Keller-Sutter lamented an “extremely difficult situation” for the most affected sectors and their employees. In a briefing with reporters on Thursday, she said Switzerland wanted a “regulated relationship” with the U.S., which she called a crucial trading partner, “but not at any price.” She said that any final decision would rest with Trump.

Vice President Guy Parmelin added that the hardest-hit sectors would be watchmaking, machinery, medical equipment, as well as food and drinks like coffee, chocolate, cheese and energy drinks.

“The tariffs against our country put us in an unfavorable position compared to our main economic rivals, like the United Kingdom which is at 10% and Japan and the European Union which are at 15%,” he said.

‘No hire/no fire’ trend persists in the US labor market

The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-3b0871c570a113b7b0d6cc960a55c2c9">rose modestly last week</a>, a sign that employers still retaining workers despite economic uncertainty related to U.S. trade policy.

Jobless claims for the week ending Aug. 2 rose by 7,000 to 226,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday, slightly more than the 219,000 new applications that economists had forecast.

Weekly applications for jobless benefits are seen as a proxy for U.S. layoffs. The latest figure remains at a healthy level — with weekly jobless claims mostly settling in a range between 200,000 and 250,000 in recent years since COVID-19 throttled the economy in the spring of 2020.

It was just the second time in eight weeks that jobless benefit applications rose. Still, while layoffs remain low by historical standards, there has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-federal-reserve-68a15f89d68793a6cf88a522ff33246c">noticeable deterioration in the labor market</a>&nbsp;this year. The report is the first government labor market data release since Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-unemployment-federal-reserve-inflation-22095766804d9c1532b4fcc29565be49">grim July jobs report</a>&nbsp;sent financial markets spiraling downward, spurring Trump to fire the head of the agency that tallies the monthly jobs numbers.

“The ‘no hire/no fire’ theme in the labor market remains firmly intact,” analysts for Jeffries wrote in a note to clients.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters that his country is asking the U.S. government to immediately correct tariffs that are not consistent with their agreement that says no additional tariff is added to items whose tariffs exceed 15%, and that tariffs for other items will be capped at 15%.

Ishiba said Japan’s top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, double-checked details of the agreement between Japan and the U.S. and that the negotiator is now asking the Americans to take immediate steps to correct discrepancies in the presidential order.

Ishiba’s comments come after conflicting messages from top officials.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said earlier there was no discrepancy between Japan and the U.S. about the understanding of the new tariff deal. But later, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s policy affairs chief said the 15% tariff is added on top of existing rates.

China’s exports and imports picked up in July, helped by tariff pause

China’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-exports-tariffs-trump-f17be2e1063c7da12386d4c775cdc97a">exports surged 7.2% in July</a>&nbsp;from a year earlier while its imports grew at the fastest pace in a year, as businesses rushed to take advantage of a truce in Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-jinping-china-trade-taiwan-94f523cbb184be7819f8b78a3b951c9c">trade war with Beijing</a>.

But analysts said the improvement also reflected a low base for comparison in July 2024. And exports to the United States sank nearly 22% year-on-year, while imports from America fell almost 19%. Meanwhile, exports to Africa and Southeast Asia surged at double-digit rates as Chinese businesses diverted sales to other markets.

Tariffs on Chinese goods are being considered separately from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-tariffs-trump-china-trade-78d11d9d8ab4eb66898e12fdbd5aa9b4">new higher tariffs</a>&nbsp;that took effect on Thursday for dozens of U.S. trading partners. U.S. imports from China are subject to tariffs of at least 30%, with some products facing much higher import duties. The two sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariff-china-united-states-timeline-b9ade8491a16f68282ad655395c602bc">traded a series of sky-high levies</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, but agreed to pause those to allow time for trade talks. It’s unclear if the truce will be extended beyond the current Aug. 12 deadline.

South Africa’s leader says he spoke with Trump

South Africa’s leader said he spoke with Trump as some African nations hope they can still negotiate tariff rates that threaten to increase unemployment in countries already struggling with high rates of joblessness.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said he and Trump spoke Wednesday ahead of steep 30% tariffs coming into effect on some South African exports to the U.S. on Thursday.

The statement said the two leaders “undertook to continue with further engagements.” South Africa has said it believes it can still negotiate with the U.S., even after Trump has been especially critical of the country.

The Trump administration said it has stopped aid and assistance to Africa’s most diverse economy over what it calls its anti-white and anti-American policies.

South African neighbors Botswana and Lesotho have also said they still hope to negotiate better tariff rates.

Lesotho, a tiny mountainous country, was threatened with a huge 50% tariff rate before it was reduced to 15%. It says that is still high enough to threaten thousands of jobs and businesses in its crucial clothing sector, which makes and exports well-known brands like Levi’s and others to the American market.

Swiss tech firms condemn ‘horror scenario’

A leading association of tech companies in Switzerland is decrying a “horror scenario” from 39% U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods that took effect Thursday, lamenting how a “strong commitment” from the Swiss government failed to get the Trump administration to back off.

The association, Swissmem, says tens of thousands of jobs in the wealthy Alpine country are at risk from such high tariffs and the knock-on effect could impact the tourism, healthcare and infrastructure sectors.

“If this horrendous tariff burden persists, the Swiss tech industry’s export business to the U.S. will effectively be dead — especially given the significantly lower tariffs for competitors from the EU and Japan,” Swissmem said in a statement Thursday.

That alluded to 15% tariff rates that the U.S. has set on goods from the European Union and Japan, which would put Swiss tech products at a price disadvantage in the United States.

Swissmem President Martin Hirzel called on the Swiss government to continue to reach out to the U.S. administration, “because the winds in Washington can change at any time.”

South Korea braces for uncertainty despite deal with US

South Korea’s trade minister warned Thursday of continued trade uncertainty despite a last-minute tariff deal with the Trump administration, calling for swift support for vulnerable sectors and long-term efforts to diversify trade networks and enhance the competitiveness of key industries.

During a meeting with business leaders and trade experts, Hankoo Yeo said South Korea must reset its trade strategy to address the global rise in protectionism, which he called the “new normal,” as participants discussed follow-up measures to last week’s trade deal with the United States, his ministry said.

Under the deal, Washington agreed to cut its reciprocal tariff on South Korea to 15% from the initially proposed 25% and to apply the same reduced rate to South Korean cars, the country’s top export to the United States.

South Korea also agreed to purchase $100 billion in U.S. energy resources and commit $350 billion to U.S. investments, though the two countries have offered differing interpretations of how the investment fund would be structured and managed.

In a separate radio interview, Yeo insisted that South Korea’s major chipmakers — Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix — would be unaffected by the 100% tariffs that Trump has vowed to eventually impose on semiconductor imports. Yeo said Washington, under the recent tariff deal, agreed to designate Seoul as one of its most favored trade partners, shielding it from such rates.

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

The Japanese automaker said it based its report on the assumption that Trump’s tariffs on exports from Japan, including autos, would be 12.5% starting this month. As of now they stand at 15%.

Toyota said the tariffs cost its quarterly operating profit 450 billion yen ($3 billion). Cost reduction efforts and the negative impact of an unfavorable exchange rate also hurt its bottom line.

Tariffs to affect more than half of Indian exports to the US

A top body of Indian exporters said Thursday that the latest U.S. tariffs will impact nearly 55% of the country’s outbound shipments to America and lead to exporters losing long-standing clients.

“Absorbing this sudden cost escalation is simply not viable. Margins are already thin,” S.C. Ralhan, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, said in a statement.

The tariffs effectively impose a cost burden, placing Indian exporters at a competitive disadvantage with countries that have lesser import taxes, he added.

In 2024, the U.S. ran a $45.8 billion trade deficit in goods with India, meaning America imported more from India than it exported, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. American consumers and businesses buy pharmaceutical drugs, precious stones, and textiles and apparel from India, among other goods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India will never compromise the interests of farmers.

“For us, the interests of farmers are a top priority. I know I will have to personally pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready,” Modi said at a conference in what was seen as a message to the U.S. administration, which has been seeking greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.

India and the U.S. have had five rounds of negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, but haven’t been able to clinch one so far.

On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order to place an additional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">25% tariff on India</a>&nbsp;for its purchases of Russian oil. The order would go into effect in 21 days and bring the combined tariffs imposed on India to 50%.

Tariffs: US trading partners scramble worldwide

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Three Hays women were arrested after a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 22-year-old&nbsp;Jade Danese Sellers, 24-year-old&nbsp;Arrianna Marie Patterson and 40-year-old&nbsp;Jennifer Lyn Haney were charged with alleged disorderly conduct after a brawl broke out.

Scheibler said the incident took place at 1:46 a.m. July 27 in the 700 block of Park St., where officers on patrol observed a verbal argument escalate into an alleged fight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThree Hays women were arrested after a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 22-year-old&nbsp;Jade Danese Sellers, 24-year-old&nbsp;Arrianna Marie Patterson and 40-year-old&nbsp;Jennifer Lyn Haney were charged with alleged disorderly conduct after a brawl broke out.Scheibler said the incident took place at 1:46 a.m. July 27 in the 700 block of Park St., where officers on patrol observed a verbal argument escalate into an alleged fight.Scheibler said there were five to seven people at the scene, but the alleged physical altercation&nbsp;that led to three arrests mainly involved two women. All parties knew each other.No injuries were reported. All three were booked into the Ellis County Jail.