AMC, Regal Cinemas under U.S. Department of Justice investigation

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -Two of the country's biggest movie theater chains are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The DOJ is looking into how both the chains -- AMC and Regal Entertainment -- use their clout over smaller competitors.

One potential anti-competitive practice being investigated is known as "film clearances."

Under this practice, theaters reportedly tell Hollywood film studios they won't screen certain movies if competitors located in close proximity also screen the film.

Small, independently-owned multiplexes claim big movie powerhouses swipe business away from them by using this technique.

That was the argument used by Viva Cinemas, which filed a lawsuit against AMC in April.

Viva, which served Houston's Hispanic community, claimed that AMC broke antitrust laws by "threatening" major studios to not show films at Viva, and cutting off the flow of first-run films to the theater.

This ultimately caused Viva to go out of business, according to the complaint.

The two chains hold a lot of weight in Hollywood, with AMC operating 4,972 screens and Regal running 7,334 screens nationwide.

Both AMC and Regal revealed the investigations Monday in regulatory filings.

AMC said it did not believe that the company violated any federal antitrust laws and that it is cooperating with authorities. Regal echoed the same sentiment in its filing.

Both AMC Theaters and Regal Entertainment did not respond with further comment.

The Department of Justice also declined to comment.



Copyright 2015 by CNN NewSource.

Obituary - Grace Elizabeth Lyon

Funeral services for Grace Elizabeth Lyon will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Phillip Lyon officiating and Raymond G. Lyon assisting.  Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, June 5 at Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Myers Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.  Contributions to Zimbabwe Africa Mission.

Grace Elizabeth Lyon, age 91 of Ottumwa, Iowa, died Monday, June 1, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society In Ottumwa, Iowa.  She was born September 18, 1923 to James Reuben and Mary Gladys Holt Wix in Bates County, Missouri.

Grace is survived by her husband of 68 years, Raymond Lyon of Ottumwa, Iowa, two sons, Phillip Lyon and wife Stephanie of Ottumwa, Iowa and Craig Lyon of Ottumwa, Iowa; two daughters, Sarah Gullett and husband Craig of Des Moines, Iowa and Linda Wiese of Topeka, Kansas; a sister, Elsie Reimer and husband Wayne of Topeka, Kansas; 9 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Clark Wix.

Bates County Sheriffs Office: CCW Classes

The Bates County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a CCW class on June 14th. The class starts at 8 a.m. and lasts for 8 hours. You will need to bring your own hearing and eye protection. This class is offered free to Bates County residents only. 

If you would like to sign up for the class, please contact Jami Page at 660-679-3232. Please note if you sign up and do not show up without prior canceling with Jami you will not be permitted to take another class.

Hume Community News 6/1/15

Little Miss Brooklyn Lewis celebrated her first birthday on Sunday, May 17 with a party hosted by her parents, Cheyenne Davidson and Blake Lewis. Grandpa Jeff grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. A host of family and friends enjoyed the afternoon with cake and lots of presents.

The Hume High School Alumni banquet was held on May 23, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Emcees were Oliver Bill Hawk class of 1960 and Heather Pruitt Rogers Class of 2002. 2015 Alumni officers were: President – Barby Allison Brooks class of 1976, Vice President – Stacy Orear class of 1986, 2016 Vice President – Jeff Davidson class of 1986, Secretary – Norann Brooks class of 1956, Treasurer – Lance Sears class of 1956 , Press Committee – Marsha Yarick Casey class of 1967 and Connie Sears Wehar class of 1961. The delicious meal was catered by Kathy Hester of Sister’s and Friends Café of Hume, MO. Eileen Regers, Laura Miner and Karla Davidson served along with students from the Hume School worked as servers for the Alumni for the evening. A pizza and pop party was held afterwards for the servers.

Invocation was given by Rhonda Key Headley class of 1973. The 2015 Senior Class was welcome by Mildred Brooks Bell Class of 1962 and Melody Bell Wikoff class of 1985. Kelsie Wikoff accepted for the Senior Class of 2015. This is three generations that have attended the Hume School.

The necrology display was created by Margaret McKinley Sears class of 1981 who read the following alumni members we had lost: Jeanne Meier Page- 1944, LaVern Foster Ruth – 1947, Evelyn Faye Ayres Grimes-1949, Leon Lee-1949, Frances Irene Sheehy-1949, Betty Sue Blevins Keiser-1952, Kay Mullis Laning-1956, Richard Pieratt-1959, David Pieratt-1961, Donna Leuty Short-1965, Tom W. Barnes-1966, David Doughty-2000, and Matt Yarick-2010.

Oleta Davidson Class of 1940 was the first one called that was in attendance. That is a great achievement to attend your 75th alumni. We had 132 alumni attend plus the Senior Class of 2015. Table decorations of beautiful flowers were created by the Hume Garden Club, if you were lucky to get the sticker you were able to take the flower home.

Jeff Davidson class of 1986 gave away prizes and 50/50 drawing. Cliff Yarick class of 2002 and Kayla Yarick Cannon class of 2003 initiated the class of 2015 into the alumni.

Everyone enjoyed the evening with good food and visiting, looking forward to next year’s alumni in 2016.

The class of 1975 held a 40 year class reunion on Saturday, May 23 at the Legion Hall in Hume. Those who enjoyed the afternoon were Lynn Plain, David and Lisa Brooks, Mariott and Sherry Yarick, David and Diana King Morrison, Bill and Cheryl Swarens Gillette, Everett and Karen Sullivan Irwin. We also enjoyed having Jolene Jewel Crowley and her husband John from Rhode Island. Jolene left us our sophomore year. Visiting, taking pictures and talking about old stories were enjoyed and agreeing to get together more often. Those who couldn’t be with us was missed.

The Hume Fair Board is still seeking Royalty candidates for the 2015 Hume Fair. Prince and Princess Candidates need to be 5 to 12 years of age. The Rodeo Queen Candidate needs to be 13 to 18 years of age. Deadline to enter is June 13, please contact any fair board member or call 660-643-7637 or 7121 if interested.

Family Fishing Day In Adrian

The Adrian Lions Club will be hosting a “family fishing day” on Saturday, June 6th from 10am – 1pm. This free fishing day will be held at the Harley Martens Pond which is 1½ mile east of Adrian on Highway 18.

Bring your fishing pole, they will supply the bait. Free lunch and pop will be provided.

For more details contact Joey Bailey – 816-297-2740.

Possible gas leak at Butler McDonalds

The Butler Fire Department along with Liberty Utilities is in route to a possible gas leak at McDonald's Restaurant located at 1007 W. Ft. Scott Street.

Mid America Live will update this when more information is available.


Copyright Mid America Live

Free Sports Physicals in Appleton City

The Appleton City Rural Health Clinic will be providing free high school sports physicals during the month of June.

Clinic hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Physical forms will be available at the clinic. Call 660-476-2121 for an appointment or for more information.

The clinic is located at 408 E 7th Street in Appleton City.