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KHAZ Country Music News: Healing in the Heartland Concert Raises More than $6 Million for Tornado Relief

Blake Shelton‘s Healing in the Heartland concert raised more than $6 million for Oklahoma tornado relief in pledges and ticket sales.  That total is expected to go even higher once the proceeds from donations collected at Starbucks locations and proceeds from auction items are factored in.

The United Way of Central Oklahoma will distribute the relief money to those affected by the May 20 tornadoes.  Reba, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts were among the stars giving their time for the concert.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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KHAZ Country Music News: The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry Traces Their Style Evolution

khaz the band perry 20130603The Band Perry‘s world revolves around making music, but that music probably wouldn’t be heard by many people if it wasn’t presented in a compelling way. That’s why the Perry siblings put a lot of time into figuring out what to wear on stage and in photo shoots. That style has evolved, however, since they first hit the scene a few years ago.

Lead singer Kimberly Perry tells Elle, “Right now I am definitely into monochromatic simplicity when it comes to color palette, but I’m way into textures.”

She adds, “We just played the Billboard Music Awards, and I wore this black suede dress that was really fitted but had all this crazy fringe. I feel like I’m simple in one aspect, but I love pops of drama.”

Of course, Kimbelry has to coordinate her look with those of her brothers and band mates, Neil and Reid Perry. While they want to create a unified look, they also don’t want to look like triplets on stage.

“We try to have a texture that weaves through or a color that weaves through but not in an obvious way,” Kimberly says. “It’s a real art to have the perception of unity in the group but not looking overly-matching.”

The Band Perry will be in Nashville this week for the CMA Music Festival. They’re hosting their annual fan club party Thursday morning at the Mercy Lounge.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

 

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UP offers Grants for Rail Safety

(AP) — Union Pacific is offering community groups grants of as much as $5,000 to help pay for railroad safety programs.rail-crossing-sign-228x300

The railroad is looking for initiatives that will promote safe behavior around train tracks.

UP executive vice president Lance Fritz says this program will let groups suggest new ways to promote railroad safety that will complement existing programs.

The grants will range from $500 to $5,000. Organizations can apply for the grants online at www.UnionPacificCares.com.

 

Former State Librarian to Give Eisenhower Presentation

EisenhowerThe Kansas Work Ethic of Dwight D. Eisenhower,” a presentation and discussion by Roy Bird tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery (First Floor) of the Hays Public Library. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Hays Public Library at 785-625-9014 for more information. The program is made possible by the Kansas Humanities Council.

Young Dwight Eisenhower learned to work hard at an early age. In addition to his daily chores, he worked various jobs from selling vegetables laboring as a farmhand, and working for several years at the Belle Springs Creamery. Bird will discuss how Ike managed these jobs while earning good grades in school and participating in sports and community activities.

Roy Bird is a retired librarian from the State Library of Kansas and former director of the Kansas Center for the Book. He is the author or coauthor of 17 books, mostly about Kansas and the American West.

“Adult audiences find the close identification I have with the location and the era of the Eisenhower family of the 1890s and early 20th century refreshing,” said Bird. “I talk about what Ike learned in Kansas, not events after he left.”

“The Kansas Work Ethic of Dwight D. Eisenhower” is part of the Kansas Humanities Council’s The Way We Worked Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and discussions examining the theme of work and working in Kansas and how these stories help define us.

The Kansas Humanities Council conducts and supports community-based programs, serves as a financial resource through an active grant-making program, and encourages Kansans to engage in the civic and cultural life of their communities. For more information about KHC programs contact the Kansas Humanities Council at 785/357-0359 or visit online at www.kansashumanities.org.

Adventure Zone Summer Fun

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If your kids are looking for summer fun with activies that can get them physically active and play, The Center for Health Improvement at Hays Med offers weekly programs all summer. Their goal is to help promote physical activity for the health and wellness of children. Programs run Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and offer a variety of activities, games, and healthy snacks.

Governor Highlights Legislative Session

Sam_Brownback_official_portrait1Kansas Governor Sam Brownback issued the following statement regarding the completion of the 2013 Legislative Session.

“I began the 2013 Legislative Session reflecting about the long tradition our state has of being bold in doing what was right, even if much of the nation took another way. The work accomplished these last few months affirms our state is leading the way.

“I will sign a pro-growth tax reform bill that continues our efforts to reduce the tax burden on all Kansans. The legislation builds on last year’s historic tax cuts and further reduces state income rates and cuts the state’s sales tax rate. It includes $110 million in tax relief for our working poor and expands the successful Rural Opportunity Zones from 50 counties to 72 so more counties can attract new residents and grow their populations.

“We continued our efforts to reverse the trend of an expanding government by moving the Kansas Turnpike Authority under the direction of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation. By bringing these two large organizations together under the direction of the Secretary, we will serve the public better and more efficiently.

“We reformed how judges for the Kansas Court of Appeals are appointed. Known as the federal process, this important step towards reforming our system of judicial selection will restore public confidence in our judiciary and give all Kansans an equal voice, whether directly or indirectly through elected representatives, in choosing our judicial leaders.

“And soon, I will carefully review and consider a two-year budget bill that increases funding for our K-12 schools and tech education, funds core services, keeps state spending within the state’s means and leaves a healthy ending balance. A two-year budget will give agencies and schools the ability to plan ahead.

“Under the leadership of House Speaker Ray Merrick and Senate President Susan Wagle, the 2013 Legislature worked hard on behalf of their constituents and accomplished a great deal. This session will forever be remembered as the one that turned the state around the corner on the road to prosperity.”

Holly Dickman

“Little Barley” is the topic of discussion from Holly Dickman and what we can do with this pesty weed this Summer.


Funding Requests Highlight County Commission Agenda

Monday, June 3, 2013 6:45 PM Ellis County CourthouseEllis County Logo
Order of Business
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Clerk Calls the Roll
D. Approval of Agenda
II. Approval of Prior Minutes

III. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Employee Status Changes as presented
B. Approval of Refunding Warrants as presented
C. Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments as presented
D. Approval of Escape Tax Orders as presented
E. Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll as presented
F. Authorize Commission Chair signature on Municipal
Investment Pool Resolution

IV. Regular Agenda
A. Public Building Commission
1. Adjourn County Commission meeting
2. Convene Public Building Commission
a. Public Building Commission Resolution No.
2013-02 – Sales Tax Revenue Bonds
Authorizing Resolution
Enclosure – Resolution
Consideration of Resolution
b. Bond Interest Rates
Report
3. Adjourn Public Building Commission
4. Reconvene County Commission

Chair calls County Commission meeting to order

B. Funded Organizations
1. High Plains Mental Health – Walt Hill
2. Ellis County Extension – Tatum Kimsey
3. Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development – Aaron White
C. Public Works

  1. Old Highway 40 Road Improvement Projects
  2. (East Contract and (West Contract)Consideration of contracts with BG Consultants
  3. Bridge 80 Improvement Project Enclosure Consideration of Completion of Work Certificate
  1. County Administrator
    1. Resolution No. 2013-17 – Sales Tax ImplementationEnclosure

      Consideration of Resolution

    2. Hays Wind ProjectUpdate
    3. Employee Business Meals and Refreshments Policy EnclosureInitial Presentation
  2. County Commission

1. Commissioner Reports

V. Adjournment

AARP Picnic

Screen Shot 2013-06-03 at 7.09.13 AM
The Hays Chapter of AARP will hold its annual picnic on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Remember to bring non-perishable food items to the picnic for the AARP Food Drive for the Hays Community Assistance Center.

Fireworks Permit and Budget Requests Highlight Ellis City Agenda

AGENDA
June 3, 2013
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room

BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDAEllis city (small)
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on May 20, 2013
b) Bills Ordinance #1926
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from group speak on same subject, must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Options – 2014 budget request
b) Community Foundation, Ellis Alliance, Chrysler Boyhood Home – 2014 budget requests
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consideration of City property insurance – Darrell Romme
b) Consideration of 2013 City health insurance plan – Alejandra Juarez
c) Consideration of mower repair/replacement
d) Consideration of fireworks permit
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Presentation of 2012 Financial Audit – ABBB
b) Community Event Advertising – Dena Patee
c) Consideration of Event Request – Color Explosion Run 5K
d) Consideration of Appointments to Chrysler Museum Board
e) Consideration of Appointments to Water Advisory Board
f) Consideration of Appointments to Senior Citizen’s Advisory Board
g) Ratification of Public Works Director Hiring
h) Consideration of Police Department Vehicle
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Update on well repair/maintenance
(2) Treatment Plant Computer
(3) Campground Dumpster
2) Police
(1) June officer schedule
(2) Officer Casey graduation from KLETC
(3) Dodge Charger warranty work
3) City Clerk
(1) Update on FEMA disaster relief
(2) Council orientation – June 4, 2013
(3) Clerk’s update
4) Attorney
(1) Update on cemetery memorial
5) Mayor/Council
(1) Ellis Alumni input
7) ADJOURNMENT

Wrongful death lawsuit filed in KC explosion

(AP) — The parents of a woman killed in a Kansas City restaurant explosion are suing several companies.Gas-Explosion

Megan Cramer died Feb. 19 in a gas explosion that destroyed JJ’s restaurant and injured several other people. A drilling project was underway outside the restaurant when a gas line was severed.

The 46-year-old Cramer was a hostess at JJ’s.

The Kansas City Star reports Cramer’s parents filed the wrongful death lawsuit Friday in Jackson County. They’re suing Missouri Gas Energy, Time Warner Cable Midwest, USIC Locating Services, Southern Union Co., Heartland Midwest LLC and Heartland employee.

Vicki Anderson Granado, spokeswoman for MGE and Southern Union, says the companies don’t comment on pending litigation. Time Warner Cable spokesman Mike Pedelty also declined comment.

Messages left with the other companies weren’t immediately returned.

 

Larks Bats Stay Hot in Series Sweep

Tyler Peterson’s two-run homer in the fifth inning broke a 2-2 tie and helped the Hays Larks to a 9-3 win over the Colorado Sox Sunday night at Larks Park. Peterson’s homer was the Larks fifth of the series which they sweep to move to 3-0.

Mackenzie Handel’s two-run single highlighted a three-run sixth. Assistant coach Dusty Washburn drove home a run in the eighth with a pinch hit single. Catcher Josh White also knocked in a run on a sacrifice fly to round out the scoring.

Alex Frey picks up the win in relief despite walking four over three innings but allowed just one run on one hit. Starter Jeff Chestnut allowed two runs over the first three innings. DJ Carr pitched the final three innings of scoreless relief.

The Larks begin defense of their Jayhawk League title when they open league play at Liberal Monday and Tuesday night.

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