Road work to seal U.S. 183 Highway in Ellis County will begin – weather permitting.

Starting in Hays at 55th Street and continuing north approximately 15 miles to the Ellis/Rooks County line, workers will spread a thin layer of asphalt oil over the pavement then coat it with a layer of rock chips that are pressed into place with heavy rollers. Chip Seals are a low cost method of sealing minor cracking in a roadway, preventing water from seeping into the pavement and therefore extending the life of the roadway.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane; and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car operation during daylight hours on this project. Minor delays should be expected through the construction time frame, not exceeding 15 minutes. The public should plan their travels accordingly. Pay attention to the signs and workers within a road construction zone and “Give ‘Em A Brake!”

Weather permitting, the U.S. 183 seal will be complete by July 26.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board are looking into what caused Tuesday morning’s train derailment and fire in Hays. Union Pacific officials were on the scene all night investigating the crash and trying to learn why two trains were on same track going opposite directions.

Three locomotives and 79 cars were part of the westbound train, which was carrying low-grade ethanol. The 20 tankers carrying low-grade ethanol did not derail.

Residents in the area who were evacuated and businesses along east 8th street hope life returns to normal today. Hays Veterinary Hospital is reopened today for regular business hours.

Union Pacific crews will continue to clear the wreckage today. It is unknown when normal operations will resume.

The American Red Cross  Hays Donation Center is closed today. Appointments are being rescheduled for Thursday and Friday.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Step right up, and enjoy a good old fashioned “Medicine Show.” Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., Professor B.T. Farquar will be performing at the Hays Public Library. He will be enchanting young guests with toe-tapping ballads, imparting comic chronicles, historical narratives, and unabashed balderdash. He is also Master of Magic!

This event runs in conjunction with the Ellis County Fair, where The Professor will be performing at Midway throughout the week. Professor B. T. Farquar sets entertainment back more than a century, to the days of the old-time “medicine show.” For over two decades, he has entertained audiences of all ages with an acoustic guitar and a commanding voice. His repertoire is a tapestry of Americana; woven with timeless toe-tapping tunes. Visit www.sanfordlee.com for more information.

The 2013 Ellis County Fair runs July 13-20. This year’s theme, “Cowboy Boots and Country Roots,” is a great way to celebrate all of the Fair’s activities and events. From races and rodeos, concerts and karaoke, to fair rides and food, there is something for everyone! For more information about the Ellis County Fair and schedule of events, visit www.elliscountyfair.com

The 100 block of West 10th Street between Main and Fort will be completely closed due to the water main break and the street repairs.

The south parking lot (near the railroad tracks – the Downtown Hays Market location) will remain open. Market hours will still be open on Wednesday from 5-7pm and Saturday 7a-1p (Bargains on the Bricks, in conjunction with Blues, BBQ and Bargains).

The Downtown Hays Market Ribbon Cutting hosted by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce will still take place as scheduled (Wednesday, July 17th at 4:30pm). Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and park in other available lots. Repairs will be completed as quickly as possible. At this time staff is unable to provide a completion date.

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Service Division at 628-7353 (street repairs), the Utilities Department at 628-7380 (water main break) or Traci Stanford at 621-4171 (Downtown Hays Market or Blues, BBQ and Bargains).
To find more information on Bargains on the Bricks and Blues, BBQ and Bargains please to their Facebook at www.facebook.com/BluesBBQandBargains or www.HaysBluesandBBQ.com.
To find more information on the Downtown Hays Market, and information about vendor products, please “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DowntownHaysMarket

Due to the train derailment this morning, and the flow of water needed for the fire, extraordinary water restrictions were put into place. The city says those restrictions have now been allowed to expire. Normal 12-noon – 7pm conservation measures can now be resumed.

 5 p.m. update  Hays Veterinary Hospital Staff is being allowed inside to care for the pets. There has been no damage to the property or building. Time and date of reopening is still unsure. Hays Post will provide additional details as they become available.

The Hays Veterinary Hospital is closed due to the train derailment. The police escorted Dr. Mosier into the building to allow him to treat and feed the pets and then

escorted him out. We will post again by 10 to say if a core group of staff will be allowed in for emergencies.