July 2013 – Page 51 – Hays Post Archive

Harvest Update: Much Needed Rain Slows Cutting

Posted on July 9, 2013July 9, 2013

Northwest Kansas received a much-needed rain Sunday evening, which may have delayed harvest a day or so, but also rejuvenated farmers who have grown weary of drought-like conditions.

Hays area farmer Lance Russell says yields in Ellis County ranged from single digits to 50 bushels per acre on dryland farms, depending on whether the crop was continuous or summer-fallow. Better yields were reported north of I-70. Test weights range from 52 to 62 pounds per bushel and average 56; Russell says his best variety was the AgriPro variety PostRock.

In Wallace County, the harvest is mostly finished, according to David Schemm, KAWG past-president from Sharon Springs. Schemm has a day’s worth of cutting left. He has been surprised at the ability of wheat to yield 20 to 25 bushels per acre despite the drought; test weight averages about 60 pounds per bushel and proteins range from 13 to 14. He received about an inch of rain Sunday night.

Yields are varied throughout Frontier Ag’s 33 locations in western Kansas. CEO Brad Cowan says the company’s Oakley location has yields ranging from 30 to 35 bushels per acre, while near the Colorado border many of the wheat acres have been abandoned due to drought. Those acres that remain in the cooperative’s western locations will average between 8 and 15 bushels per acre. Cowan says that company-wide, he anticipates taking in about 55% of a normal crop.

Harvest is winding down in Smith County, according to Linda Reed at the Central Plains Co-op in Smith Center. Area yields range from 18 to 70 bushels per acre and average 30; test weight averages 59 pounds per bushel. Proteins average 14.5. Reed says the elevator will take in about 50% of a normal crop.

The Eastern Kansas crop was very good, according to Kansas Wheat Commission vice chair Jay Armstrong, who farms near Muscotah. Armstrong says his crop averaged better than 70 bushels per acre and had 60 pound test weight. His farm was planted to the Kansas Wheat Alliance variety Everest.

The 2013 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and sponsors Kansas City Board of Trade, and the Kansas Grain & Feed Association.

Ellis Legion Takes 2 from Larned

Posted on July 9, 2013July 9, 2013

Larned at Ellis

Game 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Larned 2 3 1 3 1 0 1 11 14 3
Ellis (12-5) 0 0 4 6 4 0 x 14 11 2
N. Frame got the save. Ratliff and Winter both had doubles

Game 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Larned 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2
Ellis (12-5) 0 1 0 0 0 3 x 4 3 1
C. Pfeifer winning pitch. Frame two big RBI on his triple in the 6th.
**

Two Women Injured in I-70 Rollover Accident

Posted on July 8, 2013July 9, 2013

Two women were injured in an I-70 accident in Ellis County on Monday. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, “Seventy-nine year old Kathleen M. Elliot of St. Louis, Missouri was driving a 2008 Chevy Malibu eastbound on I-70, five miles west of Hays.

Elliot fell asleep behind the wheel, went off into the median, overcorrected, entered the south ditch and rolled 1.5 times. Elliot and a passenger in the vehicle, Arline Gertrude Eveld, age 82, of St. Charles, Missouri were transported to Hays Medical Center. Both were wearing seat belts.

Central Kansas Properties Added to National Register of Historic Places

Posted on July 8, 2013July 9, 2013

The Kansas Historical Society announced Monday that a Mitchell County farmstead and a former high school in Belleville are among the newest Kansas properties added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Other new listings include three Wichita apartment buildings, private residences in Wamego and Douglass, and two barns in Chase County. This brings the total Kansas listings in the National Register to 1,317.

The National Register of Historic Places is the country’s official list of historically significant properties. Below are summaries of the listings:

Click, Abram, Farmstead – 2030 Independence Avenue, Beloit, Mitchell County

The Abram Click Farmstead is a collection of six historic farm resources located at the southeast corner of Kansas Highway 14 and US Highway 24 on the northwest edge of Beloit. Click, a Kentucky native, was living in the Beloit area as early as 1873, and his arrival was part of an influx of new residents into Mitchell County that occurred between 1870 and 1880. He received his patent for 40 acres in 1880, but he sold the improved land in 1883. The property continued to function as a farmstead through the 1980s. Today, the farmstead is owned by the Mitchell County Historical Society and includes 6.8 acres with a limestone house, barn ruins, water tower, washhouse, granary, and outhouse ruins. The Gothic Revival house was constructed circa 1880 and features ornate window hoods, dressed sills and quoins that is likely the work of Joseph Hill, a locally well-known 19th century stone mason. The house is an excellent representation of early construction in Mitchell County. The later wood frame washhouse, granary, and outhouse demonstrate the evolution of the farmstead into the early 20th century. The property was nominated as part of the Historic Agriculture-Related Resources of Kansas multiple property nomination for its local significance in the areas of agriculture and architecture.

Belleville High School – 915 W 18th Street, Belleville, Republic County

The residents of Belleville voted in favor of $115,000 in local bonds to finance the construction of a new high school in 1931. Wichita architect Samuel S. Voigt designed the Collegiate Gothic-style building, and Hoisington contractor Alex Helwig oversaw its construction. The school served as the public high school for 31 years and then as a junior high and later middle school for another 51 years. The building embodies the traditional characteristics of the Collegiate Gothic style with its red brick exterior and stone detailing, multiple gable roofs, and pointed arches. At the time of its opening, the school’s design reflected the latest trends in school planning with separate auditorium and gymnasium spaces and specialized classrooms for the manual training and domestic science departments. It was nominated as part of the Historic Public Schools of Kansas multiple property nomination for its local significance in the areas of education and architecture.

McNee Barns – Highway 50, three miles South of Elmdale, Chase County

The McNee Barns are located in the Kansas Flint Hills in the west-central portion of Chase County. The nominated property, which has been owned by the McNee family since 1916, includes four historic resources: a circa 1920 horse barn, a 1948 boxcar barn, a dry-laid stone fence, and an Aermotor windmill. The horse barn is characterized by its roof shape. It has a gable roof with one-story shed bays on the east and west sides forming a broken gable roofline. In addition to the original horse stalls, the interior of the barn features a loafing shed, two granaries, and a few cattle stalls and milking stanchions. The upper floor of the barn is a full height haymow with a hay hood and hinged hay door at the north gable end. A second smaller barn is made of two parallel railroad boxcars with a gable roof enclosing a center bay between the cars. The boxcars were obtained from the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway likely following World War II and placed on stone footings to serve as space for hay storage. The property was nominated as part of the Historic Agriculture-Related Resources of Kansas multiple property nomination for its local significance in the areas of agriculture and architecture.

Naomi & Leona Apartment Buildings – 509 & 507 S Market Street, Wichita, Sedgwick County

The Naomi and Leona Apartment Buildings were built in 1926 and 1927, respectively, by property developer and contractor Oliver J. Mourning. The buildings feature the same design and appearance. Mourning named the Leona apartments after his daughter and the Naomi apartments after his mother, but by 1939, the buildings had different owners and were known by different names. The identical brick buildings are two-stories each with a flat roof, full-width one-story front porch, and a second-story balcony. Each building reflects the Neoclassical style, which is evident in the symmetrical facade and dentiled cornice. Located just five blocks south of Douglas Avenue, a main thoroughfare through Wichita’s central business district, the buildings featured 24 units, each with a fireplace and private bath and kitchen amenities. Tenants were mostly single women, with some single men and married couples. The buildings were nominated as part of the Residential Resources of Wichita multiple property nomination for their local significance in the areas of architecture and community planning and development.

Ellington Apartment Building – 514 S Main Street, Wichita, Sedgwick County

Wichita developer and contractor John Wenzel built the Ellington Apartment Building at the height of an apartment construction boom in 1927. Architect Walter V. Street designed this two-story brick building, which exhibits restrained elements of the Neoclassical style. Located just five blocks south of Douglas Avenue, a main thoroughfare through Wichita’s central business district, the building featured 20 units each with private bath and kitchen amenities. Tenants generally included a mix of couples and singles, with single women generally outnumbering single men. It was nominated as part of the Residential Resources of Wichita multiple property nomination for its local significance in the areas of architecture and its association with community planning and development.

Baker, Cassius and Adelia, House – 609 Elm Street, Wamego, Pottawatomie County

Built in 1910, this Craftsman-style house was first home to Cassius and Adelia Baker, who had moved to Wamego in 1869. He was a prominent member of the local business community and was a founding member and president of the Commercial Club, a predecessor of the Chamber of Commerce. He also was active in civic affairs, serving as mayor of the city, Township clerk, trustee, and treasurer. The couple had witnessed the development of Wamego from a small river town of a few hundred people to a thriving railroad center with nearly 2,000 residents. The Baker House is located one block west of the downtown and is an excellent example of a Craftsman-style residence. It was nominated for its local significance in the area of architecture.

Creed-Mills House – 219 N Maple Street, Douglass, Butler County

Melissa and Henry Creed purchased 80 acres and began construction on this house in 1894. Henry and his son Oscar farmed the land, and in later years Oscar subdivided and sold most of the acreage. Today the property is less than two acres. Thomas and Charlene Mills purchased the property from the Creed family in 1970. The house is an excellent example of the Folk Victorian style, which was popular in Kansas during the period between 1870 and 1900. The arrival of the railroads in the area made the availability of standardized dimensionally-cut lumber and mass-produced ornamental detailing available to the rural areas. For the Creed-Mills House, the National Folk form is expressed in its massing and the presence of multiple exterior doors, which occurs frequently on the Folk forms in certain regions. It was nominated for its local significance in the area of architecture.

KHAZ Country Music News: Justin Moore Surprises Himself with New Sounds on “Off the Beaten Path”

Posted on July 8, 2013September 16, 2014

Justin Moore isn’t teaming up with any rappers or pop stars on his upcoming album, Off the Beaten Path, but fans can expect some new sounds from him this time around. The deluxe edition of Justin’s new album includes 16 songs, which allowed him to experiment more than ever before.

Justin says, “It’s not gonna sound pop or it’s not gonna be anything that could cross over, but there’s some songs that I cut on this album that I don’t think earlier in my career I would have.”

The modern sound of Justin’s latest #1 hit, “‘Til My Last Day,” opened the door for his musical evolution on Off the Beaten Path. Justin admits he sometimes wondered if he was taking things too far with the new music.

“There’s some stuff on there, even I was going, ‘Uh, really? You think I can do this?'” he says. “With the format the way it is, you have to continue to evolve as an artist.”

Longtime Justin Moore fans shouldn’t worry he’s gone off the deep end, though. Fans of his first two albums will find plenty of straight country music on Off the Beaten Path. If Justin had his way, the music might sound even more hardcore country.

He explains, “I’d love nothing more than to cut an album that sounded like Mark Chesnutt in 1994. I’m not very smart, but I’m smart enough to know that I don’t know if I could get that played on the radio. So, it’s exciting for me to go out and try some different things.”

Justin is climbing the country chart fast with Off the Beaten Path‘s lead single, “Point at You.” The albumalso includes guest appearances from Miranda Lambert and Charlie Daniels. It’s due out September 17.

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

Two sentenced in February Arson Death

Posted on July 8, 2013July 8, 2013

TOPEKA – Two people have been sentenced to federal prison for setting a fire that killed a woman in an apartment complex in Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Patrick Martin Scahill, 20, Manhattan, Kan., was sentenced to 30 years. Virginia Amanda Griese, 20, Manhattan, Kan., was sentenced to 20 years.

Both of them pleaded guilty to one count of arson resulting in death. In his plea, Scahill admitted he started the Feb. 6, 2013, fire at the Lee Crest Apartments at 820 Sunset Avenue in Manhattan that caused the death of Kansas State researcher Vasanta Pallem. Scahill admitted he started the fire in an effort to create a diversion that would prevent police from finding evidence in his residence of an armed robbery and other crimes.

“This case is a tragic story,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grisom. “A promising young woman who came to the United States to further her education died in a fire deliberately set by a young man who gave no thought to her or the other people whose lives he was endangering.”

“Arson is a violent crime with often devastating results. In this case, a life was lost,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marino F. Vidoli. “ATF is proud to have worked with our state and local partners to bring these defendants to justice.”
The sequence of events began in the late evening hours of Feb. 5 when Scahill’s associates, Frank Joseph Hanson andDennis James Denzien, conspired to commit a robbery at Dara’s Fast Lane, a convenience store in Manhattan. Early in the morning hours of Feb. 6, Hanson and Denzien robbed Dara’s Fast Lane. Denzien was the driver. Hanson entered the store brandishing a .22 caliber pistol owned by Scahill.

At about 6 p.m. that day, Riley County Police were dispatched to a disturbance call and knocked on the door of the residence where Scahill lived. Denzien and Hanson also were at the residence when police arrived. After police noticed a strong odor of marijuana from the residence, they told Scahill and the others they were going to seek a warrant to search the residence. Scahill, Denzien and Hanson left the residence while police were working to obtain a warrant.

Meeting together later, Scahill, Denzien, Hanson and Griese discussed the likelihood that police would find narcotics, a firearm and items associated with the robbery at Dara’s Fast Lane once they searched Scahill’s residence. They discussed ways to divert the attention of law enforcement officers long enough for Scahill to re-enter the residence and remove the incriminating evidence.

In the end, Griese, a friend named Gavin Hairgrove, and another person, drove to a Walmart where Griese bought a five-gallon gas can. Then they went to a HyVee gas station where Hairgrove worked and Griese pumped 4.7 gallons of gas into the can. She paid for it with her debit card.

Later, Scahill and Griese drove around looking for something to burn. They chose the Lee Crest Apartments, a three-level, 12-unit apartment complex within sight of Scahill’s apartment. Scahill entered the building. He emptied the contents of the gas can in the lower level hallway, set the fire and left the building.

As the fire burned, a thick, black smoke rose through the building, forcing tenants out of their apartments through windows and out of balconies. Vasanta Pallem was unable to escape the building. She worked her way from her apartment on the top floor of the building to the first floor where she died near the east entrance of the complex. An autopsy showed she died from breathing fumes during the fire. The carbon monoxide saturation in her system was over 50 percent, more than enough to kill her.

After setting the fire, Scahill and Griese went to Griese’s apartment where Scahill cleaned up and discarded clothes soaked in gasoline. Hairgrove assisted Scahill in disposing of his shoes, which reeked of gasoline.

Later, investigators looking into the arson received tips that led them to Scahill.

Other defendants include:
Frank Joseph Hanson, 23, Manhattan, Kan., who has pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Aug. 12.
Dennis James Denzien, 20, Manhattan, Kan., who pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Aug. 12.
Gavin Taylor Hairgrove, 19, Manhattan, Kan., who is awaiting trial.

Western Kansas Man Among 15 Indicted today on Drug Charges

Posted on July 8, 2013July 8, 2013

Fifteen defendants have been indicted on drug charges as a result of a federal drug trafficking investigation in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Federal prosecutors Monday unsealed indictments alleging the defendants were part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Topeka area. Investigators served search warrants and made arrests in the case July 2.

Named in the indictments are:
Francisco J. Granado, Sr., 44, Emporia, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and four counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Arturo Favela-Gomez, 36, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distributing methamphetamine and 16 counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Ismael Murillo-Nunez, 50k, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distributing methamphetamine and 11 counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Saul Salas-Gomez, 29, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Miguel Adame-Regino, who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distributing methamphetamine and four counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Juan Carlos Flores-Rodriguez, 32, Grand Island, Neb., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Chela Murillo, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Gustavo Gonzalez-Valadez, 26, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Jamie (last name unknown), who is charged with one count of conspiracy and four counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Jerman Aldava, 28, Dodge City, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and nine counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Jessica Howard, 30, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and six counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Robert Lovgren, 56, Manhattan, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Lupita Gomez, 32, Kansas City, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Nancy Gutierrez-Soto, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Raul Cortes-Ponce, 52, Kansas City, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
– Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million.
– Using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of four years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Topeka Police Department investigated. Also assisting were the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Emporia Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

Ellis Revising Definition of Commerical Water Use

Posted on July 8, 2013

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes July 1, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members John Walz, John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, Steve Ferland, and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Loran Gottschalk was out of town and unable to attend.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Bob Symns, Sabrina Symns, Dan Wickham, Melvin Kinderknecht, Buck Driggs, Dave McDaniel, Glen Keller, and Julie Kohl

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember Leiker moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 17, 2013, Bills Ordinance #1928, and April and May monthly manual journal entries. Councilmember Ferland seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Melvin Kinderknecht addressed Council on several issues. He asked if it would be possible to issue an “all clear” sign after the tornado sirens have been sounded. Mr. Kinderknecht asked Council to consider ways to divert the water running down the south hill back into Ellis, rather than Hays. He then asked if the Public Works Department could possibly fill the big holes in the alley behind the Post Office with rock, and also if there was a way to clean out Big Creek while it is dry.

Julie Kohl spoke to Council regarding a nuisance property south of her residence on Fauteux. She is asking the Council to please take action on getting this property cleaned up.

PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)

None

SPECIAL ORDER

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Capital Improvement: Repair/Maintenance

Buck Driggs was present to discuss the cost estimates of the three options for each location as required by the grant. The proposed plans call for installation of a minimum 6” waterline, which is required for residential lines. Councilmember Jolene Niernberger stated it would be a good idea to have Fire Chief Denis Vine review the size of the proposed waterlines to ensure adequate hydrant flow in the area. Mr. Driggs noted that the environmental report is approximately 80% complete and the preliminary engineering report is approximately 50-60% complete.

Water: Repair/Maintenance

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented a bid from Layne Christensen Company for the servicing of two wells, in hopes of saving money in mobilization costs. It was the consensus of the Council that the bid was higher than expected and this item should be revisited during the budget work session for 2014. No action taken.

NEW BUSINESS

Water: City Code

Sabrina and Bob Symns, owners of the local Day’s Inn, spoke to Council regarding their hotel property and the need to water the landscaping out of their private well in order to preserve the branding of the hotel. Mr. Symns asked the City Attorney if the hotel was in violation of the watering restrictions for having the indoor pool in operation. Ms. Raub noted that the indoor hotel pool would be a Class 2 water use due to the commercial nature of the hotel and would therefore not be in violation of the current water restrictions. Mr. Symns encouraged the City to explore other water rights to different aquifers to help supply the City’s water. John Leiker asked Mr. Symns why the hotel couldn’t haul water in to keep the landscaping alive as other residents are doing. Mr. Symns replied it was cost prohibitive. Jolene Niernberger asked if the franchise recognizes that the City is in a severe drought and that water is in short supply. Mr. Symns responded that the franchise requires that a certain standard be met inside and outside the hotel, which includes the landscaping. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated that commercial use needs to be more defined in the current code. There is a difference between necessary for business versus cosmetic. Ms. Raub continued by saying that if maintaining the landscaping is a condition of the contract, then it could possibly be classified as Class 2 water use. Mr. Symns would need to provide Council with verification that maintaining the landscaping is required under his franchise agreement. Councilmember Jolene Niernberger moved that Mr. Symns would be allowed to utilize the hotel’s private well in order to maintain the landscaping at the Day’s Inn hotel, contingent upon Mr. Symns supplying Council with documentation of the contract agreement stating that maintenance of the landscaping is an integral and necessary part of the business and is therefore found to be a Class 2 commercial use of City water. Councilmember John Walz seconded the motion. Upon further discussion, the Council directed City Attorney Raub to provide a draft of a revised definition for commercial use. Council also questioned if the golf course would then fall under the proposed revised definition. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 4-1, with Councilmember John Leiker opposing.

General Government: City Code – Credit Card Authorization

City Clerk Amy Burton presented a resolution authorizing City employees to utilize the City credit card for necessary expenditures. The resolution has been updated for changes in staffing. John Walz moved and Terry Redetzke seconded a motion to approve Resolution #495 as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

General Government: City Code – GAAP Waiver

The Council considered a resolution exempting the City of Ellis from GAAP requirements for financial statements and financial reports. Councilmember Walz moved and Councilmember Leiker seconded a motion to approve Resolution #496 waiving the GAAP financial reporting requirements for 2013. Motion carried 5-0.

Tourism: Repair/Maintenance

City Clerk Amy Burton presented for consideration a contract with Lamar Companies to repair two of the City’s billboards on I-70. John Walz moved and Steve Ferland seconded a motion to approve the contract from Lamar Companies to repair the two billboards on I-70 at a combined cost of $1,024 with funds to come from tourism monies. Motion carried 5-0.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Special Machinery: Acquisition – Computer System

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented a proposal from Innovative Automation & Controls, Inc. for an upgraded computer system at the Water Treatment Plant. Only one bid was secured due to the specialized nature of the proposed purchase. Councilmember Walz moved to approve the bid from Innovation Automation & Controls, Inc. to upgrade the computer system at the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $3,725 with funds to come from Special Machinery. Councilmember Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Scheuerman continued by informing Council of repairs needed to the John Deere mower, a water line break on Spruce Street and various training opportunities available. Mr. Scheuerman also noted that he is currently researching costs for various street repairs within the City.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the officer schedule for July. He also reported that the recent KBI audit conducted over 2012 records went very well, with only minor items to be addressed. Chief Yates reported that Officer Casey has completed his field training and is no longer with a training officer. Officer McCollam recently was involved in the Tactical Purse program emphasizing women’s safety. Chief Yates also noted that all officers have completed their required training requirements for the year.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the financial reports consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Statement and Security Deposit Worksheets for April and May. The Water Utility Fund will need to be monitored as the year progresses due to decreased revenue with the current water restrictions.

Ms. Burton has scheduled budget work sessions on July 11 and July 16, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The session on July 16th will include Galen Pfeifer, City Auditor.

Ms. Burton continued by reporting the Federal FEMA grant funds have been received for reimbursement of the February snowstorm expenses. The City has submitted a letter to the Kansas Attorney General requesting an exemption from the new Conceal Carry law until January 1, 2014. Ms. Burton noted that the Council will need to consider possible security measures for consideration during the 2014 budget work session. Chief Yates will try to come up with cost estimates of several options for consideration.

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub is planning to meet with Mr. Patee’s attorney on July 8, 2013 to discuss placement of a memorial at the cemetery. If the parties cannot come to an agreement during that meeting then Attorney Raub will notify Mr. Patee that he has 14 days to become compliant with the City Code or possibly face legal action.

Ms. Raub also reported that a resident under the City’s CDBG housing rehabilitation agreement has not maintained flood insurance, as required under the agreement. The Council instructed Ms. Raub to draft a letter to the noncompliant property owner stating possible repercussions if the resident does not obtain flood insurance on the property.

Councilmember Terry Redetzke asked Attorney Raub is anything can be done with the parking lot across from the Love’s Travel Stop. Attorney Raub stated the City may be able to take action as an Environmental Code violation.

MAYOR/COUNCIL

Councilmember Walz asked if the Water Advisory Committee could take on the task for exploring other water supply sources. He also asked if the City could explore options in cleaning out the creek bed while it is dry. Several State agencies, including Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, will need to be involved.

Councilmember Niernberger wished Chief Yates a happy birthday on July 4th.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Terry Redetzke made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

KHAZ Country Music News: The Band Perry Ready to Be in the Driver’s Seat with 2014 Headlining Tour

Posted on July 8, 2013September 16, 2014

The Band Perry is currently on the road opening for Rascal Flatts, but their days as a warm-up act are numbered. The Perry sibling recently attracted 15,000 fans for a headlining show in Maryland.

Reid Perry tells The Tennessean, “Over the last couple of months we’ve seen this huge fervor at The Band Perry shows, more people coming out and more singing and dancing along.”

The Band Perry is grateful to acts like Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley for taking them on the road in the past few years, but the time has come for them to step out on their own.

“We always daydream when we’re out opening on these other tours,” says Kimberly Perry. “We say we can’t wait until we’re headlining at these amphitheaters. It’s really exciting to be in the driver’s seat.”

The Band Perry will kick off their North American headlining tour in 2014.

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

KHAZ Country Music News: Willie Nelson’s Third Man Records Concert Now Available on Vinyl

Posted on July 8, 2013September 16, 2014

Willie Nelson fans will want to check out Jack White’s Third Man Records subscription series, The Vault, this month. The 17th installment of the series will include an album of live tracks recorded during Willie’s star-studded 80th birthday concert, which took place on April 18 at Third Man Records in Nashville, TN.

Titled Willie Nelson & Friends Live at Third Man Records, the 12-song set includes performances of Nelson singing a number of his classic hits with White, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, Leon Russell, Jamey Johnson, Ashley Monroe and Norah Jones.

Vault subscribers will also receive a six-inch vinyl record featuring Nelson and White performing “Red Headed Stranger” together in Third Man’s Voice-O-Graph Recording Booth. A double-sided poster sporting pictures of Nelson and the Third Man Records logo will also be included in the package, plus other goodies.

Vault package #17 will be available to all subscribing members until July 31. Here’s the track list for Willie Nelson & Friends Live at Third Man Records:

“Roll Me Up”
“Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” (with Ashley Monroe)
“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” (with Ashley Monroe)
“Funny How Time Slips Away” (with Norah Jones)
“I Gotta Get Drunk” (with Norah Jones)
“Sail Away” (with Neil Young)
“Long May You Run” (with Neil Young)
“Far Away Places” (with Sheryl Crow)
“Whiskey River” (with Neil Young, Ashley Monroe, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Jamey Johnson)
“A Song for You” (with Leon Russell)
“Heartbreak Hotel” (with Leon Russell)
“Red Headed Stranger” (with Jack White)

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

NWS: Heat Advisory

Posted on July 8, 2013

Heat Advisory
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DODGE CITY KS
300 PM CDT MON JUL 8 2013

…DANGEROUS HEAT INDICES EXPECTED TUESDAY AFTERNOON…

.HOT TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH DEW POINT TEMPERATURES NEAR
60 DEGREES WILL CREATE HEAT INDEX TEMPERATURES NEAR 105 DEGREES OR
HIGHER THROUGH THE AFTERNOON.

KSZ030-031-044>046-064>066-078>081-088>090-090400-
/O.NEW.KDDC.HT.Y.0002.130709T1800Z-130710T0000Z/
TREGO-ELLIS-LANE-NESS-RUSH-HODGEMAN-PAWNEE-STAFFORD-FORD-EDWARDS-
KIOWA-PRATT-CLARK-COMANCHE-BARBER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…WAKEENEY…CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR…
HAYS…ELLIS…DIGHTON…NESS CITY…LA CROSSE…RUSH CENTER…
JETMORE…HANSTON…LARNED…BURDETT…ST. JOHN…STAFFORD…
HUDSON…DODGE CITY…BUCKLIN…KINSLEY…LEWIS…GREENSBURG…
HAVILAND…PRATT…ASHLAND…MINNEOLA…COLDWATER…PROTECTION…
MEDICINE LODGE…KIOWA…SUN CITY
300 PM CDT MON JUL 8 2013

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 7 PM CDT TUESDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DODGE CITY HAS ISSUED A HEAT
ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 7 PM CDT TUESDAY.

* HEAT INDICES…ARE EXPECTED BETWEEN 105 AND 110 DEGREES.

* IMPACTS…INCLUDE POSSIBLE HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES IF
PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO THE HIGH HEAT
AND HUMIDITY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS…IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE.
WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING
OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND
HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN
POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK…THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS
IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY
HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE
IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS
EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY
WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE
POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS…STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED
ROOM…STAY OUT OF THE SUN…AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND
NEIGHBORS.

More Street Work Begins Tuesday in Hays

Posted on July 8, 2013July 8, 2013

Chip and Seal Project Click here for a closer look — Chip and Seal Project. Click here for a closer look

Beginning Tuesday, July 9, 2013, the 2013 chip seal project will begin. Various streets across the city will be restricted to the traveling public during installation of the chip seal. A map showing the locations is available and attached. Residents along those streets will be notified directly by the contractor completing the work. The project is expected to complete in a couple of days, approximately on Thursday, July 11, 2013, but may run until the end of the week (weather permitting).

Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and if at all possible avoid these areas. The construction is in relation to 2013 street maintenance project.

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Planning, Inspection, and Enforcement Division at 628-7310.

Brownback rejects call to name court applicants

Posted on July 8, 2013

(AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback’s office has rejected a request from the League of Women Voters to identify the applicants for a new seat on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Kansas chapter president Dolores Furtado said Monday that the process created this year by legislators for picking Court of Appeals judges is less open than the former process.

But Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley said the state is following the same process used for picking federal judges for more than 200 years.

Furtado sent Brownback a request last week under the state’s Open Records Act. His office replied that the law doesn’t require the release of information about applicants.

Previously, when a nominating commission screened applications, the names were disclosed.

But that process had no Senate confirmation, as the new process does.