— More than 350 community members have completed the Leadership Hays Program since its inception in 1990. The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to launch the next phase of professional development: the Hays Area Konza Club. Leadership Hays alumni are invited to join in for a “Meet and Greet” this Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Welcome Center to learn more about the Konza Club.

Affiliated with the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita, Konza Clubs are designed to connect both KLC and leadership program alumni from across the state. For the Hays community, the Hays Area Konza Club will keep momentum generated by the local program as well as continue the education and awareness for ongoing leadership training. Additionally, the Hays Area Konza Club will utilize resources, expertise and state-wide connections to enhance the opportunities of Hays leaders, while also providing a network for communities to share and grow from similar experiences.

Any Leadership Hays alumni interested in attending can contact the Hays Area Chamber for more information at 785-628-8201.

5:40 p.m. – Crews on site report that the fire in under control

5:05 p.m. – A small fire was found in the wall of the restaurant and engine crews have been called back to the scene.

4:50 p.m. – According to crews on scene the fire in under control.

The source of the fire was an electrical short in the neon lights on the exterior of the building.

Crews are still on scene checking for hot spots.

4:30 p.m. – Fire crews responded to a call from Carlo O’Kellys in Hays around 4:15pm.  Reports were that there was a smell of smoke coming from the men’s restroom.

No other details at this time.

The source of the smell has not been located yet. Initial reports are that it appears to be something smoldering.

Stay tuned to Hays Post for updates.

At the second of two special meetings last week, Ellis County Commissioners approved publication of the 2014 budget.

Although the total budget is bigger than last year, County Administrator Greg Sund says the mill levy should go down, because valuation is up two percent:

ELLIS COUNTY BUDGET

2014
$26,535,063       Mill Levy 34.032?

2013
$21,052,086       Mill Levy 35.550

The public hearing for the Ellis County 2014 budget is August 19 at 6.45p.m. in the Ellis County Courthouse.

At last week’s City Commission Meeting, approval was given to allow a company to paint the inside of the city’s north water tower. It’s estimated that the tower will be out of commission for about a week.

An inspection in 2008 showed that there was blistering on the inside and maintenance needed completed on the tower’s interior.

The city received 7 bids and moved forward with the lowest one. This bid came in under the amount budgeted for the repairs.

City manager Toby Dougherty and Commissioner Eber Phelps were on the Eagle Radio morning show last Friday and among other topics, helped shed some light on this project.

Commissioner Phelps mentioned that it’s important that maintenance is completed before it gets to the point of the tank getting rusted out on the inside.

Dougherty added there has been speculation that a noticeable drop in water pressure may be seen in hotels north of Interstate-70, specifically on 3rd floors and higher. The impact should be minimal as the city is able to run the entire distribution system with the infrastructure at the treatment plant. The towers help with pressure regulation, but the pressure will be re-regulated using underground storage and pumps to compensate while the water tower is being painted.

Utilities Director Bernie Kitten told Hays Post that work is slated to begin around September 1st, as the weather conditions are ideal.