By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It’s official now. Hays has won the MoKan Take Charge Challenge for commercial businesses.
A $10,000 check was presented to the TCC Leadership Team Thursday evening by Cassie Reimer with the Hutchinson-based Climate and Energy Project.
Hays beat out Hutchinson, Kansas City, Kan., and Warrensburg, Mo., in the competition to reduce energy and water use. Eighteen Hays businesses and schools participated.
Northwestern Printers is the local winner. Two of the many changes made in the company’s two buildings directly affect the printing business, according to Green Team member Howard Droegemeier. Humidity control keeps static electricity from developing as paper runs through presses; overhead lighting is critical for color control:
Northwestern Printers owners Marvin and Jennifer Rack were presented a $5,000 check from Midwest Energy’s Mike Voelker.
The Racks immediately handed it over to Kathy Taylor, principal of TMP-Marian High School. Then, the couple made a $5,000 personal donation to Holy Family Elementary School and principal Rachel Wentling.
TMP came in second in the Hays MoKan competition; HFE was third. Both school principals were surprised by the donations from the Racks.
“We may get a new water-efficient dishwasher for our cafeteria,” Taylor said. “I know our cooks would be thrilled.”
“Completely blown away” is how Wentling described her reaction to the unexpected donation.
“Our bathroom urinals are from the 1950s. We’re probably going to look at taking advantage of the city of Hays’ rebates to replace them with more water-efficient urinals,” she said.
The Rack children attend the local Catholic schools.
“We will be saving money, realizing savings, in our business from here on out,” Jennifer Rack said. “Marvin and I want to pass it along.”
The Hays MoKan Leadership Team voted to split the $10,000 winnings three ways.
- LED lights for the city of Hays downtown Christmas lights and decorations-$2,000
- LED lights for the Hays Arts Council galleries-$1,000
- New bicycle racks throughout Hays-$7,000
Disclosure: Becky Kiser is a member of the Hays MoKan Take Charge Challenge Leadership Team.