First District Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, has scheduled several town hall meetings this month, including a stop in Russell.
Huelskamp is scheduled to appear at the Russell town hall at 10 a.m. Feb. 20 at Meridy’s, 1220 Fossil.
Other town halls have been scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18 in Abilene, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in Alma, 1 p.m. Feb. 19 in Wamego, and 8 a.m. Feb. 20 in Ellsworth.
For more information, click HERE.
TOPEKA (AP) — Kansas residents could carry loaded handguns in their vehicles under a bill that’s cleared a state House committee.
The Federal and State Affairs expanded gun-rights legislation Wednesday before approving it. The committee’s unanimous voice vote sends the measure to the House for debate, as early as next week.
The bill strips cities and counties of the power to regulate guns. National and state gun-rights groups are pushing it.
The bill would void existing local gun ordinances throughout Kansas. It would ensure that the open carrying of firearms is allowed.
But backers hadn’t originally included the language on handguns in vehicles. People would have permission even if they don’t have state concealed carry permit.
Local government groups oppose the bill, saying city and county officials know their communities best.
LAWRENCE (AP) — Lawrence city commissioners postponed voting on a bedbug policy until they can assure landlords the policy won’t be a financial burden.
The Lawrence Journal-World reported some landlords are worried the proposed policy to battle bedbugs will end up costing them thousands of dollars. City commissioners on Tuesday agreed to postpone the bedbug policy vote and asked city staff members to have more discussions with landlords.
The proposed policy calls for landlords to have a licensed pest control company treat any unit found to have bedbugs within 72 hours of a complaint being filed. But the policy doesn’t say if the landlord or the tenant pays for the treatment. Typical treatment for the pests run from $900 to $2,000.
The health department received 17 bedbug complaints in 2013.
By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Royals and All-Star closer Greg Holland agreed on a $4.675 million contract Wednesday, which means all of Kansas City’s arbitration-eligible players are signed ahead of spring training.
Pitchers and catchers are due to report to Surprise, Ariz., on Friday.
Holland asked for $5.2 million after going 2-1 with a 1.21 ERA and 47 saves last season, while the Royals offered $4.1 million. They settled on a figure that represents a big bump from the $539,000 he made in 2013, and includes a $50,000 bonus for making the All-Star game.
The deal means that Royals general manager Dayton Moore still has never gone to arbitration with a player. The last Royals player to go to arbitration was outfielder Emil Brown in 2006, the offseason prior to Moore’s hiring as GM.
GARDEN CITY (AP) — Tuition and fees are going up at Garden City Community College.
The Garden City Telegram reported GCCC trustees voted Tuesday to increase tuition, fees, and room and board for the 2014-15 school year.
Beginning this fall, there will be a $2-per-credit-hour increase in tuition and a $3-per-credit-hour increase in student fees. In-state tuition and fees will go from $80 to $85 per credit hour; border state tuition and fees will increase from $94 to $99 per credit hour, and out-of-state tuition and fees will increase from $99 to $104 per credit hour.
Trustees also approved a hike in room rates, pushing dorm rates from $1,100 to $1,150 per semester for double occupancy rooms.
Of the 19 community colleges in Kansas, GCCC is the fifth lowest in tuition and fees.
SALINA (AP) — Kansas Wesleyan University has formed a partnership with the Saline County emergency management department.
The Saline County Commission approved the partnership Tuesday night with Kansas Wesleyan, the only school in Kansas to offer a bachelor’s degree program in emergency management.
Saline County Emergency Management Director Hannah Stambaugh says the agreement strengthens a relationship the county and college have had for several years.
The Salina Journal reported the new arrangement will help establish and monitor weather stations around the county. It will also develop student storm-spotting activities, create internship programs and promote storm preparedness.
The Hays Police Department conducted eight traffic stops and received five animal calls on Tuesday, Feb. 11, according to the HPD activity log.
Identity theft, 500 block of West 33rd, 9:45 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 2100 block Canterbury, 9:55 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 400 block West Seventh, 10:21 a.m.
Probation/parole violation, 400 block East 15th, 11:31 a.m.
Animal at large, 1900 block Ash, 12:07 p.m.
Found/lost property, 100 block West 12th, 12:17 p.m.
Warrant service/failure to appear, 3300 block Elm, 12:48 p.m.
Burglary/vehicle, 200 block West Fifth, 1:35 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 43rd and Vine, 1:46 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 200 block East 12th, 2:37 p.m.
Theft, 2800 Grant, 5:51 p.m.
Animal at large, 1400 block U.S. 183 Alternate, 6:01 p.m.
Telephone/mail scam, 6:11 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident/driving under the influence, 10th and Ash, 7:25 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident, Eighth and Ash, 7:30 p.m.
Welfare check, 500 block West 19th, 7:37 p.m.
Animal call, 1400 block U.S. 183 Alternate, 7:27 p.m.
Domestic disturbance, 500 block West 21st, 9:19 p.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 1300 block Eisenhower, 11:57 p.m.
Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore and Kip Moore are the final nominees for New Artist Of The Year at the 49th Annual ACM Awards. The fan-voted nominees came from a list of eight semifinalists, which also included Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett and Parmalee. The second round of voting starts March 24 here, with the winner announced at the awards show April 6 in Las Vegas on CBS-TV.
Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry
They’re creepy and they’re kooky — and they’re on their way to northwest Kansas.
Fort Hays State University’s Encore Series will present “The Addams Family,” a musical comedy, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m.
The plot includes a now-grown Wednesday Addams bringing her boyfriend home to meet the family — a first introduction to Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the oddities of the Addams mansion.
Tickets are still available online or at the student service center in Memorial Union. “The Addams Family” is sponsored by Cedar Lodge Dental Group.
Reserved tickets are $40 for the general public; $38 for seniors and children age 5 to 17; and $31 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $36 for the general public; $34 for seniors and children age 5 to 17; and $27 for FHSU students.
More information on tickets and upcoming shows is available HERE.
FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — Voters in a small Nebraska city have reaffirmed their desire to take on illegal immigration.
Nearly 60 percent of voters in Fremont decided Tuesday to keep an ordinance that requires all renters to swear they have legal permission to live in the U.S.
Residents first approved the rules in 2010, with 57 percent of the vote. Critics had pushed for the new vote, saying the housing restrictions would be ineffective and could cost Fremont millions of dollars in legal fees and lost federal grants.
Local resident Paul Von Behren says he’s glad voters supported the ordinance but the question now is whether the city will implement it.
Fremont, a conservative agricultural hub near Omaha, is one of only a handful of cities trying to restrict illegal immigration.
ELLIS — The city of Ellis and Fort Hays State University will team up for a water festival in the spring.
The Ellis City Council on Feb. 3 voted to spend up to $2,500 to help supply and market the event, which is designed to educate residents about the importance of water conservation.
The funds will come out of the city’s water utility fund.
In other business at the Feb. 3 meeting, the council discussed options to help revitalize the downtown business district. No action was taken, but council members discussed the possibility of requiring a special-use permit for owners wanting to use storefronts for storage only.
Here are the compete unofficial minutes of Monday’s meeting of the Ellis City Council:
• • •
DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
February 3, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members John Walz, Jolene Niernberger, Loran Gottschalk 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 members Jeff Wolf and John Leiker were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
City Clerk Amy Burton noted that due to the impending snow storm, Bartlett & West Engineers will not be present; therefore, the Special Order item on Water Exploration will be struck from the agenda.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Buck Driggs, Ryan Augustine, Brian Raub, Sean Simmons, Ron Johnson, Glen Keller, David McDaniel, Gary Luea, John LaShell, Michelle Wiesner, Henry Wiesner, Jim Carthew, and Rene Norris.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on January 20, 2014, the Minutes from Special Meeting on January 27, 2014, and Bills Ordinance #1942. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Capital Improvement: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, reported the City should hear in the coming weeks on USDA funding for the waterline improvement project, with construction to begin in Fall 2014 or Spring 2015. With the waterline improvement project progressing, Mr. Driggs inquired of Council’s intent on moving into Phase 2 of the overall project – street improvements in the affected area. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Terry Redetzke seconded a motion to authorize the pursuit of Community Development Block Grant funds for street improvements. Motion carried 4-0.
General Government: Special Project
Ryan Augustine presented a proposed site map for the City’s website and provided suggestions for additional pages not currently included. Mr. Augustine also provided a summary of services offered and proposed fees. Council took no action.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for rehabilitation of the St. Mary’s lift station. Council member John Walz moved to accept the low bid from Mayer Specialty Services in the amount of $8,792.30 with the hopes that mobilization costs of up to $1,500.00 may be deducted if scheduled in conjunction with other work in the area. Funds for the rehabilitation will come from the Sewer Utility Fund. Council member Loran Gottschalk seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
The City and the Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 Team plan to hold a water festival this spring educating residents on the importance of water conservation. Council member Jolene Niernberger made a motion to approve funding for the water festival at an amount not to exceed $2,500.00 for advertising and supplies, with funds to come out of the Water Utility Fund. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
General Government: Building Code
The Council discussed the downtown business district and what could be done to revitalize the area. Council considered a special use permit for those owners wanting to use their storefronts solely for storage. Current owners would be grandfathered in from obtaining a permit. City Attorney Olavee Raub noted the City can require compliance with the environmental code but needs to be cognizant of the floodplain regulations as well. No action was taken.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that he has received correspondence from Utility Service Company regarding a question on if the painting of the exterior of the water tower is included in their current contract with the City. He will forward the existing contract to City Attorney Olavee Raub for review.
Sewer: Disposal
Mr. Scheuerman shared with the Governing Body a memo from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment dated February 2007, regarding the possible relocation of the outfall of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to Big Creek. Last meeting, Council questioned if the City’s wells would recharge more rapidly if the effluent water from the Treatment Plant was relocated to Big Creek. In the referenced memo, KDHE was concerned that relocating the effluent water to Big Creek would cause the nutrient levels to increase, causing algal blooms and render the creek unsafe for fishing, wading or boating. Mr. Scheuerman does not feel at this time the City is capable of reducing the nutrient concentrations to an acceptable level.
Sewer: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reviewed the Energy Assessment on the Wastewater Treatment Plant prepared by Wichita State University.
Sewer: License/Permit
Mr. Scheuerman reviewed with Council upcoming changes in the requirements needed for the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant permit. Certain nutrient levels would have to be reduced in order to be compliant with the new regulations. By September 30, 2014, the City must submit to KDHE a plan and designs of any upgrades necessary to the Plant to reduce the nutrient concentrations to an acceptable level. Wilson & Company will meet with Council in March to review a draft of a proposed plan and cost assessments.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Director Scheuerman reviewed the Comparative Water Report through December 10, 2013. Layne Christensen has tested three wells and they appear to be working well, but Mr. Scheuerman is awaiting the full report.
General Government: Building Code
At the January 20, 2014 meeting, Council asked Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to begin inspections on the downtown buildings. Mr. Scheuerman assessed one block of the downtown area and reported that many of the buildings have environmental concerns and are unstable and in need of major repairs to ensure the safety of the occupants and pedestrians. However, in this one block the property needs to be properly surveyed to determine the legal description for the owners. City Attorney Olavee Raub will contact a surveyor to obtain a cost estimate to get the property surveyed. The City would like to collaborate with the property owners to find a solution to address the safety and environmental concerns. Council asked Mr. Scheuerman to inform the property owners of the areas that need addressed without citing them with a formal complaint at this time. Attorney Raub noted the City should consider budgeting for blight structures if property owners refuse or are unable to make the necessary repairs in the future.
Personnel: Entry
Mr. Scheuerman would like to hire Tyler Watson for the vacant sanitation position. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the hiring of Tyler Watson for the General Public Works Employee I sanitation position at a probationary wage of $11.84 effective February 17, 2014. Motion carried 4-0.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman informed Council that the 1991 Ford tandem axle truck is in need of repair. If the engine needs replaced, early estimates put the repair upwards to $15,000.00. To upgrade the truck to a newer model with 100,000-200,000 miles on it could cost the City on average $30,000.00. Mr. Scheuerman noted the City does not adequately budget contingency funds in the case of equipment failures. The truck needs to be fixed or replaced as it is vital to the City fleet, yet funds are not readily available in the Special Machinery fund. It was the consensus of Council to have Mr. Scheuerman obtain a cost estimate on what repairs are needed to fix the truck
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the February officer calendar. One addition to the calendar is training on the new Enterpol records management system on February 26, 2014. Chief Yates also wanted to clarify that the annual Enterpol support fee of $1,900.00 would not start until March 2015. Officer Jon Geiger has completed his field training and will attend the KLETC reciprocity class March 3rd – 7th.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the December 2013 and 4th Quarter 2013 Treasurer’s reports. The annual rabies clinic was held January 25th with thirty-one dog tags sold and immunizations administered. Ms. Burton then inquired of Council’s intent on whether to open the municipal pool this year. It was the consensus of Council to operate the pool in the 2014 season. Council member Loran Gottschalk suggested exploring an option of bussing kids over to the Hays Aquatic Park in the future. Ms. Burton reminded the Governing Body of the K-State Community Board Leadership Series later in February. She also reported she has received an email from IdeaTek regarding their interest in obtaining a franchise agreement with the City for a fiber optic build within Ellis. Ms. Burton then informed Council of Senate Bill 304 limiting the ability of cities to lease public facilities for the purpose of delivering telecommunication service to customers. The hearing on the bill has currently been postponed.
MAYOR/COUNCIL
Council member John Walz thanked Henry and Helen Fischer and the Alumni Association for allowing the City the opportunity to consider the vacant building on 2nd Street. Mr. Walz provided a brochure to the Governing Body on the Kansas PRIDE program. The focus of the program is to build community pride by meeting with residents to determine what they would like to see to better the community, and then collaborate with City organizations to take action. Mr. Walz would like to schedule a separate meeting with interested parties to review the program.
Council member Jolene Niernberger responded to a resident’s concern at the last Council meeting that a previous Council had already approved the payoff of the fire truck. Ms. Niernberger could not find evidence that a motion to that effect had been recorded in the official minutes for that time frame; therefore, the current Council did the right thing in taking action. Ms. Niernberger also wanted to thank Police Chief Taft Yates for his recent presentation to a group of Vietnam veterans in Hays.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member Loran Gottschalk seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
By TREVOR GRAFF
KHI News Service
TOPEKA — Proposed legislation that would add new fees to municipal water bills drew varied opposition during a hearing today in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
But Rep. Tom Sloan, the Lawrence Republican who sponsored the bill, said it would allow the state to acquire more water storage rights in the federal reservoirs managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
“Most of our reservoirs are 50 and 60 years old,” Sloan said. “We have not been taking care of them. Part of the reason that the language is in this bill is to allow us to acquire water storage capacity that we have options on is so we manage the water not the Corps.”
House Bill 2439 would create a 10-cent per 1,000-gallon fee on sale of water by municipal utilities. The fee would increase to 18 cents per 1,000 gallons in three years.
It would raise more than $9.3 million per year, which also could fund efforts to control or remove silt from the reservoirs, which have been filling in with sediment as they age.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grants the state an option to purchase water storage in Kansas reservoirs.
The measure drew opposition from the Kansas Livestock Association, the Kansas Water Office, and others who said it might conflict with a 50-year plan being developed the Kansas Water Authority. That plan is expected to be complete by Nov. 1.
“The Brownback administration will investigate, through outreach to numerous stakeholders, a range of issues including the viability of future water supplies in Kansas’ reservoirs,” said Aaron Popelka, vice president of legal and governmental affairs for the livestock association. “It would be premature to advance HB 2439 before this comprehensive planning report is concluded.”
The Kansas Forest Service proposed amending the bill so that some of the money raised from the water fees could be used to restore riverbanks, including the planting of native trees.
Larry Biles, Kansas Forester said streamside forests could save $9.5 million in sediment dredging costs annually.
“Sediment is real,” he said. “We can no longer ignore growing sediment issues in my view. If we can stabilize stream banks, we can slow the effects of sediment and avoid costs.”
According to estimates from the Kansas Division of Budget, the measure would $1.50 a month to the water bill for an average family of four.
No action was taken on the bill.
CHEYENNE WELLS, Colo. (AP) — A missing 66-year-old Garden City man has been found safe in Colorado following a six-county search after the man’s SUV got stuck in a field over the weekend.
Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, spokesman for the Colorado Civil Air Patrol, said the man was found Tuesday by a pilot, who was able to direct searchers to the man’s location in eastern Colorado after he wandered away from his truck. Daniels says the man was hungry and thirsty, but he had no serious injuries.
Clark Nelson, Garden City, called 911 Sunday night from his cellphone and said he turned off on a dirt road and could not drive out. The search was launched after the man’s cellphone stopped working.
