The 2014 FrostFest Illuminated Parade, which has a theme of “Snowman Shuffle,” will begin at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Hays.

Downtown Hays Development Corp. said parade entry forms will be available in November.

As in years past, the DHDC will have a parade theme contest for next year’s parade. To submit a theme idea for the 2015 Parade, fill out an entry form at the Hays Welcome Center or Hays Public Library or email [email protected]. Entries are due by Monday, Nov. 10.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT and BECKY KISER
Hays Post

While the Ellis County courthouse and law enforcement center are being remodeled, a process that is slated to take 325 days–nearly a year–inmates in the Ellis County Jail will be housed in temporary jail pods.

Sheriff Harbin said the county is currently in discussions to rent several mobile modular jails with the company Jails on Demand.

“The pods will basically be a jail cell,” Harbin explained.

“They’ll have bunks, toilet facilities, a shower. They’re kind of like a mobile home, without all the luxuries of a mobile home.”

The steel structures, which are configured in compliance with American Correctional Association standards, will be placed on the former NEW call center property on south Commerce Parkway.

Courthouse offices will be temporarily housed in the vacant NEW building.

Harbin said Ellis County is waiting on cost estimates from the company, which he expects to have within the next couple days.

The jail pods are moved by semi-trucks and will be hooked together in a configuration designated by the county.

“A security fence will be installed around the jail pods,” Harbin stressed.

Some inmates will be housed out of county. Harbin has told county commissioners in recent meetings he expects there will be some inmates no other county will accept. Those inmates will be housed in the temporary pods in Hays.

“This is bare-bones housing. They’re not fancy, but they’re functional,” added Harbin.

TOPEKA–A western Kansas man is among several people recently appointed by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to boards and commissions.

Local Food and Farm Task Force

The Local Food and Farm Task Force is responsible for preparing a local food and farm plan containing policy and funding recommendations in order to increase locally grown food production. The Governor appoints three of the seven members, including the chairperson. This task force sunsets on Dec. 31, 2015.

· Ron Brown, Fort Scott, is being appointed to serve as chairperson for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Brown been self-employed on his family farm for more than 50 years and currently serves as an executive board member for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).

· Loren Swenson, Concordia, is being appointed to serve as a member for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Swenson received his B.S. from Kansas State University. He owns and operates Prairie Produce, a local produce market and health food store in Concordia.

· David Coltrain, Garden City, is being appointed to serve as a member for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Coltrain received both his B.S. and M.S. from Kansas State University and currently works as an Extension Agent for the university’s Research and Extension Office in Finney County.

Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission

The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is focused on the creative industries sector of the Kansas economy. The advisory board is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting and expanding the creative industries to grow the state’s economy and create creative industry-related jobs.

· James Southwell Jr., Overland Park, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Southwell is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He received his B.A. at Luther College and his D.O. at the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City.

Kansas Propane Education and Research Council

The council develops programs and projects to enhance consumer and employee safety and training and to educate the public about the safety and environmental aspects of propane. There are ten members on the council with the governor appointing nine. Membership is made up of retail marketers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and public members. All members serve a three year term.

· Aimee Tempera-Parks, Goddard, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. Ms. Tempera-Parks received her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and currently serves as General Manager for Max’s Welding Supplies in El Dorado.

Fire Service Training Commission

The Fire Service Training Commission provides traveling instruction service to train firefighters in the jurisdictions of the state requesting such instruction. The governor appoints all twelve members. All members serve a four year term.

· Kevin Flory, Topeka, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He currently serves as a Training Officer for the City of Topeka Fire Department.