ELLIS COUNTY

Ellis County employees Ann Pfeifer and Karla Hecker earned certification from the Kansas County Treasurers Association (KCTA) at their annual award ceremony on June 16, 2016.

Pfeifer received her level II treasurer certificate and the title of Certified Kansas County Finance Officer. Hecker received her level I employee certificate.

Level I certificates are received after 30 hours of education from the KCTA. Level II certificates are received after 54 hours of education from the KCTA. The KCTA certificate is administered by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. The KCTA holds classes for members, treasurers and treasurer office employees, to understand the office duties set forth in statute and the best practices to run the office.

Hecker, Deputy County Treasurer, has worked for the county for four years. She began on the front line in 2012 and showed a lot of potential. She then took over handling the E-Z Pay program and the delinquent processing, then was promoted to her current position as the Deputy Treasurer. “Hecker works hard to assist the citizens of Ellis County by listening to them and helping them know their options,” said Pfeifer.

Pfeifer, Ellis County Treasurer, has worked for the county for five years and has served as the county treasurer for the past three years. She has successfully implemented multiple state and county computer system upgrades and is redesigning the Treasury website.

HPD Animal Control

It is legal to shoot fireworks July 2 through 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. inside the city limits of Hays.

Many dogs and cats are frightened of the sights and sounds that come with this Independence Day celebration. Here are a few tips to keep them home and safe this holiday.

1. Keep your dogs and cats secured inside your home if you can. If your pet is sensitive to fireworks, a basement setting would be ideal. However, if you do not have a basement and your dog is kennel trained, place the dog in its kennel with its favorite toy or blanket. Have a television or radio on to drown out some of the booms and pops from fireworks.
2. Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds.
3. Make sure to leave your dog at home if you are planning to enjoy fireworks away from your home.
4. If your dog must remain outdoors during the fireworks, make sure the gates are closed securely and make sure that the dog has a collar with City of Hays Pet Registration tag on it as well. This will assist with a speedy return of your pet should it become lost and picked up by the Hays Police Department.
5. You know your dog better than anyone else, and in some instances it is necessary to get medication from your veterinarian for overly anxious dogs during the 4th of July holiday.

As always, should your pet become lost, contact the Hays Police Department at (785) 625-1030 to leave a lost report for an Animal Control Officer.

Ellis County got an early morning wakeup call Thursday when a storm front passed quickly through the area at about 4 a.m.

The system offered up ample rain in a short period of time, with most of Hays receiving between 0.6 and 0.7 inches. A report from the western portion of the city showed 0.93 inches in the gauge Thursday morning.

The official rainfall amount in Hays was 0.58 as recorded at the K-State Agricultural Research Center. The Eagle Media Center received 0.7 inches.

The Ellis area received between three-quarters and 0.81 inches, with a report in eastern Trego County coming in at 0.87 inches.

Rooks County had a report of 0.76 inches in the western portion of the county, and Graham County saw a half-inch of precipitation.

The storm cut off at Russell County, which reported rain ranging only up to 0.2 inches.

As the holiday weekend approaches, the chances for more rain and storms persists.

Click HERE for the complete extended forecast.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Fireworks go on sale in Hays Saturday, July 2, and will continue to be sold through Monday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Discharge of fireworks in the city limits is allowed the same three days from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.

At last week’s city commission meeting–as the area wheat harvest got underway–Hays Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil urged residents to be cautious when using their fireworks.

“I just hope people are smart.  Since I’ve been on the commission it’s a no-win situation whether we have them or not,” Musil said.

He supported the decision of Ellis County Commissioners–at the recommendation of Fire Director Darin Myers–not to allow fireworks to be discharged in the county’s rural, unincorporated areas.

“I think the county had a smart idea not allowing fireworks out in the county…for safety, it’s  the best thing to do.

“I just hope people are actually able to go out and enjoy July 4th but also realize it’s dry out there and harvest is going on, and that’s very important to our economy. I hope the farmers are successful.

“No matter what, some people aren’t going to be happy that other people are shooting fireworks. I really hope they take their neighbors into consideration.

“If you are shooting them off, obey the law. This is probably not a fun time for our police officers or our firefighters,” Musil added.

According to the Hays Municipal Code “persons using fireworks are responsible for cleaning up all debris.  Those found in violation of the Hays City Code may be fined up to $500 and 30 days in jail.”

DCF

TOPEKA – Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) announced Wednesday that Chuck Knapp will be the organization’s new president, effective Aug. 1.

JAG-K partners with schools to work with students who have various barriers to graduating, to help the students develop their full potential and get started on a career path past high school. In addition to completing high school, JAG students receive career development training to prepare them for opportunities in employment and further education or training programs that include technical school, apprenticeships and college. The JAG-K graduation rate is 93 percent, which exceeds the overall Kansas graduation rate of 90 percent.

Jobs for America’s Graduates is available in the following communities: Kansas City, Basehor, Atchison, Emporia, Lawrence, Salina, Hoyt, Concordia, Topeka, Junction City, Ft. Riley, Wichita, El Dorado, Arkansas City, Pittsburg, Parsons, Coffeyville, Labette County, Holcomb, Liberal, Garden City, Kingman, Stafford, Pratt, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Kiowa County and Newton.

“Chuck Knapp is a proven leader, who is well-respected throughout Kansas for his ability to work with people to accomplish important goals and objectives,” said JAG-K Board Chairman Kim Borchers. “Chuck’s extensive experience in communications, operations, strategic planning and personnel management will help guide our outstanding team to positively impact even more Kansas students and families.”

Knapp, an Augusta native and 1988 University of Kansas graduate, is excited to join the program.

“I am thrilled to have an opportunity to work for an organization that helps change lives in such a positive way,” said Knapp. “This program not only gets students on a career path—it is putting many of them on a road to success and breaking a generational cycle of poverty.”

Knapp currently serves as chief of staff to Kansas Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. Knapp has previously held leadership roles in the Kansas Department of Administration and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). He and his wife Chelle reside in Topeka with their four children.

JAG-K is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is engaged in 29 Kansas school districts and serves more than 2,500 students. JAG-K is an affiliate of the national JAG program that operates in 32 states. The 35-year old program has assisted more than one million students nationwide. Governor Sam Brownback brought JAG to Kansas in 2013.

JAG-K partners with school districts, DCF and the Kansas State Department of Education. Funding for the program primarily comes from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dollars, administered by DCF. JAG-K also relies on private funds from contributors such as AT&T, Archer Daniels Midland Company, John Deere, Walmart, Cox Communications and Amerigroup, among others.

For more information about JAG-K, visit www.kansasjag.org.