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After a week’s absence, Tigers again receiving votes in AFCA Poll

WACO, Texas – After dropping out of the receiving votes section last week, Fort Hays State returns to the AFCA Division II Poll receiving four votes on Monday. The Tigers have received votes in three of four polls this year, including the preseason poll, and the first and third regular season polls of the season.

Fort Hays State is one of four MIAA schools referenced in the weekly poll. Defending national champion Northwest Missouri State continues its hold on the No. 1 ranking, while Central Missouri moved up one spot this week to No. 13. Northwest Missouri State and Central Missouri are the only two remaining unbeaten teams in the MIAA. Emporia State and Fort Hays State are both among the receiving votes section.

The Tigers defeated Central Oklahoma 34-20 on Saturday evening to move to 2-1 on the season. Fort Hays State heads to Tahlequah, Oklahoma this week to take on Northeastern State (1-2).

Below is the AFCA Division II Poll for September 19, 2016.

Rank School (1st votes) Record Pts. Prev.
1. Northwest Missouri St. (30) 3-0 750 1
2. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 3-0 713 2
3. West Georgia 3-0 687 3
4. Shepherd (W.Va.) 3-0 655 4
5. Ashland (Ohio) 3-0 627 5
6. Texas A&M-Commerce 2-0 566 7
7. Ferris St. (Mich.) 3-0 550 6
8. Henderson St. (Ark.) 3-0 539 8
9. Indiana (Pa.) 2-0 493 9
10. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 3-0 476 11
11. Midwestern St. (Texas) 2-0 426 12
12. Tuskegee (Ala.) 3-0 386 13
13. Central Missouri 3-0 376 14
14. Sioux Falls (S.D.) 3-0 333 15
15. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 3-0 309 16
16. Augustana (S.D.) 3-0 268 18
17. Assumption (Mass.) 3-0 256 17
18. Colorado Mesa 3-0 255 23
19t. Florida Tech 3-0 233 19
19t. North Alabama 1-1 233 20
21. Minnesota St. 2-1 135 21
22. Bemidji St. (Minn.) 3-0 126 24
23. Colorado School of Mines 2-1 125 10
24. Humboldt St. (Calif.) 2-1 71 25
25. Harding (Ark.) 3-0 49 NR

Others Receiving Votes: North Carolina-Pembroke, 28; Emporia St. (Kan.), 20; California (Pa.), 15; Valdosta St. (Ga.), 9; Wingate (N.C.), 8; Notre Dame (Ohio), 7; Southwest Baptist (Mo.), 7; West Texas A&M, 7; Fort Hays State (Kan.), 4; Texas A&M-Kingsville, 4; Virginia St., 4.

FHSU’s Sie Doe Jr. named Co-MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week

Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Emma Henry
Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Emma Henry

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State senior defensive end Sie Doe, Jr., was named Co-MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week on Monday (Sept. 19) for his efforts in a 34-20 win over Central Oklahoma this past weekend. He shares the honor this week with Washburn linebacker Cody Heiman.

Doe had a team-best 13 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and a sack on Saturday. He was the only player in the game to record a sack, bringing his season total to four. He currently leads the MIAA in total sacks. Doe and the FHSU defense limited Central Oklahoma, which entered the game averaging 524 yards of total offense, to just 383 yards of total offense.

Heiman recorded a career-high 14 tackles with nine solo stops adding a half sack, two pass break ups and one interception. His interception returned to the Ichabod 45 set up Washburn for a touchdown putting the Ichabods up 34-7 against Lindenwood.

Garrett Fugate of Central Missouri was named the Offensive Athlete of the Week and Jaylen Zachery of Central Missouri earned Special Teams Athlete of the Week.

Hays man hospitalized after vehicle hits bridge pillar

ELLIS COUNTY- A man from Hays was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. on Monday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy passenger car driven by William Jacobs, 50, was westbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Hays.

The vehicle left the roadway to the north and struck a bridge pillar.

Jacobs was transported to Hays Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Norma Jean (Tomlin) Cook

Norma Jean (Tomlin) Cook, 88, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Norma Jean was born May 1, 1928 in Atlanta, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert and Inez (Murrey) Tomlin. She attended school in Leon, Kansas until she was ten years old when her family moved to Russell. She graduated from Russell High School. She then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Norma Jean was united in marriage to Bob Gene Cook on November 21, 1951in Russell. This union was blessed with a son, Tom. They made their home in Russell.

Norma Jean was a devoted wife and homemaker for Tom. Then after Tom was eight, she started teaching in the Russell County area. She taught at country schools and most of the schools in Russell. She was a Teacher for over 50 years before she retired. She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and was church Choir Director for many years. She also was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Gamma Zeta (Beta Sigma Phi) and Russell Rotary where she played the piano at meetings.. She was the Past President of the Russell County ARC, Co Founder of the Russell Rough Riders, and was on the Russell City Council for over 17 years. She was on the planning committees for the ’61, ’71, ’81, and ’91 Prairiestas, was Man of the Year in Russell in 1981, was awarded the Heart of Gold Award in 1987 by Edward D. Jones, judged the Russell County Fair talent shows, did “Our Town” presentations, was involved with the Spike Jones Band and with great enjoyment played Bridge for many years with her friends

Surviving family include her husband of 64 years, Bob of the home; son Tom Cook of Russell, Kansas; sister, Kay Lowenstein of Manhattan, Kansas; and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Celebration of Norma Jean’s Life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm. Memorials have been established with the Otterbein United Methodist Church or ARC of Russell County. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Kansas man jailed for alleged child abuse, criminal threat

Mark Petitjohn
Mark Petitjohn

SALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating a suspect for alleged child abuse and battery.

Deputies were sent to a home in the 2600 block of Donmyer Road Saturday after being contacted by a family member, according to Saline County Undersheriff Roger Soldan.

They found injuries to a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy.

Mark Petitjohn, 47, Solomon, was arrested and jailed on several requested charges including two counts of child abuse, two counts of battery, and one count of criminal threats.

Petitjohn is alleged to have hit the teenagers and threatened to kill them on Thursday.

They were not treated for their injuries.

The injured teenagers and another teenage boy, were removed from the home by deputies and placed in temporary emergency care, according to Soldan.

Ellis rescinds Water Warning for city water customers

EllisELLIS–Membership appointments were approved Sept. 6 by the Ellis City Council to the new Ellis Tourism Committee. Council members also approved a contract for installing WiFi in Ellis City Hall and unanimously voted to rescind the Water Warning status for the city.

The complete Sept. 6, 2016 meeting minutes follow.

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Fire Chief Denis Vine’s monthly report will be moved to the September 19th council meeting. Mayor David McDaniel requested an executive session at the end of the meeting.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Philip Martin, Sharon Disney, Glen Keller, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Travis Kohlrus, Dena Patee, and Sue Werth.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 15, 2016, Bills Ordinance #2004, and the February and March manual journal entries. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor David McDaniel read a brief statement clarifying the purpose of the Public Comments section of the meeting. Public Comments is where the public may speak to the governing body for up to a maximum of five minutes. The governing body listens, but normally does not interact with the speaker, as this is the speaker’s time. Any discussion on a speaker’s comments may be made at the end of the meeting or added to a future agenda.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Sewer: Petition
Sue Werth, 502 W. 3rd Street, requested permission to tap into the City’s sewer system. Ms. Werth currently accepts City sanitation service, but not water or sewer service. City Attorney Olavee Raub noted that City Code allows residents to tap into the sewer system without having City water service. It was the consensus of the Council to allow the tap into the City’s sewer system, contingent on Ms. Werth paying the sewer tap fee.
Economic Development: Committee
Travis Kohlrus and Philip Martin updated the governing body on recent developments with the Ellis Industrial Development Corporation. Mr. Kohlrus discussed various potential development sites on the north hill with both retail and fast food establishments expressing interest in locating in Ellis. The EIDC purchased the old motel on 2nd Street earlier this year, with plans to raze the building and vacate the lot to boost interest for new development. By consensus, the Council agreed to assist with the cleanup of the property with in-kind donations of labor and materials.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Contracts
Council discussed proposals to install WIFI at City Hall from Golden Belt Telephone and Eagle Communications. In conjunction with that discussion, Council considered the costs associated with possibly transitioning to electronic Council packets. City Clerk Amy Burton presented cost estimates for laptops and packet software. After further discussion, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to accept the proposal from Eagle Communications for the installation of WIFI at City Hall at a cost of $20.08 per month. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Bret Andries and Gary Luea opposed. Council directed Ms. Burton to provide more information on the BoardDocs software application and laptop proposals.
General Government: Policy
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented the revised Citizen Complaint Policy. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the policy as presented. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Jolene Niernberger expressed concerns that anonymous complaints could be investigated, in that if a situation is serious enough to warrant investigation, then the complainant needs to be disclosed. Ms. Raub noted that investigation of anonymous complaints is discretionary and would depend on the totality of the circumstances. Ms. Niernberger also inquired about the provision to allow an appeal to the Council. Ms. Raub noted the Council would be afforded the same information as the investigatory panel in order to make an informed decision. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 4-2, with Council members Gary Luea and Holly Aschenbrenner voting opposed.
Water: Policy
Council discussed a proposed resolution recalling a water warning for the City. Council stressed that watering of vegetation is still prohibited between the hours of noon and 7:00 p.m. and the waste of water is still prohibited. Residents are still encouraged to practice water conversation measures. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 530 recalling a water warning for the City. The motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Tourism: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel requested approval to appoint the following to the newly formed Tourism Committee: Holly Aschenbrenner, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Pauleen Edmonds, Guy Windholz, Swede Swenson, Chad Pritchett, David McDaniel, Travis Kohlrus, Glen Keller, and Art Honas. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the Mayor’s appointments to the Tourism Committee. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner abstaining.
Campground: Committee
Mayor McDaniel noted the City already has a Campground Committee to task with exploring the campground expansion project. Those members include Police Chief Taft Yates, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Grounds Maintenance Worker Travis Roland, Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber, Mayor David McDaniel, and Mike Grogan, At-Large.
General Government: Committee
City Clerk Amy Burton reviewed a letter from the League of Kansas Municipalities providing the City an opportunity to register a voting delegate and an alternate voting delegate to represent the City at the League’s Annual Conference in October. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to elect John Walz as the LKM voting delegate. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member John Walz abstaining. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to elect Jolene Niernberger as the LKM alternate voting delegate. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Jolene Niernberger abstaining.
Sewer: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Fiscal Sustainability Plan for the City’s wastewater treatment plant. The Plan is required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as part of the financing agreement for modifications mandated by the State. The Plan establishes rate structures, reserve funding levels, and replacement schedules for plant equipment. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to approve the Fiscal Sustainability Plan as presented. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Repair/Maintenance
Don’s Electric recently performed an emergency repair at the dog shelter. Moles chewed through the electrical wire cutting power to the shelter. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to ratify the repair to the dog shelter by Don’s Electric & Rewind in the amount of $2,850 with funds to come from the General Fund. The motion carried 6-0.
Sewer: Contract
At the last meeting, Council approved the purchase of the Gorman Rupp sewer lift station from Haynes Equipment. City Attorney Olavee Raub recommended the Council also ratify Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman’s signature on the “Terms and Conditions” part of the contract. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to ratify Mr. Scheuerman’s signature on the Haynes Equipment contract for the Gorman Rupp sewer lift station. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Council reviewed correspondence from Union Pacific Railroad regarding the drainage culvert at 10th Street & Spruce. Council will table further discussion until Mr. Scheuerman is available at the next meeting.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Activity Report for August and the September staff calendar. Officer Smith will graduate from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on September 30th.
City Clerk: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Financial Statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and Security Deposit Worksheet for February and March. The July Health Insurance Savings Report was also reviewed.
City Clerk: Training
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to approve Ms. Burton and Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber to attend the Municipal Clerk’s Academy in Wichita. The motion carried 6-0.
Ms. Burton reminded Council of the training workshop with Gina Smith on September 14th. The League’s Annual Conference is October 8th – 10th. The League will also be holding a course on Ethics and Civility on November 4th.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session to discuss property acquisition. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:23 p.m. Mayor McDaniel called for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to recess to executive session to discuss property acquisition with the City Attorney present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:33 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.

HAWVER: Eyes on Supreme Court as school funding decision looms

martin hawver line art

All eyes focus this week on the Kansas Supreme Court, which hears arguments on the school finance case that will determine whether the Legislature has adequately funded Kansas public schools.

And the two possibilities are, of course, yes or no.

If the court determines the Legislature has spent enough money on K-12 education that children from border to border have equal access to education, it’s all over except for how to split up that money among 278 school districts with widely different sizes, number of pupils, readiness and abilities of pupils.

But there aren’t many inside the Statehouse who are looking for that result, and are bracing for a decision that orders the Legislature to appropriate more money for schools. That’s where it gets painful for the 40 Senate and 125 House members, many of whom will be new to the Legislature after this November’s elections and likely still will be learning their parking space number when they get the bill.

Most around the Statehouse are looking for a demand that more money be spent.

Who picks up that bigger bill? It will be taxpayers—that’s voters—of course.

That’s where the Legislature is likely to make decisions which will determine whether any of the new members actually vest in the pension system: Who pays.

Most Kansans and those who hang around the Statehouse for a living are figuring that if the state needs more money for that adequacy of funding for public schools, it’s not going to come from a boost in the sales tax. Lawmakers two sessions ago boosted sales tax to 6.5% on everything.

That sales tax boost, which probably most Kansans didn’t loudly question unless they were car-shopping, had its biggest effect on the poor, who saw the sales tax rise on food. That was the hot button in the sales tax debate—making people who can’t afford it pay more for their family’s food.

So, don’t look for sales taxes to rise again unless it can somehow be tied to reducing the sales tax on food. That means money lost to reducing the sales tax on food is money that can’t be spent to boost school funding.

That brings us to income taxes and property taxes levied at the state level, like the 20-mill property tax for schools that is now levied against all property in the state.

For lawmakers, this might be the politically easiest choice, but for illogical reasons. While property taxes are the most hated taxes of Kansans for a variety of reasons, most folks tend to associate property taxes with local government. Not sure why, but most think that it’s the city, county, the improvement district, the drainage district that levy most of their property taxes. And they do.

But an increase in statewide property taxes levied from Topeka—that changes the picture. It becomes the state controlling property taxes, and that little mill or two levy for the park or new parking spaces for city employees tends to diminish in controversy.

Income tax? The logical choice there for lawmakers is that 330,000-person pool of Kansans who own LLCs or other corporate forms that don’t pay state income tax now and haven’t for the past few years. A popular target, but just slapping taxes on those tax-exempt folks probably won’t raise enough money for a court order that demands more than about $250 million.

So, we’re watching what the court says is adequate, now that equity has been addressed, funding for schools. Legislators, and those who want to be, are wondering how welcome they’ll be on doorsteps two years from now. Doorsteps that cost the voters behind the screen door more tax money to live in if property taxes are raised.

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com.

FHSU enlists in effort to halt texting and driving

no texting and drivingFHSU University Relations and Marketing

Tigers and friends of Fort Hays State University have the opportunity to support the university and join a statewide campaign against texting and driving by participating in a competition announced today by the Kansas Insurance Department.

Six other Kansas universities are participating in the campaign and at the same time competing with each other. Fort Hays State joins the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Pittsburg State University, Washburn University and Emporia State University in the campaign to reduce texting and driving.

The Kansas Insurance Department, insurance companies and governmental sponsors have created the “Don’t Text #Just Drive” campaign to get university students and supporters to pledge to stop texting while driving.

Supporters of each participating university will be able to take the pledge two ways: online or by text messaging. The number of pledges each school receives will be compared to its official fall 2016 enrollment to calculate a percentage. Results will be tabulated and the winner announced during university athletic contests this fall and winter.

Voting begins today and ends Nov. 22. Pledge votes can be cast by texting 50555 and choosing the Fort Hays State keyword: Tiger. Voters can also go online at www.icwkansas.att.com. More information about the campaign can also be found at www.ksinsurance.org/justdrive.

Tigers and friends will also have the opportunity to show their support for the campaign and for FHSU in the competition by taking the pledge at a table in the Memorial Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Additional activities are under consideration but have not been finalized.

“We hope students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends will participate in this initiative to help reduce the occurrence of texting and driving by submitting a pledge on behalf of FHSU,” said Lisa Karlin, director of University Relations and Marketing.

Major funding for promoting the contest comes from AT&T, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Kansas Automobile Insurance Plan, the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Allstate Insurance Company, State Farm Mutual Insurance Company, Farmers Insurance and Upland Mutual.

The pledge that each voter agrees to is this: “No text message, email, website or video is worth the risk of endangering my life or the lives of others on the road. I pledge to not text and drive and will take action to educate others about the dangers of texting while driving. No text is worth the risk. It can wait.”

The Kansas Insurance Department notes that “a national study found that three out of four people surveyed admitted to texting while driving, even though they agreed that the activity is dangerous to themselves and others.”

Elaine Ann Bittel

Elaine Ann Bittel, age 68, of Ellis, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Hays Medical Center. She was born January 5, 1948 in Hays, Kansas to Edgar and Rosemary (Buser) Bittel. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1966.

Elaine had worked as an inventory clerk at a bookstore. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. She enjoyed animals, politics, she was an avid reader and music lover especially Neil Diamond. She also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis and at Hadley Hospital in the library.

She is survived by two brothers, Stan Bittel and wife Kerry of Ellis, Kansas and Rod Bittel and wife Pat of Lawrence, Kansas; three sisters, Narbara King and husband Marvin of Ellis, Kansas, Cynthia Pfannenstiel and husband Bill of Pittsburg, Kansas and Mary Bittel and husband Mike Burdick of Chandler, Arizona. She is also survived by 9 nephews and 4 nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, September 24, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday 5 PM – 7 PM with a combined parish vigil service and rosary at 7 PM all at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or the Hays Public Library.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th in Ellis.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or email at [email protected].

Teacher sues Kansas district in dispute over due process hearing

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. (AP) — A southern Kansas teacher is suing after she was terminated without due process.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Janet Decker alleges breach of contract in a lawsuit filed last week in Sedgwick County. The suit says she was issued a notice in April that her contract with the Valley Center district wouldn’t be renewed. The Valley Center school board later voted to end Decker’s employment after an executive-session meeting with the teacher but without a due process hearing.

Decker argues that although Kansas lawmakers eliminated due process for educators in 2014, teachers who earned the right before that change are still entitled to the protection.

Superintendent Cory Gibson says district officials haven’t had a chance to review the lawsuit. It seeks reinstatement of Decker’s teaching position and back pay.

Ellis city council members may be issued laptops

ellis city logoELLIS–Ellis city council members may soon be going paperless.

During tonight’s regular meeting, the council will consider proposals for laptops and software for electronic information packets.

In other business, an update will be given about the Waterline Improvement Project by Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group. Drainage on South Walnut Street will be discussed along with improvements to sand streets.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Ellis City Hall.

The complete agenda follows.

AGENDA September 19, 2016 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS City Hall – Council Meeting Room

BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on September 6, 2016
b) Bills Ordinance #2005
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Discuss Future of Ellis Golf Club – EGC Board Representatives
b) Discuss Finish Line Lease Service Billing Issue – Dean Gottschalk
c) Update from PRIDE Committee
d) Fire Department Monthly Report – Chief Denis Vine
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Update on Waterline Improvement Project – Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group
b) Discuss Drainage on South Walnut Street
c) Consider Laptop Proposals and Application Software for Electronic Council Packets
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of Pay Estimate #3 and Authorize Mayor’s Signature on Documents for Waterline Improvement Project
b) Consider Approval of Appointments to Trades Board and Senior Advisory Committee
c) Discuss Improvements to Sand Streets
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Comparative Water Report
(2) Discuss Union Pacific Railroad Drainage Culvert at 10th Street & Spruce
(3) Correspondence on Governor’s Water Conference
(4) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Discuss Replacement of Vinyl on City Billboard
(2) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
(1) Discuss Community Forum Event
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT

HPD Activity Log Sept. 16-18

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cleland pharm hpd activity log

The Hays Police Department responded to 37 traffic stops and 17 animal calls Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 9/13
Driving Under the Influence–1200 block Ash St, Hays; 2:06 AM
Drug Offenses–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:14 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:44 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 6 AM; 6:10 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block W 11th St, Hays; 9/15 12 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:52 AM
Animal At Large–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:51 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–4200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:06 PM; 2:08 PM
Animal At Large–200 block E 28th St, Hays; 3 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:29 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:36 PM
Animal At Large–500 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:01 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:55 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:30 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 5:35 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block E 12th St, Hays; 6:23 PM
Animal At Large–500 block W 14th St, Hays; 6:27 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:46 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 9:25 PM
MV Accident /DUI–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 10:25 PM; 10:40 PM
Disturbance – Noise–800 block Ash St, Hays; 11:54 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 16 traffic stops and 6 animal calls Sat., Sept. 17, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-Hit and Run–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:56 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:13 AM; 1:15 AM
Disorderly Conduct–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:14 AM
Disturbance – General–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:31 AM
Water Use Violation–2800 block Grant Ave, Hays; 8:04 AM
Drug Offenses–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 8:54 AM; 12:39 PM
Found/Lost Property–800 block Ash St, Hays; 9:14 AM
Civil Dispute–1000 block Vine St, Hays; 9:37 AM
Found/Lost Property–3200 block Country Ln, Hays; 9:50 AM
Animal Call–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 10:35 AM
Drug Offenses–1700 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 9/15 8 AM; 9/17 11 AM
Animal Call–500 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:30 AM; 11:50 AM
Disturbance – Noise–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:30 PM; 1:40 PM
Suspicious Activity–300 block W 20th St, Hays; 3:18 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 4:44 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 9:21 AM
Animal Call–6th St and Main St, Hays; 8:30 PM
Drug Offenses–200 block W 8th St, Hays; 10:33 PM; 10:40 PM
Drug Offenses–1500 block Allen St, Hays; 11:38 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 12 traffic stops and 3 animal calls Sun., Sept. 18, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

911 Hangup Call–500 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:01 AM
Theft of Vehicle–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 12 AM; 12:05 AM
Domestic Disturbance–1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12:30 AM; 12:48 AM
Drug Offenses–100 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:09 AM
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Rape–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:30 AM; 1:21 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block Lewis Dr, Hays; 1:18 PM
Suspicious Activity–400 block Milner St, Hays; 2:28 PM
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Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:20 PM

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UPDATE: Suspect in New York Bombing From Afghanistan in custody

screen-shot-2016-09-19-at-7-57-18-amNEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on explosive devices being found in two states (all times local):

11:35 a.m.

A law enforcement official says the Afghan immigrant wanted in connection with explosions in New York City and New Jersey has been taken into custody following a shootout with police officers.

The official says two officers were shot in the encounter in Linden, New Jersey. The person wasn’t authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Authorities were looking for Ahmad Khan Rahami, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan with an address in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage says county authorities told him that the officers shot in Linden are expected to be OK. He says one was struck in a protective vest and the other in the hand.

—Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

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11 a.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says investigators have no reason to believe that there are further threats, but the public should “be on constant guard.”

Cuomo was at Manhattan’s Penn Station to thank state troopers and National Guard members for their work protecting the public during and after the New York City and New Jersey shore town bombings.

Cuomo says he spoke to President Barack Obama on Monday. He says the president also expressed appreciation for the work of first responders.

Authorities are seeking a man for questioning in both bombings.

He is 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan. His last known address was in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the FBI executed a search warrant on Monday morning.

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9:45 a.m.

Police have connected the New York City and New Jersey shore town bombings and say the same man is being sought for questioning in both.

New Jersey State Police say that information comes from the FBI.

Authorities are seeking 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan. His last known address was in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the FBI executed a search warrant on Monday morning.

An explosion in Manhattan on Saturday injured 29 people. A pipe bomb also exploded Saturday in Seaside Park ahead of the race for Marines and sailors, but no one was injured.

The apartment search began after one of five devices found at the nearby Elizabeth train station exploded while a bomb squad robot attempted to disarm it. No one was injured.

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9:05 a.m.

The White House says President Barack Obama was briefed throughout the night and early Monday on the investigation into bombs found in New York City and New Jersey.

Spokesman Josh Earnest says the White House is following the situation closely. He says Obama will comment publicly “relatively soon.”

He was expected to comment Monday afternoon after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (HY’-dahr ahl ah-BAH’-dee) on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

An explosion Saturday night in New York City injured 29 people. FBI agents are also investigating the discovery Sunday of five devices in a backpack near a New Jersey train station.

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8 a.m.

New York’s governor now says it looks like the Manhattan bombing could be an act of terrorism with a foreign connection.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the statement Monday after the New York Police Department said authorities were searching for 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami in connection with the bombing. He is a naturalized citizen from Afghanistan.

Cuomo says: “Today’s information suggests it may be foreign related, but we’ll see where it goes.”

On Sunday, Cuomo had effectively ruled out a link to international terrorism, saying there was no evidence to suggest that.

The bomb went off Saturday in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, injuring 29 people. All have been released from a hospital.

Authorities are still investigating whether that bombing is linked to explosive devices found nearby in Manhattan and in two sites in New Jersey.

8:25 a.m.

FBI agents are searching an apartment in New Jersey that is tied to a man wanted for questioning in the New York City bombing.

Ahmad Khan Rahami has lived at that address in Elizabeth, which is above a fried chicken store. The 28-year-old is a naturalized citizen from Afghanistan.

Authorities converged on the apartment early Monday after one of five devices found at the nearby Elizabeth train station exploded while a bomb squad robot attempted to disarm it.

No one was injured.

An explosion in Manhattan on Saturday injured 29 people. A pressure cooker device was also found blocks away, but it didn’t explode. Authorities were trying to determine if they were connected.

A pipe bomb also exploded Saturday in Seaside Park ahead of a charity race. No one was injured.

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7 a.m.

FBI agents and police have converged on an apartment near a New Jersey train station where one of five devices found in a backpack exploded while a bomb squad robot was attempting to disarm it.

It wasn’t immediately clear if there was a connection between the dwelling and the blast at the Elizabeth train station at around 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Authorities converged on the apartment just before 6 a.m.

Two men had reported seeing wires and a pipe coming out of a package after finding it at the train station around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

There were no reports of injuries.

New Jersey Transit trains resumed service along the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line, but there are delays.

Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor service is operating on a modified schedule.

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6 a.m.

Commuter trains are resuming service after one of five devices found in a backpack near a New Jersey train station exploded while a bomb squad robot was attempting to disarm it.

New Jersey Transit says Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains began rolling at 5:30 a.m. Monday. However passengers should expect delays. Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains, ferries and buses are honoring those rail tickets.

Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor service is operating on a modified schedule. Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage said the device exploded shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday. The FBI was working to disarm the other four devices.

There were no reports of injuries.

Two men reported seeing wires and a pipe coming out of a package after finding it near the Elizabeth train station at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

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1:30 a.m.

A New Jersey mayor says one of five devices found in a backpack near a train station has exploded while a bomb squad robot was attempting to disarm it.

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage said that the device exploded shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday. The FBI was leading the investigation and working to disarm the other four devices.

There were no reports of injuries. Bollwage said to expect more detonations.

Bollwage said two men called police and reported seeing wires and a pipe coming out of a package after finding it around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

New Jersey Transit says service has been suspended between Newark Liberty Airport and Elizabeth. New York’s emergency management department says that New Jersey-bound Amtrak trains are being held at New York Penn Station.

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1 a.m.

There has been a loud explosion in the area of the scene of a police investigation of a suspicious device found near at New Jersey train station.

Reporters for NJ.com and NBC reported the blast shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Law enforcement had been examining a device near the Elizabeth train station.

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage says two men called police and reported seeing wires and a pipe coming out of the package after finding it at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Bollwage says the Union County bomb squad’s robotic device indicated the package the men left near the train trestle could be a live bomb. He says the FBI and state police will decide how to remove the device. It wasn’t immediately known if the blast was part of a controlled explosion.

New Jersey Transit says service has been suspended between Newark Liberty Airport and Elizabeth. New York’s emergency management department says that New Jersey-bound Amtrak trains are being held at New York Penn Station.

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12:46 a.m.

Investigators are examining a suspicious device found in a trash can near a New Jersey train station, and service on the busy Northeast Corridor line has been suspended.

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage says two men called police and reported seeing wires and a pipe coming out of the package after finding it at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Bollwage says the Union County bomb squad’s robotic device indicated the package the men left near the train trestle could be a live bomb. He says the FBI and state police will decide how to remove the device.

New Jersey Transit says service has been suspended between Newark Liberty Airport and Elizabeth. New York’s emergency management department says that New Jersey-bound Amtrak trains are being held at New York Penn Station.

A message left with the FBI wasn’t immediately returned.

The discovery of the suspicious package comes a day after an explosion in Manhattan injured 29 people, and an unexploded pressure-cooker device was found four blocks away.

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