The Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk is this Friday, December 2 2016. Mike Cooper visits with Brenda Meder about the event.
Year: 2016
Ellis will seek Kan. AG’s opinion on council member-elect’s compatibility to serve
ELLIS — The Ellis City Council unanimously approved a motion last week seeking an opinion from the Kansas Attorney General regarding a newly elected council member.
Dena Patee, the top vote-getter in the November general election, was informed shortly after votes were tallied that City Attorney Olavee Raub believes Patee is “incompatible to serve” because of her position as executive director of the Ellis Alliance.
The Alliance receives annual funding from the city of Ellis. Raub conferred with the Kansas League of Municipalities on the issue.
Council member Bob Redger made the motion directing Raub to draft an inquiry to the Kansas Attorney General, a motion seconded by Gary Luea and which passed on a 6-0 vote.
With 447 votes, Patee was the top vote-getter in the Nov. 8 election, which unseated two incumbents. Incumbent Jolene Niernberger (403 votes) and newcomer Susan Eaton (351 votes) also were elected to seats on the council. Martin LeBarge, Nan Brown and incumbents Luea and John Walz were the other candidates.
Below are the unofficial minutes from the Nov. 21 meeting. Check Hays Post for more as details become available.
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DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
November 21, 2016
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 Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel requested moving the agenda item concerning information regarding the recent election to the first item under New Business.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Perry Henman, Gilbert Kinderknecht, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Glen Keller, Lyle Johnston, Charlene Weber, Nickole Byers, Susan Eaton, Mark Flax, Sandra Beisner, Dena Patee, and Dava Gaschler.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 7, 2016, Bills Ordinance #2009, and the July manual journal entries. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Perry Henman spoke in favor of the golf course and encouraged Council to consider the quality of life that golf courses and swimming pools add to a community.
Dena Patee spoke on the recent election results and questions surrounding her ability to legally serve as a council member. She does not feel her job at the Ellis Alliance creates an incompatible office.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire
Fire Chief Denis Vine reported that volunteer firemen recently installed fifty smoke detectors in residents’ homes. The Department recently was called to a residential fire with a nonworking smoke detector. Chief Vine noted that it is state law that every residence have at least one smoke detector on every story of the house. Chief Vine also reported that the Department’s air packs need to be replaced as they are nearing 25 years old. Midwest Energy recently gave a presentation to the Department on electric and gas safety.
Public Works: Violation
Mark Flax revisited his concerns with USD 388 not keeping the lot mowed north of the tennis courts. Council member Bob Redger noted the lot is brome grass to be baled. Mr. Flax countered that all other businesses are required to keep their properties mowed. City Attorney Olavee Raub encouraged Mr. Flax to file a formal complaint at the City Clerk’s office.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Street: Repair/Maintenance
City Attorney Olavee Raub discussed the drainage concerns at 21st and Walnut Streets. The property in that area is right on the border of Phase I and Phase II of the TIF project, according to the TIF map. The plat of the property was in place prior to the City’s Policy on Guidelines for Infrastructure being implemented. Under that policy, the developer and/or property owner are required to pay 100% of street construction costs, including curb and gutter, but the City pays for intersections. However, the City may pay up to 30% of the construction costs, upon application to the City and approval by the Governing Body. Ms. Raub will contact the property owner and discuss potential costs.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Committee – Council
City Attorney Olavee Raub discussed recent election results with the Governing Body. Numerous citizens have raised questions to the Clerk’s office, the Mayor, the City Attorney, and other Council members on the ability for councilmember-elect Dena Patee to hold office due to her position at the Ellis Alliance. Ms. Raub referenced conversations held with an attorney at the League of Kansas Municipalities who believes there could be an “incompatibility of office”, which states that the duties of one office in some way interferes with the duties of the other office. Any action taken by the councilmember in question could be rendered invalid; therefore, Ms. Raub would like to seek an opinion from the Attorney General to protect the City and the Council from having any future Council actions overturned. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft an inquiry to the Kansas Attorney General referencing the question of incompatibility of office regarding Councilmember-elect Dena Patee. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council reviewed recommendations from the Trades Board regarding licensing requirements for building and general contractors. The Board recommends allowing a bachelor’s degree in construction science and two years of experience in lieu of the standard requirements. Council directed Ms. Raub to draft revisions to the ordinances. Due to errors in the presented materials, Council will revisit the Board’s other recommendations at the next meeting.
Public Works: Building Code
Council discussed entering into a cooperative agreement with other small neighboring communities to cost share for building inspection services. A company based in Kansas City would assign a certified building inspector to our region and would perform inspections in town as needed. Council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to contact the City of WaKeeney to see if they would be interested in meeting with Council and this company to gather more information.
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Councilmember Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages for Love’s Travel Stops, Rich’s IGA, and Weber’s Service & Repair. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Committee
Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Bob Redger recently met with five board members of the Ellis Golf Club. The Board asked if the City would be willing to sell the land if a potential buyer requested it. The Board also expressed that regardless of who owned the course, the City would need to provide financial assistance as the outside golf course does not make money. One suggestion was for the City to run the golf course and the Board to continue to run the clubhouse. Board Representative Perry Henman stated the course loses approximately $50,000 – $60,000 per year so the Board is asking for City assistance by providing free utilities, labor for mowing, and the purchasing of equipment. The Club’s utilities average $10,000 – $15,000 per year, well below the reported shortfall. Council discussed that legally the City cannot purchase equipment for the Club and free utilities would not be fair to the other private businesses in town. City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the lease term is 99 years, ending in 2059. The lease can be assigned if the property remains a golf course. If the City sells the land, the lease can be forfeited, and the land used to the buyer’s discretion. Council discussed possible changes to the golf course in order to cut costs, including converting the grass greens to sand, changing the mowing of the fairways, and eliminating memberships.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Sanitation: Policy
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman discussed the growing problem of residents depositing leaves in the streets and gutters. City Code prohibits residents from this practice because it clogs the storm water drains. Mr. Scheuerman suggested allowing one free pickup of leaves now that the grass routes have ended. Council questioned if the leaves could be taken to the City burn pile since trees are allowed. Mr. Scheuerman will check with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and if allowed, residents could deposit their leaves at the burn pile instead of the streets.
Water Exploration: Special Project
Mr. Scheuerman presented a summary report from Ground Water Associates regarding the water quality and availability on the four potential water well sites identified for the City.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported Officer Chris Krom is now a certified Taser instructor. The final portion of the motivational seminar, this one featuring Miss Kansas 2013 Theresa Vail, was held at Ellis High School today.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented draft copies of minutes from the recent Campground and Tourism Committee meetings.
The October health insurance savings report was reviewed. The City has saved over $10,500 in premium costs from July to October.
Ms. Burton reviewed the July financial reports containing the Statement of Accounts, the monthly and third quarter Treasurer’s Report, and the Security Deposit worksheet.
The Ellis Rotary Club will host the Pancake Man on November 29th at the Knights of Columbus Hall from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub updated Council on the status of outstanding code violation issues. The properties at 1024 Washington and 1016 and 1018 Washington are making progress on remedying their violations, and there have been notices served on a property on 10th Street.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel introduced the new #ShopSmall program in Ellis. Residents are encouraged to “#ShopSmall, Where you Live Small, Ellis, Kansas”. The program is part of a national campaign to encourage residents to shop their hometown first.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
FHSU technology teams win 6 championships at regional STEM education conference
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
The 18 student competitors and three sponsors of Fort Hays State University’s Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association chapter finished first in six events at the recent International STEM Education Association regional conference in Branson, Mo.
Individual FHSU competitors took another first and three other top-three spots in two photography contests.
FHSU’s TEECA placed first in Live Manufacturing, Live Communications, Problem Solving, Teaching Lesson, Photography Challenge Original — Edited and Robotics.
The competitors in the Southwest region were: Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University, Arkansas State University and Wayne State College.
“TEECA had a magnificent showing at this year’s regional event, placing in eight of the nine competitive events and winning championships in six out of the eight competitive events,” said Eric Deneault, assistant professor of applied technology.
Deneault, Kim Stewart, chair of the Department of Applied Technology, and Randy Jordan, assistant professor, were sponsors for the team. Stewart also accepted the Mike Neden STEM Champion Award at the conference.
Results of the conference are listed by event.
Live Manufacturing
This year’s live manufacturing competition required students to design, manufacture and present a toy camera to the judges. Each team had to draft the part files as well as the jigs and fixtures used in production. Competitors had five hours from start to finish to develop the most efficient assembly line production run with the highest overall part quality. Representing FHSU on this team was Aaron Elsasser, McPherson senior; Wade Buck, Grinnell senior; Anthony Walters, Hays senior; Heather Cleveland, Gypsum senior; Dustin Braun, Clay Center senior; and Jackson Bjornstad, House Springs, Mo., senior.
Results:
1. Fort Hays State University
2. Pittsburg State University
3. Wayne State College
Live Communications
The live communications challenge was to develop a 60-second commercial, highlighting the value of STEM in education. Representing FHSU was Jack Gerstmann, Lincoln freshman; Morgan Gerstmann, Lincoln senior; Danea Buschkoeter, Campbell, Neb., sophomore; and Cleveland.
Results:
1. Fort Hays State University
2. Pittsburg State University
Problem Solving
The problem-solving challenge was to create a remote-operated drawbridge using materials provided on site. Each team was given a packet of materials: Popsicle sticks, string, pulleys, electric motors and a foam board. Representing FHSU was Brady Hutchison, Hays sophomore; Tanner Swartz, Alexander senior; Joe Raat, Plainville freshman; and M. Gerstmann.
Results:
1. Fort Hays State University
2. Wayne State College
3. Pittsburg State University
Robotics Challenge
FHSU has enjoyed success in the robotics competition even though it has only recently begun to participate, starting with a team of freshmen two years ago. Since then, FHSU has received two regional first-place awards as well as second- and third-place national awards. This year’s regional competition was to design, build and program a robot that could pick bananas from fake, low-hanging trees. FHSU swept the competition, picking 18 bananas in the finals to PSU’s three. Representing FHSU were Davin Smith, Assaria junior; Devin Thomas, Russell sophomore; Cleveland and M. Gerstmann.
Results:
1. Fort Hays State University
2. Pittsburg State University
3. Wayne State College
Teaching Lesson
The teaching lesson competition is a major part of TEECA, providing the opportunity for prospective teachers to advance their teaching skills and test their methods against their peers. This year, the teaching lessons revolved around the topic of Pythagorean theorem. Fort Hays State University won two of the top three positions.
Results:
1. Fort Hays State University (Smith)
2. Wayne State College
3. Fort Hays State University (Bjornstad)
Photography Challenge – Edited
Results:
1. Fort Hays State University (Buschkoeter)
2. Pittsburg State University
3. Fort Hays State University (Cleveland)
Photography Challenge – Original
Results:
1. Pittsburg State University
2. Fort Hays State University (Buschkoeter)
3. Fort Hays State University (Cleveland)
Transportation
The transportation challenge was to use drones to drop a payload (a ping pong ball) onto a target for points based on accuracy. This challenge required drone operation skills as well as designing a lightweight attachment that could be used to pick up the cargo. Representing FHSU was Joshua Pounds, Concordia senior; Chase Mundell, Walsh, Colo., junior; Justin Underwood, Eudora junior; and Landon Fellhoelter, Ness City junior.
Results:
1. Pittsburg State University
2. Fort Hays State University
3. Fort Hays State University
Technology Challenge
The technology challenge is a quiz-bowl style event. Representing FHSU was M. Gerstmann, Raat, Underwood, Pounds, Smith, Swartz and Hutchison.
Results:
1. Pittsburg State University
2. Pittsburg State University
3. Wayne State College
4. Fort Hays State University
FHSU students will next compete at the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association national conference in Dallas from March 16 to March 18, 2017.
Alfreda J. ‘Freda’ Broetzmann
Hays, Kansas – Alfreda J. “Freda” Broetzmann, age 78, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at her home in Hays, Kansas.
She was born September 25, 1938, in Schaffer, Kansas to Phillip and Easter (Tittel) Foos. She married Ronald E. Broetzmann on May 27, 1956, at Holyrood, Kansas.
She was a bookkeeper at the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Department in Pratt, Kansas for ten years. She grew up in Great Bend, a graduate of Great Bend High School and a member of the Presbyterian at Great Bend. She moved to Hays in 2011, she enjoyed reading, cooking, her family and spending time her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Ron Broetzmann, of the home, two daughters, Pam Blau-Erickson and husband, Ken, Russell, KS; Lori Hertel and husband, Stan, Hays, KS; three grandchildren, Joshua Blau and wife, Stacy; Chelsee Hoffman and husband, Danny and Daniel Hertel; two great grandchildren, Bailee and Landry Hoffman; and one sister, Jean Smith, Hays, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Bud Foos; one son, Ronald Craig Broetzmann; one grandson, Steven Lee Hertel and one granddaughter, Ana Hertel.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 and a graveside service will follow at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, at Mount Allen Cemetery, 27th and Vine, Hays, Kansas.
Memorials to the Dreiling-Schmidt Cancer Center or the Ellis County Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Condolence and be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or sent via e-mail to [email protected].
Hansen Foundation awards $200,000 to Kan. Wheat Commission Research Foundation
MANHATTAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, based in Logan, has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation to assist with a greenhouse expansion project at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan.
The grant will assist in the construction of a four-bay greenhouse to be used for public-private collaborative research and commercialization in wheat biotechnology. Molecular and genetic research done in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center laboratories will be conducted in the greenhouses. A more controlled environment will both enhance and accelerate results.
The 12,750 square-foot expansion will be constructed adjacent to existing greenhouses, offices and laboratories at the KWIC. The new space will include separate rooms for potting, seed processing, soil preparation and a soil room to receive and handle bulk potting. Special temperature control and grid lighting systems are also included in the project.
Additional funding for the expansion is projected to come from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Kansas Wheat Commission.
Wheat is a significant part of the economic vitality of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation service area in Northwest Kansas, and the Foundation is pleased to support a project that enhances crop development for all farmers.
Josita Pfannenstiel
Josita Pfannenstiel, 83, Hays, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
James Peteete
James Peteete, age 96, of Hays, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016 in Hays. He was born October 20, 1920 in Singleton, Texas to John Henry and Ollie (Blount) Peteete. He married Clarice Elaine Kelly on October 19, 1946 in Topeka, Kansas.
He was a veteran of the Army Air Corp where he attained the rank of Tech SGT. During his distinguished military career he was stationed in England. He was with the 8th Air Force 458th Heavy Bomb Group. During his service he was part of the first daylight bombing run over Berlin. His plane was shot down over Holland on March 6, 1944 and he was a POW for fifteen months. He received a Purple Heart and the Golden Caterpillar for his service.
James was a retired Iron worker and welder. He helped to build Silo Bases throughout Kansas and also worked on Gross Memorial Coliseum. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hays and the Hays VFW Post 9076. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting deer and raccoons, and woodworking building tables, chairs and rebuilding antique furniture. He also ran the Hays Farmers Market for over thirty years.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Clarice of Hays; five sons, James Kelly Peteete of Mankato, KS, Terry Lynn Peteete (Rama) of Kansas City, MO, John Michael Peteete (Connie) of Independence, MO, Matthew Wayne Peteete of Moundridge, KS, Sean Timothy Peteete of Hays; two daughters, Linda Elaine Maxey of Kansas City, MO and Rebecca Sue Herrman (Curt) of Manhattan, KS, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Patrick Leroy Peteete and a sister, Evelyn.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday, December 2, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Hays. Burial will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday 4 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s- Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].
Frost Fest weekend events at the Hays Public Library
HPL
If you’re looking for more than just a parade on Frost Fest weekend, head to the Hays Pubic Library. The library will be hosting a variety of programs for all ages on Dec. 3 and 4.
Volga German Christmas Market – At 11 AM on Dec. 3, the library will be hosting a Volga German Christmas Market for all ages. There will be crafts inspired by German and Volga German Christmas traditions, delicious Volga German food and plenty of history. Make sure you stop by for some cultural fun!
Sean Conroy Book Signing – Sean Conroy is a local physician assistant and now he’s an author too! At 2 PM on Dec. 3, the library is hosting a book signing for Conroy’s new book Through the Eyes of a Young Physician Assistant. This book features real-life stories from the medical field. Stop by to chat and get a signed copy of the book.
Lunch with Santa – Santa Claus is coming to Hays and he’s stopping by the Hays Public Library to have lunch with some very good little boys and girls! Lunch with Santa will take place at 12 PM on Dec. 4. The meal is free but tickets are required. You can pick up your tickets in the Children’s Department. There will be stroller parking available in the library.
Free Hot Chocolate – If you’re headed to the Bricks for the Frost Fest Parade on Dec. 4, make sure you stop by the library for some free hot chocolate at 5 PM! The library will be serving hot chocolate until the parade begins at 6 PM.
For more information about these and other programs and events, call 785.625.9014 or visit www.hayspublib.org.
Online wreath auction will raise money for Russell after-school programs
RUSSELL — Seventeen wreaths are on display at Waudby’s Sports Bar & Grill in Russell as part of a fundraising auction by Post Rock Family Services. All money raised goes to after-school programs.
The online wreath auction ends Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. To bid, visit the group’s Facebook page, click on a specific wreath and comment under that wreath with the amount of the bid. All bidding starts at $30 and must be made on Facebook.
Winners will be contacted Dec. 8 to arrange pickup that night.
CLINKSCALES: Becoming a patriarch
I have two friends from my college days that come up to Kansas from Texas to go hunting with me after Thanksgiving. I am writing this article on Thanksgiving morning.
I have joined a club with my two friends that I hoped that I would not be joining for a long time. I have become the patriarch of my family.
Both my friends (Lane and Russell), have lost their parents over the last few years. Lane’s mother passed away quite a few years ago, and then his father died over a short period of time, after developing cancer. Russell’s story is similar.
This past year, I lost both my father and my stepfather (my mother passed away in 2001).
One of the things that we all had in common was that as our parents grew older, we all had some type of plan in place to help them through that transition. I was so thankful that I was able to assist both my father and my stepfather in some difficult decisions, both for my sake, their sake and the sake of other family members.
Sometimes in our second half of life, we are cognizant that we do need to do planning for ourselves. However, sometimes we need to be as equally aware that we need to encourage others to make plans for themselves.
When my father got sick in January, I discovered there was a real lack of appropriate documentation – lack of a living will, outdated healthcare powers of attorney, and the like. Luckily for us, my father rebounded for a period of time, and that allowed us to wrap up the essential documents.
My father returned home and, in fact, went back to work. I know that he felt a lot better about having a plan in place.
A few years ago, I did my stepfather’s estate plan. When he got sick in December and January, he and I reviewed everything, fine tuning some important elements that would have an immediate and long lasting effect on his family.
As a “patriarch”, or as a patriarch in the making, please be sure that your parents have some type of plan in place. Please be sure it stays current. Check to see how accounts are titled, if there are beneficiary designations, and that insurance policies are being paid. Make sure that your parents’ intent is properly reflected. Talk about end of life decisions, financial goals and make sure agents are clearly stated. It could save a lot of heartache, as well as money.
It is not uncommon in my office for some 60 or 70 year-old “child” to come in, and suddenly they are a caregiver for their parents. We discover that the necessary documents are not in place, and may even require them to go to court to get a guardian and/or conservatorship—a step that could cost thousands of dollars, as well as delays and unnecessary restrictions.
Similarly, I have had situations where a fairly young person comes into my office whose spouse has been suddenly incapacitated. We discover that no planning had ever been put into place.
The most heartbreaking situation is when a parent comes in, and they have an adult child where nothing has been done. We are faced with some end of life decision making, or even significant health issues. Without the proper documentation, they cannot make decisions for their child, nor do they “know” what their child wants.
As the head of your family, I hope that you will encourage all of your family members, whether they are your parents, your children, or your spouse, to get some type of plan in place.
As Lane and Russell drive to Hays the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it will be the first time that we will be hunting together as three orphans!
Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To contact him, please send an email to [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.
Teen jailed on $1.5M bond for Kansas shooting death
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old man in a Kansas City, Kansas, shooting death.
Efrain Gonzalez, of Kansas City, Missouri, was charged Tuesday in Wyandotte County with first-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Louis Scherzer, of Kansas City, Kansas. He was found early Sunday on a sidewalk and taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Gonzalez is jailed on $1.5 million bond.
A Volga German Christmas at Ellis Co. Historical Society
The Ellis County Historical Society will celebrate Christmas in the tradition of the Volga Germans this year during an Christmas Open House on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
There will be free horse-drawn carriage rides — call (785) 628-2624 for your reservation — crafts for all ages and Volga German refreshments. The evening’s entertainment lineup consists of Crossroads Choir, Prairie Timbre, Wayne & Tammy Lang, Ellis Honor Choir, the FHSU String Quartet, and Randy Mader and Bill Wyse. The society will also be opening four new exhibits: A Volga German Christmas; Leora Stroup: Nursing Pioneer; Diseases and Cures of the Past; and The Musical History of Ellis County.
There will be unique gift opportunities, and a chance to buy tickets to win a beautiful, limited edition print of Chuck Poulsen Outfitter by the artist M.C. Poulsen. Raffle tickets are $5 each. Poulsen is a well-respected contemporary western artist. Prints of similar size and date can be purchased for approximately $1,000. In the gift shop, there will be Christmas items from both German and Russian traditions. The society will bring in Christmas-themed Matryoshka dolls for the occasion, as well as exquisite Christmas tree decorations and the most popular books that relate the story of the area’s Volga German immigrants.
Portion of Oak and 22nd intersection closed for waterline improvements
CITY OF HAYS
Beginning Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the intersection at 21st & Oak will be reopened to traffic while the Oak & 22nd eastbound intersection will be closed. The intersection will be closed for an estimated two weeks.
Oak Street will be closed during working hours with restricted traffic in the evening hours. The Oak Street Waterline Improvements from 20th to 26th Street project is scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2017 pending weather conditions.
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and if at all possible, avoid these areas.
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Planning, Inspection, and Enforcement Division at (785) 628-7310 or the contractor, J-Corp, at (785) 628-8101.