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Month: April 2018

Insurance costs going up for the city of Ellis

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ELLIS –  After several years of stable premiums, the cost for commercial insurance for the city of Ellis is going up.

City council members unanimously approved an EMC insurance contract with the Romme Agency during their Monday meeting. Darrell Romme told the council the increase for 2018 is about 4%. Coverage cost for the city is $112,777.

In other business, Mayor David McDaniel reported the real estate sales agreements for the Water Exploration Project have been drafted and will be presented to the land owners when finalized.

The complete April 2 meeting minutes follow.

 

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING 

Minutes

April 2, 2018

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger.  Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Darrell Romme, Annette Ellis, Mark Ellis, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Gary Luea, and Nickole Byers.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on March 19, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2042.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)

None

SPECIAL ORDER

General Government: Insurance

Darrell Romme, Romme Agency, Inc., presented the 2018 City commercial insurance package.  Premiums increased approximately 4%, after remaining stable the last several years.  City staff has proposed several adjustments to the policy, and a premium adjustment will be made once the revisions are processed.  Council member Bob Redger made a motion to approve the EMC Insurance package from Romme Agency, Inc. in the amount of $112,777, and to authorize the Mayor to sign the Terrorism Rejection form.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Special Project

Mayor David McDaniel and Police Chief Taft Yates presented information regarding the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and their upcoming Bowl for Kid’s Sake fundraiser on May 2nd.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

General Government: Violations

Annette Ellis, representative for the property at 210 E. 11th Street, reported that all twenty-five cited compliance violations have been addressed.  Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will review the property and sign off on the violation notice.

General Government: City Code

Council reviewed the amended ordinance regarding weed definitions.  Subsection (d) has added “or grasses” to the definition of an area that harbors rodents and other menaces.  Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1428 amending weed definitions, as presented.  The motion carried 6-0.

General Government: City Code

Council then reviewed an amended ordinance adding verbiage that the Fire Chief has discretion in declaring a fire menace, and replacing the term “city manager” with “mayor” as the official who appoints the public officer charged with enforcement of the ordinance.  Council member Dena Patee moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1429 amending Code Section 8-403.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Contract – Land Sale

City Attorney Olavee Raub presented the real estate sales agreement with the Ellis Golf Club for 1.67 acres of land at the golf course.  The Golf Club has already approved and signed the agreement.  Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to authorize Mayor David McDaniel to sign the Real Estate Sales Agreement with the Ellis Golf Club in the amount of $1,500.  The motion carried 6-0.

Water Exploration: Contracts

Mayor David McDaniel reported that the real estate sales agreements for the Water Exploration Project have been drafted and will be presented to the land owners when finalized.

NEW BUSINESS

Capital Improvement: Special Project

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented cost estimates for improvements to Washington Street from 3rd Street south to the bridge.  The County plans to recycle the two center lanes of this stretch of Washington Street; therefore, it would be an opportune time to perform the same work on the parking lanes.  The County estimates the City’s cost at $24,007.28 plus approximately $3,000.00 for seal work later this fall.  The County Commissioners have not yet approved this project; therefore, Council decided to table consideration until the County’s plans are finalized.

Capital Improvement: Special Project

Council member Bob Redger inquired of adding sidewalks on Monroe Street from 14th Street – 15th Street.  He was approached by a School Board member who expressed concerns of children walking between the high school and elementary school.  The area is fairly sloped and Council believes drainage could be an issue if the area was leveled and sidewalks were added.  Mr. Scheuerman will review the area and continue discussion at a future Council meeting.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Council reviewed documents illustrating current water well levels and the change in the City-wide daily water use once the large 11th Street water main break was repaired.

The Department of Health and Environment has issued a report that the City’s burn site is currently in compliance with the Kansas Open Burning Regulations.

Recently, the City performed dirt work at Ellis High School to help with drainage.  Mr. Scheuerman estimated the City’s cost of labor, materials, and machine use at $4,477.

Public Works: Acquisition

Mr. Scheuerman reported that Flatlander Dirtworks is in the process of crushing the stockpile of concrete and millings accumulated from the Street Improvement Project.   Council discussed possible locations where the City could stockpile raw materials in the future.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to ratify approval of Flatlander Dirtworks crushing the street materials at a cost not to exceed $30,000, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement-Streets, Campground, and General-Cemetery funds.  The motion carried 6-0.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for March and the April staff calendar.  There will be an active shooter presentation at the Good Samaritan Center on April 18th.  Chief Yates invited governing body members to attend the DARE graduation in May.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton reviewed the minutes from the recent Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.

General Government: Accounting

The School District has requested reimbursement for the City’s usage on their outlet at the Water Tower.  The City apparently has plugged in a space heater into the District’s outlet during the winter months.  The District is requesting reimbursement in the amount of $628.94, which encompasses the City’s usage from January 2014 – February 2018.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner stated the statute of limitations for utility billing errors is 24 months.  Therefore, Council member Dena Patee moved and Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve reimbursement to USD 388 in the amount of $198.28, which represents the last 24 months of usage.  City Attorney Olavee Raub will prepare a letter explaining the calculation of the reimbursement.  The motion carried 6-0.

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub reported she is currently working with the Fireman’s Relief Association to update their bylaws.

Mayor Update and Announcements

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner updated Council on the Community Block Party to be held June 9th.

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session at the request of City Clerk Amy Burton.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 10-minutes to discuss staff in the City Clerk’s office pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Clerk Amy Burton present.  The open meeting will resume at 8:56 p.m.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.  No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried 6-0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

 

 

Ruby Lou Eickbush

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Ruby Lou Eickbush, 89, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 10:48 a.m., Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 suddenly, at McPherson Hospital.

Ruby was born in Braman, Oklahoma on August 12, 1928, a daughter of Celesta Etta (Jameson) and Norris Edward Tickel.

Ruby attended elementary schools in Braman, Oklahoma and graduated from Hays High School, Hays, Kansas. She then attended Fort Hays State Teachers College, Hays, Kansas.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church McPherson, Kansas where she served her church in several capacities through the years.

Ruby was a homemaker and she took great pride in providing for her family in this manner. She also was a partner along with her husband Robert owning and operating Green’s and Armstrong’s Furniture Stores both of McPherson. They liked to give and do things for the community in which they considered their back yard. They put a bridge in Lakeside Park and donated two black swans which were named Bob and Ruby, and finished by adding a courtyard and fountain in which they named it Swan Court. They also donated a baseball field when Wall Park was developed. As a memorial to Robert, the family donated the Gallery of Honor Recognition Room at McPherson Hospital and was dedicated on October 20, 1986. This memorial is a reflection of Robert’s lifelong desire to enhance the quality of life in the McPherson community. She and her son Bob were currently partners in Eickbush Production Company.

Ruby was a member of AY Chapter P.E.O., McPherson Scottish Society, served on McPherson Art’s Council Board, Oriental Chapter #580 of Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, McPherson Hospital Auxiliary and Elk’s Lodge #502 B .P.O.E., McPherson. Ruby enjoyed bowling, playing bridge and other card games, dancing, fishing, exercise class at the Senior Center and volunteering in her neighborhood collecting donations for numerous causes.

Ruby Lou Tickel was united in marriage to Robert Warren Eickbush on June 6, 1948 at Hays, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of three children, 2 daughters and one son, Linda Jean, Judith Ann, and Robert Douglas.

She is survived by her children, Linda Flores and husband Lazaro, of Lincoln, Nebraska, Judith “Judy” Wilkes and husband Mark, of Wichita, Kansas, and Robert “Bobby” Eickbush and wife Deborah “Debbi”, of McPherson, Kansas; her 4 grandchildren, Lyne’ McBride (Stacey), Robert M. Eickbush (Nicole) Layne T. Eickbush (Kim), and Taylor M. Wilkes; her 8 great-grandchildren, Troy McBride, Joel McBride, Alexis McBride, Courtney Eickbush, Conor Eickbush, N’Dya Collins, A’Nya Collins, and S’Mya Collins; other relatives and a host of friends.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert Eickbush; her sister, Betty Jean Guy, and granddaughter Amanda R. Wilkes.

Visitation will be held on Sunday April 8, 2018 from 3 to 5 p.m., at Glidden – Ediger Chapel, McPherson.

The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, McPherson, Kansas, at 10:30 on Monday, April 9th, 2018 with Reverend Karen Rice-Ratzalff officiating.

Final resting place will be at the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or Chapter AY P.E.O. and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

Fire crews battle fire near Pfeifer Thursday

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Ellis County fire crews assisted Rush County crews with a fire near Pfeifer on Thursday in Rush County.

According to Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Darin Myers, the fire was approximately 2 to 3 miles southwest of Pfeifer.

Myers said the original fire was a controlled burn that reignited and spread. Crews from Victoria, Schoenchen and Hays were on scene for about three hours.

“I would like to remind residents of Ellis County that the unincorporated areas of Ellis County are still in a burn ban,” Myers said,

HPD Activity Log April 4 & 5

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The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Wed., April 4, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block E 27th St, Hays; 8:05 AM
Found/Lost Property–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 9:25 AM
Theft (general)–100 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 4/3 4 PM; 4/4 5:30 AM
Animal At Large–13th and Ash St, Hays; 10:05 AM
Animal At Large–400 block E 21st St, Hays; 10:23 AM
Civil Dispute–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 1:01 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1000 block E 29th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
Welfare Check–100 block E 5th St, Hays; 2:16 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 4:10 PM
Animal Call–1300 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 4:20 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–22nd St, Hays; 5:53 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–100 block E 19th St, Hays; 5:45 PM; 6 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 8 AM; 7:15 PM
Civil Dispute–13th St, Hays; 7:40 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:40 PM
Battery – Domestic–100 block W 18th St, Hays; 11:13 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1200 block E 31st St, Hays; 11:37 PM
Civil Dispute–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:35 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 11:43 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 22 traffic stops Thu., April 5, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Domestic Disturbance–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 2:35 AM
Animal At Large–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 8:31 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–3700 block Hall St, Hays; 9:31 AM
Unattended Death–2900 block Sternberg Dr., Hays; 10 AM; 10:23 AM
Theft of Services–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 4/4 10 PM; 4/5 12 PM
Stalking–2000 block MacCarther Rd, Hays; 12:12 PM
Civil Dispute–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 1:51 PM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 4 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:13 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2100 block Vine St, Hays; 4:27 PM; 5:09 PM
Animal Call–2900 block 2915 Cottonwood Ln, Hays; 5:08 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block E 30th St, Hays; 7:02 PM
Civil Dispute–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:16 PM

Albinus F. ‘Al’ Hertel

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Albinus F. “Al” Hertel, 87, Hays, died Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne, Kansas.

He was born February 17, 1931 in Munjor, Kansas the son of Peter A. and Amelia (Sander) Hertel. He was raised on the family farm east of Munjor and he and his brothers farmed the land with their father. On November 6, 1950 he was united in marriage to Lucy C. Lietz at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. They celebrated over 65 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on April 30, 2016.

Al not only worked on the family farm, he also worked several years in the summer months on a ranch near Chester, Montana. Later, he moved to Great Bend, Kansas working as a dozer operator for Wilkerson Tractor Co. As time went on, Al and Lucy moved their young family to Hays where Al worked for Rupp Motor Co. and the Farmers Co-op. He worked there at the time Interstate 70 was being built and the work crews brought tires in for repair by the truckloads. He was a master mechanic at Montgomery Ward Auto Center. During this period, he worked evenings with his vacuum truck that he put together in 1960, creating Al Hertel Pit Cleaning. He operated Al’s DX Service Station at 13th and Vine in the 1970’s, where his customer friendships grew and grew.

In the late 70’s, Al added several vacuum trucks to his fleet and Hertel Tank Service was created. He was very proud of his equipment and that his sons could work by his side. The Tank Service continues today with the 3rd generation. While his trucks were being used in the oil field and industrial applications, Al created Hertel Oil Company in 1983. Through all this time, Al continued to farm and established JMA Farms in 1987. He loved the land and loved being diversified. He shared his kindness and his own blessings, always buying people meals, helping out stranded friends, and contributing time, talent, and treasure to the local catholic churches.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6984.

Survivors include three sons; David and wife Virginia of Arvada, CO, Michael and wife Lori and John and wife Laura, all of Hays, a daughter; Kathy and husband Patrick Thrash of Eastvale, CA, three sisters-in-law: Pat Lietz of Wichita, Aletha Hertel of Hays, and Anna Lessor of Great Bend, eight grandchildren; Christina Hertel and Stacy Kadota of Arvada, Lisa Hertel and Heath Ritchie of Westminster, CO, Michelle and Mike Schlyer of Hays, Craig and Mallory Hertel of Hays, Brett Hertel and Tara Hertel of Hays, Marc and Katy Hertel of Russell, Jill and Jake Schlegel of Shawnee, eight great grandchildren; Spencer and Caden Hertel-Kadota of Arvada, CO, Jenna and Paige Schlyer, Sophie and Mya Hertel, all of Hays, and Mary-Kate Hertel and Reese Owens, both of Russell.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lucy, his parents, and four brothers, William and wife Regina, Clarence and wife Helen, Elmer, and Virgil Hertel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 8:30 am until 9:15 on Saturday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, both on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to St. Nicholas of Myra Church Renovation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

TMP sets evacuation drill for Friday, O’Loughlin to lockdown

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Just after 9 a.m. Friday, Thomas More Prep-Marian will have a lockdown drill.

The school has had lockdown drills every semester for the last several years. This drill was scheduled before the mass shooting at a high school in Florida in February.

TMP Principal Chad Meitner said the school did add an evacuation drill to this spring’s drill. Because of weather conditions, the outside portion of the drill has been canceled, TMP announced Thursday afternoon..

Mietner said local police officers will be on campus during the drill, so they can give feedback on the procedure.

O’Loughlin Elementary School will also do a lockdown drill at the same time as the TMP drill. Because of its proximity to the TMP, O’Loughlin would lock down if there was an active-shooter or other incident at TMP.

Both exterior and interior doors at the school will be locked for about a half hour. Teachers and staff will be asked not to move about the building, and teachers will practice barricading interior doors.

O’Loughlin also had a lockdown drill in the fall. Principal Vicki Gile said the drills help children and teachers prepare for a possible emergency. She said O’Loughlin will also do an evacuation drill at some point.

TMP and Holy Family have been participating in meetings with USD 489 as they meet with law enforcement officials to create and refine their crisis plans.

Both schools have sent notifications to parents about the drills, but the public should not be alarmed if they see law enforcement at TMP or students outside TMP on Friday morning.

Hays Larks Kickoff Dinner is Sunday

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SUBMITTED

The Hays Larks Kickoff Dinner will be Sunday, April 8, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hays Middle School cafeteria, 201 W. 29th St.

Ticket costs:

$10 for ages 12 and over
$5 for ages 6-11
Ages 5 and under free

Menu:

Roast Beef
Mashed Potatoes/Gravy
Chicken and Noodles
Green Beans
Corn
Pickle
Roll
Cookies for Dessert
Iced Tea, Water or Coffee

Tickets are available at the door or call 785-656-2067.

Kan. bill barring guns from domestic abusers goes to governor

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill that would bar people convicted of domestic violence from owning guns is on its way to Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer.

The bill, approved 113-6 in the House on Thursday, also would make it illegal for people subject to protection from stalking and abuse orders, fugitives from justice and people in the country illegally to own or possess firearms.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, which advocates for tougher gun laws, had lobbied for the bill, which also had support from law enforcement groups.

Federal law already prohibits domestic abusers from possessing firearms for five years following conviction. The Kansas bill allows state prosecution of offenders. Supporters say that’s important because federal prosecutors rarely take up the cases.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 4/6/18

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khaz cheesy joke logo 20110802Whining Golfer

A man loved to play golf. One Saturday, he returned home from a
scheduled golf game much earlier than his wife expected. She asked him
why he was home so early.

“Would you want to play golf with someone who whines about every shot,
complains about everything on the course, and makes noises when you’re
trying to make an important shot?” he asked.

“No, I wouldn’t,” answered his wife.

“Well neither did they.”

 

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

 

 

 

Riazi ranked No. 1 on international problem-solving website

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Dr. Mohammad Riazi-Kermani

FHSU University Relations

Dr. Mohammad Riazi-Kermani was ranked No. 1 in the world for the week of March 12 in the Mathematics Stack Exchange, a question and answer problem-solving website that has over 500,000 members studying math at any level and professionals in related fields.

He is currently ranked ninth for the entire year to date, placing him in the top .05 percent of users for 2018.

Riazi-Kermani began solving mathematical problems in the areas of calculus, real analysis and linear algebra for the exchange in December 2017 and has earned 12,378 points for posting nearly 1,000 solutions. Points are earned by submitting correct solutions to problems and receiving votes from other users.

“I started on Mathematics Stack Exchange because of my question regarding the possibility of constructing a fractal with a given fractal dimension,” said Riazi-Kermani. “I received many good comments from mathematicians all over the world. That opened the door to my interest in the site.”

A fractal is a curve or geometric figure containing individual parts that have the same statistical characters as the whole.

In addition to his points and No. 1 ranking, Riazi-Kermani has earned three gold, 10 silver and 35 bronze badges for his Stack Exchange work. His solutions have received many positive votes from other users.

“The community of Mathematics Stack Exchange continuously proposes problems from the undergraduate to post-doctoral level. Solutions start coming in right after a problem is posted,” said Riazi-Kermani.

“I like problem-solving, proposing, publishing, reviewing and editing problems. It’s an honor to stay in the top percent of users with other scholars from around the world,” he said.

🎥 City commission supports option to buy land near I-70

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The city of Hays has been offered an option to buy 93 acres of land at 27th and Commerce Parkway north of I-70.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners are supporting an option for the city to purchase a 91-acre tract of property near Interstate 70.

The land is located in the northeast corner of the 27th Street and Commerce Parkway intersection at the east I-70 Exit 161. Total cost of the property is $800,000.

The exclusive irrevocable 18-month option cost is $50,000 and has been secured by a $15,000 payment to the land owner, City Manager Toby Dougherty told commissioners Thursday night. The remaining $35,000 would be prorated over the 18 months, with the option money paid from the Commission Capital Reserve fund.

“I think a lot of conversation needs to be had around it,” said Commissioner Sandy Jacobs, “but from my perspective it’s all pretty positive. There’s some really good possibilities, not only for that property, but enhance all the work we’ve done and the money we spent on Commerce Parkway.”

Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller pointed out “the connection of Commerce Parkway to Vine Street.” It also helps the city “develop this land parcel and the work we’re doing on 41st Street, bringing these two together,” Schwaller added.

“We’d really like to see more growth in Hays, and not just in retail,” Schwaller continued. “We know because we are landlocked to the west and to the south, that the best path for growth is both north and east.”

Schwaller called the land parcel “affordable” and noted the city already has some infrastructure to Commerce Parkway on the south side of the interchange. “I’m very optimistic this is an excellent ace for us to hold and use in case we have something come back from Retail Strategies and we can move very quickly.”

Last month city commissioners approved a year-to-year contract with Retail Strategies of Birmingham, Alabama, to conduct a retail gap analysis and then recruit new businesses.

The city would have the choice of extending infrastructure and marketing the property, or to work with a developer for the property.

“The timing is very good with Retail Strategies,” agreed Jacobs. She also talked about the city of Salina with four exits off I-35, and “once you’re off you’re moving through the city. I don’t see why that can’t happen in our community as well.”

The recent property transaction further south on Canterbury Drive and the request to change its zoning from Agriculture to Light Industrial also bodes well, according to Schwaller. “Someone would not buy that piece of property and make that commitment unless they intended to build.”

“This option gives us time to see what happens there with the private development and could be a catalyst for that area. I’m very excited about it,” Schwaller said.

Commissioner Shaun Musil said the possibility to develop another I-70 exit in Hays “could be the greatest start to the future for us.” He said the residents he’s talked to “were extremely excited about what could happen.”

Commissioners will vote on the land purchase option at their April 12 regular meeting.

Commissioner Chris Dinkel was absent from Thursday’s work session.

Girl Scouts honors volunteers from northwest Kansas

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Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

WICHITA – Thirty northwest Kansas residents will be recognized at the annual meeting and recognition breakfast on April 7 with special awards from Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland for their extraordinary service as volunteers.

Every day, Girl Scout volunteers are helping girls blossom into their true potential by providing the environment they need to pursue the interests, causes, and leadership roles that matter most to them. Our dedicated volunteers ensure girls are standing up, standing out, and standing tall in every aspect of their lives in a girl-led and girl-only environment. We are proud to take time each year at our Annual Meeting and Recognition Breakfast to honor these community champions.

“Our volunteers dedicate their time and talents to empowering girls to take the lead and make a difference in their communities,” said Liz Workman, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. “They are key to our mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.”

Northwest Kansas residents who received awards from Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland include:

Appreciation Pin – For excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout mission to one or more geographic areas
Darla Wynn of Goodland, Leader of Troop 10149
Gina Bohme of Atwood, Treasurer of Service Unit 101
Heather Ross of Russell, Leader of Troop 20714
Jackie Norman of Colby, Leader of Troop 10181 and Manager of Service Unit 101
Jessica Albers of Hays, Leader of Troop 11203
Katrina Davis of Goodland, Leader of Troop 10149
Lori Amthor of Goodland, Leader of Troop 10159
Tracy Martinez of Larned, Leader of Troop 50211
Sean Davis of Goodland, Leader of Troops 10150, 10149, 10131, and Product Sales Organizer of Service Unit 102

Honor Pin – For exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had a measureable impact on two or more geographic areas
Rosa Colby of Goodland, Treasurer of Service Unit 102
Tammy Mitchell of Russell, Volunteer of Service Unit 112

Thanks Badge – For having a measureable impact on meeting the priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout movement
Julie Davis of Hill City, Leader of Troops 10557, 10028, 10136, 10075, 10011, 10019, 10545, 10504, 10515, 10560 and 10561, Manager of Service Unit 105 and Product Sales Organizer of Service Unit 104
Larissa Graham of Great Bend, Manager and Product Sales Organizer of Service Unit 111
Primrose Hockersmith of Victoria, Leader of Troop 10240

Volunteer of Excellence Award – For outstanding service working with girls or supporting the council’s mission
Ann Mayo of La Crosse, Leader and Product Sales Organizer of Troop 11195
Cathy Claussen of St. John, Leader of Troop 50129
Crystal Zink of Claflin, Leader of Troop 20725
Debbie Weishaar of Phillipsburg, Leader of Troop 10034
Heather Gillespie of Goodland, Leader of Troop 10163
Jill Nickols of Colby, Leader of Troop 10079
Karen Wilson of Hays, Leader of Troop 11266 and Manager of Service Unit 112
Kayla Jones of Larned, Leader of Troop 11194
Laura McClung of Goodland, Leader of Troop 10159
Margaret Woodward of Victoria, Leader of Troop 11203
Nicole Polley of Oakley, Leader of Troop 10111
Sadie Keith of Otis, Leader of Troop 11128
Samantha Butler of Hays, Leader of Troop 10095
Tonya Dechant of WaKeeney, Leader of Troop 10202
Vicky Chessmore of Atwood, Leader of Troop 10171
Virginia Axman of Olmitz, Leader of Troop 11126

To become a Girl Scout volunteer and make a difference in the lives of local girls, go to kansasgirlscouts.org or call (888) 686-6468 for more information.

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