The Petersens are an award-winning bluegrass band in their eighth season of shows at the Little Opry Theatre in the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex. In 2015, the band received international attention when banjo player, Ellen Petersen, competed in the singing reality TV show, “American Idol,” and placed in the top 48. The family has toured throughout the United States, Canada, and recently completed their second international tour to Ireland in July. Audiences will be entertained as the band performs bluegrass standards, gospel favorites, and are sure to laugh at the sibling humor on stage.

The Petersens are bringing their act to Hays on Friday, June 22, at the 12th Street Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Click HERE for ticket details or call (785) 628-0467. This event is brought to you by Chapman-based BDS Productions and Eagle Communications.

USACE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Water is one of the premier destinations for Memorial Day weekend and with that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes see a huge spike in visitation. Before heading out on or near the water this holiday weekend, we encourage visitors to expect the unexpected and think about these four safety tips this Memorial Day weekend.

•    Life jackets save lives.
o Nearly 90% of people who drown at Corps lakes are not wearing life jackets.
o 85% of all boating-related fatalities were not wearing a life jacket.
o Life jackets help conserve energy and provide floatation.

•    Expect the unexpected.
o Conditions can change quickly in open water.
o Most people who drown never intended to be in the water.
o Plan for the known and the unknown.

•    Know your ability.
o Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool.
o Make sure the size of your vessel is appropriate for the body of water and current or future weather conditions.
o Double check your boat capacity and don’t overload your vessel.

•    Make sure your boat is prepared.
o Check to make sure all of the state required safety items are on board and recheck that they work.
o Ensure there are enough life jackets for everyone onboard and make sure that they function and fit each person.
o Check your engine, ventilation, backfire flame arrestor, electrical systems and trailer before you go. Take advantage of free vessel safety checks offered in your area by boating-related agencies.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation with 90 percent of these recreation areas within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, the Corps provides a diverse range of outdoor activities close to home and to people of all ages. We value the safety of our visitors and want each and every individual to have a safe and enjoyable experience this holiday weekend.

For more information on water safety visit pleasewearit.com .

Fort Hays State University is currently accepting applications for the position of University Police Officer. Review of applications will begin after the priority deadline of 06/11/2018. For a full description and a list of requirements go to https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, no felony convictions, no convictions for domestic violence, and must maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license.

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Tue., May 22, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–100 block E 19th St, Hays; 8:31 AM
Dead Animal Call–3300 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:44 AM
Animal At Large–400 block W 13th St, Hays; 10:02 AM
Harassment (All Other)–1200 block Milner St, Hays; 11:44 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 5/20 9:30 PM; 5/22 11:52 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:09 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:38 PM
Criminal Transport–300 block N 9th St, Garden City; 3:59 PM
Stalking–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3/1 11 PM; 5/22 5:37 PM
Burglary/residence–500 block E 17th St, Hays; 7:56 PM

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission voted Monday to move forward with spending funds, previously set aside for economic development, to look at improving the business corridor north of Interstate 70.

County Administrator Phillips Smith-Hanes said the county had previously looked into improving the infrastructure on 230th Avenue in the area of Fairground Road and Feedlot Road but a decline in oil prices halted the project.

Now that the oil prices have rebounded, the county is again looking at making improvements to the area.

“We’ve had a lot of development up in that area,” Smith-Hanes said. “With Midwest Energy, Celebration Community Church, Hess Services, Pertl Ranch Feeders and other businesses and so we have been investigation transportation improvements in that area for more than five years.”

All three commissioners offered support for the move.

“We all know how much this needs to get worked on,” said Commissioner Barb Wasinger. “This is perfect.”

On Monday, the county commission voted to $23,775 to hire support personnel to begin gathering project information. That includes hiring an engineer to get updated cost estimates a consultant to work with KDOT. Smith-Hanes said the county also could hire bond counsel to work on county funding options.

The commission has previously set aside approximately $48,000 for the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development. Because the group has elected not to receive public funding, the commission has been looking at areas to dedicate the funds.

In other business, the commission approved staffing changes within the treasurer’s office presented by County Treasurer Lisa Schlegel.

The changes include revising the job description and pay grade for the accounting manager and tax administrator positions. The change also adopts a job description for the new classification of treasury operations manager and reclassifies the position currently held by Casey Hammond into that position.

Schlegel said the changes will save the county about $3,200 per year in salary.