Please be advised that beginning Tuesday, August 6, 2019, seal coating will begin on various street throughout the city of Hays. See the map below for street locations. Door to door notification will be made the day prior to street closure.
Seal coat is spray applied in two coats with a dry time of 2 to 3 hours per pass, so the streets being sealed will be temporarily closed during this time.
On the date scheduled for treatment, all cars need to be moved from the street by 8:00 a.m. Streets being sealed will be closed from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Access can be achieved in cases of emergency. Parking on adjacent streets is recommended during the daytime. Parking in driveways is okay if you DO NOT plan on moving the vehicle between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The seal coat treatment should not be driven on until it has set up (dried). It will stain surfaces such as concrete, carpet, or flooring if tracked from construction areas.
Please have all lawn watering devices turned off the evening before the scheduled date. Please help keep the streets clean and dry for a smooth and lasting project.
Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed and picked up by the end of the work day. This project is scheduled to be completed within two weeks (pending weather conditions).
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Office of Project Management at 628-7350 or the contractor, Circle C Paving at 316-570-4652.
Lyle Merlin Baker, 86, Hays, Kansas, passed away August 2, 2019, at Hays Medical Center.
He was born January 16,1933, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Paul and Doris (Clore) Baker. He grew up on a farm near Kendall, Kansas. He graduated from Syracuse High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University.
While in high school he met his wife, Janis Liggett. They were married July 12, 1952, at The Methodist Church in Syracuse, Kansas.
He served in the army during the Korean War. His life career was in real estate and insurance before he retire.
He was a sport enthusiast playing football and basketball in high school and football for Garden City Community College. He played baseball in the summers.
He enjoyed watching ESPN and old westerns and spending time with his family. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan.
He is survived by his wife, Janis Baker of the home; a son Scott Baker (Karen Baker) of Argonia ; two daughters Cindy Dickey and Debra Creamer both of Hays; two grandchildren, Chelsea Dickey ( Bill Werth) of Munjor and Joshua Creamer (Phoenix Hobdell) of Hays as well as nine great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Paul and Doris Baker, a daughter Shelby Baker, a sister Joyce Maxey, and a grandson Jordan Schreurs.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday August 8, 2019 from 6-8 at the First Unitied Methodist church in Hays KS. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 10;00 am MST in Syracuse Kansas at the Syracuse cemetery.
Hunter / Ellis County photoBy JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post
A Hutchinson woman who admitted to driving a vehicle while her husband robbed a man with an hatchet was sentenced to probation Monday.
Hollie Hunter, 35, was initially charged with aiding and abetting a kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of methamphetamine. In June, as part of a plea agreement, she pleaded no contest and was found guilty of aiding and abetting in the commission of aggravated robbery and possession of methamphetamine.
As a result of the plea agreement, Hunter was sentenced to 36 months – three years – probation Monday in Ellis County District Court.
According to court documents, Hollie Hunter and her husband, David, were giving a man they knew a ride to his girlfriend’s house in the early morning hours of March 29 when David Hunter threatened the man with a hatchet.
David Hunter took a wallet, backpack, jewelry, a cellphone and approximately $150 from the victim, authorities reported.
At Monday’s sentencing, Hollie Hunter chose not to address the court.
Chief Judge Glenn Braun said it concerned him that she chose not to say anything. He said that Kansas sentencing statutes calls for her to be sentenced to prison because she was facing serious person felonies and she had nine prior convictions — adding she needed to convince him to sentence her to probation.
Hunter said she has had issues with drugs in the past and wanted to get treatment and try and get into a treatment facility in Emporia.
She also said she is trying to get custody of her two children back and said she “wanted the opportunity to try and change my life.”
Braun said, because she cooperated with law enforcement and testified against her husband, he sentenced Hunter to the agreed-upon sentence of three years of probation. If she violates probation, she will be required to serve a total of 55 months in prison.
She is also required to complete an alcohol and drug treatment program and apply to the treatment program in Emporia.
Hunter still faces a misdemeanor child in need of care case in Reno County and was remanded back to the Ellis County jail while they wait to see if Reno County authorities will take her back to Hutchinson.
David Hunter was scheduled to be sentenced Monday.
Walmart in Topeka Google imageTOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities and fire officials are investigating an explosion at a Walmart in Topeka.
Just before 10a.m. Monday, a small explosion occurred at Walmart, at 1501 SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Michael Martin.
Witnesses stated that an unknown individual was seen throwing an object out of their vehicle shortly before the explosion occurred. Topeka Police Officers responded to the scene and requested a Fire Investigator to the scene to perform a post-blast investigation.
The device was more likely than not a homemade firework and did not appear to be designed to cause damage or injury, according to Martin.
Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this are being asked to contact police.
SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting, have identified the victim and made an arrest.
Gallardo photo Sedgwick County
Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting call in the 900 block of East Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
At the scene, police located a a 2003 blue Chevy Silverado driven by a 17-year-old identified as Ramiro Valdez.
He had sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital where he died, according to Davidson. There were two other teenagers in the truck who were not injured.
The investigation has revealed the Silverado was eastbound on Central and was followed by a black pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Eduardo Gallardo.
A suspect from the black truck fired multiple times at the Silverado, striking Valdez.
According to Captain Brent Allred, police arrested Gallardo. He was booked just after 12:30a.m. Monday on requested charges of first-degree murder.
This incident was not random and is in reference to an ongoing gang feud, according to Davidson. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally wounded a 17-year-old boy.
Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting call in the 900 block of East Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
At the scene, police located a blue pickup truck being driven by the 17-year-old. He had sustained a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died, according to Davidson. There were two other teenagers in the truck who were not injured.
The investigation has revealed the blue truck was traveling eastbound on Central and was followed by a black pickup truck. A suspect from the black truck fired multiple times at the blue truck, striking the driver. Police have not identified the victim. This is not believed to be a random act, according to Davidson.
Joseph Carson Saenz, 18, passed away August 4, 2019 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.
He was born December 28, 2000 in Lubbock, Texas; the son of Johnnie Saenz and Sandra Tovar. A Larned resident since 2014; he worked at Taco Bell in Larned.
He was of the Christian faith. He loved to work for himself, loved music of all kinds, loved animals, and was selfless and a great friend to have. He had the best sense of humor and the best laugh. His goal in life was to care for his family; they were a very important part of his life. He was a loving soul and will forever be missed.
Survivors include: his parents, four brothers, Timothy Gardea, Michael Saenz, Joshua Saenz and Matthew Saenz, a sister; Hannah Saenz, all of Larned and his close friend who he considered a brother, Horachio Carrasco
Cremation has taken place and no service is planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Joseph Saenz Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Kathy L. (Smith) Yunker, 71, Hays, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at HaysMed.
She was born November 15, 1947 in Agra, the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Van Dewege) Smith. In 1965, she graduated from Eastern Heights High School. After moving to Hays she married Bob Yunker. They later divorced. Kathy was a cook at the Hays Good Samaritan Society and enjoyed cooking fried green tomatoes, enchiladas and bierocks for her family. She loved dogs and spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Survivors include her three sons; Rob Yunker and husband Aaron of Wichita, James Yunker and wife Kelli of Hays, and Jason Yunker and wife Mandie of Hays, a brother; Jack Smith and wife Shirley of Wichita, a sister; Ladean Sypher of Ottawa, a brother-in-law; Ted Bossingham of Andover, ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, her dog; Reno, and seven grand-dogs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Harry and Ruth Smith, two sisters; Bonnie Mann and Betty Bossingham, two brothers-in-law; Chuck Sypher and Jay Mann, and her former father and mother-in-law; Martin and Lydia Yunker.
Condolences and memories of Kathy may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com. Services entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
NEW YORK (AP) — Two of the country’s largest newspaper companies have agreed to combine in the latest media deal driven by the industry’s struggles with a decline of printed editions.
GateHouse Media, a chain backed by an investment firm, is buying USA Today owner Gannett Co. for $12.06 a share in cash and stock, or about $1.4 billion. The combined company would have more than 260 daily papers in the U.S. along with more than 300 weeklies.
The companies said Monday that the deal will cut up to $300 million in costs annually and help speed up a digital transformation.
Gatehouse owns Kansas newspapers in Hays, Hutchinson, Salina, Topeka, Garden City, Dodge City, McPherson, Newton and El Dorado, among others.
Newspaper consolidation has picked up as local papers find it hard to grow digital businesses and replace declines in print ads and circulation. While papers with national readerships like The New York Times and The Washington Post have had success adding digital subscribers, local papers with local readerships are having a difficult time. Hundreds of such papers have closed, and newsrooms have slashed jobs.
According to a study by the University of North Carolina, the U.S. has lost almost 1,800 local newspapers since 2004. Newsroom employment fell by a quarter from 2008 to 2018, according to Pew Research, and layoffs have continued this year.
Both GateHouse and Gannett are known as buyers of other papers. Bulking up lets companies cut costs — including layoffs in newsrooms — and centralize operations.
Several experts said they do not expect the Justice Department to have an issue with the deal, as the two companies have papers in different markets.
WICHITA– A Kansas woman was sentenced today to a year of supervised probation for mail fraud in a scheme to make it appear her employer left her half his estate when he died, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release Monday.
In addition, she was ordered to make monthly payments of $100 to Fort Hays State University during her probation.
Wanda Oborny, 66, Hays, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In her plea, she admitted that in 2013 she mailed a fraudulent purported codicil to Kansas banker Earl O. Field’s will to Fort Hays State University. The document falsely claimed Field had left a fourth of his estate to the university, a fourth to his lawyer and half to Oborny. In fact, Field left the majority of the estate to the university.
McAllister commended the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Gurney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Ralph Augustine of Ralph’s Electric alongside Jesse Rohr, public works director for the city of Hays.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
The Hays city commission knew there would need to be some tweaking of the residential and electrical code updates adopted by the city in July 2017.
Three concerns in relation to upgrades and remodels of existing homes requiring a city permit were brought to their attention during the commission work session last week.
“Almost all rooms except bathrooms and garages now require AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter),” explained Jesse Rohr, public works director. An AFCI protects against electrical- related arcs from an electrical circuit or a device, which commonly lead to fires. If an arc is detected, the AFCI is tripped and kills the power to that individual circuit.
“AFCIs and the wiring are easy to install in new homes. However, in existing houses, that’s where we have an issue.”
AFCI receptacles are much more expensive – $22 to $75 – as compared to $1.20 for a regular non-AFCI receptacle.
Some existing electric panels are not configured to work with AFCI breakers and older wiring methods may not be conducive to new devices and codes.
“Homes that were wired 30 to 80 years ago just weren’t wired the way you would wire homes today,” he added, “making it very difficult to protect an electric circuit with an AFCI.” The labor costs to do so are quite high, according to Rohr, “thousands of dollars extra.”
Similar issues affect placement and interconnection of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in remodel/addition situations. Current code requires the alarms to be installed throughout the house and to be connected to each other, the same as required for new construction.
“You can see why this is problematic, having to fish wires through walls and ceilings. … the labor is probably $1,500 to $2,000 and that’s probably on the cheap side if you have to do an entire house.”
Local contractors recently brought the concerns to the attention of Rohr who agreed with them.
“We kind of liken this to bringing your 1950 Ford to the mechanic for a fuel pump and the mechanic says you now have to put seatbelts in it. You have to bring it up to current code. Again, this is may be an overstep of bounds that we’re seeing as we’ve started enforcing this code.”
Rohr is proposing amendments to the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC) and 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) which were adopted in an update by the city of Hays in July 2017. The suggested changes remove many AFCI and smoke alarm requirements for remodel projects in existing dwellings.
One proposal is to allow modified or extended electrical circuits in existing dwellings to not be AFCI-protected due to the high cost and impracticability of doing so. Rohr also suggests that changing a receptacle should not require the new receptacle to be an AFCI-type receptacle.
A third suggestion is “a change to the code that would not require a placement of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms unless a sleeping room is remodeled or added.”
Rohr noted that’s how the code has been enforced the past several years.
City commissioners will consider the proposed residential and electrical code amendments at their Aug. 8 meeting.
In other business, commissioners set Aug. 8 as the public hearing date for the proposed 2020 budget.
Speaking via phone, Mayor Henry Schwaller asked the commissioners if the proposed $12,000 in funding to the Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) should be reconsidered.
The ECHS Board of Trustees announced last week the closure of the gallery and stone church to the public due to mold growth. Offices, photo collections and archive materials are being relocated to to 1111 E. 30th.
“Our funding was originally intended to help them with building maintenance,” Schwaller noted.
The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce (HACC) is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
This position reports to the President/CEO and works closely with the rest of the HACC staff, Board of Directors, Chamber members and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for effectively marketing the Chamber, its businesses, and the Hays area.
The Vice President of Marketing and Communications will maintain the Chamber’s social media accounts, photograph and video record events, assist in website maintenance, create advertisements and ads, send weekly correspondence to the membership, and write and design the monthly newsletter and annual Community Guide.
Applicants must be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, InDesign, and Photoshop. Preference will be given to candidates who possess strong written and oral communication abilities.
Candidates should be highly energetic, organized, self-motivated, and pay strong attention to detail, as well as understand, assist, and promote the Chamber in achieving its mission. Please send cover letters and resumes to:
Sarah Wasinger
Hays Area Chamber of Commerce
2700 Vine Street
Hays, KS 67601 [email protected]
Resumes will be accepted until position filled.
