🎥 Ellis County and Extension district: ‘We’re done’

Extension Board Chairman Nathan Leiker, along with Ellis County Commissioners Barb Wasinger and Marcy McClelland wield giant scissors for the extension building remodel ribbon cutting.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT and BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Officials with the Cottonwood Extension District and Ellis County celebrated the completion of the renovation of the offices at 601 Main on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the Public Building Commission, we’re so excited, because we’re done,” declared Phillip Smith-Hanes, project manager and Ellis County administrator.

The project included improved stormwater drainage along the exterior of the building, new windows, and new carpet and flooring inside the building. The walls have a fresh coat of paint; some of them are K-State purple.

A newly painted K-State purple wall in the office of 4-H and Youth Agent Susan Schlichting.

The area that formerly housed the county health department was remodeled, adding more room for employees and visitors. A new office was added for Ellis County Master Gardeners.

“This was the last project that was financed by the bonds that were issued in 2013 and the [half-cent county] sales tax that just came off the tax rolls on October first of this year,” said Smith-Hanes.

About $250,000 was held back from the financing for the new county administrative center, 718 Main, to pay for the extension building remodel.

At the ribbon cutting by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, County Commissioner Barb Wasinger thanked the community for their support.

“The commission is so proud of the citizens of Ellis County that helped us to get these projects done,” said Wasinger, who served as vice-president of the Public Building Commission.

She also noted the joining of the Ellis and Barton County extension offices into the single Cottonwood District with offices in Hays and Great Bend.

The Ellis County courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th, were also remodeled as part of the overall $13.6 million project.