By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A Hays-based automotive group is helping remind western Kansas drivers not to accidentally leave their children unattended in a hot vehicle.

Lewis Automotive has teamed up with a Wichita television station to raise awareness for the STOP. CHECK. DON’T FORGET. campaign.

A 10-month-old baby girl died in Wichita July 24 when she was left in her foster father’s car for more than two hours. The temperature in Wichita reached into the low 90s that day.

In response, KWCH-TV created a promotion to give away free window clings for placement on vehicle windows as a reminder to drivers not to forget the smallest passengers inside.

According to the nonprofit organization KidsAndCars, more than 620 kids have died since 1998 in the United States because they were left unattended in a hot car. That’s roughly one child death every 10 days.

STOP. CHECK. DON’T FORGET. window clings are available for free at Lewis Automotive Group in Hays, 4440 or 4450 North Vine, as well as the Dodge City and Garden City locations.

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Hays City Commission is beginning discussions about renovation of the aging city’s wastewater facility.

According to Roger Moerke, Utilities Superintendent-Wastewater, the digester was built in 1953 and the last upgrade to the plant was in 1997.

During a recent tour of the facility, Moerke called the plant “antiquated.”

The wastewater treatment is a biological process, not a chemical process. Even so, said Moerke, it’s a “corrosive harsh environment” for the equipment.

The two aeration basins, or headworks, which Moerke called the “heart of the operation,” need an upgrade to meet stricter requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency by 2018.

Several years ago, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on behalf of the EPA, notified the city the nitrogen and phosphate levels in the city’s effluent water stream would need to be significantly lowered in the future. The city was fined earlier this year for exceeding those EPA limits.

With the current wastewater treatment plant, “we’ve became as efficient as we can to reduce levels,” according to Moerke:

Preliminary cost estimates for a new wastewater treatment plant are between $24 and $28 million.

The Hays City Commission began discussion of the project during Thursday’s work session. Click HERE for the story.

To see the entire Community Connection interview with host Mike Cooper, click HERE.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Downtown Hays will filled with an “estimated 1,500 or more art lovers” Friday night during the annual Hays Arts Council Fall Art Walk, according to HAC Executive Director Brenda Meder.

“The fall event tends to be the biggest” of the three art walks held throughout the year, she added.

This year’s walk features more than 20 exhibitions throughout the downtown area, including live music — and live painting.

“A group of plein air artists will be set up in the Union Pacific Park. They’ll have a display of their work and they’ll also be ‘painting live,’ doing what plein air painters do, which is painting outside — creating their work right there in the environment,” Meder explained.

Most sites will be open from 6:30 to 9:30 Friday night.

One of the exhibits in the gallery walk that starts early is at Hays City Hall.

Between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., participants are invited to view scenes of Hays by local photographer Thomas Zimmerman, who will be on hand to talk about his work.

In front of City Hall is “another kind of artwork,” the city’s Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden, according to Water Conservation Specialist Jason Riegel:

“Residents will be able to see that a drought-tolerant garden means more than cactus and rocks,” Riegel joked. “Our garden looks really good right now.”

City personnel will be on hand to talk about xeriscaping projects.

A full schedule for this weekend’s art walk can be found HERE.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

As a cost-cutting measure, the Hays USD 489 school board voted in May to reduce bus routes by no longer picking up students who live within 2.5 miles of their school.

As a result, “it’s put a lot more cars on the road,” according to School Resource Officer Tim Dreiling of the Hays Police Department.

Classes started Aug. 14.

“Vehicle traffic around the schools has increased dramatically,” said Dreiling. “There’s also a lot more kids walking to school and more of them are riding their bicycles”:

Dreiling encouraged drivers to be especially careful at school crosswalks.

“Basically, kids are just unpredictable, and they may walk or ride out or get pushed out into traffic,” he said.

Each USD 489 school has at least one school zone, marked with flashing lights.  Drivers must slow down in those areas or they can be ticketed.

“It’s also unlawful to pass a stopped school bus with its lights flashing,” Dreiling reminded drivers.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and 32 other U.S. senators have sent a letter to the  administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy, urging the withdrawal of proposed water regulations which would redefine “navigable waters.”

“If not withdrawn, the guidance could lead the EPA to redefine when isolated wetlands, intermittent streams, and other non-navigable waters should be subject to regulation,” said Moran.

“The EPA wants to expand the definition under the Clean Water Act.  Their attempt would mean any water that affects any navigable waters.  That’s every drop of rain,” he added.

“The actions by EPA and the Army Corps could potentially result in the federal government requiring discharge permits on private farm lands and ranch lands.

“That’s another federal overreach,” according to Moran:

Moran was in Hays last week and visited with listeners on KAYS Radio.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is using his month-long “vacation” from being in Washington, D.C. to being in Kansas.

Friday morning he made an appearance in Hays on KAYS Radio with host Scott Boomer, before driving on to visit other locations in western Kansas.

Moran talked about what he calls the “greatest threat to family farms.”

“It’s not what’s in the federal Farm Bill, it’s what may happen in the federal regulatory world,” believes Moran:

Moran also talked about the EPA’s proposed rule regarding the definition of “navigable waters.”

“If not withdrawn, the guidance could lead the EPA to redefine when isolated wetlands, intermittent streams, and other non-navigable waters should be subject to regulation,” said Moran.

Moran and 32 other senators sent a letter to the acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency urging the withdrawal of  the proposed water regulations.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The temperature was nearly at the century mark, and the wind was still as volunteers with the Hays Fire Department took the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” late Monday afternoon.

“That was cold!,” Fire Chief Gary Brown concluded.

“But it felt good!,” according to HFD organizer, Lt. Darin Myers.

Myers said “the idea came together at 6:30 a.m. Monday morning as at least four firefighters discovered they had each been challenged individually. By 4 p.m., everything was in place, and most of the off-duty firefighters gathered at Station 2, the airport fire station, to experience the “Ice Bucket Challenge” together.

“We pooled our individual donations into one larger donation to the ALS Association on behalf of the Hays Fire Department,” Myers added.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge involves people getting doused with buckets of ice water on video, posting that video to social media, then nominating others to do the same, all in an effort to raise ALS awareness.

The Hays firefighters willingly subjected themselves to an entire front-end loader-full of water and ice cubes dumped over their heads, just after they challenged the Hays Police Department and Ellis County EMS to do the same:

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, inspired by former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, has quickly taken off.  It’s gone from a fundraising campaign to a viral Internet sensation.

As of Monday, more than $15.6 million has been raised  to research Lou Gehrig’s disease, the ALS Association announced.  That is compared to $1.8 million during the same stretch from late July to mid-August of 2013.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. People with ALS eventually lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis.

There is no cure and only one drug approved by the FDA which modestly extends survival, according to the ALS website.

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an alert to all U.S. hospitals, warning them to make preparations for dealing with the possible spread of the Ebola virus.

It’s unlikely the virus, which has spread rapidly throughout parts of west Africa, will make a sudden appearance in Kansas, or even the United States.

Dr. Bob Moser, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, says the deadly virus could be “just an airplane ride away:”

“World travel is so easy now.  I have no doubt it will cross the pond some day, and we will be dealing not with an outbreak but some cases after they arrive in the United States, Moser predicted.

“The is good news is I think we’ve been doing a good job of  making medical providers aware that it could happen so they’re routinely asking people about their overseas travel and personal contact with victims:”

“Overall, people in the United States are in better health than people in Africa.   Just being healthy before being exposed to Ebola has shown lower fatality rates.  So I don’t think the U.S. would see the fatality rates we’re seeing in Africa,” Moser said.

Two Americans volunteering in west Africa, have contracted Ebola and were evacuated to a special isolation unit at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The son of one victim, 60- year-old Nancy Writebol, lives in Wichita. Jeremy Writebol visits his mother through a hospital window because of concerns about contagion.

 

ELLIS — It was recently brought to the attention of Ellis City Council members that some residents are keeping chickens on their property.

Chickens and other fowl are prohibited within Ellis city limits by city code.

During their Aug. 4 meeting, council members decided to insert a reminder about the fowl prohibition in the local newspaper and city newsletter.

Violators will be cited beginning Sept. 1.

The search for a new water supply for the city of Ellis continues to move slowly forward.

Council members voted unanimously to accept the low bid of $35,330 from Clarke Well & Equipment, Inc. for test hole drilling. The money will come from the Capital Improvement-Water Exploration fund.

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reviewed the locations for test hole drilling that have received “Safe Yield” reports from the Kansas Division of Water Resources.

Following are the complete minutes of the August 4, 2014 meeting.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes August 4, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Ron Johnson, Gary Luea, Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger, Terry Redetzke, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Dena Patee, Mark Bongartz, Glen Keller, Luke Karlin, and Chavonne Schmidt (arrived at 7:45 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on July 21, 2014, Bills Ordinance #1954, and April, May, and June manual journal entries. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Bongartz cautioned Council against revising the fireworks ordinances to not allow the sale or discharge of fireworks when the City has declared a Stage 3 Water Emergency. This year, the Fire Chief said conditions were favorable for fireworks even though the City was in Stage 3. To add the provision that the sale and discharge of fireworks would not be allowed if the City was in Stage 3 would again restrict the Council to the ordinance.
Luke Karlin inquired of the specific code violations cited against a property he owns downtown. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated it was not appropriate to discuss specific violations in an open meeting; however, Mr. Karlin could contact the Clerk’s office for the information. The employee that processes the violation notices has been on vacation, therefore the notice will be sent out upon her return.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tourism: Special Project
Dena Patee, Ellis Chamber of Commerce, requested approval to place the proposed new community sign on City property. The sign will replace the current marquee south of the Railroad Museum. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman noted that the Chamber will need to obtain a sign permit and also adhere to the height and width code regulations. City Attorney Olavee Raub informed Council that an easement will need to be put in place for the purpose of placing the sign. Council member John Walz moved to allow placement of the community sign contingent on the sign being funded for purchase, and for City Attorney Olavee Raub to prepare a revocable easement for such purpose. Council member Ron Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
General Government: Financial
Council took under consideration an engagement contract with Central States Capital Markets for reviewing the feasibility of refunding the 2006 General Obligation and Revenue bonds. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the engagement contract with Central States Capital Markets. Upon a call for further discussion, Council member Ron Johnson questioned if the Council should look at other companies for refunding services. City Attorney Olavee Raub noted the City could contact other companies if desired; the interest rates will be comparable, the biggest difference will be in the fees to be charged for services. The engagement contract for Central States reflects an underwriting fee of one and one-half percent (1.50%), which Ms. Raub believes to be industry standard. Upon a call for the vote the motion passed 4-3, with Council members Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger and John Walz voting for the motion, and Council members Ron Johnson, Gary Luea, and Terry Redetzke voting opposed. Mayor Lyle Johnston broke the tie by voting in favor of the motion.
General Government: Land Disposal
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented cost options, as bid by APAC, for development of the lot at 9th and Jefferson St. It was Council’s understanding that the City would perform the labor, yet labor was included in the cost options quoted from APAC. Council again discussed whether to keep or sell the lot, and if additional parking was needed regardless if a new business was brought in. Council member Ron Johnson moved to sell the lot at 9th and Jefferson Streets to the highest bidder. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion failed 2-4, with Council members Ron Johnson and John Walz voting for the motion and Council members Gary Luea, Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger, and Terry Redetzke voting opposed. Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to obtain materials-only quotes on crushed concrete for the next meeting.
General Government: City Code
Council took into consideration a sample ordinance allowing fowl in the City limits. The ordinance could limit the number of fowl allowed and also prohibit certain types of fowl, if Council so chooses. Council questioned why the current ordinance wasn’t being enforced by the Police Department, as several residences are known to keep chickens. Council member Ron Johnson moved to not make any changes to the current ordinance prohibiting fowl in the City limits. Council member Dave McDaniel seconded the motion. City Attorney Olavee Raub noted that a motion is not needed to maintain status quo; therefore, Mr. Johnson and Mr. McDaniel rescinded their motion and second, respectively. Council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to put a reminder in the Ellis Review and the Town Crier newsletter that fowl is prohibited in the City limits and that violators will be cited beginning September 1, 2014.
General Government: City Code
Council discussed Mr. Bongartz’s comments regarding not including a provision in the revised fireworks ordinances that fireworks would be prohibited if the City was in a Stage 3 Water Emergency. Council was concerned a mixed message would be sent if fireworks were allowed, yet residents would be prohibited from watering their lawns. City Attorney
Olavee Raub noted that the current City ordinances are opposite from the League of Kansas Municipalities sample ordinances: the City’s current ordinance prohibits the discharge of fireworks until allowed by resolution; the League’s sample ordinance allows fireworks until prohibited by resolution. Ms. Raub will draft sample ordinances following the League’s verbiage for the next meeting.
Water Exploration: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reviewed with the Governing Body the locations for test hole drilling that Brad Vincent has received “Safe Yield” reports on from the Kansas Division of Water Resources. Mr. Scheuerman will confirm with Mr. Vincent that he has been in contact with Bob Symns as well, as Mr. Symns has offered water rights to the City for water exploration.
NEW BUSINESS
Parks: Event Request
Council member John Walz moved to approve the Public Property Permit Application from PEO for the use of Creekside Park on August 9, 2014. Council member Ron Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Parks: Event Request
Council Member Ron Johnson moved and Council member Dave McDaniel seconded a motion to approve the Public Property Permit Application and Noise Permit Application for the use of Creekside Park for the Ellis Recreation Commission’s Back-2-School Bash on August 8, 2014. Motion carried unanimously.
General Government: Event Request
Council member Ron Johnson moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Noise Permit Application for the Ellis Golf Club for an event to be held at the Club on August 16, 2014. Motion carried unanimously.
General Government: City Code – Credit Card Authorization
City Clerk Amy Burton presented a resolution authorizing City employees to utilize the City credit card for necessary expenditures. The resolution has been updated for changes in staffing. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Terry Redetzke seconded a motion to approve Resolution #502 authorizing current employees to use the City credit card, with modification of the date of passage. Motion carried unanimously.
Water Exploration: Special Project
Council took into consideration bids from Clarke Well & Equipment, Inc. and Layne Christensen for test hole drilling. The City never received the third bid expected and it is Mr. Vincent’s recommendation to proceed with consideration of the two bids. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Ron Johnson seconded a motion to accept the low bid from Clarke Well & Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $35,330.00 with funds to come out of Capital Improvement – Water Exploration fund. Motion carried unanimously.
General Government: Special Project
Council member Gary Luea inquired of when IdeaTek and Amerine Construction plan to fill the holes dug on resident’s property along Spruce Street due to utility line work. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman has tried to contact both companies with no response. City Attorney Olavee Raub will send a letter to both IdeaTek and Amerine Construction inquiring on a completion date for the utility work.
Street: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman discussed with Council the need to provide maintenance on the truck route on North Madison Street. The street was not designed to be a truck route and the road has been heavily damaged from the semi-truck traffic. Ideally, installing one lane of concrete following the truck route would ensure the stability of the road over the long term, but the cost of performing that extensive of repair was not budgeted for in 2014. Providing an asphalt overlay would be much less expensive, but would only extend the life of the road for one to two years. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve an asphalt overlay of North Madison Street at a cost not to exceed $15,000 with funds to come from the Special Highway fund. Motion carried unanimously.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Mr. Scheuerman reported that 29 surveys were completed during the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. The surveys asked residents about their level of satisfaction of all departments of the City. The resident surveys will also be distributed with the next quarterly newsletter.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman updated Council on street repair work on 8th Street, 6th Street, and 15th Street. On 15th Street from Monroe to Madison, a ditch was cut in to provide drainage for moisture as it is deteriorating the street. The volunteer trees removed from the street right-away will be hauled away this winter. A lay-back curb was also installed on Washington Street from 13th to 15th Streets.
Campground: Special Project
Mr. Scheuerman was informed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism that grants may be available for reconstruction of the boat dock. Leonard Bristow, Kansas Division of Water Resources, is checking to see if the reconstruction may be exempt from obtaining a permit, thus saving the City $500 in fees.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman informed Council that due to many costly water main breaks and emergency repairs, the Water Utility Fund may not have budget or cash authority to replace the strainers on the wells or to perform perforation tests this year. These items will be revisited closer to year end.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the August officer calendar and the Monthly Activity Report for July. All officers have successfully completed 5 hours of federal and state mandated biased based training. Chief Yates informed the Governing Body that interviews for the open position will take place on August 8, 2014. Council inquired about the progress on the tire house and installing permanent barricades at the creek.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the April, May and June Financial Statements. Revenue from the additional County sales tax is lagging from projections and the Utility Funds are currently holding steady. Ms. Burton also presented the final budget draft for publication.
Attorney
Mayor/Council
Mayor Lyle Johnston read a thank you from the Ellis Alumni Association for the City’s support during the 1st Annual Alumni Golf Tournament.
Council member Ron Johnson informed the Governing Body that the Water Advisory Committee will meet August 6th at 6:30 p.m.
Council member John Walz suggested the City look into continuing the 1% additional sales tax when it sunsets in 2016. He would also like for the Council to consider implementing an ordinance providing for automatic utility rate increases annually so residents won’t have to incur large rate hikes. Mr. Walz would like to see a notebook put together to document the water exploration process.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Dave McDaniel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Which great event do kids rank right up there with Christmas and their birthday?

According to Kent Hensley, Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, it’s the annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Hays.

This is the 17th year for the free event which will be held Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Hays City Sportsman’s Club just north of I-70, Exit 157.

“Last year we had about 300 kids plus their parents. Along with all the volunteers, there were 500-600 people out here,” recalled Hensley.

“It’s probably the largest youth shooting event in Kansas right now and it’s all free, including lunch:”

Among the many qualified safety supervisors overseeing the youth, will be members of the national champion Fort Hays State University Shooting Team.

The Youth Outdoor Festival is open to all youth, age 17 and younger, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Event activities include trap shooting, skeet shooting, archery, air rifle/BB gun, muzzleloader, small bore rifle, computerized laser shot target shooting, BASS casting competition, paintball target shooting, crossbow, and furharvesting demonstrations.

Registration is available on-site Saturday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A change in state law this year allows cities to ban open carry of firearms in city-owned buildings.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler recommended the city adopt a prohibition of open carry of firearms within 12 city buildings.

Scheibler explained to city commissioners Thursday night that Kansas open carry law does not require a person to undergo firearms training or to be licensed by the state.

“House Bill 2578 prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing laws that prohibit the open carrying of firearms within the state except in certain areas such as public school buildings,” Scheibler said.

“However, Section Five of the bill allows building owners, including cities and counties, to prohibit concealed or open carry of firearms on their premises as long as there is proper signage that is approved by the Kansas Attorney General,” he noted.

Kent Steward was the only commissioner to vote against the proposed ban:

“There’s no mention in this resolution of the Second Amendment — our constitutional right to carry firearms — and that’s a big deal to me,” Steward said.

“I also think this puts us on a ‘slippery slope’ of what will be banned next. It’s not going to increase safety and it’s a false sense of security. I’m voting no.”

The other four commissioners voted in favor of the resolution.

Mayor Henry Schwaller said he voted for it “because our employees in these 12-city owned buildings asked us to. They’re fearful and concerned about feeling safe at their jobs.”

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

With a 25 mill levy — the same as it has been the past six years — the 2015 budget for the city of Hays was adopted unanimously by commissioners Thursday night.

There were no participants for the public hearing.

Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno presented highlights of the $35.8 million budget to commissioners.

“It’s a balanced budget despite a negative sales tax for six of the past seven months,” Briseno explained. “We have decreased expenditures by three percent. There’s been a 2.7 percent increase in our valuation, and we gave a one-time bonus for all 181 employees.”

An amendment to decrease funding to the Hays Sister Cities Advisory Board failed. Sister Cities is the only outside agency that will be funded in 2015 for the full amount it requested from the city — $5,050. The other outside agencies are subsidized at the same amounts they received for 2014.

Briseno said a “simplified six-page 2015 budget summary” will be posted on the city’s website for easy public access.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Mike Konz, chairman of the Hays Airport Advisory Board, believes the inception of regional jet service at the local airport will be a “catalyst” for passenger boardings to increase.

SkyWest, flying as United Express, began operating between Hays and Denver on Aug. 1. If passenger boardings reach 10,000 within a one-year period, the city of Hays becomes eligible for a $1 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Konz was among a large crowd of local residents that gathered to welcome the first United Express flight into Hays.

“We previously had 19-seat turboprop airplanes being used by the former carrier,” he said. “Now we have 50-seat jets. That offers a great opportunity. I’m really excited about the new service.”

Konz said even people who don’t like to fly might be encouraged to do so because of the “nicer flying environment” in the jet:

“Reliability on this airplane will be better, with a lot nicer flying environment — smoother,” he said. “Other Kansas communities that have switched from turbo-prop service like we used to have to jet service have seen an increase in their passenger boardings. We looked at Manhattan, and they’ve really grown.  Dodge City and Garden City are also now flying jets and they’ve seen their customer count really increase.

“I think Hays has a really great opportunity to draw passengers from all across western Kansas.”

Story corrected to reflect accurate boarding figures.