By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

ELLIS — Ellis High School, in conjunction with the USD 388 Education Foundation, is nearing the goal of $80,000 for its Raise the Bar fundraising campaign.

The school district is constructing a new 8,000-plus-square-foot building, which will house a weight lifting and practice room.  Raise the Bar donations will be used for new flooring and to buy new weightlifting equipment for the building.

The purposes, said EHS principal Corey Burton, is to provide a safer environment for students.

“We are already at $68,426 in our ‘Raise the Bar’ fundraising campaign,” Burton said. “With the success of our efforts, we’re in the process of ordering the flooring for the new weight room.”

A soup supper will be held Friday during the Ellis/Plainville basketball games. Proceeds will go to Raise the Bar.

Burton said there are serious safety issues with fire escapes, mold, flooring and structural integrity of the old high school building where the weight room has been located.

Raise the Bar continues through March 1, which will allow for equipment to be ordered and delivered in time for the summer weight program. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Raise the Bar website or call (785) 726-4281.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It felt more like soup weather after the annual Soup R’ Bowl fundraiser for the Humane Society of the High Plains.   A cold front came racing in later Sunday afternoon.

Still, the Unrein Room at the Ellis County Fairgrounds was packed with people who paid five dollars each to sample 13 homemade soups from local “celebrity chefs” and then vote for their favorite.  Delectable desserts were also available for an additional donation:

It was all  in fun as each team competed for the most votes to win the coveted “Golden Ladle”  trophy.

The 17^th annual top award went to “Dad’s Creamy Broccoli Soup” by Nex-Tech Wireless.  Second place was White Chili by Auto World Used Cars and third place went to the Hays Arts Council and Fur Is Flying for their Sauerkraut and Sausage Soup.

All proceeds from the Soup ‘R Bowl are used to help animals with special needs and to spay and neuter pets in order to make them more adoptable.

The Humane Society of the High Plains housed more than 1,200 animals last year from Hays, Ellis County, northwest Kansas and central Kansas. Ninety percent found forever homes or were sent to rescue groups.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Saturday’s event by the Hays Housing Coalition to search out homeless people in Hays yielded no one who is truly living on the streets.

Kris Brooke of First Call for Help, along with several other volunteers and the Hays Police Department, spent two hours late Saturday afternoon looking in areas where homeless people have been known to congregate.  They searched trailer parks, abandoned homes, city parks and an area near Fort Hays State University.

“We did find evidence behind FHSU that someone may be staying there.  There was bedding and hygiene items kind of hidden away from view,” said Brooke.

Both Brooke and Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler agreed that Hays is “fortunate not to have a homeless problem.”

“What Hays does have is a problem with not enough affordable housing,” they said.

A free chili supper was offered Saturday afternoon by the Hays Housing Coalition at the National Guard Armory.   They were also given new underwear, socks and toiletries.

Those attending were asked to fill out a survey determining if they’re “housing challenged.”

“Nobody’s living under bridges in Hays.  There are people in Hays who are ‘couch-surfing,’ ” said the Rev. Lesley Radius, Trinity Lutheran Church.  “They stay with friends until the landlord finds out and are then kicked out and have to find another friend to stay with.”

“We also know of instances where several families are living together in one apartment, ” added First Call for Help Director Linda Mills.

The information collected during Saturday’s event is part of a national “Point in Time” survey to assess the homeless population.

The Hays group will compile the local survey results and use it as a base to begin looking for funds to help make housing more affordable.

Another search and survey for homeless and housing-challenged residents will be conducted today by the Hays Police Department and First Call for Help.

Donations are being accepted at the Trinity Lutheran Church to offset the purchase cost of the new undergarments.  “We spent $300 and any amount people can donate to  cover that will help tremendously,” said Radius.

“One gentleman came in during the supper just to make a donation.  Hays is a wonderful community,” she said.

 

 

 

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

An estimated 200 people filled the Fox Pavilion in downtown Hays Saturday night to watch a new documentary about the true story of a local man who saved the buffalo.

“The Buffalo King” details the life and work of James “Scotty” Philip, who came to America from Scotland and is credited with saving the American bison from extinction.

Philip came to the U.S. in 1874 at age 16 with two of his brothers, Alex and David. and joined the fourth brother, George Philip, in Victoria.  Many of George’s descendants reside in the area, some of whom continue to manage the Philip Ranch southeast of Hays.

George Philip IV, and his brother Gordon, live in Hays. Kaylynn Philip and her sister, Sandy, live outside of town. The cousins, along with friends and community members, gathered at the theater last night with about 35 other family members to watch the story of their great-great-uncle.

Most of the family already had seen the film on DVD, courtesy of the film’s director and co-writer Justin Koehler.

“Seeing it on the big screen was impressive,” said Kaylynn Philip after the show.

“Scotty was an important man,” she  added proudly.

After about a year in Victoria/Hays and then Dodge City, Scotty Philip moved to what would become South Dakota and became a well-respected cattleman and landowner, county commissioner and state senator. He married Sarah (Sally) Larribee who was half French, half Sioux. They had 10 children, five of whom died young

By 1888, millions of American buffalo had been killed by white Americans, who sold the massive animals’ hides and horns, leaving most of the rest of the animal to rot.  Just 325 wild buffalo were known to still be alive.

Philip started his own “buffalo pasture” near Pierre, S.D., moving about 80 of the remaining animals onto his land to thrive and multiply.

James “Scotty” Philip died at age 53 in 1911.

His great-great niece Sheila Philip is interviewed in the film.  Sheila grew up in Hays and now lives in Kansas City.

“The best way to sum up the way Scotty Philip saw the world is by using his own words,” Philip says in the film.

“If a man wants to get a fine lesson in the advantage of ‘standing together’ he need only watch a buffalo herd in stormy weather.” – Scotty Philip

The film won Best Documentary Feature at the South Dakota Film Festival, was a nominee for the same award at the Black Hills Film Festival, and has been accepted by the Documentary Feature Committee as an official selection at the 2014 Fargo Film Festival. It has also been featured at the following events:

• DocuWest Documentary Film Festival
• Film Fest Twain Harte
• National Bison Association Summer Conference
• American Bison Society and Wildlife Conservation Society Conference and Workshop
• South Dakota Festival of Books

“The Buffalo King” has been also been picked up on PBS stations nationwide, director Koehler said earlier.  He was unable to be in Hays Saturday as originally planned.

Koehler added he grew up 15 miles from Philip, S.D.,  a town named after Scotty.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“We know there are people in our community struggling with housing.  They go to our churches.”

Rev. Jerry Nolte is senior pastor at the Hays United Methodist Church and a member of the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance.

Nolte and Alliance members Rev. Celeste Lasich of First Presbyterian and Rev. Lesley Radius of Trinity Lutheran are working  with First Call for Help Director Linda Mills to better help the homeless in Hays.

“We know there are people who ‘couch-surf’ or stay in long-term motel rooms,” said Lasich.

A free chili supper tomorrow evening at the Hays National Guard Armory, 200 Main Street, is open to all Hays residents.  They will also have the opportunity to talk confidentially about their housing situation with a trained volunteer.

“Those who attend will also receive gifts of new underwear, socks and toiletries,” added Nolte.

Information collected in the surveys will be utilized by the Hays Housing Coalition.  The project is part of the “Point in Time” survey, a national effort to identify Americans challenged by housing.

The chili supper will be held 4-7p.m. Saturday or while supplies last.  The chili is provided by Wendy’s restaurant and local churches.   Childcare will be available.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The new Hays Dog Park will open Feb. 1.

It’s a soft opening, according to Kim Perez, president of Friends of the Hays Dog Park, who has been working closely with Jeff Boyle, director of Hays parks.

City workers are in the process of installing the final touches, including benches, tables, trash cans, water stations, rules signs and waste bag stations.

The Hays Dog Park is located at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Perez said a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled later this spring.

Below are the Hays Dog Park rules:

Rules and Regulations
Use of this park constitutes agreement to the following rules:

• Dogs must be 6 months of age or over and have valid rabies vaccination.

• All dogs must wear a collar with identification and rabies tags when using the park.

• Dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the fenced area of the park and have a leash available at all times when in the park.

• No children under 12 years of age unless accompanied by and adult.

• Keep the gates closed at all times.

• Dog owners/handlers must remain in the dog park with the dog(s) and must be in reasonable control of the dog(s) at all times.

• No more than three (3) dogs are allowed per owner/handler.

• Aggressive dogs are not permitted. Dog’s that show aggression must be removed immediately.

• Dangerous Dogs as defined in City of Hays, Code of Ordinance, Chapter 5, Section 5-123 are not allowed in the dog park.

• The dog park is only for use by dogs and owners/handlers. No other types of pets are allowed.

• No food (human or dog), rawhide chews, bones or similar are allowed in the dog park.

• Items that may cause health concerns for dogs such as cigarette butts, chewing tobacco and alcohol shall be properly disposed of and NOT left on the ground.

• No littering and no glass bottles.

• Owners/handlers are responsible for their dog’s behavior and must immediately remove any excrement deposited by their dog and must fill in any holes dug by their dog.

• Dogs in heat, pregnant or lactating are not permitted in the dog park.

• Owners/handlers are responsible for any injuries or property damage caused by their dog.

• Owner/handlers must immediately restrain their dog and/or leave the park when instructed to do so by an Officer or by an employee of the City of Hays.

• Violation or disregard of these rules can result in removal from the park temporarily or permanently.

• Animal bites should be reported to the City of Hays Police Department at 628-1011 or if it is an emergency dial 911.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

ELLIS — There’s been talk of the need for a community center in Ellis for some time.

Nickole Byers, representing the Ellis Alumni Association, presented a proposal to the city council this week.

Byers said the owners of the old bowling alley have offered to sell it for $30,000 if it is used as a community facility.  The alumni association has already done a walk-through of the building with local contractors who’ve determined it’s structurally sound.

Council members like the location, just off Interstate 70, which also has ample parking.  Council members will do their own walk-through of the building during a work session Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.

Below are the complete minutes of the January 20 Ellis City Council meeting.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes January 20, 2014

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Jeff Wolf, John Walz, John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Loran Gottschalk was absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

City Clerk Amy Burton requested that “Big Creek Clean Up” under Unfinished Business be struck from the agenda as it will be discussed under Reports from City Officials.

PUBLIC PRESENT

Gary Luea, Ronald Johnson, John LaShell, Dave McDaniel, Dena Patee, Connie Waldschmidt, Glenn Kohl, Sylvia Kinderknecht, Nickole Byers, Ryan Augustine, and Melanie Fischer.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on January 6, 2014 and Bills Ordinance #1941. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Dena Patee expressed disappointment that after concern was noted at a previous Council meeting that a ribbon cutting had not yet taken place at Cancun Mexican Grill; no Governing Body members were present at the ribbon cutting.

Ron Johnson asked the Governing Body why the fire truck was not paid off in 2010 when approved by that sitting Council. Mr. Johnson noted that he actually made the motion and Glenn Kohl seconded the motion. City Clerk Amy Burton replied that she can’t speak for that previous Council and why they didn’t follow up with the payoff. However, with the current Council’s approval at the previous meeting, it is scheduled to be paid off in March 2014.

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

None

SPECIAL ORDER

Fire

Fire Chief Denis Vine provided his monthly report of various training and activities the volunteer Fire Department has been involved in.

Personnel: Entry – Fire

Chief Vine asked for approval to add Korey LaDuke to the volunteer fire department roster. Council member John Walz moved to approve Korey LaDuke as a volunteer fireman. Council member Jeff Wolf seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Industrial Development: Committee

Sylvia Kinderknecht, Ellis County Coalition representative, provided an update from the Coalition’s recent developments. A major project the Coalition is currently working on is the construction of an $8.2 million 20,000 square foot convention center, which Fort Hays State University would manage and also house a culinary school. The City of Hays is close to announcing a national retailer moving into an existing facility and new retail, sales, and service facilities also coming to Hays. Ms. Kinderknecht reported that Discount Retail Store Services, a business concept firm, is looking for investors to bring a dollar store to Ellis. The firm offers investment packages whereby an investor could have the benefit of a franchise name without having to pay the franchise fees. Low interest loans are available through the Coalition. Ms. Kinderknecht then asked if the City has any type of health and environment code where dilapidated buildings could be forced to be repaired or reconstructed. Several downtown buildings in Ellis are only used for storage, limiting the amount of retail space available. The City should consider changing the zoning regulations to require a special use permit to allow storage or warehousing in the downtown business district. Ms. Kinderknecht also reported a need for senior or low-income housing in Ellis. Developers should be made aware of the water restrictions to be able to plan landscaping and xeriscaping. It was the consensus of Council to direct Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to begin building inspections downtown and report back to Council with any findings.

Capital Improvement: Special Project

Nickole Byers, representing the Ellis Alumni Association, spoke to the Governing Body about the need for a community building in Ellis. Henry and Helen Fischer have offered for sale the old bowling alley building for $30,000.00 if the building is used as a community facility. The Association has performed a walk-through of the building with several local contractors to ensure the building is structurally sound. The Council felt the location is ideal, with ample parking and proximity to gas stations, the hotel, and Interstate. The Ellis Alumni Association would like to know if the City is interested in purchasing the building for the purpose of a community center. It was the consensus of Council to schedule a work session for January 27, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. to perform a walk-through of the building.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Water: Special Project

Ron Johnson, Chairman of the Water Advisory Committee, gave a summary of the City’s meeting with Trego County Rural Water District to see if the District is interested in partnering with the City to provide an emergency water resource for the City of Ellis. The District would serve as a backup system only, not a major supplier of water. Mr. Johnson reported the District is receptive to partnering with Ellis; however, an engineering study needs to be performed to see if the project is even feasible. The Council directed Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to contact Trego County Rural Water District to let them know the City is interested in contracting with the engineer to have the study performed.

Police: Acquisition

Council took under consideration the Enterpol Records Management System that was presented at the January 6, 2014 meeting. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the purchase of the Enterpol Records Management System in the amount of $11,145.00, with funds to come out of the Police Department budget. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call for further discussion, the annual maintenance contract was discussed and Council inquired how many entries would be made in a day. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 4-1, with Council member Terry Redetzke opposed.

General Government: Special Project

City Clerk Amy Burton provided a summary of responses received to an inquiry of how other cities manage their websites. After discussion, the Council asked audience member Ryan Augustine to prepare a presentation for the next meeting showcasing what services he could provide to the City.

NEW BUSINESS

Capital Improvement: Repair/Maintenance – Streets

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman provided a map of the areas to be included in the 2014 Street Maintenance Project. After review, Council member John Walz moved to approve the 2014 Street Maintenance Project at a cost of $81,360.00 with funds to come from Capital Improvement – Streets. Council member John Leiker seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Industrial Development: Committee

Mayor Johnston reported that Sylvia Kinderknecht has expressed interest in continuing her role as the City representative to the Ellis County Coalition. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Sylvia Kinderknecht as the City of Ellis representative to the Ellis County Coalition for 2014. Motion carried unanimously.

General Government: Land

City Attorney Olavee Raub discussed a portion of land on the USD 388 practice field owned by the City. At question are the legal boundaries of the parcel of land, as the legal descriptions held by the Railroad and Ellis County do not agree. Ms. Raub recommended the City obtain a survey of the ground to determine the proper legal description, and then prepare a quitclaim deed between the City and USD 388 on that land. Council member John Leiker moved to proceed with obtaining a survey of the property on West 10th Street to determine proper ownership of the property. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Library: Committee

Mayor Johnston reported that the Library Board has two vacancies to be filled. Mayor Johnston would like to appoint Janetta Heroneme to fill the unexpired term of Gayla Wichman, and Christy Mergen to fill the unexpired term of Don Wood. Council member Terry Redetzke moved to approve the Library Board appointments of Janetta Heroneme and Christy Mergen to the vacant unexpired terms. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Water: Training

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested approval for Steve Homburg, Matt Windholz and himself to attend the KRWA annual meeting in Wichita from March 25th to March 27th. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jeff Wolf seconded a motion to approve the attendance of Alan Scheuerman, Steve Homburg and Matt Windholz at the KRWA Annual Conference to be held in Wichita, KS from March 25th to March 27th. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Position Change

Mr. Scheuerman requested approval to move Jacob Schartz from General Public Works Employee II to General Public Works Employee IV. Council member John Walz moved to approve the position change effective February 1, 2014, for Jacob Schartz from GPWE II to GPWE IV at a probationary wage of $13.72 per hour. Council member Jeff Wolf seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Personnel: Exit

Mr. Scheuerman continued by announcing that he has received a resignation letter from Martin Jimenez effective January 31, 2014.

Public Works: Special Project

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that City crews continue to work on pulling out the large dead trees from Big Creek. It is still unclear at this point if County assistance will be needed.

Sewer: Repair/Maintenance

Director Scheuerman presented several pictures showing recent sewer plant repairs and the cleaning out of debris from the ditches. He reported that the City will need to re-seed the ditches. Council requested he obtain bids from local contractors for the re-seeding.

Water: Repair/Maintenance

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman then informed Council of an emergency repair to the water lines around 13th and Monroe Streets. Municipal Supply, Inc. had to be called in to provide line stops and an insta-valve to be able to work on the repair. Council member John Walz moved to ratify the authority of Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to obtain the help of Municipal Supply Inc. for two line stops and an insta-valve for an emergency water leak at an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 with funds to come from the Water Utility Fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Scheuerman continued by informing Council that Utility Services will be providing an estimate to paint the water tower. Utility Services had the painting planned for 2014 but Mr. Scheuerman would like to budget for the painting in 2015. The tower was last painted around 1998.

Mr. Scheuerman reported that repairs have also been made to the dock. He would like to thank the County for supplying a piece of decking to aid in the repair.

Council inquired if a portion of the effluent water could be pumped back into Big Creek to aid in the recharge of the City’s wells. Mr. Scheuerman will contact the State to see if they would allow the City to do that.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented his monthly report of activity for December 2013. The department had 370 cases in 2013, an increase of 54 from 2012. Officers McCollam and Krom attended an eight hour training course on youth mental illness and abuse, and Chief Yates attended an eight hour training class on drugs and alcohol.

In response to a question from Council on the police car being seen in Hays at various times, Chief Yates replied that it is not unusual for the officers to travel to Hays in the City police cruiser. There are a variety of circumstances that lead the officers to Hays: transports to the County Jail, investigation interviews, meetings with the County Attorney or witnesses, transports of injured offenders to get medical treatment, etc. If the Police Department takes someone into custody, it is the City’s responsibility to transport that individual to another facility. Chief Yates also wanted to remind individuals to not follow the police cars for their safety and the officer’s safety.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton reminded those interested that the filing deadline for City Council is January 21, 2014 at noon. The annual Rabies Clinic will be January 25, 2014 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the City Shop. Dog owners may also purchase their pet’s 2014 dog tags while at the clinic. Also on January 25, 2014 the City will hold their annual Christmas party for elected officials and staff.

Ms. Burton then presented a summary of the usage of the City car during 2013. The car was driven 8,156 miles, resulting in a savings to the City of $3,514.00.

Ms. Burton reviewed with the Governing Body the Safety Committee’s Annual Report. City employees reported three minor injury accidents and two vehicle accidents. Safety inspections for each department will begin in 2014.

Ms. Burton informed Council of the K-State Community Board Leadership Series taking place in Hays in February.

Attorney

MAYOR/COUNCIL

Mayor Johnston announced he exchanged his showerhead at the City office for a low-flow showerhead and encouraged other Council members to do the same. He also announced he took part in the Eagle Community Television Community Forum to be broadcast the week of January 27th.

Council member John Walz recently attended a Government Relations Meeting in which the presenters gave pointers on how to effectively contact your legislatures.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member John Leiker seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s a safe bet a lot of people are really glad the Hays 2014 Polar Plunge wasn’t today.

The annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Kansas is Saturday morning at 11 a.m.  The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 56 degrees with a mostly sunny sky.

Volunteer teams have gathered donations for the “fun” of taking the Plunge into the outdoor swimming pool at America’s Best Value Inn, 2524 Vine Street.

“I’ve never jumped in myself,” says Brian Dawson, “although I have had to help chip away ice some years.” Dawson is the Hays Assistant Police Chief and a member of the Law Enforcement Center Polar Plunge Committee.

This is the third year Polar Plunge has taken place at the motel.  Team members must wear some sort of crazy costume although it doesn’t help much to ward off the chill.  Ellis County EMS is on standby next to the pool in case of accidents or hypothermia.

“It’s really a perfect place with the Plungers able to dash right back indoors into hot tubs to warm up and then we have our Post- Plunge Party and awards upstairs,” says Dawson.

Registration starts at 10a.m., costumes will be judged at 10:30a.m., and the Polar Plunge starts at 11a.m.

Vernon King will announce the “play-by- lay” of each team’s Plunge technique and Fort Hays State University’s cheer team will also be on hand.

The public is invited to watch the Polar Plunge.  All donations benefit the Kansas Special Olympics.

Hays is host to the annual KSSO state basketball tournament each spring.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

WASHINGTON — Thomas More Prep-Marian High School sent 39 students and six adult sponsors to Wednesday’s annual March For Life in Washington, D.C.

“After a long 30+ hours on the bus, we were able to brave the snow and single digit cold temperature to participate in the Pro-Life movement,” said resident adviser and class sponsor Brad Stramel.

“The students wore their Salina Diocese scarves and hats to identity themselves during the march so we could all stick together.”

The Hays group caravanned to D-C with a bus group from Salina.

Also joining the TMP group were several members of Fort Hays State University Students for Life and the FHSU Knights of Columbus Council.

The rally lineup included musical entertainment by Christian artist Matt Maher and speeches by U.S. House of Representative Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

“We also heard a report from the March for Life president Jeanne Monahan  who read a tweet from Pope Francis at the time the rally was taking place, ” said Stramel.

This morning the TMP-Marian group attended Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

This was the 41st annual March for Life, the world’s largest anti­abortion event, held on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion.

The Hays group will be back in town Friday.

(Photos courtesy Brad Stramel)

 

By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

Russell businesses and community members will be honored for their community involvement during Thursday’s annual Russell Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet.

Special recognition will be given to winners for Business of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, Community Service Award, Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The dinner and program will be held at the Dole-Specter Conference Center, 1430 S. Russell Street, starting at 6p.m. tonight.

Theresa Vail, Miss Kansas 2013, is the special guest speaker.

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A wind chill advisory  in effect for much of the region through 11 a.m. tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service in Dodge City predicts wind chill values to bottom out in the -15F to -22F range.

That’s too cold to leave Fido outdoors.

The Humane Society of the High Plains in Hays offers some cold weather tips for your pets:

1. Antifreeze, even in tiny qualities, can be fatal. Better yet use antifreeze made with propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

2. Bang on your car hood before you start your car. Cats and other small animals may curl up under the hood for warmth.

3. Don’t use metal bowls outside. Most of us found out when we were children that we shouldn’t put our tongues on cold metal.

4. Outdoors, use heated bowls and birdbath warmers to keep water unfrozen.

5. A doghouse should be off the ground, facing away from north with a protective flap on the door, furnished with hay or some other warm material and large enough for the dog to turn around in, but small enough for it to retain body heat.

6. When the temperature falls below freezing bring your pets inside. Cats should be brought inside for the winter. Garages aren’t warm enough for them. They may fuss to go outside, but don’t give in.

7. Small dogs should be outfitted with little sweaters before going outside. Booties are also a good idea.

8. Ice melt and salt can irritate paws, so wipe the paws if it has snowed.

9. Animals who go outside may need more food in the winter. Inside animals may want it, but they don’t need it.

10. Animals may lose their sense of direction in the snow and be unable to find their way home.

11. Outdoor animals need more food when it’s cold.

12. When the weather moderates, take your dog for a walk. It will be good for both of you!

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“Paint a historical mural which would create a sense of ‘Awe’ to its viewers.”

Hays artist Dennis Schiel believes he’s accomplished that goal he set for himself.

Now Schiel’s 8-by-16-foot mural will be seen by many more viewers.

The State of Kansas Mural is hanging in the state capitol building in Topeka.  It’s in Room 251-S, the Office of the Governor Conference Room, which is connected to the lieutenant governor’s office on the second floor.

The unofficial unveiling of the mural will be Jan. 29, Kansas Day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Schiel will be alongside his artwork to answer questions about the mural and its creation.

The State of Kansas Historical Mural was commissioned by the Hays Arts Council. Schiel figures he spent “four years, 447 hours of library research, 2,652 hours of painting, and more than 73,000 miles of travel throughout  Kansas” to complete the project.

More than 300 historical subjects grace the mural, along with the pathways that helped form the state including two railroads, the Kansas Pacific Railroad and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. Other historic pathways include the Chisholm Trail , Western Cattle Trail, Parallel Road, Smokey Hill Trail, Santa Fe Trail, Oregon Trail and many others.

Schiel has been a professional artist for more than thirty years. He moved to Hays in 2007 from Colorado.  He has received numerous historical commissions including the 150th year historical mural for Kansas State University Department of Animal Science and Industry.