By Becky Kiser

Hays Post

Rylee Werth has won another national contest and will sing the national anthem during the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Many area residents became aware of the 11-year-old’s vocal talent when she sang the national anthem with country great Neal McCoy during the July 4th Wild West Festival in Hays.

Werth lives with her family on a farm in Trego County and attends sixth grade at St. Mary Elementary School in Ellis.

She’ll sing the national anthem at the general opening session of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association February 4 and during the convention’s Cowboys Night at the Opry February 6.

Three weeks ago, Werth sang the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas after winning a national contest.

Werth tells Mike Koerner, Eagle Community TV, she started singing the Star Spangled Banner at area events, county fairs and rodeos several years ago:

Click here to watch Werth sing at this summer’s Trego County Fair.  (Video courtesy  Cristi Werth)

By Becky Kiser

Hays Post

Hays High School DECA members, 34 of them and sponsor Shaina Prough, recently made a trip to a place they hope they never have to utilize.

HHS DECA has been associated for 14 years with the Ronald McDonald Houses in Wichita.

This year’s event was organized by Trysta Knapp, a junior, and her project partners Rylie Rowland and Allyson Flax.

“Every single year, HHS DECA goes down for a work day to clean up the RMH, bake goodies for the families living there, and help out in any way possible,” says Knapp.” Everyone there is wonderful and it’s a great experience to go back every single time.”

Half of the DECA group went to the Mid-Town House across the street from Grace-Med. The other half went to the Sleepy Hollow House located near the Wesley Medical Center parking lot.  Four students went to the the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Wesley.

They stayed busy dusting, vacuuming, cleaning windows, spot cleaning floors and other house work, baking goodies, and sorting donated food items.

“It’s always nice to go there and see how all of the staff is doing and hear the different stories of the families that have stayed there. It’s nice to work together with my DECA Chapter and see all of us become leaders and grow in our character,” says Knapp.

The DECA students do even more than donate their time.  Throughout the year, HHS DECA collects aluminum can pull tabs donated by area residents and businesses. “We then take the pull tabs to someone who gives us money in return.  We’ve been able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, ” says Knapp.

This year the students were able to contribute more than $1,300 cash.

Last year, DECA collected 1.5 million pull tabs with the help of the community.

Participating HHS DECA students are:

Alex Winter, Allyson Flax, Amanda Koenigsman, Bailee Leiker, Brenden Ibarra, Casey Dinkel, Ethan Waddell, Jake Bieker, Jordan Wilson, Kaylie Schoendaller, Lexi Summers, Lily Meska, Rylie Rowland, Summer Smith, Thea Ferland, Trenton Flora, Abby Garrett, Amber Klaus, Brady Bieker, Elissa Jensen, Haley Wells, Hayden Kreutzer, Jenna Luebbers, Kirsten Ellard, Kristyn Hodny, Madi Haines, Madison White, Mariah Haley, Sydney Vahling, Trystan Knapp, Jared Willhoft, Kyler Niernberger, Landon Munsch, Macey Pfeifer, Mackenzie Lewis, Seth Junk.

(Pictures courtesy Trysta Knapp)

By Becky Kiser

Hays Post

Ninety-six percent as of today, December 27.

After opening up this morning’s mail, that’s how close the United Way of Ellis County is to this year’s fundraising goal of $490,000.

Executive Director Jason Rauch says all the donations from major employers are in.  “Now we’re sending out some reminder letters to smaller employers and a few individuals.”

Campaign chairman Josh Dreher, Bank of Hays, is also recording a final reminder to air on Hays radio stations.

“We increased our goal $20,000 from last year,” says Rauch.  “That’s because we added two new organizations.  Smoky Hill Foundation for Chemical Dependency has a children’s program United Way will fund, and we’ll help fund the Northwest Kansas Community Corrections housing program.”

So far, $470,081.36 of the $490,000 goal has been raised.

Two Hays students  and one from Victoria are winners of scholarships from the Western Kansas Manufacturers Association (WKMA).  WKMA sponsors the annual 3i SHOW in Dodge City.

The scholarships are available to Western Kansas residents who are going to start their freshman year of college. Preference is given to students enrolling in Industrial Engineering, Pre-Engineering or Business Administration.

The following are 2013-2014 school year scholarship recipients:

– Lauren Pallister, a Hays High School graduate, awarded a $500 scholarship at Barton Community College
– Tate Bartlett, a Minneola High School graduate, awarded a $500 scholarship at Dodge City Community College
– Isaac Dreiling, a Victoria High School graduate, awarded a $500 scholarship at NCK Tech
– Martha Rangel, a Liberal High School graduate, awarded a $500 scholarship at Seward County Community College/ATS
– Braden Splichal, a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate, awarded a $700 scholarship at Fort Hays State University
– Jennifer Ochs, a Jetmore High School graduate, awarded a $700 scholarship at Kansas State University
– Ethan Long, a Saint John High School graduate, awarded a $700 scholarship at the University of Kansas

WKMA says in a news release there are still scholarships available for students attending Colby Community College, Garden City Community College and Northwest Kansas Technical College.

The scholarships are funded through the sale of 3i SHOW belt buckles.

More information about WKMA scholarships, visit https://3ishow.com/WKMA/Scholarships.htm.

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes December 16, 2013

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, Loran Gottschalk 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Dave McDaniel, Glen Keller, Jim Carthew and Dena Patee

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on December 2, 2013, November manual journal entries, and Bills Ordinance #1939. Councilmember Jeff Wolf seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Glen Keller, Chairman of the Ellis Railroad Museum, informed the Governing Body that the Museum Board is in the process of drafting paperwork deeding the train depot to the City.

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

None

SPECIAL ORDER

Dena Patee, Ellis Alliance, will appear later in the meeting.

Fire

Fire Chief Denis Vine reported that the Kansas Highway Patrol will be presenting a four-hour class on defensive and safe-driving techniques for the volunteer firemen this week.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Fire: Capital Outlay

Fire Chief Denis Vine presented two revised bids for 750 feet of 4” supply line fire hose, with the bids now including freight costs. Council member John Walz moved and Council member John Leiker seconded a motion to accept the low bid from Municipal Emergency Services, Inc. for 750 feet of supply line and adapters at a cost of $7,380.00 with funds to come from the Fire Department budget. Upon a call from Mayor Johnston for further discussion, Council member Loran Gottschalk expressed concern over hooking up a larger hose to a smaller water main and possibly collapsing the main. Chief Vine explained there is less friction loss with a larger diameter hose and the hose only carries what the hydrant supplies. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Salary

In November, Council approved the Crew Foreman wage at $15.54 per hour, with a probationary wage of $14.94 per hour. However, at the December 2nd meeting Council approved Danny Wickham in the Crew Foreman position at a probationary wage of $14.44 per hour, therefore City Clerk Amy Burton is asking for approval to correct the wage. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion to approve the probationary wage of $14.94 for Danny Wickham as Crew Foreman retroactive to December 7, 2013. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Salary

City Clerk Amy Burton presented a revised pay rate structure to be effective January 1, 2014. Revisions include a 2% budgetary raise for the Crew Foreman position, adding a General Public Works Employee IA position, and breaking out the Fire Department Treasurer salary for clarity. Council member John Walz moved to approve the revised 2014 Pay Rates as presented. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

General Government: Special Project

Mayor Lyle Johnston asked for reconsideration from Council for holding a contest or offering a prize for updating the City’s webpage, with the possibility of continuing to maintain the webpage on a contractual basis. Council discussed several options and directed City Clerk Amy Burton to gain more information to present at a future meeting.

Personnel: Policy

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the revised substance abuse and testing policy for consideration. The random testing provision has been removed for non-regulated employees and the employee positions subject to drug and alcohol testing has been expanded. Council member John Walz moved to approve the Workplace Substance Abuse and Testing Policy as presented. Council member Jeff Wolf seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

General Government: Licenses/Permits

Council member John Leiker made a motion to approve the 2014 cereal malt beverage license application for Rich’s IGA. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Position

Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the job description as presented for the General Public Works Employee IA position. Council member John Leiker seconded the motion. Upon the call by the Mayor for further discussion, Council member Niernberger asked Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman if employees are required to pass a physical before employment. Director Scheuerman noted that DOT regulations require a physical every two years, but new employees are not required to complete a physical prior to starting employment with the City. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 6-0.

Personnel: Policy

City Clerk Amy Burton presented to Council revisions made to the Personnel Policy for consideration. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the 2014 Personnel Policies and Guidelines as presented. Motion carried 5-1, with Council member Terry Redetzke opposing the motion.

Emergency Preparedness: Policy

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the City’s Emergency Operating Plan in response to a crisis involving the City’s public water supply. Council member John Leiker moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve as presented the 2014 Public Water Supply Emergency Operating Plan. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Improvement: Policy

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for 2014-2019. The Plan has been updated for 2013 activity and also includes the two new proposed Capital Improvement funds to account for the City’s share of the county half cent sales tax. Council member John Walz moved to approve the 2014-2019 Capital Improvement Plan and Reserve Fund Balances as presented. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

General Government: City Code

City Clerk Amy Burton presented proposed ordinances creating two new Capital Improvement funds for 2014. Council member John Walz moved to approve Ordinance 1363 creating a Capital Improvement – Water Exploration Fund. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Council member John Walz then moved to approve Ordinance 1364 creating a Capital Improvement – Special Project Fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

General Government: Contracts

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the revised Municipal Pound Services contract between the City and Mark Augustine for approval. The revised contract includes a provision to also allow transport of animals to the Western Plains Animal Refuge in addition to the Humane Society of Hays. Council member John Leiker moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Municipal Pound Services contract as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

SPECIAL ORDER

Dena Patee, Ellis Alliance, reported that the City had given the Alliance $2,500.00 to apply toward the hiring of part-time help in the Alliance office. However, most of the people helping out in the office have been volunteers. Therefore, approximately $2,200.00 of the City’s appropriation remains. Being that the Alliance must begin and end the year with a zero balance, Ms. Patee asked Council if the City would like the excess funds to be repaid, or if the remaining funds should be designated at the discretion of the Alliance Board. It was the consensus of the Council to allow the Alliance to keep the money to use at the Board’s discretion.

Clerk: Accounting/Billing

City Clerk Amy Burton asked approval from Council to pay any vendor invoices due and payable at year end. The bills to be paid will be included on the January 6, 2014 bills ordinance for review. Council member John Walz moved to approve the City Clerk’s office to pay any end of year accounts payable. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Police: Acquisition

Police Chief Taft Yates presented two bids for a storage shed to place at the shooting range to store the targets, frames and other materials. Currently, the range items are stored in various places around the City. A storage shed would alleviate the Department from transporting items back and forth. After further discussion Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the purchase of a storage container from TSB in the amount of $2,000.00 with funds to come from the Police Department budget. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call for the vote, Council members Jolene Niernberger, John Walz and John Leiker voted in favor of the motion; Council members Terry Redetzke, Loran Gottschalk, and Jeff Wolf opposed the motion. Mayor Lyle Johnston broke the tie by voting opposed to the motion. Motion failed 3-4.

Police: Acquisition

Police Chief Taft Yates presented two bids for a Dell OptiPlex computer to replace the computer in the office that crashed. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Loran Gottschalk seconded a motion to approve the low bid from Sicoir Computer Technologies for a Dell OptiPlex computer in the amount of $1,680.31 with funds to come out of the Police Department budget. Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Sewer: Repair/Replacement

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that the new sewer pump has been installed and is working properly. The old one is awaiting new parts to be repaired. The new pump cost $4,486.00, well under the $10,000.00 approved at the December 2, 2013 meeting.

Police

Personnel: Entry

Police Chief Taft Yates requested approval to hire Jon Geiger, a certified law enforcement officer from Colorado. Mr. Geiger has four years of experience and will only be required to attend the one week reciprocity training at KLETC. Council member John Walz moved to approve the hiring of Jon Geiger at a starting wage of $14.08 per hour effective January 2, 2014. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

Personnel: Exit

Chief Yates reported that Officer Emmett Casey has turned in his letter of resignation effective January 25, 2014.

Chief Yates continued with his monthly report noting that the Department has seen twenty-eight new cases in November, and thirty more cases than the entire year of 2012. Chief Yates also reported the Crown Victoria sold on PurpleWave Auction for $2,450.00.

Public Works

Public Works: Special Project

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that the County has received our request for assistance in removing several large dead trees from Big Creek. Currently the project is on hold until the ground is frozen enough to get heavy equipment in and out of the creek bed.

Water: Special Meeting

Director Scheuerman reminded Council of the special meeting with Kelly Stewart, acting commissioner of the Kansas Division of Water Resources, regarding the water exploration process on December 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Streets: Repair/Maintenance

Director Scheuerman reported that a resident approached him about filling potholes on Lakeview Drive. Mr. Scheuerman and City Attorney Olavee Raub are researching to see if the City owns the street. The street was poorly installed and is deteriorating quickly. The street has no curb and guttering and does not have proper drainage. Mr. Scheuerman and Ms. Raub will continue to research and report back at a future meeting.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the November Financial Statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and the Security Deposit worksheet. The City Christmas Party has been scheduled for January 25, 2014. Ms. Burton then informed Council of a meeting she had with Vera Haver from the Ellis Community Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop plans to distribute the profits from the store in the form of a grant for not-for-profit entities. The grant will be awarded twice a year and is a great way for the Thrift Shop to give back to the community.

MAYOR/COUNCIL

Council member Jolene Niernberger thanked the Council for allowing her to attend the Mini Governing Body Institute in Great Bend. Ms. Niernberger shared with the group several of the topics discussed.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Terry Redetzke moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member John Leiker seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:33 p.m.

First Care Clinic’s Certified Navigator, Sayre Shuck, will be  at the Ellis Public Library Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding health insurance offered under the Affordable Care Act.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed into law March 31, 2010.

As a result all individuals and families are required to have health insurance beginning in 2014.  Otherwise, they will have to pay a fee when filing their 2014 income taxes.  There are tax credits to help pay monthly premiums and cost share reductions to assist with deductibles, coinsurance and co-pays for those who qualify.

The deadline for open enrollment is March 31, 2014.

Shuck said in a news release that she will present information about ACA and can assist with individuals’ applications.  She’ll be in the following locations next month:

• Tuesday, January 7 at 2:00 PM at the Plainville Memorial Library
• Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 PM at the Ellis Public Library
• Monday, January 13 at 2:00 PM at the Russell Public Library
• Thursday, January 16 at 2:00 PM in the basement of First Care Clinic, 105. W. 13th, Hays
• Tuesday, January 21 at 5:30 PM in the basement of First Care Clinic

For more information call Shuck at 785-621-4990.

By Becky Kiser-Hays Post

Every day, even during the holidays, 500 pints of blood are needed for patients in Kansas hospitals.

American Red Cross Blood Donor Recruitment Coordinator Cathy Younger is encouraging local residents to donate blood during the 11th annual Battle of the Badges.

The friendly competition, in which donors vote for their favorite  Ellis County emergency responders, kicked off December 11th and continues through Tuesday, December 31.

EMS leads the competition with five wins, the Fire Department has three wins and Law Enforcement has two:

Donors also have a chance to win His and Her Watches donated by Diamond R Jewelry.

To make an appointment for a blood donation during Battle of the Badges, or any time, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  The Hays donor center is located at 208 E. 8th Street.

The winner’s trophy will be presented during  Fort Hays State University basketball game January 11th.

By Becky Kiser-Hays Post

When your Christmas tree is no longer green, you can still do the “green thing” and drop it off at the city of Hays’ free disposal site.

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch.  The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge.

The location of the Christmas tree disposal site has changed, says Solid Waste Superintendent Marvin Honas:

Honas says all plastic, ornaments and lights should be removed from the trees.

Signs to the new site are posted.

The disposal site is open through Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

By Becky Kiser-Hays Post

Ellis County commissioners will start the new year with a new meeting time.

Beginning Monday, January 6, meeting start times will be moved up to 5p.m. from 6:45p.m., as  County Administrator Greg Sund explains: