By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
July is jam-packed with summer-fun activities in Hays.
It all kicks off with the 24th annual Wild West Festival and the July 4th celebration.
Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a look at some of the highlights.
For an up-to-date calendar of events, check the CVB website visithays.com.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Aquatic Park (HAP) will have a new play feature installed for use next summer.
City commissioners approved the recommendation of city staff last week to purchase the “Elevations” aquatic feature from RJR Enterprises for $185,000 from the Pool Reserve Funds. The multi-play piece will replace the deteriorated “Starburst” in the zero-depth entry area.
Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller was the sole vote against the proposal.
He said the Pool Reserve monies are primarily for repairs, and anticipates some big needs. He’s also like to see the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) do more promotion of the pool to increase attendance.
“It’s just there. We just expect people to go there,” Schwaller said. “The first thing that is lacking is a marketing plan.”
“We have the right staff in place now at CVB and I think a marketing plant would definitely help,” agreed Commissioner Shaun Musil. “I don’t think this new feature is going to increase attendance but I think it’s going to keep it relevant.”
Musil also advocated raising admission prices “a little bit.”
As HAP approaches its 20th year, Schwaller is more concerned about upkeep.
“The pool reserve funds we have on hand, $321,000, are meant to repair the pool. We’ve been diligent about it but at some point, we’re going to have a lot to replace,” Schwaller pointed out. “And when we use 57% of that money to buy a feature, it concerns me.”
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said she would vote in favor of the new play feature because the pool represents “quality of life” in Hays, and is not expected to be a “money-maker.”
Jacobs quoted from an email sent to commissioners by a local business owner who wrote “if families from Hays and other communities begin patronizing other water attractions…we will lose their dollars spend on eateries, shopping, etc….money and sales tax revenue that would have benefited Hays if we had not allowed our community to lose its sizzle.”
The city’s General Fund is funded primarily by a local sales tax.
The four commissioners agreed the pool does provide “quality of life” in Hays.
According to Jeff Boyle, Director of Parks, construction of the new water play feature will begin August 21, 2018 and should be completed by December 21, 2018.
Boyle noted there were already two 1,000 attendance days at HAP. There were only two 1,000 attendance days in all of 2017. “I hope we continue that trend,” he added.
ELLIS – Ellis city council members will consider approving the recent 2017 audit report during their July 2 meeting. In new business, they’ll also consider approving a budget consultation contract.
Other agenda items for tonight’s meeting include discussion of street repairs on North Madison.
The complete agenda follows.
AGENDA
July 2, 2018
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It’s going to start getting noisy in Hays at 10 a.m. today in anticipation of the July 4th holiday.
The Hays city code allows fireworks to be discharged on July 2, 3, and 4 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Fireworks may be sold in Hays during all hours on those dates.
According to Ryan Hagans, interim fire chief, all consumer fireworks legal for sale and use in Kansas are permitted to be sold and used in the Hays city limits. Bottle rockets and skyrockets are prohibited by state law.
City commissioner Shaun Musil reminds residents that persons using fireworks are responsible for cleaning up all debris.
“Please be smart and clean up your mess from fireworks, and be safe because there’s many people that absolutely hate fireworks,” Musil noted. “I think the last few years we’ve had very good luck with people taking care of them but please think about your neighbors when you’re shooting fireworks off.”
Those found in violation of the city code may be fined up to $500 and 30 days in jail.
The Wild West Festival Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled for 10 p.m. July 4.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A former Hays city commissioner has been called back into public service.
Ron Mellick was unanimously appointed by the city commission Thursday night to fill the seat recently vacated by Chris Dinkel, who will be moving to New York City.
Mellick last served as a Hays city commissioner in April, 2015, after serving two terms.
That experience is why Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller made the nomination to appoint Mellick for the unexpired term.
“In the next 18 months, we will complete and begin $100 million in infrastructure projects,” Schwaller pointed out and then noted “we don’t have to borrow the money. We have the money.
“When I first served with Ron Mellick in 2009, I didn’t know him very well. … He’s an amazing commissioner. He asks the right questions. You know where he’s going to stand on an issue, although he’s very flexible. He listens to others. He certainly has a strong opinion from time to to time.
“Given the enormity of these decisions we’re going to be making – the four of us – we need a fifth who’s been here,” Schwaller concluded. “It’s good to have someone join us who’s been here for awhile, not that the other candidates aren’t great. But given the scope and the learning curve, that’s why I made that motion.”
The current commissioners thanked those who contacted them about filling the vacancy and encouraged them to run during the next city election.
“We need good people to run. I believe we need new blood,” said Commissioner Shaun Musil, who also served with Mellick. “But I also think with what we’re going into with the budget season and with water, I think the person we’re picking is the right one.”
According to Hays City Clerk Brenda Kitchen, Dinkel’s unexpired term ends in 2020.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The appointment of a new Hays city commissioner is scheduled to be announced Thu., June 28, during tonight’s regular commission meeting.
A seat opened earlier this month when Chris Dinkel announced his resignation. He and his family will be moving to New York City where Dinkel will attend Columbia Law School this fall.
Dinkel said he was announcing his resignation early so the new commissioner could be involved in the 2019 budget review. According to Hays City Clerk Brenda Kitchen, Dinkel’s term ends in 2020.
Persons interested in filling the vacancy were urged to contact a Hays city commissioner.
Other agenda items include a proposal to purchase the Elevations aquatic feature for the Hays Aquatic Park (HAP) for $185,000 from the Pool Reserve Funds.
During last week’s work session, commissioners discussed whether a more extensive plan should be in place to revitalize HAP and increase attendance.
Commissioners will also consider authorizing the city manager to execute a $75,000 contract with Covenant Builders, Hays, for construction of King’s Gate Park improvements. All costs will be assessed to the benefit district. The 10-year assessment would begin upon project completion.
King’s Gate Addition is located north of 41st Street and just east of the Highway 40 bypass. It was platted and began development in 2010.
The small neighborhood park at the north end of the development will include a basketball court, shelter house, play structure, swing set, a BBQ grill, and benches. Sidewalk will be placed in various areas throughout the park.
The project was bid with an alternate for wood or rubber mulch. Commissioners last week said they prefer the rubber mulch, which was a higher bid of $94,000.
Parks Director Jeff Boyle told the commission his department is “trying to convert city parks play areas over to rubber if we can afford it.”
Although the initial cost for rubber mulch is more, wood chips “turn into dirt,” he explained. “They decompose and then you have to go in and remove all the dirt and wood chips after about six to eight years and start over. If it gets dry enough, the wood much turns into splinters. We’ve had complaints about that.”
The parks department began changing to the rubber mulch about five years ago. “It doesn’t deteriorate. It doesn’t go anywhere unless the kids throw it and then you just rake it back in,” said Boyle. “It’s a little more costly upfront but it never goes bad.”
According to Boyle, Aubel-Bickle Park, 30th and Sherman, and the Hays Rotary Club Park in east Frontier Park have already been converted from wood chip to rubber mulch playgrounds. Lincoln Elementary School has also changed its playground cover to rubber mulch.
The commission will also:
The complete agenda is available here.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Kansas Merci Boxcar, located in Hays, was rededicated recently in its new permanent home in the Hays Veterans Memorial Park, 1305 Canterbury, with a ribbon cutting by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce to mark the occasion.
The 40 and 8 railroad boxcar was relocated with the help of the city of Hays, and the Parks Department in particular.
Vance Chartier, 40 and 8 Chef de Train and director of the relocation process, thanked Jeff Boyle, Director of Parks, for his support.
“When we started this process, we started talking with the city parks manager Jeff Boyle. He helped guide us through the process, to get it though the city commission and then the process of getting a quality structure around the boxcar and not just another chain link fence,” Chartier told the crowd.
“In recognizing Jeff, we’re truly recognizing the entire Hays Parks Department because much of the work that was done here – the concrete that was laid, the staining of the posts, and a lot of other work was done by city workers,” Chartier added. “I can’t say enough how much we appreciate what they’ve done.”
A proclamation by Gov. Jeff Colyer of June 16 as “Kansas Merci Boxcar Day” was presented to Hays Mayor James Meier.
Ed Holzmeister, grand director of the Kansas Merci Boxcar, former commander of the Hays American Legion Post 173, former district commander, and a Korean War Navy veteran, read a history of the boxcar and the 40 and 8. The 87-year-old was then recognized for his support of the project by Chartier and Kansas Grand Chef De Gare Tim Russell.
The local 40 and 8 society raised about $11,000, with in-kind donations to move the historic boxcar from the front of the former American Legion to the adjacent park. City commissioners agreed to match $13,000 to build a protective shelter and fencing.
Among those recognized was Jennifer Shukar, Lincoln, Neb., who donated the money to build a metal non-slip staircase leading up to the boxcar. As a nursing student at Fort Hays State University, Shukar received a scholarship from the Hays 40 and 8.
The 40 & 8 boxcar is one of 49 from France donated in 1949 to thank Americans for sending much-needed supplies to the French at the end of World War II. The Kansas boxcar, which settled permanently in Hays, is considered one of the top five of the 39 that remain in the nation.
To schedule a tour of The Kansas Merci Boxcar and Museum, call Chartier at 785-623-6747 or email [email protected]. Check out the group’s Facebook page for more details.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It was a wet start to summer in Hays with nearly an inch of rain falling between Friday evening and Monday morning.
According to official reports from the K-State Agriculture Research Center south of town, a total of 0.85 inches of rain fell over the weekend, with a trace recorded Saturday. That was on top of 2.32 inches received last Tuesday evening.
So far in June, Hays has received 3.83 inches of rain. The year-to-date moisture total is 10.80 inches.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Recreation Commission (HRC) and the city of Hays want to make improvements at the Hays Aquatic Park (HAP) and draw more patrons.
Just adding one new recommended water play feature may not be enough to increase attendance.
The pool is not intended to be a money maker. “It’s a quality of life issue,” according to City Commissioner Sandy Jacobs, “but that doesn’t mean we can’t work to reduce the amount of money we’re losing.”
City commissioners heard a proposal during their Thursday night work session from Director of Parks Jeff Boyle for a new water play feature to replace the aged “starburst” in the zero-depth entry area.
During the annual joint meeting of HRC and the city earlier this year, staff presented various options that could be added to HAP to enhance the facility. Commissioners liked the idea and directed staff to search for a multi-play aquatic feature not to exceed $185,000.
Boyle reported the $185,000 play feature from RJR Enterprises, which allows more patrons to participate at one time, was city staff’s unanimous recommendation. The monies would come from the Pool Reserve Fund which stands at $321,558.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs and Mayor James Meier both liked the idea. “My kids and wife are excited about it,” said Meier. Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller was not impressed.
“Given the small balance that remains in the fund that is used for maintenance, to maintain the boilers, which we know will have a short life, I hesitate to use the funds for this,” Schwaller said. “If we’re going to make any improvements to the pool, we should talk to the community. What do they want to see at the pool? Why aren’t they using it and how much will they pay?”
“I think any new improvements will bring in more people,” Jacobs said, “but for how long?”
Boyle added that dump buckets are now one of the most popular water features.
Schwaller suggested hiring the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University to conduct a survey of Hays residents about the aquatic park.
“Let’s find out why people aren’t going to the pool, where they’re going instead, and if they are going to HAP, what new features do they want to see and how much are they willing to pay.”
Meier made a comparison to the improvements at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, which now draws more golfers, although it is still a money-loser for the city.
“We had a plan and we fixed it,” Schwaller interjected. “It loses money but not as much as it did and we get rave reviews about the quality of the course. We spent the right amount of money to fix the irrigation system. Jeff’s worked on those greens like nobody’s business, and fixed all the drains. We did it right. We had a plan.
“We don’t have a plan for the aquatic park. We just said ‘go get us some stuff.’ Just because we gave the wrong instructions doesn’t mean we’ve committed to this.”
The potential purchase of the new aquatic feature will be discussed further next week at the June 28 city commission meeting.
Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from Thursday’s work session.
There is a vacant seat on the commission which was recently vacated by Chris Dinkel. Commissioners intend to appoint his replacement during the June 28 meeting.
ELLIS – Ellis city council members were updated Monday on the county-wide storm warning siren project by Darin Myers, Ellis County Emergency Manager. Bids have been received from ASC Mass Notification Solutions for two types of siren systems. Myers said he hopes to have another bid from a Kansas City company. Council members asked Myers to include the city of Ellis in the project.
Outside funding requests were heard from the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home & Museum and the Ellis Railroad Museum. The Chrysler Museum is requesting $17,500, an increase of $2,500 to help support operations. The Railroad Museum is asking for $16,000, the same amount as last year.
The council will consider the funding requests during their 2019 budget preparation.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
June 18, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Incoming Assistant City Clerk Verda Flinn, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Dustin Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Dena Patee and City Clerk Amy Burton were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Glen Keller, Charlene Weber, Myles Vine, Darin Myers, Teri Klitzke, Katlin Senst, Sophia Sanders, and Chad Pritchett.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 4, 2018, Bills Ordinance #2047, and the April Manual Journal Entries. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Chad Pritchett presented the 2019 budget request from the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home & Museum. The Chrysler Museum requested $17,500, an increase of $2,500 to help support operations. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Glen Keller, Chairman of the Ellis Railroad Museum, presented the 2019 budget request of $16,000 for consideration, the same amount as last year. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Financial
Katlin Senst and Sophia Sanders, Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd., presented the City’s 2017 audit report. The City received a “clean” opinion, meaning that the 2017 financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects. There were also no cash or budget violations cited. The report will be considered for approval at the next Council meeting.
Fire: Report
Fire Chief Dustin Vine presented his monthly report. The 1998 Freightliner has been repaired but Chief Vine hasn’t received the invoice yet from Hays Fire & Equipment. The Department is currently down four firefighters; however, members conducted an interview at the last meeting.
General Government: Special Project
Darin Myers, Ellis County Emergency Manager, updated Council on the county-wide storm siren project. Council reviewed a bid from ASC Mass Notification Solutions for two types of siren systems. One system is for three new sirens; while the other system is for two sirens. Both systems offer similar storm notification coverage. Chief Myers hopes to obtain an additional bid from a company out of Kansas City. It was the consensus of Council to continue forward with the project and instructed Chief Myers to include the City in the Request for Proposal.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: City Code
Current City Code allows residents five days to comply with tree trimming regulations. Council reviewed a proposed ordinance extending that time to fifteen days. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1430 amending the time allowance to remedy tree trimming violations to fifteen days. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Campground/Swimming Pool: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for materials to install metal roofs at the Lakeside Campground and the Swimming Pool. Council member Bret Andries moved to accept the low bid from Trio Home Center for metal material in the total amount of $5,213.21, with $3,637.91 to be charged to the General-Swimming Pool fund and $1,575.30 to be charged to the Campground fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Economic Development: Accounting/Billing
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Application for Local Incentives for Shear Heaven Beauty Nook. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Special Parks: Acquisition
At the May 7, 2018 Council meeting, Council approved the purchase of 175-tons of pea gravel for Creekside and Playworld Parks in the amount of $7,000. The actual amount purchased was $182.37 ton at a total cost of $7,313.03. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to ratify the additional $313.03 with the overage to be split between the General-Parks and Special Parks funds. The motion carried 5-0.
Sanitation: Acquisition
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for the purchase of tires for the International trash truck. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the low bid from Golden Belt Coop in the amount of $1,578.13 with funds to come from the Sanitation fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Acquisition
Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the purchase of asphalt not to exceed $10,000, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement-Street fund. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Campground: Policy
A tour group has requested a reservation for seven campsites in the Lakeside Campground from July 19 – 21st. Current City policy is to not allow reservations since the City does not have an attendant on site. After further discussion, it was the consensus of Council to adhere to current policy and not allow the reservation.
Clerk: Disposal
Council reviewed a list of records to be destroyed according to the City’s record retention policy. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the Certificate of Destruction of Public Records as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Economic Development: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel recommended Jeff Geschwentner to fill the vacancy on the Ellis Industrial Development Corporation. Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Geschwentner as the City’s representative on the EIDC. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that several of the Department’s vehicles and equipment have broken down over the last few weeks and required numerous repairs.
Street: Special Project
Door knockers will be distributed to affected residents with the County’s asphalt project. The project scope is Washington Street from 3rd Street to the Bridge and is expected to last from June 25th to July 6th.
Personnel: Entry
Joe Day has been hired for the temporary recycling position effective June 18, 2018 at the probationary rate of $12.83 per hour.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported the Department is still accepting applications for the open position.
City Clerk
Council reviewed the Health Insurance Savings Report for May and the April Financial Statements, consisting of the Statement of Accounts, the Treasurer’s Report, and the Security Deposit Worksheet.
Sanitation: Accounting/Billing
Last year, Council agreed to waive sanitation fees for grass pickup for the Ellis Recreation Commission. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to continue to waive the dumpster pickup fees for the Commission for once a week pickups during the grass season. The motion carried 5-0.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the City is awaiting response on a proposed settlement on a case with the City.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel noted from the City Clerk’s memo that the valuation estimates have been received from the County, and the City’s valuation has decreased approximately $300 per mill.
Council member Jolene Niernberger would like Mayor McDaniel to invite Mike Downing, the City’s representative on the Ellis County Coalition, to explain why the Coalition changed its name to Grow HAYS.
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner reported the Community Block Party was a great success with many positive comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will begin review of the 2019 budget tonight as they hear funding requests from the first three of several outside agencies.
Fort Hays State University is requesting $100,000 for its scholarship program, an increase of $10,000 from last year. The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) is asking for the same amount, $53,655.
There is no request from the former Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development, now known as Grow Hays. The group announced last year it would no longer depend on financing from the city or from Ellis County. Both entities cut their funding to the group by 50 percent for 2018.
Another agenda item addresses summer fun.
During the annual joint meeting of the Hays Recreation Commission and the city earlier this year, staff presented various options that could be added to the Hays Aquatic Park to enhance the facility. Commissioners liked the idea and directed staff to search for a multi-play aquatic feature to replace the existing “starburst” in the zero-depth entry area.
Three proposals were received ranging in price from $176,250 to $185,000.
The $185,000 play feature from RJR Enterprises, which allows more patrons to participate at one time, is being recommended by staff. The monies would come from the Pool Reserve Fund.
Other agenda items include:
The complete agenda for the June 21 work session is available here. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall. 1507 Main.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Many combines are idled today in Ellis County following drenching rain and quick moving thunderstorms Tuesday night. Most of Ellis County reported more than two inches of rain.
Crews were racing against the weather yesterday, cutting as much wheat as possible and getting it to local grain elevators before the storms hit.
Although the precipitation was welcomed by farmers with fall crops, it comes too late for the 2018 wheat crop.
Knowing it’s been a dry season, the Tim Schumacher family, who farm southwest of Victoria about six miles, was pleasantly surprised with yields a little better than expected.
“It’d averaged about 35 bushels an acre. With the lack of moisture, it’s pretty darn good,” reported Tim’s wife, Tammy Schumacher. “Because of the lack of rain and snow the past eight months or so, we weren’t sure what we’d be getting.”
“At least we aren’t scraping the dirt with the combine headers, which other farmers around are doing,” she said.
The farm land has been in the Schumacher family for five generations. Their wheat harvest this year started Friday and finished up Monday evening.
This year they planted just 225 acres of wheat.
“It’s the least amount we’ve planted in years, due to the price of of wheat being so low,” Schumacher explained.
In addition to drought, northwest Kansas wheat farmers are dealing with freeze damage that hit in mid-November following unseasonably warm temperatures early in the growing season.
On Monday, the National Agricultural Statistic Service rated 28 percent of the wheat in Kansas in poor to very poor condition. About 44 percent was reported as fair, followed by 26 percent in good and 2 percent in excellent condition.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A series of damaging storms swept through the area Tuesday evening and overnight with gusty winds driving rain sideways in Hays at times.
The official rainfall amount recorded at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of Hays was 2.32 inches with minimal hail noted. That same amount, 2.32 inches, fell at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall.
A 43 mph wind gust out of the northwest was recorded at the Hays Regional Airport at 10:56 p.m. Tuesday night, where 1.33 inches of rain was recorded through 9 a.m. Wednesday.
According to Mike Morley, Midwest Energy communications manager, the storms took down eight poles on Toulon Avenue between Highway 40 and Victoria Road, along with a couple more near Antonino. At 8 p.m., more than 2,300 customers in Victoria, Munjor, and parts of south Hays were without electricity for about an hour. Workers were able to restore power by about 10 p.m.
Midwest Energy crews from WaKeeney and Hays are working today to replace the snapped poles.
A Flash Flood Warning was issued for southern Ellis County by the National Weather Service until 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Hays has received 2.98 inches of rain so far in June, with 9.95 inches of moisture recorded for the year to date.
