By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s cold outside.

Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities happening in Hays during January.

Melissa Dixon, the new director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a few of the highlights.

For an updated calendar of events in Hays, go to the CVB website www.haysusa.net.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

An inch of snow was on the ground in Hays by 8 a.m. Thursday morning, and it was still snowing lightly when the official measurement was taken at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

The snow yielded 0.04” of moisture. So far for the winter season, Hays has seen 2.2” of snow.

After a high of 23° Wednesday, the low dipped to 7°. Cold, but not a record. That was a bone-chilling -21° on Jan. 5, 1947.

The final official amount of precipitation in Hays during 2016 was 27.60”.

The Hays Police Department responded to 26 traffic stops and 3 animal calls Thu., Dec. 29, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:04 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8/2/16 5 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays;  3:46 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 4:08 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 5:57 AM
Animal Call–1100 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:19 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12/15 10 PM; 12/16 8 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12/16 10 PM; 12/17 10 AM
Suspicious Activity–400 block W 24th St, Hays; 11:50 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 12:42 PM
Animal At Large–3900 block Hall St, Hays; 1:39 PM
Fraud–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:10 AM
Theft (general)–400 block Main St, Hays; 12/21 12 AM; 12/25 9:30 AM
Battery on LEO–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:11 PM; 10:05 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–900 block Walnut St, Hays; 9:47 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 17 traffic stops and 9 animal calls Fri., Dec. 30, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–45th and Hall, Hays; 2:51 AM
Suspicious Activity–400 block E 18th St, Hays; 8:24 AM
Animal At Large–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:22 AM
Theft of Vehicle–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 12/29 9:30 PM; 12/30 9 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–600 block E 5th St, Hays; 10:05 AM
Criminal Trespass–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10:08 AM
Child in Need of Care–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:54 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:40 AM
Dead Animal Call–1400 block Hall St, Hays; 12:59 PM
Theft (general)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12/28 6 AM; 6 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2200 block Walnut St, Hays; 12 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 12:30 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:36 PM
Harassment (All Other)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4 PM
Probation/Parole Violation–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 4:35 PM
Burglary/residence–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 4:42 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–100 block E 24th St, Hays; 5:24 PM
MV Accident-Property Damage–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 5:25 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 5:40 PM
Drug Offenses–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:27 PM; 8:28 PM
Animal Call–400 block Milner St, Hays; 7:50 PM
Suspicious Activity–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 8:16 PM
Theft of Vehicle–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:07 PM
Intoxicated Subject–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:13 PM
Battery – simple–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:35 PM; 10:37 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 30 traffic stops and 3 animal calls Sat., Dec. 31, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Vagrancy–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:15 AM
Theft of Vehicle–2100 block  Milner St, Hays; 12/30 2:30 PM; 12/31 8:30 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:05 AM
Disorderly Conduct–1800 block  Vine St, Hays; 11:06 AM
Burglary/vehicle–2100 block Milner St, Hays; 2 AM; 8:15 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:04 PM
Theft (general)–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 1:52 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block W 4th St, Hays; 2:21 PM
Burglary/residence–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 6 AM; 2:15 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 3:33 PM; 3:35 PM
Found/Lost Property–6th and Ash, Hays; 4:03 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2700 block Willow St, Hays; 4:10 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 4:16 PM; 4:30 PM
Suspicious Person–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 5:26 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–2300 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:52 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block W 36th St, Hays; 6:02 PM
Traffic Stop–1300 block  Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:34 PM; 7:08 PM
Driving Under the Influence–700 block  Park St, Hays; 11:15 PM;  11:40 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–200 block W 13th St, Hays; 11:48 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 21 traffic stops and 3 animal calls Sun., Jan. 1, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–7th and Elm, Hays; 12:09 AM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:21 AM
Driving Under the Influence–1100 block Oak St, Hays; 12:23 AM
Disturbance – General–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 1:40 AM
Disorderly Conduct–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:49 AM
Criminal Trespass–1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 1:59 AM; 2:48 AM
Battery – simple–100 block W 10th St, Hays; 2:01 AM
Criminal Trespass–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:22 AM
Burglary/residence–500 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:07 AM
Disturbance – General–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:15 AM; 11:25 AM
Animal Call–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 1:30 PM
Aggravated Battery–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2 AM; 2:45 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:47 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:30 PM; 3 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:08 PM
Disorderly Conduct–800 block Ash St, Hays; 3:40 PM; 3:45 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 7:09 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 8:05 PM
Criminal Threat–100 block W 34th St, Hays; 8:44 PM; 8:46 PM
Disturbance – Noise–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 10:15 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 traffic stops and 9 animal calls Mon., Jan. 2, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject–200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 5:27 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:30 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–1200 block Donald Dr, Hays; 12/26/16 6 AM; 1/2/17 9 AM
Animal At Large–1700 block Pine St, Hays; 9:45 AM
Animal At Large–2300 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:04 AM
Welfare Check–400 block Autumn Ln, Hays; 11:50 AM
Burglary/residence–400 block W 19th St, Hays; 1:48 PM
Animal At Large–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:49 PM
Welfare Check–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:59 PM; 2:51 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 3:05 PM
Theft (general)–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 1/1 1 AM; 2 AM
Burglary/residence–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 12/30/16 1:30 PM; 2 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 5:34 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 17th St, Hays; 7:09 PM

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The closing of south Main Street for repair of the pavement at Big Creek bridge has been postponed.

According to the Public Works Department, the cold temperatures forecast this week in Hays are too cold for concrete work. The project was to have started this morning.

The work is now scheduled for next week when the weather is expected to be warmer. It will begin Mon., Jan. 9, and should conclude Fri., Jan. 13.

Main Street will be closed to traffic in that area.

ELLIS CO.

Ellis County Commissioners will discuss employee input into wage and benefit decisions during their meeting today.

The commission voted Dec. 18 to rescind the county’s coverage under the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA) as of the end of
2018. Commissioner Barbara Wasinger suggested formation of a permanent wage and benefit committee.

Other agenda items include discussion of proposed rate increases at the Ellis County Solid Waste/Transfer Station to cover increased costs. According to Public Works Dir. Bill Ring, it’s been 10 years since the last rate increase.

Commissioners will also hear a proposal to televise their meetings.

The complete Jan. 2 agenda may be seen here. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main.

ELLIS–Longtime Ellis Fire Chief Denis Vine is retiring. His last day on the job is Jan. 4. Mayor David McDaniel hopes to make an appointment to the position at the Jan. 3 city council meeting.

The city will let bids Jan. 18 for the street improvement project, with the contract expected to be awarded by March 1.

The complete Dec. 19, 2016, meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes December 19, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. 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
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Glen Keller, Susan Eaton, Buck Driggs, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Dustin Vine, Westin Vine, and Luke Karlin.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on December 5, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2011, with the exception of the invoices from Don’s Electric & Rewind and Vic’s Equipment Service, which will be considered later on the agenda. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Luke Karlin appeared before the Governing Body to submit a formal complaint to the Mayor regarding the Police Department.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Public Works: Violation
The Governing Body entered into a Public Hearing at the request of property owner Luke Karlin for the environmental code violations cited at 600 Jefferson Street. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for the Governing Body to hear evidence regarding the cited code violations, and to determine if the violations cited are valid. City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reviewed the items needing addressed in the violation notice. Ms. Raub would like to research if skirting on mobile homes is required in the City’s zoning ordinances. Therefore, Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to continue the Public Hearing regarding the code violations cited at 600 Jefferson Street until the next Council meeting on January 3, 2017. The motion carried 6-0.
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Training
Fire Chief Denis Vine reported that six volunteer firefighters have expressed interest in the Firefighter I class administered by the Ellis County Rural Fire Department. The 160-hour class is at no cost to the City and the firefighters will be allowed to use the City car to travel to Hays for the training. Council member John Walz moved to compensate the six volunteer firefighters at the local training rate of $25 per day for each day attending the training. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Exit
Fire Chief Denis Vine announced his retirement from the Ellis Fire Department effective January 4, 2017. The Department will hold a retirement reception on January 7th from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall. Mayor David McDaniel hopes to make an appointment to the position at the January 3rd Council meeting.
Tourism: Committee
Cheryl Kinderknecht, representing the City’s Tourism Committee, presented an advertising proposal package from Eagle Community Television, Eagle Radio and Main Street Media at a total cost of $6,948. The advertising will highlight various Ellis community events throughout 2017. After much discussion, Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the contracts with Eagle Radio ($2,448), Eagle Community Television ($3,600), and Main Street Media ($900) for a total cost of $6,948, with funds to come from the transient guest tax monies. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner abstaining due to conflict of interest.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, updated Council on the status of the Waterline Improvement Project. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman and Mr. Driggs performed a walk-through with the APAC representative and determined final punch list items for APAC to complete. The project did extend six days past the contract date and the City has the option to collect liquidated damages in the form of $150 per day. Council members Gary Luea and Holly Aschenbrenner noted that there were weeks when APAC wasn’t even on the job site and the project sat dormant. Mr. Driggs reminded Council that when the contract was bid out, the City agreed to allow APAC to work other jobs within the City’s project in order to get more favorable pricing. Mr. Driggs presented the Certificate of Substantial Completion for the Mayor to sign, recognizing the completion of the project with the exception of the few items noted on the document. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to waive charging APAC the $900 in liquidated damages for the six days the company was over the contract date. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Gary Luea voting opposed.
Street: Special Project
Mr. Driggs continued by sharing the projected timeline for the Street Improvement Project. The advertisement for bids will start late next week with the bid letting on January 18, 2017. Mr. Driggs hopes to present the bids to Council on February 6th and award the contract by March 1st. Council directed Mr. Driggs to request completion of the project by August 31st.
General Government: City Code
Council performed a second reading on proposed ordinances establishing time limitations on building, electrical and plumbing permits, and acknowledging that applications for permits and renewal are subject to the fees set forth in the fee schedule. Council member Jolene Niernberger made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1411 regarding time limitations and fees for building permits. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1412 regarding time limitations and fees for plumbing permits. The motion carried 6-0. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1413 regarding time limitations and fees for electrical permits. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Policy
Council revisited the 2017 Personnel Policies and Guidelines. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the document as presented. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Gary Luea expressed concerns with the section establishing provisions for employees and the concealed carrying of weapons. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated the City is not allowed to prohibit employees from carrying concealed weapons, and the policy simply establishes provisions if an employee chooses to do so. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner voting opposed.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire: Repair/Maintenance
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to ratify the invoice from Vic’s Equipment Service in the amount of $1,008.41 for the annual inspection and service on the fire trucks. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Council reviewed the invoice from Don’s Electric & Rewind for wiring the new St. Mary’s sewer lift station. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to ratify the invoice from Don’s Electric & Rewind in the amount of $3,846.64, with the invoice to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for inclusion with the revolving loan. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Committee
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to appoint Sylvia Kinderknecht as the City’s representative to the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development board of directors. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton highlighted the proposed revisions to the current Utility Services Policy. One proposed revision makes minor changes to the landlord agreements, and an inspection fee will now be charged for utility service requests for real estate property inspections. Other proposed revisions simply clarify current policy. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the Utility Services Policy as presented. The motion carried 6-0.
Police: Acquisition
Police Chief Taft Yates requested permission to purchase a used Ford Crown Victoria from another law enforcement agency. The vehicle would be used as a supervisor vehicle and also act as a backup vehicle when needed. Currently, Chief Yates uses his personal vehicle to respond to calls when not on duty. In these situations, Chief Yates is not covered under the City’s insurance policy. The backup vehicle would not be included in the vehicle replacement rotation schedule and would only be replaced when needed. After further discussion, Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to purchase the used Crown Victoria for the Police Department at a cost not to exceed $3,000, with funds to come from the Police Department budget. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea opposed.
Water: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the City’s Public Water Supply Emergency Operating Plan for review. The Plan has been updated for well supply data and contact information for key personnel. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the 2017 Public Water Supply Emergency Operating Plan as presented. The motion carried 6-0.
Clerk: Accounting/Billing
Council member John Walz made a motion to authorize the City Clerk to pay vendor invoices due and payable at year-end. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Fee Information Listing for review. Council discussed changes to the current water tap fees, utility application fee, and delinquent utility penalty percentage. Several of the fees are set by ordinance; therefore, in order to adjust certain fees, ordinances would have to be adopted referencing the fees to be charged to the Fee Information Listing. Council proposed several increases to fees that haven’t changed in over ten years. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft ordinances modifying the wording in Code Sections 15-108 and 15-119 to set fees per the Fee Information Listing as adopted by Resolution. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Policy
The Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Board of Trustees proposed removing the stipulation that leave must be continuous in order to draw from the Bank. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program document as presented. The motion carried 6-0.
Special Machinery: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the General Fund departments (Police, Fire, Park/Cemetery, and Swimming Pool) transferring any excess budget authority to the Special Machinery Fund. By transferring the money to the Special Machinery Fund, those funds can be held for future equipment purchases, thus possibly reducing a future transfer or mill levy increase to help fund those needs. On the other hand, the transfer moves “unrestricted” monies in the General Fund, to a “restricted” status within the Special Machinery fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to transfer 50% of the General Fund departments’ excess budget authority to the Special Machinery Fund. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Gary Luea stated that with the tax lid looming he would like to see a larger percentage transferred in that equipment needs may be harder to fund in the coming years. Ms. Niernberger amended her motion to increase the transfer to 75% of the General Fund departments’ excess budget authority to the Special Machinery Fund. Mr. Walz amended his second. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 6-0.
Campground: Special Project
Due to the length of the agenda, Council requested this item be tabled until the January 3rd Council meeting.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman briefly discussed future infrastructure needs and the funding mechanisms available.
Mr. Scheuerman reported that Charlie Kinderknecht no longer recycles the aluminum cans. The City can take the cans to Coors in Hays for $.20/lb or to Rohr’s Recycling in LaCrosse for $.37/lb. All aluminum can proceeds are given to the Ellis Rotary Club for scholarships and community projects. It was the consensus of Council to take the cans to Coors in Hays and to continue to submit the proceeds to the Ellis Rotary Club.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that he and Officer Chris Krom presented to the Ellis Rotary on the use of the Taser. All officers have certified with the new Tasers. The Department has set up a new Facebook page to help keep citizens informed.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton reviewed the Campground Committee’s minutes from their recent meeting. The City’s final assessed valuation from the County increased from earlier estimates, thus reducing the City’s mill levy from 71.156 to 71.008. Ms. Burton highlighted points from a recent webinar she attended on Ethics and Civility.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub provided an update on outstanding code violation cases. Ms. Raub also reviewed the inquiry letter submitted to the Attorney General regarding Council member-elect Dena Patee.
Mayor Update and Announcements
None
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:04 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:14 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
POST EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to authorize Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to offer incentive based pay to an employee. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Gary Luea opposed.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The weather on Christmas Day in Hays wasn’t quite as wild as other nearby areas of Kansas.

It was unusually warm and windy.

The high Sun., Dec. 25 reached to 62°, according to official statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. The record high in Hays for Dec. 25 is 69°, set in 2008.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Ellis County at 10:45 a.m. Christmas morning, yielding 0.26” of rain in Hays.

The National Weather Service Office in Dodge City received a public report of a brief weak tornado in a farm field a few miles southwest of Rush Center around 11 a.m. on Christmas Day.

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

You know you’re in western Kansas, and Hays, when your Friday morning kicks off with snow on the ground and a big bright rainbow in the west sky.

A Freezing Rain advisory expired at 8 a.m. Here’s the updated forecast from the National Weather Service in Dodge City:

(Spoiler alert–No white Christmas in Hays, but Santa and his reindeer might still get wet.)

Today–Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 51. South wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.
Tonight–Mostly clear, with a low around 21. West northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight.

Saturday–Sunny, with a high near 49. Light south southwest wind becoming southeast 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night–A 40 percent chance of showers after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 38. Southeast wind 9 to 11 mph.

Christmas Day–A chance of showers before 7am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Very windy, with a south southeast wind 13 to 18 mph becoming southwest 26 to 31 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday Night–Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Breezy.

Monday–Sunny, with a high near 41.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Allie Smith isn’t always ringing that familiar bell when she volunteers at the Salvation Army Red Kettle during the Christmas season.

Thursday morning, she was outside the entrance of the west Dillons store, 517 W. 27th, wearing her sled dog hat, which was drawing some of the attention and comments.

It was her strong alto voice singing Christmas carols acapella, however, that drew in many of the early morning grocery shoppers who stopped to make a donation and ask “where’s your bell?”

“I don’t have my bell. I’m just singing,” Smith replied with a big smile and nod of appreciation to the donors. “One time a young lady brought me a hot chocolate.”

The interim pastor of St. John’s church north of Ellis has been singing most of her life.

“I grew up with my mom and me singing Christmas carols together,” she said, showing a long list of holiday songs she has memorized.

Smith has been volunteering Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon during the holidays. The Salvation Army Red Kettle collections in Hays began Thanksgiving day, Nov. 24 and will continue through Christmas eve, Dec. 24.

“It’s just my way of giving back,” she said, and then launched into another Christmas tune.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It was warmer than usual in Hays yesterday.

According to official statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, Wednesday’s high in Hays was 53°. The record high for Dec. 22 in Hays was 74°  set back in 1933.

The overnight low was 21°, considerably warmer than the record low for Dec. 22. That was a bone-chilling -25°, set not so long ago, in 1989.

The official weather guy at the ag research center, Joe Becker, probably speaks for all of us. “Hope we don’t ever break that record!”

According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, the cold temps were record-setting throughout the Tri-State area–northwest Kansas, eastcentral Colorado and southwest Nebraska.

“In 1989, (Dec. 22) was one of the coldest days on record in the Tri-State area. Yuma, Colorado reached 33 degrees below zero; Colby-32 below, Goodland–27 below, and Hill City–26 below. These temperatures were the coldest ever recorded at each location.”

Today’s weather forecast for Hays is cooler than Wednesday, with a chance of rain tonight.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Yes, it was cold Saturday night in Hays. Cold enough to shatter the long-standing record low for December 17.

According to official statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the overnight low in Hays Saturday was -16°. That was the air temperature, which doesn’t take into account the wind chill factor.

The previous record low temp for December 17 was -8° set in 1927. Saturday’s daytime high was just 7° .

One inch of snow fell in Hays Saturday, yielding 0.09 moisture.

Today’s forecast is calling for sunshine and warmer, but still quite cold.

NWS

Russell, Ellis and Trego counties, along with counties to the southwest, are in a Winter Weather Advisory beginning tonight at midnight through noon Sunday.

TREGO-ELLIS-SCOTT-LANE-NESS-RUSH-HAMILTON-KEARNY-FINNEY-HODGEMAN-
PAWNEE-STAFFORD-STANTON-GRANT-HASKELL-GRAY-FORD-EDWARDS-KIOWA-
PRATT-MORTON-STEVENS-SEWARD-MEADE-CLARK-COMANCHE-BARBER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…WAKEENEY…PHEIFER…HAYS…
SCOTT CITY…SCOTT STATE LAKE…DIGHTON…NESS CITY…LA CROSSE…
SYRACUSE…LAKIN…DEERFIELD…GARDEN CITY…JETMORE…HANSTON…
LARNED…ST. JOHN…STAFFORD…MACKSVILLE…JOHNSON CITY…
ULYSSES…SUBLETTE…SATANTA…CIMARRON…MONTEZUMA…
DODGE CITY…KINSLEY…LEWIS…GREENSBURG…HAVILAND…PRATT…
ELKHART…HUGOTON…LIBERAL…MEADE…PLAINS CITY…FOWLER…
ASHLAND…MINNEOLA…COLDWATER…LAKE COLDWATER…PROTECTION…
MEDICINE LODGE…KIOWA
241 AM CST FRI DEC 16 2016 /141 AM MST FRI DEC 16 2016/

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CST /11 PM
MST/ TONIGHT TO NOON CST /11 AM MST/ SUNDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DODGE CITY HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW AND WIND CHILLS…WHICH
IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CST /11 PM MST/ TONIGHT TO NOON CST /11
AM MST/ SUNDAY.

* TIMING…SNOW WILL START SATURDAY MORNING AND WILL TAPER OFF BY
SATURDAY EVENING. THE HEAVIEST SNOW PERIOD IS EXPECTED BETWEEN MID
MORNING SATURDAY AND THE AFTERNOON. THE LOWEST WIND CHILLS ARE
EXPECTED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNINGS.

* SNOW IMPACT…1 TO 3 INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATION. BLOWING AND
DRIFTING SNOW IS ALSO EXPECTED WITH REDUCED VISIBILITIES.

* WIND CHILL IMPACTS…WIND CHILLS OF 15 TO 24 DEGREES BELOW ZERO
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNINGS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW MEANS THAT
VISIBILITIES WILL BE LIMITED DUE TO A COMBINATION OF FALLING AND
BLOWING SNOW. USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING… ESPECIALLY IN OPEN
AREAS.

A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS
WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN
FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN.
IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS…MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES.