ELLIS–The 2015 audit report for the city of Ellis will be presented to city council members during their meeting tonight, Monday, June 6.

Other agenda items include consideration of a new fire department policy for automated alarm systems and an ordinance regulating such systems. The council will also consider renewing the city employee health insurance plan and discuss the city comprehensive plan goals and objectices.

The complete June 6 agenda follows.

AGENDA June 6, 2016 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)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on May 16, 2016
b) Bills Ordinance #1998
(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.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
a) Hearing on Environmental Violation – Kellie Crnkovich
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) 2017 Budget Request – Options: Domestic & Sexual Violence Services, Inc.
b) 2017 Budget Request – Ellis Public Library
c) Presentation of 2015 Audit Report – Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd.
d) Fire Department Monthly Report – Chief Denis Vine
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of Fire Department Policy on Automated Alarm Systems
b) Consider Approval of Ordinance Regulating Alarm Systems
c) Consider Approval of Health Insurance Plan Renewal
d) Consider Approval of Refunding Bond Ordinance and Resolution
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives
b) Consider Approval of Committee Appointments
c) Consider Approval of Certificate of Destruction of Records
d) Consider Approval of Contract for WIFI at City Hall
e) Consider Approval of City Attorney Contract
f) Consider Approval of Establishing Separate Project Funds for Accounting Purposes
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Comparative Water Report
(2) Report on Concrete Pile on Old 40
(3) Report on Spruce Villa Mowing
(4) Report on Water Valves
(5) Department Update
2) Police
(1) May Activity Report
(2) June Staff Calendar
(3) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Committee Meeting Minutes
(2) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT

Residents of Pfeifer are worried about speeding vehicles in the small unincorporated town southeast of Hays. They want the town’s 30 mph speed limit lowered to 25 mph with the addition of “Slow” traffic signs. There are safety concerns about children playing outside and increased traffic around the town’s historic limestone church.

The newly-appointed Ellis County Public Works Director, Bill Ring, will present that request to county commissioners during their meeting tonight, Monday, June 6, which follows the 5 p.m. meeting of the Public Building Commission in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main Street.

County Administrator Phillip Smith-Haynes will present a preliminary overview of the 2017 county budget. According to his memo to the commission, it reflects a 3.3 percent reduction in General Fund expenditures. Smith-Haynes anticipates available carry-over funding for 2017 will void the need to make any adjustments to the county’s mill levy. He noted that budget requests from outside agencies, final health insurance costs for county employees and direction from the commission will affect the end totals.

Rural Fire Director Darin Myers, who is also now the Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator, will make his recommendation whether to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Ellis County for the July 4th holiday. The city of Hays is allowing fireworks from July 2-4 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The complete agenda is available here.

LPKS

TOPEKA – Rob Hodgkinson, Stilwell, the State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Kansas (LPKS), filed the Libertarian’s 2016 slate of candidates with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.

“I’m very proud of the list of candidates that we filed today (June 1),” said Hodgkinson in a news release. “The Libertarian Party have assured that every Kansan will have a third option on their ballot in the general election this November.”

The Libertarian stable of 16 candidates range from local offices such as the Oxford Township Trustee to the party’s candidates for President and Vice-President, Governor Gary Johnson and Governor William Weld.

The party’s candidates for President and Vice President are their highest profile candidates. Gary Johnson is the former two-term governor of New Mexico and William Weld is the former two-term governor of Massachusetts. Demonstrating the candidates’ cross-party-line appeal, both were elected as Republicans in heavily Democrat states. Now both men have joined the Libertarian Party where their campaign’s message of fiscal responsibility and social acceptance has found a more natural political home.

It appears that the Libertarian candidate for President will be the only third party or independent candidate to appear on the general election ballot in all 50 states. Hodgkinson hopes that the high-profile nature of the party’s candidate for president will make people consider their local candidates as well. “The two party system is broken and we are all disgusted with ‘politics as usual’,” said Hodgkinson, “and I believe that this is the year that politics-as-usual changes in America. We expect that this is the year that will see mass conversions from both the Republicans and Democrats to the Libertarian Party where they will be welcome.”

The Libertarian Party of Kansas invites individuals and media to learn more about their candidates for office. All candidates and their contact information are listed below.

LPKS Confirmed Candidates List for 2016

United States Senator
Robert D. Garrard
2287 N. 300 Rd
Edgerton, KS 66021
913-956-9167
[email protected]

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 1
Kerry Burt
314 Robert St
Hutchinson, KS 67502
785-280-3507
[email protected]

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 2
James Houston Bales
4401 Adam Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66047
210-771-1463
[email protected]
Website: www.BalesForCongress.com

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 3
Steven A. Hohe
4760 Black Swan Dr
Shawnee, KS 66216
913-980-7731
[email protected]

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 4
Gorden J.Bakken
4323 E. Douglas Ave
Wichita, KS 67218
316-687-9402
[email protected]

Magistrate Judge – District 15 Position 1
A. Danielle Gardner
312 W Spencer Street
P.O. Box 1201
St Francis, KS 67756
573-470-5980
[email protected]

Kansas Senate – District 6
Jason Conley
9127 Ann Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66112
316-734-9650
[email protected]
Website: www.JasonLovesKansas.com

Kansas Senate – District 21
Michael Kerner
15515 W. 80th St
Lenexa, KS 66219
913-488-8856
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 9
Patrick McMurray
1500 W Main Apt 111
Chanute, KS 66720
614-940-30581
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 19
John Taube
8857 Broadmoor Ct Apt 3405
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-291-7912
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 38
Frederick Caleb Cristopher
3111 N 155th Terrace
Bashor, KS 66007
(913) 961-5689
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 71
Joey Frazier
722 E. Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401
785-643-1481
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 86
James Pruden
2918 East Morris Street
Wichita, KS 67211
316 686-0310
[email protected]

President / Vice President
Gary Johnson / William Weld
PO Box 4422
Salt Lake City, UT 84110-4422
801-303-7922
Emails:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Website: www.GaryJohnson2016.com

ELLIS–The city of Ellis is considering a change in the fire department’s policy regarding responses to automated alarm systems. A draft of the proposal was reviewed during the May 16 city council meeting.

Renewal of health insurance for city employees is forthcoming. Lori Miller, Solid Financial Solutions, presented the city policy increase of approximately 6.25 percent.  Miller said many municipalities are experiencing increases of 10 to 15 percent.

It was also noted the council will have a special meeting June 25 at 1 p.m. for a tour of the city’s public works facilities prior to the 2017 budget work sessions.

The complete May 16, 2016, minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes May 16, 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, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Bob Redger was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Fire Chief Denis Vine is unable to attend the meeting; therefore, his monthly report will be moved to the June 6th Council meeting.
Mayor David McDaniel requested the addition of an executive session to discuss property acquisition.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Lori Miller, Glen Keller, Joy Fischer, Millie Karlin, Jessica Shank, Travis Kohlrus, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Guy Windholz, Dena Patee, Pat Bieker, Janeen Cox (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), and Tim Kohlrus (arrived at 7:50 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 2, 2016, Bills Ordinance #1997, and the January manual journal entries. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor David McDaniel read a proclamation declaring May 15th – 21st National Public Works Week. The governing body expressed appreciation for the employees of the Public Works Department and the work they do for the City.
SPECIAL ORDER
Tourism: Special Project
The Tourism Task Force presented an update of their advertising campaign for the Planes, Trains & Automobiles event to be held June 4th. Many free activities are planned including the Chrysler Car Show, Eagle AirMed Helicopter Landing, Operation Lifesaver, among others. The Task Force shared radio and television spots airing in the region highlighting the June 4th event and also the Boarding Pass promotion for discounted admission to the museums. Punched Boarding Passes may then be turned in for a chance at a prize pack valued at over $1,250. The Task Force thanked the City for their donation to the prize pack.
Personnel: Benefits
Lori Miller, Solid Financial Solutions, presented the City’s renewal for employee health insurance premiums. The City’s renewal increase is approximately 6.25%; much less than the 10 – 15% many municipalities are experiencing. Ms. Miller reviewed the plan’s performance for the year. The City has saved approximately $47,500 in health insurance costs since last July. The City will further discuss at the next Council meeting.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Jessica Shank, representing the Senior Companion program at Fort Hays State University, thanked the Council for past support and presented the Senior Companion 2017 budget request. Ms. Shank requested consideration from Council for $4,086, the annual support cost of one senior companion volunteer. Joy Fischer presented the budget request for the Foster Grandparent program. Ms. Fischer requested consideration from Council for $1,000 to partially support one foster grandparent to serve in Ellis. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fire: Policy
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented a draft of the Fire Department policy providing procedures for responses due to automated alarm systems. Ms. Raub also presented a proposed corresponding ordinance stating provisions for automated alarm systems. Council will consider this a first reading of the proposed ordinance. The policy and ordinance will be further considered at the next Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Fireworks Permit Application from the Ellis Softball/Baseball Association to sell fireworks at the Ellis Fairgrounds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1 with Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, and Jolene Niernberger voting in favor of the motion, Council member Gary Luea voting opposed, and Council member John Walz abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
General Government: Zoning
The proposed locations for the two fireworks stand applications are in zones which do not allow the sale of products of a combustible nature. The City’s Zoning Ordinance provides the ability for Council to approve a Temporary Use Provision in any zone for seasonal sales events. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to approve the Temporary Use Provision for the two proposed locations for the seasonal sale of fireworks by the Ellis Baptist Youth Group/Ellis Soccer Group and the Ellis Softball/Baseball Association. The motion carried 4-1 with Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, and Jolene Niernberger voting in favor of the motion, Council member Gary Luea voting opposed, and Council member John Walz abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
Cemetery: Policy
Council considered a policy regarding the collection of cemetery decorations found in unauthorized places throughout the cemetery. There will be a collection bin on the premises where decorations will be temporarily placed for owner retrieval. The policy was approved by the consensus of the Council.
General Government: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel discussed the annual appointments to the various City committees. Most of the committees are advisory only – often making recommendations to Council for consideration. Many are set by State statute and others are internal committees only. Mayor McDaniel then reviewed the list of committee appointments and offered recommendations for approval. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to approve the recommended appointments as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Sewer: Special Project
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the second set of Pay Applications for work performed to date on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve Pay Application #2 for APAC in the amount of $57,852.21. The motion carried 5-0. Council member Jolene Niernberger then moved to approve Payment Request #2 to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment in the amount of $57,852.21. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Acquisition
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to ratify the purchase of twelve AED replacement pads, with funds to come from the various departments with AED equipment. The motion carried 5-0.
Cemetery: Repair/Maintenance
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to purchase 3-4 loads of rock for Mount Hope Cemetery at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported the pump at Lift Station #1 needs to be repaired or replaced. Only one company makes this type of pump, therefore, only one bid was obtained. Mr. Scheuerman presented a cost comparison to repair the pump or purchase a new pump. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to purchase a new pump from Enviro-Line Co. in the amount of $4,434 plus freight, with funds to come from the Sewer Depreciation Reserve Fund. The motion carried 5-0.
Special Machinery: Acquisition
Mr. Scheuerman presented three bids for a new backhoe for the Public Works Department. All three machines were demonstrated by the vendors and provided comparable trade-in value of the old machine. The City had budgeted $86,500 for purchase in 2016. Mr. Scheuerman recommended the low bid from Foley Equipment. Council member John Walz moved to approve the purchase of the Caterpillar 416F2 backhoe from Foley Equipment in the amount of $84,232.53, net trade-in of the 1998 John Deere 310SE, with funds to come from the Special Machinery Fund. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Gary Luea suggested the City look at a mini-excavator to help dig grave spaces. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Special Project
Spruce Villa has asked the City to seal their parking lot. The City performed a seal several years ago. Council inquired of Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman of the cost of materials and labor to perform the request. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to seal the parking lot at Spruce Villa at a cost of materials not to exceed $2,000, with funds to come from Capital Improvements – Streets. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, Council member Gary Luea voting opposed, and Council member Jolene Niernberger abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
Streets: Special Project
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner reported a resident has requested the City’s assistance in spreading millings on West 14th Street. The area is a private drive but is used by emergency service vehicles and the City does remove snow off of it as well. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to assist the property owner on West 14th Street spread millings that the property owner has purchased. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Ms. Aschenbrenner asked Mr. Scheuerman approximately how long it would take to spread the millings. Upon a call for a vote the motion failed 1-4, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner voting in favor, and Council members Bret Andries, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz voting opposed.
Parks/Cemetery: Special Project
Spruce Villa has asked the City to mow the grassy area between the apartments and the cemetery wall. The Ellis Golf Club has mowed the area in the past, but is unable to this year. Discussion began on which entity owns the property in question. It was the consensus of Council to table further discussion until the property owner can be determined. However, if the City owns the property, then the City will mow it without further discussion. City Attorney Olavee Raub will research which entity owns the property.
Tourism: Committee
One of the items noted in the PRIDE Committee’s First Impressions report was that the east entrance into town on Old Highway 40 was unwelcoming. The Public Works concrete stockpile is close to the road and the stack of tires for the Police Department tire house have been sitting there for a long period of time. Council member John Walz asked for suggestions to make this entrance into town more pleasing for visitors. Mr. Scheuerman noted the concrete stockpile is in a convenient location due to the project work on Old Highway 40. Eventually, the concrete is crushed for use in City projects. The concrete pile could be moved back by the well house but the Department would need to build an access road. Police Chief Taft Yates explained the lack of volunteers available to help complete the tire house. He stated he could call Stockton Correctional Facility to check the availability of the inmates to finish the project. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner suggested planting a tree row to make the area more attractive and to decrease visibility to the sites.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works: Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period March 10th – April 10th. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner inquired of the legality of residents pumping water out of Big Creek. Mr. Scheuerman requested more direction in soliciting engineers for the water exploration project.
Public Works: Special Meeting
Council will meet on June 25th at 1:00 p.m. for a tour of the City’s facilities prior to the budget work sessions.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that Fathers, Sons and Daughters with Guns was canceled due to weather. Officer Smith is close to completing his Field Training Program. Chief Yates also shared pictures of Union Pacific clearing the log jam in Big Creek.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the January Financial Statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and the Security Deposit Worksheet. The April Health Insurance Summary was included for review. Ms. Burton noted that the filing deadline for City Council is noon on June 1st.
General Government: Financial
Ms. Burton reported that Standard & Poors have rated the City’s bonds as “AA-“ which is excellent. The Council will need to approve the bond resolution documents at the June 6th meeting and the bonds are set to close July 6th.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub provided an update on pending environmental code cases.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel attended the Ellis County Commission meeting and reported that the City’s request for County assistance with the annual street rehabilitation project has been approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session to discuss property acquisition. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:57 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session to discuss property acquisition with Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:07 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Seven non-profit groups will make requests Thursday to Hays city commissioners for city funding in 2017.

Scheduled for 10-minute presentations during the June 2 city work session are Ellis Co. Coalition for Economic Development, Fort Hays State University, Wild West Festival, CARE Council–Social Services/Special Alcohol Tax, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Ellis Co. Historical Society, and Hays Arts Council.

In his memo City Manager Toby Dougherty reminded commissioners no immediate action will be taken on the budget requests from outside agencies.

After the commission is presented the 2017 budget by city staff, there will be discussion regarding how much to allocate to each specific outside agency.

Funding requests for 2017 to be presented by the agencies are as follows:

Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development–$87,550
FHSU-$125,000
WWF-$9,500
CARE Council-$164,000
DHDC-$53,655
ECHS-$23,000
HAC-$12,000

For details on the funding requests, click here.

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Graphic design students at Fort Hays State University have stayed busy this spring, participating in three regional competitions.

33 students also submitted their work to the 22nd Annual Leo Burnett Portfolio Review. Ten students received awards:

Ashton Butler, Wamego junior, received a Second Place Portfolio award.

Camille Caron-Bedard, Hays senior, received a Leo Burnett Award and was offered a summer internship.

Leonardo Cleto, Hays junior, received a First Place Portfolio award and was offered a summer internship.

Emily Hendricks, Burlington, Colo., senior, received a Third Place Portfolio award.

Steven Johnson, Wichita senior, received a Leo Burnett Award.

Lindsay Naegele, Hays senior, received a Leo Burnett Award.

Clay Peppiatt, Salina junior, received a Leo Burnett Award.

Amy Smarsh Johnson, Colwich senior, received a First Place Portfolio award.

Ryan Stuckey, Abbyville junior, received a Third Place Portfolio award.

A 10th FHSU student, who wished not to be named, received a Second Place Portfolio award.

The graphic design students ended their season in Wichita, where 17 students received portfolio reviews from area professionals and competed for awards. Four students won awards:

Marshall Diveley, Severance senior, received the award of Best Ad Campaign

Steven Johnson, Wichita senior, was offered a summer internship.

Clay Peppiatt, Salina junior, was offered a summer internship.

Amy Smarsh Johnson, Colwich senior, received the award of Best Illustration.

Twenty-nine students also showed their work at the Minneapolis Portfolio 1-on-1 Review.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) moved into a downtown location Feb. 1 where the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting Thu., May 26.

The move to 109 E. 11th is somewhat bittersweet for DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. “It’s kind of hidden but we’re glad to be here.”

“We are right between the Paisley Pair Cafe and Gella’s,” she explained.  “We’re so excited to finally be downtown.  This is something that DHDC has been striving to accomplish for several years now.  One, because we’re the Downtown Hays Development Corporation we feel that we need to be in the location that we serve and with the people we serve–that was a huge priority of ours.  And also because a couple of years ago the city commissioners really encouraged us to move downtown–fit in and find a place where we could thrive.”

However, the new location is likely temporary.

“We’d been looking for a place that was big enough and in our price range for a long, long time and then discovered this little nook.”

DHDC is renting the office from The Liberty Group, a major developer in downtown Hays.

“They realize the importance of us being downtown,” Bloom said, “and when we approached them about this location, they were very open to us moving in.”

So supportive was The Liberty Group, they gave DHDC six months free rent on the space.  “We were very thankful for that,” Bloom added with a smile on her face.

There were a lot of costs with the move from the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine, and other entities helped out.

“We were fortunate to get a lot of the furniture donated from the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development.  Insurance Planning also donated some large board tables and chairs.  Area rugs were donated and so many volunteers were in here painting.

“The whole community has come together to get us down here where we belong, and we’re so appreciative of that.”

Not much more sprucing up will be done though, according to Bloom.

“The building that we are in is actually earmarked for when a hotel project in downtown Hays gets approved.  So eventually this will kind of be a breezeway between Gella’s and the hotel.

“So we’re here for a year or two, while we find another home in downtown.”

Despite the physical removal of the DHDC from the Hays Welcome Center, Bloom said the partnership between the other offices at the Welcome Center and DHDC is as strong as ever.

“We will still actively collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce, the Coalition, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.  I have made it a goal of mine to meet with those three entities at least on a monthly basis, where we all four are sitting in the same room again, driving around town talking about the developments, about potential businesses we can get into downtown and the area at large.

“Downtown is vital to the Hays community and so are those other three organizations,” Bloom said firmly.

By JEFF BRULL

ACE 2016 was held April 29-30. The annual event is not only the largest single fundraising event for TMP-Marian, but also a fantastic weekend for alumni, parents, and friends to visit and trade stories. ACE is produced each year by the Alumni Association of TMP-Marian, and the proceeds are paid to the school for the needs of the school. These needs include, but are not limited to, teacher salaries, textbooks, classroom technology, and other items and programs that fulfill our mission to be an institution providing faith formation, academic excellence, and leadership formation to our students.

ACE 2016 produced an estimated net income of $278,223 through the auction itself. An additional $91,750 has been committed by our 2016 Penny Donors (listed below). The Penny donors have committed one cent for every dollar the auction raises and are a primary reason ACE continues to be a successful event. Lastly, $140,289 was donated for the capital improvement of a portion of on-campus roads and parking. The preliminary total of these three categories shows a net income of $510,262 for ACE 2016.

On behalf of The Alumni Association, the school, the students and their families, faculty and staff, I would like to express my sincerest and most humble thanks to the many volunteers and donors that continue to make ACE a success and a model of stewardship. In addition to the nearly 500 attendees and more than 100 volunteers, we were joined by 719 supporters who viewed the live-streamed event online, many of whom purchased chances to win the car or the cash prizes online from their homes across the country.

If you would still like to contribute to Ace 2016, contact the alumni office at (785) 625-9434 or by email at [email protected].

Thank you for another successful ACE. May God bless you, all.

2016 Penny Donors
Anonymous | Denver, CO
Anonymous Alumna (x3) | Western United States
B & L Motels, Bruce & Linda Weilert | Overland Park, KS
In Memory of Jean ‘67 (Pfannenstiel) Basgall | Olathe, KS
Kenneth & Yvonne Braun Family
Kathy (Rohleder) Mead, Lisa ‘76 (Rohleder) Lang, Cheryl ‘77 Rohleder, Craig ‘79 Rohleder, Niel ‘80 Rohleder, Eric ‘82 Rohleder, Ann Sp‘85 (Rohleder) Noble, Kent ‘87 Rohleder, Scott ‘88 Rohleder, Tom ‘79 Braun, Steve ‘80 Braun, Kevin ‘81 Braun, Chris ‘84 Braun
Charles ‘54 & Marlene ‘54 (Gabel) Brull | Hays, KS
Jim ‘79 & Anne Brull Family | Hays, KS
In Memory of All Deceased Alumni | SFS Alumnus
Farm Bureau Financial Services | Danny ‘93 Dinkel & Dustin ‘04 Washburn | Hays, KS
GoneLogo, Inc. | John & Lisa ‘88 (Haas) Flynn | Hays, KS
In Memory of Marie ‘53 (Pfannenstiel) Gabel | Hays, KS
Benno ‘34 & Mary ‘40 Karlin Family
Agnes ‘61 (Karlin) Shtogren, Sierra Vista, AZ | Clem ‘70 Karlin | Hays, KS
Kuhn Farms Inc. | Pat & Diane ‘79 (Honas) Kuhn | Ellis, KS
Midwestern Pipeworks Inc. | Gary ‘71 & LouAnn Geist Family | Hays, KS
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish | Antonino, KS
Galen & Cathy Pfeifer | Hays, KS
St. Anthony Parish | Schoenchen, KS
St. Catherine Parish | Catharine, KS
In Memory of Patricia Schmidt
Triple Play
Bob ‘68 & Susan Wolf Family | Hays, KS
Class of 1977
Phil ’67 & Brenda ’69 Schmeidler | John ’82 & Amy Moeder/John’s Fencing Service | Roy & Marcia Westhoff/Ellis County Concrete
In Memory of Ken & Shirley (Dreiling) Gross
Rev. Michael P. Dreiling Trust | El Mirage, AZ
In Honor of the Alumni from HCC/GCHS/SJMA/MHS/TMP/TMP-M

Raffle Winners
Friday – April 29, 2016

$500 Cash Drawing #1 – Ellen Schmidt

$500 Cash Drawing #2 – Darrell Christian

Saturday – April 30, 2016

2015 Chevrolet Cruze LT 4DR Raffle Winner – Ron Flax ‘75

$5,000 Cash Raffle Winner – Linette Klaus

$2,000 Cash Raffle Winner – Dustin Schumacher ‘00

$1,000 Cash Raffle Winner #1 – Laverna (Braun) Younger ‘50

$1,000 Cash Raffle Winner #2 – Shelton Renz

$1,000 Cash Raffle Winner #3 – Bill Klaus

Jeff Brull is the TMP-Marian Advancement Director and a 1994 graduate of high school.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Heartland Community Foundation (HCF) has $300,000 in grant money to award thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan.  HCF Executive Director Sandy Jacobs wants it all gone.

“We’ve been very, very lucky over the past couple of years with the contributions from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grant Fund to the Heartland Community Foundation and the three counties we serve–Ellis, Rooks and Trego,” said Jacobs.

“In previous years, we’ve had $50,000 in each of those counties to be able to put into grants for all kinds of needs in the communities, whether it’s beautification, education, healthcare, whatever the need might be.

“This year, we have the opportunity for another $50,000.  So this grant period–March 15 through May 15–we’re actually awarding $100,000 in Ellis, $100,000 in Rooks, and $100,000 in Trego counties.”

The deadline is tight–midnight Sunday, May 15, but it is all done online. Applications are available at www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.

Ten applications have already been submitted; 14 more are in the draft phase.  Jacobs said HCF expected another dozen or so, and is encouraging residents in the three counties to still apply.

She isn’t sure why there have been fewer applications this cycle.  “I don’t know whether people think their projects aren’t interesting, they’re waiting until the last minute, or maybe they haven’t applied before,” she pondered. But with recent reminders, the pace has picked up.

“I’ve had a number of people tell me this week that have made the determination that they’re going to do it now and have done it in one day.”

With the Hansen gift doubled from previous years, it allows HCF the ability to greater influence community needs and award grants relating to the following areas for communities within the Hansen Foundation network:

• Arts
• Community Beautification
• Education
• Environmental Programs or Projects
• Health & Human Service Needs
• Inter-generational Programs or Projects

According to Jacobs, the Hansen Community Grant Fund serves 26 counties in western Kansas.

“The commitment of Dane G. Hansen himself to rural America was just outstanding,” Jacobs said.

“They are about quality-of-life issues, making sure the needs of these small rural America are met in whatever way possible. Their generosity is almost beyond belief.

“We thank them every day for thinking of rural America the way they do,” she added.

For more information or help with filling out a grant application, call Sandy Jacobs at (785) 621-4090.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Starting Sat., May 14, the Hays Lions Club will provide free vision screening for children and adults on the second Saturday of each month.

The club has teamed up with the ARC Thrift Store, 600 Main, which is handicapped-accessible and has ample parking. Vision screening will be available from 9 a.m. to noon.

Vision disability is the single most prevalent disabling condition among children. Most times, children don’t know they can’t see well because that is the way they have seen since birth.

“By early detection of vision disorders and treatment of them, challenges to good vision are 95 percent correctable,” said Jim Huenergarde, Hays Lions Club vision screener.

A little more than a year ago, the Hays Lions Club, together with Hays First Care Clinic, purchased the portable $7,800 Spot Vision Screener made by Welch Allyn.

The screening is quick and non-invasive, accurate and reliable. It can detect nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia (lazy eye), astigmatism (blurred vision), strabismus (crossed eyed), unequal refractive power, and unequal pupil size.

The device can detect vision issues on patients from six months of age through adults.

“This is a screening and is not a diagnosis,” Huenergarde emphasized.  “If irregularities are found, the patient or parent is given the results so that they can contact their vision specialist.”

The Lions also provide vision screening for day care facilities, pre-schools, public and private schools, Head Start programs, and works with the First Care Clinic.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact Jim Huenergarde at (785) 650-7338.