LKM

WICHITA — The League of Kansas Municipalities presented the 2017 E.A. Mosher Excellence in Local Government award on September 18 to Kim Thomas, Mayor of Stockton. The award was presented as part of the League’s Annual Conference, Sept. 16 to 18 in Wichita.

Mayor Thomas is the 17th recipient of the E.A. Mosher Award. She was honored for her decades of public service to the City of Stockton and the surrounding community. As Mayor, Thomas has been involved in numerous initiatives to provide quality infrastructure in the community, develop economic opportunities, increase energy efficiency and add affordable housing stock within the city.

Ms. Thomas has served as Mayor since 2003 and has an extensive list of civic accomplishments including the development of a community swimming pool, construction of a new water treatment plant, new recreational initiatives including tennis courts and a pocket park on Main Street, along with the replacement of electric utility distribution lines.

Mayor Thomas has served on the Board of Directors for numerous statewide organizations including the Kansas Mayors Association, the Kansas Municipal Electric Association, the Kansas Hospital Auxiliary and Kansas Municipal Utilities. On many occasions, she has been called a “peacemaker” and strives for mutual cooperation between various government entities on state and local levels. She just completed a year-long term as President of the League of Kansas Municipalities and has been involved with the League in numerous ways including policy development and advocacy.

Even with a full civic schedule, Mayor Thomas still manages to make time to volunteer as a coach for local softball teams and fulfill her passion for the preservation of history. She has served on the board of the Nicodemus Kansas Historical Society for 26 years and has been active in the Nicodemus Buffalo Soldiers organization.

“Kim is a consummate champion for regional cooperation and consistently seeks to ensure her community is doing what can be done for the betterment of the surrounding area,” said Erik Sartorius, Executive Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities. “Senator Jerry Moran has called her the “Rooks County Peacemaker” for her collaborative approach to community governance. Kim is very deserving of this award.”

She attended Emporia State University and has 9 grandchildren.

The E.A. Mosher award is named in honor of Ernie Mosher. Mr. Mosher served the League as Executive Director from 1960 to 1991 and is one of the most respected individuals in the profession. Ernie was a prominent voice in the Kansas municipal community, with the Kansas legislature, and state municipal leagues across the country. His heart and soul was in local government, and he was a strong advocate of cities’ constitutional Home Rule Authority. He played a key role in the constitutional amendment for Home Rule being adopted by Kansas voters in 1960.

In 2001, the League established the Excellence in Local Government Award to recognize the accomplishments of distinguished leaders in the local government community. In 2009, Ernie Mosher’s name was added to this award. This award is presented annually to an elected or city official who has demonstrated outstanding service to their city, promoted positive intergovernmental relationships, and had an active commitment to the League.

Since 2001, the E.A. Mosher Award has been presented to the following local government leaders:

Mayor Bob Knight, Wichita;
Mayor Carol Marinovich, Kansas City;
Mayor Warren Hixson, Colby;
Mayor Ed Eilert, Overland Park;
Commissioner John Zutavern, Abilene;
Commissioner Richard Jackson, Ottawa;
Commissioner Pat Pettey, Kansas City;
Mayor Don DeHaven, Sedgwick;
Councilmember Diane Linver, Lenexa;
Commissioner Bruce Snead, Manhattan;
Mayor Clausie Smith, Bonner Springs;
Mayor Ken Bernard, Lansing;
Mayor Brad Smiley, Canton;
Mayor Carl Brewer; Wichita;
Mayor Joe Denoyer, Liberal; and
Councilmember Andy Huckaba, Lenexa.

ELLIS — Ellis High School has announced its 2017 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty. The theme of this year’s Homecoming is Roast the Redmen, and the homecoming game will be played on Friday, Oct. 6, against the Smith Center Redmen with a dance following.

The parade will be on Friday afternoon starting at 2:30 p.m.

2017 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty includes:

Back row (from left): Drew Keller, son of Michael & Vanessa Keller; Geoffrey Soneson, son of Rob & Donna Soneson; Joseph Eck, son of Mark & Sarah Eck; Bryce Younger, son of Bobby & Toni Younger.

Front row (from left): Haley Reiter, daughter of Allan & Lisa Reiter; Blakely Bittel, daughter of Blake Bittel and Kristi Bittel; Kyrsten Frickey, daughter of Brian & Michelle Frickey; Abby Burton, daughter of Corey & Amy Burton.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A new business in downtown Hays is the only one in the area dedicated solely to medical apparel for men and women.

Maria Biskie, LPN, has been a nurse for 20 years. She has worked in all types of medical settings including hospitals, nursing homes and schools. She first earned her CNA after being laid off from an office job. She wanted something with more security and soon learned she loved working with her patients.

When she moved to Hays two years ago, she realized there was nowhere to buy her favorite brand of scrubs or purchase quality nursing equipment. The nearest brick-and-mortar shop was in Salina.

When the building at 810 Main St. next to Main Street Gym & Fitness, which is owned by her husband opened up, she decided to jump into business with her new store, Pulse Medical Apparel.

The store carries Koi, Grey’s Anatomy, Smitten and Wonder Wink scrubs and accessories. In addition, the store offers medical equipment such as stethoscopes, thermometers, penlights and pulse oximeters.

“Everything I have worn or used, I believe in the quality,” Biskie said of the products she carries.

Biskie noted brands such as Koi and Grey’s Anatomy are more fitted, made of a softer fabric and tend to last longer than other scrub brands.

“If you are going to be in it all day,”  she said, “you want to be comfortable and be in something that looks good.”

Pulse carries all sizes, including petite, tall, plus size to 5X and maternity stock in addition to a variety of sizes and styles of Grey’s Anatomy Softwalk shoes.

Biskie said having the brick-and-mortar store allows customers to come in, try on the apparel and take it home the same day versus ordering online and being uncertain of the fit.

“Women are all made differently,” she said. “If a customer can try it on, there is no guessing game.”

Biskie also strives to offer competitive prices.

“I don’t want to mark things up so that I can put them on sale,” she said. “I don’t sell above recommended retail. I feel that I am providing a service to the community, and I think there is a need for it.”

Pulse also offers gift cards for families and friends who may have medical professionals in their families.

Biskie is working to develop a website for Pulse that will include online ordering. She said she wants to make ordering as easy as possible and has done in-office ordering and fittings for local doctors’ and dentists’ offices.

Biskie continues to work as an LPN for home health care and hopes to enroll in the NCK Tech program to earn her registered nurse certification.

Her daughter works in the shop when her mom is working for home health. Biskie said the reception to the business has been good since her grand opening in March, and she loves being downtown.

Find more on Pulse on their Facebook page or call 785-301-2408. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

 

 

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Hays Community Theatre is raising money to remodel its new venue, the former Eagles Building at 121 E. Eighth.

Wendy Richmeier, Hays Community Theatre president, said the remodel may take about $20,000. Work is underway now on the building, including extensive work to the restrooms to make them Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

Once the building is completed, it should be able to accommodate 100 to 140 seats.

Currently, the community theatre is renting a venue at 118 E. 11th St. However, the Eagles buildings would allow it to have a year-round venue with space for offices.

The design of the building will allow for a more theatrical feel for productions. The high ceilings with rafters will allow the theatre to hang theatrical lights. The theatre group is hoping to bring an art deco look to the renovated space.

The former Eagles building also has a kitchen, which will be more suitable for preparing meals for the theatre group’s murder mystery dinners.

Richmeier said she was unsure when the remodeling would be finished. The theatre board had hoped to have its November performances of its murder mystery fundraiser at the venue, but at this point, the group is a long way from opening the building.

Everything that can be done by volunteers is being done by volunteers, so the construction is going much slower than if the theatre group could hire the work done, Richmeier said.

If anyone has construction skills and would like to volunteer or has any construction materials they would like the donate, they can email the theatre group at [email protected].

If you would like to donate to theatre for the remodel of the Eagles building, mail checks to Hays Community Theatre, PO Box 21, Hays, KS 67601. You can also donate to the community theatre with a credit or debit card via PayPal on the group’s website.

Pamela Grizzell, the venue coordinator for the theatre, said the group’s ultimate goal is to have a performing arts center.

“We are definitely growing and this is good,” she said.

The community theatre’s next fundraiser will be a murder mystery dinner based on the popular board game, Clue. The original script was written by the local writing group the Ink Plots.

The “Clue To A Kill” dinner will be staged Friday, Sept. 29; Saturday, Sept. 30; Friday, Nov. 17; and Saturday, Nov. 18. Tickets for the Sept. 29 and November shows are still available. The shows start at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will receive via email their assigned aliases for the night, a bio and instructions on how to play the evening out. Clues arrive throughout the night by means of secret rendezvous in the hall, whispers from waiters and the passing of discrete notes.

Tickets are $20. The menu will be smoked pork, baked potato, tossed salad, dinner role and dessert. A cash bar will be available. All funds support the community renovation of the new building. Tickets can be purchased online at HCTKS.com.

The theatre group also plans to stage its popular haunted tours in October. The winter show will be “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Dates and times for these shows will be announced at a later date. Watch the community theatre’s website for more information.

 

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Many of the shelves at the Community Assistance Center food pantry are bare.

The center has increased the number of times families can seek food assistance at the pantry from four per year to six. This, coupled with a natural uptick in use during the summertime when children are not in school, has drained the center’s resources.

The center is hoping to get by until the annual Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive, which is set for Tuesday, Oct. 10.

The call went out earlier this week about the pantry’s low supplies and several monetary and food donations have come in. The money that was donated was used to purchase what Laurie Mortinger, center director, said she hopes will be enough food to get the food pantry through until the food drive.

The pantry will accept food donations any time the center is open, which is 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Checks can be mailed to the Community Assistance Center, 12th and Oak streets, Hays, KS 67601.

The center is in most need of canned and boxed goods, with the exception of green beans and corn. This could include canned fruits, soups, stew mixes, baking mixes or beans.

The Community Assistance Center is not supported through any federal or city funds. There are two paid employees and the rest are volunteers. The center relies solely on donations from the public and its regular community garage sales.

“Hays has been very generous,” Mortinger said. “We are thankful. You don’t have to give a lot. It all adds up.”

HHS DECA
The annual Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat canned food drive is set for Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Hays. Volunteers will be going door to door collecting non-perishable food items from 6 to 9 p.m.

To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with “Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat” clearly printed on them. Please leave items on the porch if you will not be home or do not want someone ringing the doorbell. Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success.

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays at 12th and Oak until noon Oct. 31.

This event is organized by the Hays High School DECA Club. Contact adviser Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 785-623-2600, if you need further information.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Unified Development Code (UDC) for the city of Hays adopted a little more than a year ago has been working well, according to Jesse Rohr, the newly appointed Public Works Director who previously served as Planning Inspection Enforcement Superintendent.

However, developers and city staff have found one area they believe needs to be changed for commercial and industrial buildings.

It pertains to setbacks required for commercial and industrial buildings. Rear and interior side yard setbacks have increased, but they are “changes that do not seem to benefit the developer or the city” Rohr wrote in a memo to commissioners. In some cases, setbacks went from 0 feet to 25 feet on certain commercial property and don’t allow a developer to take advantage of space that could be otherwise utilized for building.

Most commercial developments don’t have the need for a rear yard/open space or rear landscaping, Rohr noted. Parking is often in the front or the side and not in the rear.

City staff researched the issue and looked back on the previous regulations. “Most communities have what we are proposing,” Rohr told commissioners during their Thursday night work session. The Planning Commission agrees with the proposal. “If the proposed changes are adopted, the Planning Commission requests extra setbacks be required if and when a commercial property were to be adjacent to a residential zone property,” he added.

Rohr also suggested another change to the UDC to allow breezeways between primary and accessory structures, such as a house and a garage.

The city commission will consider approving the recommended changes to the UDC at their meeting Sept. 28.

 

 

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has approved a grant program that could provide books for 12,000 children birth to 5 in 26 northwest Kansas counties.

The initiative — NWKansas Reads — will fund two programs that provide books to the families of young children: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Turn a Page, Touch a Mind. Ellis County already participates in both of these programs, but some areas of northwest Kansas will be able to offer the programs for the first time.

Counties included in the grant are Cheyenne, Cloud, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Ellsworth, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Saline, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego and Wallace.

An Imagination Library program has been active in Ellis County since 2012. Dolly Parton’s original vision for the Imagination Library was to foster a love of reading among preschool children and their families in her home county of Sevier, Tenn., by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month, according to the Hansen Foundation.

To find a local sponsoring agency in your county or to register your child for the program, click here.

Lori Hertel, a local therapist, help created the program in Ellis County in memorial of her daughter, Ana, who loved to read.

The Imagination Library provides free books each month to children who are birth through 5 years old. Age-appropriate books are mailed to the children’s homes. For babies, they include board books, and as the children get ready to graduate from the program they receive a book on beginning kindergarten.

There are no income requirements to participate in the program.

Dana Stanton, Ellis County program coordinator, said early reading is the best predictor of future academic success for children.

“Early reading and children playing with books is important. Parents having children sit in their laps and parents reading to their children sparks in young children an interest in literature and hopefully they become a lifelong reader,” Stanton said.

Ninety percent of a child’s brain development occurs within the first five years of life, and this a large part of why the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has decided to focus on early childhood reading.

The local Imagination Library program has struggled with funding. It is completely funded through private funds and grants, Stanton said. When the program’s reserves fall below six months, the program has to stop enrolling children. The local program was at that point until the foundation announced its grant.

Ellis County currently has 709 children enrolled in the Imagination Library program. It costs $25 per year to send each child a book each month. This equals about $17,000 per year in expenses. Since the program started, it has provided 40,173 books to 1,412 in Ellis County.

Stanton said the program especially helps low-income families who might not have money in their budgets to purchase books for their homes.

Stanton said this is a great gift to the community of Hays and the communities of northwest Kansas.

Because the foundation has agreed to fund the Imagination Library for at least five years, the charitable giving that was going to the Imagination Library can be targeted elsewhere.

Turn a Page, Touch a Mind works through medical clinics and health departments. Medical professionals discuss with parents the importance of reading aloud to their children during well-child and immunization visits from ages 6 months through 5 years. The families receive a book for their children at these visits.

Reading promotion as a part of pediatric care has been proven to increase vocabulary and early literacy skills of young children, according to the program.

The program was created and funded by Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, but the temporary partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will allow the program to provide more books at more locations in northwest Kansas, said Betsy Wearing, Hansen Foundation coordinator of communications, programs and new initiatives.

In Ellis County, Pediatric Center at HaysMed and Hays Family Medicine both participate in the program. To find a complete list of the participating programs in your area click here.

Wearing said the foundation hopes to evaluate the NWKansas Reads program at the end of five years to see if it is having an effect on kindergarten readiness. Improving kindergarten readiness has also been targeted by the Kansas State Board of Education as a goal for school accreditation.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A new painting and craft studio has opened in downtown Hays.

Emily Weigel, a fine arts graduate from Fort Hays State University, has opened The Niche at 707 Main.

Weigel, a ceramics major in college who recently moved back to Hays to be closer to family, works as a graphic artist by day. She had worked at a painting studio in another community and thought Hays would be a perfect location for one.

Those who do not view themselves as artistically talented need not worry. Weigel has cheats such as stencils to help you build your painting or craft project step by step. All paintings are customizable with whatever color scheme you please.

“I am hoping people will be able to be creative here and relax,” she said. “But also come away with something that they are proud that they made—maybe that they didn’t think they could.”

All the supplies for the painting classes are included in the $30 fee, including use of aprons.

The clientele is welcome to bring wine, beer or food in to consume while they craft — but no hard liquor, please, Weigel requested.

Most craft classes take about two hours, and painting classes take two to three hours.

You can book as a single or a party. Weigel can take classes up to 35, but most classes have been running about 10 students.

Niche offers open painting and crafting times. Prices varying on canvases and craft projects depending on the size of the canvas or type of project. Some of the September projects include a tassel necklace, string art, wooden pumpkins, bottle openers and a menu board.

“We have something for every budget,” Weigel said.

On Saturday mornings, The Niche has classes for children — toddlers on up. Those who are middle school age or older are welcome to participate in adult classes.

Weigel tries to offer time for the children to paint and for another craft. Last week, the children made fluffy slime. Children are allowed to get messy and can uses brushes or paint with their fingers.

“Parents like it because their kids can get messy and leave it here,” she said.

Weigel does not require reservations, but you can reserve a spot by calling 785-639-5465 or messaging her through Facebook. Payment is due at the time of the class.

Niche is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings for painting classes, Wednesday evenings and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons for open craft/painting time, and Saturday mornings for children’s classes. Fridays are open for private parties at this time. See the Niche Facebook page for a schedule.

Niche also has a small craft boutique with homemade items at the front of the store.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Musil family is trying to spin an old downtown spot into a community hangout with a new twist.

Shaun Musil who had been a long-time employee of the local Coca Cola distributor, quit his job and purchased the Paisley Pear along with his wife, Heather. The Musils are maintaining the restaurant and retail space, and have added a wine bar. The new business is now called the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market. The wine bar opened for business this weekend.

“We have some ladies that come on the dot at 10 a.m. every Saturday. It is really neat to see how people hang out and talk and tell stories. They say, ‘We remember when Jack and Jill was here,'” Musil said. … “We want this to just be a community hang out.”

The Musils have three children, Brandon, 15, Corey, 12, and Meghan, 5, and Shaun and Heather hope they can make the business a family affair.

Brandon and Corey have already helped bus tables and wash dishes for the bistro and Meghan, 5, sometimes helps her mother make desserts. Shaun said he wants families not to be afraid to bring their children to the Paisley Pear in the evening even though it is technically a wine bar.

“Us having three young kids, we want to make this a family experience, a very nice relaxing atmosphere,” Shaun said. “It is not fast food by any means.”

Heather added, “I guess our goal is to have a place you can come day or night to relax with your friends and enjoy an hour out quietly and get to enjoy the company.”

The bistro, wine bar and market have all been moved into 1100 Main St. A remodel helped expand the dining space to 64 seats.

The bistro will still serve fresh-made quiche, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. Its menu will include old favorites, including the ham and havarti sandwich and green on green salad, among others. Kim Rohr, the cook with the cafe will be staying on under the Musils.

The bistro will be changing its menu in about a week to include a fall menu with soups. A children’s menu has also been added at the bistro to include items such as grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly.

In the evening, the wine bar will serve appetizers and a rotating dessert. Some of the appetizers include a cheese board, chips and salsa, queso, meatballs and a bread board.

The wine bar carries a variety of wine types and labels, including some from local vineyards, such as Resurrection, Rosewood and Shiloh Vineyard. They have reds, red blends, sweet reds, sweet whites and champagne.

Shaun hopes to stay customer friendly, and he and Heather plan to make changes to their offerings based on the likes of their customers.

Wine can be purchased by the glass, bottle or flight. A flight is four 2-ounce glasses of the customer’s choice of wines. Shaun said this is a good way for people to sample a variety of wines if they are not sure what they might like.

Customers can also order beer, soft drinks or coffee. Cappuccino will be served in the mornings.

“I think we created this because, one, he wanted to own his business, two, we wanted it to be family friendly, and three, it was also just a place to go to get away,” Heather said. “We love the atmosphere of trying to get somewhere different, so we hope when you come into this place, The Paisley Pear, you take a step out into somewhere else.”

The Musils hope to stage wine tastings at the bar eventually and rent the venue for special events such as bridal parties. The Musils also would like to host live music. Shaun thought about putting up some TVs, but the customers expressed they liked the atmosphere without them.

The market carries a variety of wine accessories and gifts, including Breville appliances, Bridgewater candles, Rewind candles, Salsa in a Snap, and Stonewall jams and jellies. Some of the mixes and jams and jellies that will be used to make items for the bistro and wine bar will also be offered in the market.

“So if someone likes what they tasted, they can take it home and make it themselves,” Heather said.

The Musils do not want to compete with the Hays Downtown Market, but on days the market is not open, the Paisley Pear may offer produce from Shaun’s dad’s farm.

The Musil kids are also trying to convince their parents to add ice cream, but mom and dad haven’t quite decided on that yet.

Shaun said he wants to be a good downtown partner and has already been working with other downtown businesses to network.

The bistro will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The market and wine bar will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

HaysMed

The University of Kansas Health System and HaysMed today announced Edward Herrman, BSN, MBA/HCM, FACHE, will become HaysMed’s president and chief executive officer.

Herrman assumes the position previously held by John Jeter, MD, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

“We are pleased to bring Eddie on board with his extensive experience and success in healthcare leadership, “ said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System. “His enthusiasm and knowledge of the local community will help propel HaysMed into the future, as we look to enhance services provided in Hays and strengthen relationships with other providers throughout the region.”

Herrman, who is currently president of INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid, Oklahoma, was selected following an extensive national search.

“We interviewed an excellent group of potential candidates and we determined Edward Herrman was the most qualified and best person to become the next leader of HaysMed,” said Alan Moore, chairman of the HaysMed Board of Directors. “We are excited about the skills and energy he will bring to the president and CEO position, and we look forward to the positive impact he will make at HaysMed and within the community.”

In his current role at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center, Herrman provides leadership, direction and administration for 207 licensed beds in three non-profit healthcare facilities.  Prior to becoming president, he was the hospital’s chief nursing officer from 2008-2011. In 2011, he accepted a nurse leadership role at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He returned to INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center in 2013 to become president.

Herrman received a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Oklahoma City University and a master of business administration/healthcare administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

Herrman served on the board of directors for numerous community organizations in Enid, including United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma, Northwest Oklahoma Blood Institute, Denny Price YMCA, Vance Development Authority and Enid High Education Council. He is past-president of the Oklahoma Organization for Nurse Executives, and a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

By DENA WEIGEL BELL

WAKEENEY – The school bells are ringing once more in Trego County!

Establishing an education system was one of the first goals of our county’s early settlers. Little one-room schoolhouses, with a teacher and all the materials needed to teach “reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic,” were provided by citizens with the expectation that graduates of the schools would become leaders in the communities speckled across the county.

The Trego County Historical Society offers a glimpse into those early school days at their Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse, an original country schoolhouse located on the grounds of the museum. It was moved to WaKeeney in May 1997 from its original location in the northwest part of the county.

Inside the school you’ll find desks, maps, and symbols marking it as an institution of free public education. On a dais in front of the chalkboard a teacher would lead two rows of students sitting at wooden desks.

Of course, education has changed a lot since the 1880s. One-room schools are a thing of the past and many of the academic tools found in the museum’s collection may not be recognizable to today’s students.

The education collection at the Trego County Historical Museum is home to a large archive of schoolbooks, teaching instruments and historical records from our local schools. They offer visitors a lesson in just how important providing quality education in a remote country setting was to early prairie settlers.

The museum will occasionally host special lectures given by the last of the teachers and students to attend our county’s country schools, and you’ll often find teachers leading their students on visits to the museum to find out more about what life was like for yesterday’s young pupils. It’s a meaningful lesson and a fun trip back in time, too!

Welcome your students back to school with a trip to the Trego County Historical Museum, where they can experience the early days of the American education system on the High Plains of Trego County!

The Trego County Historical Society (785) 743-2964) is located at 128 North 13th Street, in WaKeeney (Exit 128 off-I-70, North 1 ½ miles on Hwy. 283). Check their website for more information.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) today announced President Trump has signed their bill to award former Kansas U.S. Senator Robert J. Dole, a Russell native, with the Congressional Gold Medal.

.@SenatorDole is an American hero. And that’s why Congress voted to award him with a Congressional Gold Medal. https://t.co/S2otWiiVlv pic.twitter.com/aEoaFfxSkc

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) September 15, 2017

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of one of our nation’s highest honors than Bob Dole,” said Senator Roberts. “Bob is a true American hero who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and the great state of Kansas. The swift passage and overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress is a true testament to the gratitude of Senator Dole’s service. I am so proud that the House and Senate were able to come together to give Senator Dole the recognition he deserves. Thank you to Rep. Jenkins for her work in the House, and I look forward to him receiving this honor.”

“This is a much overdue honor that could not have been accomplished without the great work of Senator Roberts and our entire Kansas Congressional delegation,” said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. “Senator Dole has spent his life serving the state of Kansas and our country – helping veterans and combatting child hunger and poverty. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal than the Senator. I am pleased the President quickly approved this legislation, and I look forward to the presentation of this elite award in the near future.”

The Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, was introduced on July 24, 2017. It passed the Senate on August 3, 2017, with every single U.S. Senator cosponsoring the legislation. It passed the House on September 5, 2017.

The signature of the legislation confirms that Sen. Dole will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in “recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman.” It is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is the most distinguished honor and the highest civilian honor given by the Congress.

Every member of the Kansas delegation is an original cosponsor, including: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Reps. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.) and Ron Estes (R-Kan.).

In addition to every senator cosponsoring the bill, a bipartisan group of Senator Dole’s former colleagues who remain in the Senate signed on to the legislation as original cosponsors. They include: Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.).

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Improving traffic flow along the north Vine Street business corridor was mentioned during last week’s city commission work session as a key to helping grow sales tax revenues in Hays.

Thursday night, newly appointed Project Director John Braun presented an updated concept for three traffic roundabouts to be built at 33rd, 37th and 41st Streets. The proposed street improvements have the conditional support of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and federal highway officials.

A few concepts have been developed at least since the early 1990s to improve the configuration of the roads accessing Vine Street, including the 2012 Hays Comprehensive Plan which would have aligned 32nd and 33rd Streets. But all “fall short in solving the root of the problem,” Braun said.

A KDOT-funded Traffic Engineering Assistance Project study (TEAP) was also conducted at the time the Comprehensive Program was being finalized.

“The major problem is the close proximity of the frontage roads to Vine Street at the access points, the intersections of 32nd, 33rd, and 37th and 41st Streets,” Braun declared. All the commissioners agreed.

The demolition underway of the Ambassador Hotel, 3603 Vine, and clearing of the 5-acre lot will soon open redevelopment of that land. City staff has been worked with WSP Engineering the past two years to conduct a traffic impact study and create a concept plan to improve the north Vine Street corridor.

“The important point is that the frontage roads are disconnected from Vine at these intersections and the stacking capability is increased for vehicles wanting to enter Vine Street on the west side,” Braun explained. Right-turn-only lanes would be created at the east and west-bound I-70 off ramps. Stoplights at 32nd, 33rd and the I-70 exit ramps would be removed, leaving only those at 29th and 43rd Streets.

Braun cautioned many tweaks would be needed if the project goes ahead. Business owners along the corridor have been advised of the proposal. Representatives of The Pheasant Run restaurant were in the audience Thursday, listening carefully.

“This makes so much sense,” Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said enthusiastically.

A double roundabout or “peanut” is proposed at 32nd and 33rd. Access points at 35th Street would be reduced to 3/4 access intersections, increasing traffic safety by significantly reducing the current number of conflict points from 66 to 28.

Pedestrian and bicycle traffic also would be made safer. Vehicle traffic will be slower at the roundabouts which have pedestrian refuges in the centers.

“The locals avoid these areas because they know the back ways.” said City Manager Toby Dougherty. “We have a lot of visitors coming in off I-70. They’re the ones having problems getting in and out. It will have to be very well signed.” Commissioners agreed traffic roundabouts are becoming more common in many towns and drivers are more familiar with them. “People learn to get in the correct lane to get in the roundabout and get in the correct lane to get out of them,” Jacobs added.

As yet, there is no cost estimate of the work. “This is not going to be cheap,” said Commissioner Henry Schwaller. Commissioners gave permission to Dougherty and Braun to get a firm cost estimate from WSP.

“We’re going to explore some grant opportunities,” Dougherty assured the commission. “KDOT might have a little money to throw at it. If certain types of redevelopment take place along the corridor you could use the TIFF money to help fund it, possibly some CID or Transportation Development District money. There’s possible other monies for the greenways and pedestrian infrastructures. You might be able to use some CVB money for that.

“It depends on what redevelops and how. This is about visitors and pedestrians and getting people around in the corridor. You might have to pull money from a lot of different sources.”

Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood is looking into the possibility of a federal TIGER grant for infrastructure.

“The 80/20 grant monies from KDOT are no more,” Dougherty said. “Going to them and asking to pay for 80 percent, that’s not going to happen, as you guys well know. The 41st Street project, that was our last project funded that way.”

“KDOT is indicating it may still have some Corridor Management money,” interjected Braun. “There may be a slight possibility there.” Hays used some of those monies on the Vine Street improvement project between 13th and 27th.

A video simulation of the proposed roundabout corridor (see above) is available on the city’s website, www.haysusa.com. The model is based on actual peak-hour traffic in Hays.