The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donors.

There are two blood drives today in Hays. The Red Cross will be at the TMP Fieldhouse until 2 p.m. today and in the conference rooms near the gift shop at HaysMed until 5 p.m.

HODGEMAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Impala driven by Aaron Christopher Shelton, 27, Jetmore, was west bound on Kansas 156 six miles east of Jetmore.

The Chevy traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 1994 Ford truck driven by Barbara Cossman, 59, Jetmore. After the collision, the Chevy spun off into the north ditch and came to rest on its top.

Shelton was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Beckwith Funeral Home. Cossman was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

HAYS – Following a second vote before the Ellis County Commission the Blue Sky Acres residential subdivision will be allowed to move forward.

The Ellis County Commission voted 3-0 Monday to approve the final plat of the proposed subdivision south of Hays.

The plat failed to pass a previous commission.

The approval allows development to more forward

Check back with HaysPost.com for more.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The issue of the Blue Sky Acres residential subdivision is set to go before the Ellis County Commission once more.

Property owner Mary Alice Unrein is again asking the commission to approve the final plat of the proposed housing addition south of Hays.

In November 2016, the Ellis County Commission rejected the final plat on a 1-1 vote. Commissioner Dean Haselhorst voted in favor of the plat while then-Commissioner Marcy McClelland voted against the plat. Commissioner Barb Wasinger recused herself from the vote because of a conflict of interest.

McClelland said she voted against the plat because of the possibility of groundwater contamination from septic systems and lack of available water in the area.

The commission’s failure to approve the plat led Unrein to sue the commission and McClelland in December 2016 in an effort to force her to change her vote.

A year and eight months later, in August 2018, a judge ruled in favor of McClelland and commission.

McClelland was defeated by Butch Schlyer in the Aug. 7, 2018, primary election, and Schlyer won a seat on the commission by winning a three-way race in the November general election.

In that same election, Wasinger was elected to the 111th District Kansas House of Representatives and Dustin Roths, Ellis County Republican Party chairman, was appointed to fill the remainder of Wasinger’s term.

The new commission will take up the issue at Monday’s commission meeting.

The commission will also continue discussing the 2020 budget at Monday’s meeting. The commission had previously requested each department within the county present a 2020 budget proposal with a 1.5 percent reduction from 2019. Those budgets will be presented to the commission Monday.

Monday’s meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the County Administrative Center.

NWK Economic Innovation Center

Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center announced on March 5 a new, full-fledged program through Rural & Remote. 

Rural & Remote, an initiative of Ogallala Commons,  is a program that provides job placement support for many different career tracks for people who want to live in northwest Kansas and work for companies across the nation that hire remote workers.  Remote positions can include, but are not limited to, marketing, office administration, sales, graphic design, and more.  Leads are given to those who inquire and are qualified for positions.  It is then up to the Northwest Kansas prospect to follow up with these leads and secure the work.  These positions often offer above average wages and benefits, beyond what currently exists in Northwest Kansas. 

This Rural and Remote initiative will bring new and increased job opportunities to the Northwest Kansas territory of twenty-six counties that the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and NWKEICI serve.  Remote work, also referred to as telecommuting, is work done outside of a traditional office environment. This could mean working from home, a coworking space, or a coffee shop.  Over the last 10 years, remote work opportunities have been on the rise, as employers become more comfortable with having remote employees. It is estimated that 43 percent of U.S. workers spend at least some time working remotely.  This provides a huge opportunity for people living in rural communities to access higher paying jobs, have more career options than currently exist, and to use degrees and training.

NWKEICI’s Coding Academy is also housed within Rural & Remote.  The Coding Academy provides scholarships for applicants who want to stay in Northwest Kansas and learn computer programming through full-time or part-time online training.  Computer programmers are in high demand nationally and internationally.  Individuals that have been successful in this training are self-motivated, hardworking, open to learning, comfortable with technology, and good at communicating in a timely fashion through many different mediums.  Basic knowledge of or experience in html, css, and other coding languages is helpful but not required. 

“The Rural and Remote program works toward many of the goals that NWKEICI has for northwest Kansas,” said Scott Sproul, president and CEO of NWKEICI. “We think that the program will give new, higher paying, opportunities to allow people to stay home and come home to Northwest Kansas. We are excited to launch this program and see the changes that it brings!”

“I am excited to partner with NWKEICI and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to help the residents of Northwest Kansas stay home or come home by being able to work remotely. The economic impact that we have the opportunity to create is tremendous,” said Rural and Remote’s Kade Wilcox.

Partnerships in Northwest Kansas will be essential to the success of Rural and Remote.  If you are an employer, parent, grandparent, educator, foundation board member, community member, alumni organization, Chamber, or Economic Development entity that could use Rural and Remote, know someone who would be a good fit for Rural and Remote, or want to help spread the word, contact Wilcox at [email protected].  For more Rural and Remote or to sign up for assistance go to www.ruralandremote.org.   

GROW HAYS

The April 4th Hays Area Job Fair is only THREE weeks away!

HaysHasJobs.com is still taking registrations for booths and want to remind employers that the fees go up next week! The $50 booth registration price increases to $75 on March 21st. The booth application form can be found at https://www.hayshasjobs.com/JOBFAIR.aspx.

This year’s event is sponsored by Berexco, Hess Services, NCK Tech, Rebel Staffing, Wilkens Manufacturing, Big Creek Crossing, KANSASWORKS, Kansas WorkforceONE and Grow Hays – Investing in Ellis County.

If you have any questions, contact Ernee Sly at Grow Hays, 785.628.3102.

The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce in Hays, Kansas, a vibrant city of 21,000 and a regional center for education, health care, professional services and retail, is recruiting for the position of President/CEO.

The successful candidate will provide collaborative leadership with the staff of three, the Board of Directors, 500-strong membership and other community organizations. Applicants should have executive management leadership experience in business, non-profit or chamber association, and experience leading an organization through growth and change to achieve strategic objectives. Bachelor’s degree in the area(s) of association management and/or business is required. Personal computer and excellent communication skills are required.

Occasional travel outside of Hays is required. The Hays Chamber offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. Please email cover letter and resume to [email protected] by March 22 for priority consideration. Resumes will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

2700 Vine St.
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-8201
www.discoverhays.com
Equal Opportunity Employer

The missing 20-year-old man has been found and is safe, according to a social media report Monday from the Osborne County Sheriff. 

—————

OSBORNE COUNTY — The Obsorne County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for information on a missing 20-year-old Garrett Kipp. He was last seen in Russell County on March 14, according to the sheriff’s department’s social media page.

If you have any information, contact the sheriff at 785-346-2001.

Kansas Missing & Unsolved

NORTON—Valley Hope of Norton and Fort Hays State University will unveil a new program providing students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work in Norton on March 25.

For those unable to commute or relocate to the FHSU campus in Hays, the Bachelor’s Social Work (BSW) Cohort Program offers the opportunity to earn a degree in Norton. Classes start in the fall of 2019 and will be held at Valley Hope of Norton one night a week for three hours, with the other classes conducted online.

The partnership makes it convenient for students living and working in western Kansas to earn a degree and potentially fill a gap in services available in the region. Currently only 11 percent of the state’s Licensed Bachelor’s Social Workers and Licensed Addiction Counselors live and work in western Kansas.

“Valley Hope of Norton is honored to partner with Fort Hays State University and provide this important educational opportunity to northwest Kansas,” said Valley Hope Executive Vice President Dr. Patrick Hall. “The flexibility offered will enable more people in northwest Kansas to achieve a college degree on their schedule.”

The event will include presentations from Tim Davis, Chairman of the Department of Social Work at Fort Hays State University and Rekala Tuxhorn, Instructor/Cohort Coordinator, FHSU Department of Social Work.

WHAT: Open house launching the new Bachelor of Social Work Cohort program partnership between Valley Hope of Norton and Fort Hays State University.

WHO: Tim Davis, Chairman of the Department of Social Work at Fort Hays State University and Rekala Tuxhorn, Instructor/Cohort Coordinator, FHSU Department of Social Work, Faith Wanja, Valley Hope of Norton Clinical Program Director.

WHEN: 6 p.m., Monday, March 25.

WHERE: Valley Hope of Norton (residential facility), 709 West Holme Street, Norton, Kansas 67654.

Tours of the facility will be available.

For more information about the BSWCohort program or to apply, contact Rekala Tuxhorn, cohort coordinator, at [email protected] or visit fhsu.edu/socialwork.

KSO

MISSION – More than 2,000 Special Olympics Kansas athletes will take part in state basketball and cheerleading competitions this week in Hays and Topeka.

Fort Hays State University will host 900 coaches and athletes from 65 teams March 22nd and 23rd, and Washburn Rural High School will host more than 1,200 coaches and athletes from 80 teams March 23 and 24.

Athletes participating in state competition will have had eight weeks of basketball training, local and regional competition leading up to the events. Because of the size and scope of these two- day state tournaments Special Olympics Kansas is seeking volunteers to help at both locations.

So, come to Gross Memorial on Friday March 22nd at 10:00 a.m. to watch the opening ceremonies. Games will start at 12:30 and FHSU and Hays High. Games will be going on all day on Saturday as well.

Come cheer on the athletes and enjoy some March Madness!!

ELLIS – The late winter weather has been hard on local streets.

Ellis City Council members will discuss repair of potholes, ruts and other problems in streets and alleys during their meeting tonight. Also on the agenda is a renewed discussion of establishment of a Emergency Snow Route.

Darin Myers, Ellis County Emergency Manager, will present an update on the countywide storm emergency siren project.

The complete meeting agenda follows.

AGENDA

March 18, 2019

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)

• CONSENT AGENDA (Enc)
  1. Minutes from Regular Meeting on March 4, 2019
  2. Bills Ordinance #2065

(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.)

• PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
  1. Proclamation for Flood Safety Awareness Week
• SPECIAL ORDER
  1. Monthly Fire Department Report – Chief Dustin Vine
  2. Update on Storm Siren Project – Darin Myers, Ellis County Emergency Manager
  3. Present Banner Proposal – Tourism and PRIDE Committees
• UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  1. Update on Modifications to Cedar Lane Lift Station
  2. Consider Establishment of Emergency Snow Route
• NEW BUSINESS
  1. Discuss Establishing Donation Policy
  2. Consider Enhanced Cereal Malt Beverage Ordinances
  3. Discuss Winter Repair of Streets and Alleys
• REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
  1. Administrative
     • Public Works
       • Comparative Water Report
       • Department Update
     • Police
       • Department Update
     • City Clerk
       • Health Insurance Savings Summary for February
       • Department Update
     • Attorney
       • Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
     • Mayor Update and Announcements

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

• ADJOURNMENT

Class I alumni to host new graduates at Liquid Art Winery in Manhattan

MANHATTAN — Twenty-six agriculture and community leaders will complete a two-year commitment as Class XIV of Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, Inc. Graduation ceremonies will be held April 6 at Liquid Art Winery and Estate located in the Flint Hills near Manhattan. The inaugural KARL Class I will host the new graduates at the celebration.

“Each of these individuals is to be applauded for their dedication and hard work these past two years,” said Jill Zimmerman, KARL president.

Zimmerman added that graduates who complete the program are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to become leaders professionally and in their communities.

“Graduates of the program are a network of people who have gone on to serve in legislative bodies, farm and commodity organizations, agribusiness, and their local communities, which is vital for the future of Kansas,” Zimmerman said.

Participants of the program engage in a series of seminars throughout the state, in Washington, D.C., and through an international study tour. KARL Class XIV recently returned from Cuba.

The KARL program got its start when in mid-1989, a group of individuals representing various segments of Kansas agriculture met to discuss the need and potential for an extensive educational program designed to build a leadership base for the state’s agriculture and related industries. The first class of 30 participants began leadership development training in 1991. Since then, more than 400 participants have completed the program.

KARL Class XIV graduates include:

• Amanda Ahrens, Salina
• Daniel Anderes, Junction City
• Tyson Anderson, Marysville
• Melissa Bergkamp, Kingman
• Rob Boss, Bennington
• Justin Diehm, Greeley
• Brian Eilert, Beloit
• Simone Elder, Leoti
• Jennifer Goering, Galva
• Jancey Hall, Manhattan
• Patrice Herrman, Cherokee, OK (formerly Dodge City)
• Lucy Hesse, Wichita
• Jordan Hildebrand, Manhattan
• Gimmie Jo Jansonius, Prairie View
• Kellen Liebsch, Westmoreland
• Sarah Molzahn, Agra
• Lynn Moore, Pittsburg
• Jared Petersilie, La Crosse
• Kurt Schwarz, La Cygne
• Brian Sieker, Chase
• Stephanie Symns, Atchison
• Scott Thellman, Lawrence
• Zach Townsend, Altamont
• Ross Weber, Cawker City
• Matt Weeks, Olathe
• Jamie Wetig, Ashland

Supporters and program alumni are encouraged to attend the graduation event emceed by Eric Atkinson of the radio program, “Agriculture Today.” Keynote speaker is Becky Fouard, Elanco Animal Health. Fouard, a Paola native and K-State graduate, has led the global marketing efforts at Elanco for a new product line of direct-fed microbials for Asia and Latin America, and recently returned to the U.S. as a marketing consultant.

A reception featuring the K-State Swingin’ Spurs, an elite country and swing dance team, will begin at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. Reservations can be made through the KARL office by calling 785-532-6300 or email [email protected].

To apply for KARL Class XV, an online application and program participation details can be found at https://karlprogram.com/class-xv-application-materials/. Individual nominations can be sent to [email protected].