By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners Thursday will discuss exercising the city’s option to purchase property near Interstate 70 and Commerce Parkway.

In April 2018, the commission purchased an 18-month irrevocable option to buy 91 acres in the northeast corner of the 27th Street and Commerce Parkway intersection at the east I-70 Exit 161. That option expires September 19 of this year.

The property, currently owned by the Cathy A. Braun Revocable Trust of Hays, has significant potential for future retail, commercial, and business park development.

According to a memo from City Manager Toby Dougherty, the cost to exercise the option is the original price of $800,000, less the credited option payment of approximately $17,500 if paid the day following the regular March 14 commission meeting, and prorated taxes of $108. The total remaining purchase price would be $782,608 plus shared closing costs and title insurance.

Staff is recommending the city commission approve the purchase.

Commissioners will also see an engineering design proposal to build an additional waterline under I-70 to the north. There is currently just one 16-inch water main going under I-70 to the 500,000-gallon water tower constructed in 1993.

The lowest cost proposal is from Kaw Valley Engineers, Junction City, for $59,860. It would be funded from Water Capital.

The project is included in the Capital Improvement Plan within the 2019 Budget.

On April 1, Kansas laws change to allow for the sale of beer with up to 6% alcohol under Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Licensing.

Commissioners will review an ordinance amending the current City of Hays Code of Ordinances to include the reference to 6% beer.

There are no changes needed to CMB licensing procedures or qualifications in the City Clerk’s office, according to Kim Rupp, finance director. All current CMB licenses in Hays will remain in effect and will automatically qualify under the new ordinance.

Rupp will also talk about improvements which have been completed in two areas:

• Heart of America Second Addition (Resolution No. 2016-010) – Water, Sanitary
Sewer, Storm Sewer, and Street improvements (extension of 9th Street east to Commerce Parkway)
• King’s Gate First Addition (2012-004) – Park improvements (south of I-70 between Hall Street and the Highway 183 Bypass)

The city will begin the process of assessing property owners in the improvement districts.

Heart of America Second Addition will be a fifteen-year assessment of $277,836.51 spread against each lot.

King’s Gate First Addition will be a ten-year assessment of $82,163.49 split equally per square foot within the improvement district.

The complete March 7 agenda is available here.

The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

By CRISTINA JANNEY 
Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a $1.76 million contract with Paul-Wertenberger Construction Monday night for renovations of the former Oak Park Medical Complex.

The complex is being renovated for use by the Early Childhood Connections program.

Construction work should start any day at the Oak Park property.

The district is still trying to finish the project so at least three of the buildings can be opened by the start of school in August.

The fourth building is going to be used by the program at Munjor, which runs year-round. Superintendent John Thissen said the work on that portion of the project may go into the fall.

The school district purchased the complex for $2 million, which will be paid for through a lease agreement out of capital outlay funds.

The district received a $1.47 million federal grant and a $500,000 donation from HaysMed, the primary owner of the complex before it was sold, for the renovations. The district has until June 30 to use the federal grant funds.

The district is behind its original time table on the project. However, Donna Hudson-Hamilton, ECC director, said the district could file for an extension on the use of the funds if needed.

The board also received architectural plans for the project. Thissen said the district went through several drafts with the architects to make sure classroom sizes were what was needed for the programs that would use them.

The district plans to use much of the existing plumbing, cabinets and hardware to be as efficient as possible with its funds.

Board member Paul Adams suggested the district try to include CTE students from the high school in the renovation process.

Hudson-Hamilton said the district had not considered doing that yet. However, ECC will need to have some cubbies built and installed, and the HHS students might be able to help with that project.

The district applied for two more grants for the project, including funds to pay for construction of a storm shelter at the complex and money to move playground equipment. The district did not receive the shelter grant and has not heard back on the playground grant.

The district will still include those two components in the project. They are a part of the existing budget.

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 25 traffic stops Fri., March 1, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–200 block W 4th St, Hays; 6:23 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–18th and Vine St, Hays; 7:50 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 8:09 AM
Animal At Large–800 block Commerce Pkwy, Hays; 9:09 AM
Disturbance – General–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 9:44 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–13th and Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:02 PM
Criminal Threat–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:48 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block W 38th St, Hays; 3:21 PM
Suspicious Activity–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:47 PM
Driving Under the Influence–700 block Ash St, Hays; 10:37 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 27 traffic stops Sat., March 2, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Obstruction of Legal Process–700 block Park St, Hays; 12:12 AM
Mental Health Call–1200 block Motz Ave, Hays; 1:12 AM; 2 AM
Drug Offenses/DUI–100 block Fort St, Hays; 1:52 AM
Domestic Disturbance–2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 1:45 AM; 2:15 AM
Disturbance – Noise–2100 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:42 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–500 block W 36th St, Hays; 8:34 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:24 AM
Disorderly Conduct–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:31 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–2200 block Main St, Hays; 12 PM
Suspicious Activity–1700 Haney Dr, Hays; 1:06 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 2:43 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block Ash St, Hays; 3:33 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 5:34 PM
Dead Animal Call–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:12 PM
Animal At Large–300 block W 18th St, Hays; 6:28 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 7:54 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th and Hall, Hays; 8:01 PM
Disturbance – General–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:08 PM; 10:12 PM
Mental Health Call–1200 block Motz Ave, Hays; 11 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Sun., March 3, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Unattended Death–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:56 AM
Disorderly Conduct–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:50 AM; 2:55 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block Ash St, Hays; 6:22 AM
Welfare Check–1200 block Motz Ave, Hays; 7:20 AM
Parking Complaint–1200 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7:16 AM
Unwanted Person–2800 block Fort St, Hays; 9:06 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:58 AM
Mental Health Call–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10:46 AM
Suicidal Subject–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 10:55 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block W 15th St, Hays; 1:58 PM
Civil Dispute–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2:53 PM
Mental Health Call–1300 block E 30th St, Hays; 3:10 PM; 11 PM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 3:17 PM
Overdose–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 5:25 PM
Suicidal Subject–400 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:08 PM; 9:14 PM
Drug Offenses–1500 block Milner St, Hays; 12:34 PM; 8:33 PM
Battery – Domestic–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 9:40 PM; 10:05 PM
911 Hangup Call–1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 10:06 PM
Found/Lost Property–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 11:25 PM
Aggravated Battery–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 1/1 5 PM; 1/30 5 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Mon., March 4, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Found/Lost Property–Hays; 9:12 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 9:23 AM
Civil Dispute–1200 block Maple St, Hays; 9:28 AM
Found/Lost Property–1800 block Munjor Rd, Hays; 9:19 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 10:10 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 10:22 AM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–13th and Vine, Hays; 10:55 AM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 11:23 AM
Found/Lost Property–300 block E 25th St, Hays; 11:28 AM
Dead Animal Call–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:09 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block W 16th St, Hays; 12:14 PM
Identity Theft–3500 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 12:17 PM
Welfare Check–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12:25 PM
Mental Health Call–1300 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 2:08 PM
Attempt to Locate–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:28 PM; 3:53 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3500 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 3:54 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 9:35 PM; 9:40 PM
Suspicious Activity–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2/25 10:13 PM; 3/4 10:13 PM

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The month of March is filled with lots of athletic contests and music events in Hays.

Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), has a preview.

The updated events calendar is available on the Hays CVB website.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s still very cold in Hays, but it wasn’t a year ago.

March 4, 2018 the daytime high in Hays was 80° according to official records at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

March 4, 2019 the daytime high in Hays was 22°, with the overnight low dipping to -5°. That -5° ties the record low for March 4 set in 1960.

The record high in Hays on March 4 was 85° set ten years ago in 2009.

The first day of spring, according to the calendar, is Wed., March 20.

Grow Hays has announced the formation of the Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneurship Series sponsored by the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.

The series will feature events designed to foster entrepreneurship in Ellis County. These events will include “Pitch It” events, The TriSpective Speaker Series, Grow Hays quarterly luncheons and the Network Kansas Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

“We are honored to conduct these events in the name of Bob Schmidt. He was the consummate entrepreneur and business man and the sponsorship of these events by his foundation gives the series very special meaning” said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays.

“Bob was not only an entrepreneur, but he was also passionate about Ellis County and its growth. He was a generous contributor in so many ways, and I know he would be proud to sponsor a series designed to promote entrepreneurship in his community,” said Gary Shorman, president of the Schmidt Foundation.

Pitch It events consist of “Shark Tank”-type presentations where prospective entrepreneurs present five-minute “pitches” on their ideas and products. The first event was held on Jan. 22 with the next event scheduled for April 23.

The TriSpective Speaker Series consists of presentations made by industry experts on a variety of business topics. The presentations will be similar to Ted Talks, 15 to 20 minutes in duration. There will be four events in 2019 with each event featuring three speakers.

Grow Hays quarterly luncheons will be events where attendees will be given updates on economic development activities in Ellis County and will also be a forum where new ideas and projects will be discussed.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is an event sponsored by Network Kansas in which High School Students within Ellis County will compete in a business plan/presentation event. This will be the first event ever held in Ellis County.

Pitch Night
April 23rd at 7pm, doors open at 6:30
The Pitch Night events will be held quarterly, the first one being on January 22, 2019. Each of event will consist of 5 presentations. The presentations will be 5 minutes in length with 3 minutes of judge and audience Q&A to follow. There will be 3 judges who will determine the winner who will be awarded a $500 prize. Each event will be preceded by a 30 minute social gathering which will begin at 6:30pm. The presentations will begin promptly at 7:00pm. Our objective is to draw a diverse audience of potential investors, lenders, and professional resources. Presenters will include startups and existing businesses wishing to grow or develop new products or services.

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
March 20th starting at 9am. Awards at 1pm.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is an event sponsored by Network Kansas in which High School Students within Ellis County will compete in a business plan/presentation event. This will be the first event ever held in Ellis County. Other counties in Kansas have hosted competitions which have had up to 50-60 presenters in both Junior and Senior High Competitions. Network Kansas provides some of the funding for the event however there are students who do not have the financial means to purchase presentation materials and there is also little funding for promotion of the event.

TriSpective Speaker Series
March 25 at 6pm
The TriSpective events feature people with specific industry/business experience who do a 15 minute presentation on business related topics. Similar to a TED talk, these presentations to date have covered the topics of branding, market segmentation and business growth. The first event was held on December 6th and presentations were made by Scott Gross on Branding. Joseph Boeckner (JoeBob Outfitters) on business growth and expansion and Tim Speno on market segmentation. The presentations were excellent. We plan to kickoff our 2019 TriSpective series by asking this group to come back and present again. Future events will cover a wide range of topics.
219 W 10th Street Hays, KS 67601 785-628-3102 www.growhays.com

Grow Hays Quarterly Luncheons
Grow Hays will be holding quarterly luncheons in 2019 with invitations extended to community and business leaders for the purpose of conveying Economic Development activities, educating the community regarding economic development processes and enlisting the support of attendees in achieving economic development objectives. Effective communication has been one of the ingredients that has been lacking in local economic development efforts. We believe that these luncheons will be an initial step towards resolving that issue.

All events are open to the public.

— Grow Hays

COTTONWOOD EXTENSION

Farmers, if you want to learn more about sprayer nozzles and how to reduce drift and enhance spray coverage with your field sprayers then make plans to attend the “Sprayer Application Update” to be held Thursday, March 7 at the Walnut Valley Senior Center in Rush Center, 220 Washington Street.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m. followed by a complimentary lunch.

Other topics covered will be pulse width modulation systems, calibration scenarios and a review of sprayer and spray equipment, and time for your questions. A.J. Sharda, K-State Precision Ag/Machine Systems Engineer will be the presenter.

Pre-registration is requested by Tuesday, March 5. Call the Hays Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430.

Dear Veteran, Family Member or Friend:

Let me begin by saying thank you to all veterans for their service to our great nation. NCK Tech is proud to have several U.S. military veterans currently enrolled as students, as well as many veteran alumni who are now serving our country through the workforce. NCK Tech remains committed to helping veterans reach their career goals and honoring their service to both our country and the workforce.

The purpose of this letter is to invite you to join NCK Tech in a celebration designed to honor veterans for their service to the military and their contribution to our nation’s workforce. As a sign of our appreciation, NCK Tech has established a “Veterans Honorary Associates Degree of  Technical Education.  We would like to ask you to consider nominating a veteran you know, or even yourself, for this award.

North Central Kansas Technical College understands many service men and women, upon leaving the armed forces, immediately returned home and joined the workforces to provide for themselves and support their families. Many acquired technical skills while performing their job but never earned a college degree acknowledging their abilities. It is our intention, through awarding this degree, to honor those veterans for their military service, their technical skills and their lifetime contribution to our nation’s workforce.

Consideration for the Veterans Honorary Associates Degree of Technical Education applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Honorable discharge from a branch of the United States military
• Minimum age of 50, posthumous nominations will also be considered
• Provide the advising committee with discharge papers (form DD-214)
• Submit a complete Veterans Honorary Associates Degree of Technical Education nomination form including letter outlining military and workforce experiences

Qualifying veterans may participate in NCK Tech’s spring commencement and recognized for their service.  The veteran may choose to attend a reception and ceremony at either Beloit on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. or Hays on  Saturday, May 11, at 11:30 a.m.

To nominate a veteran for this honor complete a nomination form on our website – www.ncktc.edu/about-us/veterans-associate-degree/ and submit electronically to the college.  To receive a printed nomination form, call the college at 1-800-658-4655 and request a nomination form mailed to you.

In closing, the faculty and staff of NCK Tech, along with our advisory committee, would like to express our gratitude for your military service and commitment to our country’s workforce. Thank you for your contribution to the United States and may God Bless America.

Sincerely,

Eric Burks
President, NCK Tech