Category: Local
Main will remain closed as waterline repairs continue
Russell electric transformer switchover postponed
CITY OF RUSSELL
RUSSELL – Sunflower Electric / Western Cooperative have notified the city of Russell that they will not be ready to make the switchover from the temporary transformer to the permanent transformer that was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, September 7, 2018.
It is projected the switchover will not occur until next week. Once a date and time have been set we will notify the public.
We thank you for your patience and your understanding as the necessary repairs and switchover is made safely.
Extension personnel: Don’t use newspaper salsa recipe
The K-State Research & Extension Rapid Response Center has issued a warning about a salsa recipe that was printed in Kansas newspapers, including the Salina Journal.
The recipe appeared in the Salina Journal on Wednesday.
In a post on the Rapid Response Center’s Facebook page, personnel deemed the recipe “completely unsafe” and wrote, “This salsa recipe was printed in several Kansas newspapers today. Please do not follow this recipe unless you want to give your family and friends foodborne illness!!”
The post explains that the salsa recipe utilizes an open kettle canning method that can allow bacteria to continue growing.
An attempt to get a response from the Salina Journal was not successful.
🎥 Hays Post Game of the Week matchups, Week 2
Week two of the high school football season is here! On Friday night, Hays Post and Eagle Communications will live stream two Games of the Week.
Hays High School will be on the road facing Great Bend, with Dustin Armbruster and Kurt David calling the game on KFIX-96.9FM. And Hill City travels to WaKeeney, with C.D. DeSalvo and David Jinright on the call for 101.9 The Bull. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Check out Hays Post for live game action!
Game of the Week sponsored by: Service Master Clean of Hays, Insurance Planning, Thirsty’s, Patty Baconrind Appraising, Nextech Wireless, Master Cleaners, Cross Manufacturing, Coldwell Banker Executive Realty, Steel Fabrications, Lifetime Dental, Commercial Builders, Whiskey Creek, Paul Wertenberger Construction, TMP-Marion Alumni, McDonald’s of Hays, G&L Tire, Hays Chevrolet, NCK Tech, Golden Plains Credit Union and Classic Quality Body Shop.
🎥 New city employee pay plan would offer ‘more paid time off or more money’
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A proposed new pay plan and job classification program for city of Hays employees was reviewed by city commissioners Thursday night.
Starting with the first payroll of 2019, the pay plan would provide two percent steps to all employees each year on their anniversary month, explained Erin Giebler, Director of Human Resources.
“Prior to 2019, the city did not provide consistent or predictable pay increases from year to year,” Giebler told commissioners.
To make the pay plan affordable, a volunteer committee of 15 employees made changes to the benefits offered, including lower Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals and capping the longevity bonus at four percent.
“In order to allow employees to keep all benefits the same, the city developed the Red Plan. This allows current employees to keep all their benefits the same, but in return they are provided with lower wages and lower earning potentials.
“Current employees who do not elect the Red Plan and those hired after the start of the payroll year in 2019 will be placed on the Blue Plan, which has a change in benefits with higher wages and earning potential.
“Basically, current employees get to decide whether they want more PTO or more money.”
Giebler said she expects nearly all the current 181 employees to choose the Blue Plan.
“I do have a few people who said they really like their PTO, and to each, their own. That’s why we’re giving them the option,” she said. “All of them but five are much better off if they choose the Blue Plan.”
Lowering the PTO accrual won’t result in immediate cost savings but it does provide “more work time,” the equivalent of about three and a half full-time employees, according to Giebler. “Capping the longevity bonus at four percent does provide instant cost savings to the city which will be used to help fund the pay plan.”
The pay increases are already included in the 2019 budget and maintenance of the pay plan will be part of the annual budget for commission approval.
“It will be a commodity cost just like everything else we have, just like asphalt or chemicals,” said Toby Dougherty, City Manager.
“I don’t envision a time as long as me or anybody else is around that we’re gonna come to the commission and say we want a mill levy increase because we have to do this. We’ll make adjustments if we have revenue constrictions.”
Commissioner Shaun Musil likes the change because it plans for upcoming years.
“I feel it’s in line with everything we do. We’re always looking the next three to five years out, whether it’s streets or something else.
“I think it’s good for the employees,” Musil added. “Anyone who’s hired employees knows it costs more when you have turnover. Hopefully, this will reduce turnover and get better talent applying for the city.”
Commissioner Sandy Jacob congratulated Giebler, city staff and the employee committee on their year-long work, calling it “outstanding.”
“I do think it’s a real benefit to our employees to be able to look at these plans and know where they’re going, know where their future is,” Jacob said. “I think it makes a big difference in how they look at their job every day.”
Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller reiterated that employees “are sacrificing paid time off.”
“That is actually to the city’s and the residents’ benefit because (in the past) we’ve been a little too generous with paid time off and we’ve converted from vacation and sick leave. We had a lot of difficulty getting people to convert. This brings it in line and I like that a lot,” Schwaller said.
Implementing the proposed pay plan would cost an additional $353,605 above 2018’s budget with $212,866 being general fund expenditures. Future years’ steps would be approximately $200,000 per year with $130,000 being general fund expenditures.
The city commission will consider approving the proposal at the Sept. 13 meeting.
United Way to host open application meeting for nonprofits
UWEC
The United Way of Ellis County will be hosting an open application meeting at the Hadley Center First Floor Conference Room, 205 E. 7th, Hays, on Tue., September 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for those nonprofits, churches, and schools who are considering applying for program funding.
The United Way oversees the CARE Council, which was formed in 1994, to facilitate recommendations for funding. CARE stands for Community Allocation, Review, and Evaluation.
The CARE Council is comprised of volunteers representing the City of Hays, Ellis County and the United Way. These volunteers review applications for three different funding streams from the City of Hays Social Services, Ellis County Alcohol Tax and the United Way. Once the applications are reviewed, site visits are conducted with questions regarding operations, licensure and programs processes and procedures.
Agencies can also receive assistance from the CARE Council to identify problems or potential problems with experience in their area of need. This is to also ensure non-duplication of services among agencies and encourage cooperation between agencies to solve community problems.
Additionally, the United Way will have a presentation discussing VISTA volunteers and how agencies can benefit. There will also be a demo of a volunteer software package that can be shared with nonprofits, schools, churches, and other entities that use volunteers.
For more information contact Sherry Dryden, UWEC Executive Director, at 785-628-8281 or [email protected].
Hays, Hoxie non-profits receive Community Service Tax Credits
KDC
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded 16 nonprofit organizations around the state Community Service Tax Credits (CSP). Since 1994, CSP has helped nonprofit organizations undertake major capital fund-raising drives for several different projects which have made a significant impact on the lives of Kansans – including health care, services for children and families, crime prevention, youth apprenticeship, and job training.
“Non-profit organizations are extremely important for the livelihood and well-being of Kansans, as well as our state economy,” said Robert North, Interim Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. “We are pleased to offer Community Service Tax Credits to deserving organizations in order to help them continue providing their invaluable services to our citizens.”
Tax credit awards are distributed through an application process that consistently sees a high volume of applicants. Based on the needs of the proposed project, applicants may request up to $250,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (with less than 15,000 in population) are eligible for a seventy percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a fifty percent credit.
Tax credits for 2018 have been awarded to the following organizations:
The Community Enhancement Foundation of Plains, Meade County, $62,572.92
A local grocery store that provides prescription pick up and grocery delivery for elderly and/or disabled residents. In addition, they will include a commercial kitchen to prepare precooked meals and give citizens other options outside of fast food.
KVC Health Systems, Inc. / Sub Applicant: KVC Foundation, Inc., Sedgwick County, $250,000
They will open a new Children’s Psychiatric Hospital in Wichita to help kids ages 6-18 who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and actions, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
McPherson County Community Foundation / Sub Applicant: Canton Township Carnegie Library, McPherson County, $250,000
Built in 1921, Canton Township Carnegie Library is the last Carnegie Library to ever be constructed. The project will include preservation issues for the original building, as well as a new addition that will address the need of accessibility, safety, and additional program space for children and adult patrons.
Emporia Community Day Care Center, Inc., Lyon County, $210,000
ECDCC is addressing the issue of child care head-on, caring for children age 2 weeks to 6 years. They plan to renovate the 2nd level of their current building to provide more space for more kids.
Memorial Home, Inc. dba Pine Village, McPherson County, $250,000
This credit will go toward upgrading and expanding the kitchen to provide more storage space. The dining room will be expanded to provide more seats.
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (formerly the Homer B. Reed Adjustment and Training Center), Ellis County, $250,000
Upgrades are needed in facilities across seven counties in order to make them energy efficient and handicap accessible for families and/or individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Linn Community Nursing Home, Inc, Washington County, $136,392.73
Plans include upgrading a generator, furnace/air conditioning, and plumbing.
Greeley County Health Services, Inc., Greeley County, $135,700
Purchase upgraded equipment to assist on the delivery of care for the rural and frontier patients.
Labette Community College Foundation and Alumni Association / Sub Applicant: Labette Community College, Labette County, $250,000
This organization wishes to expand and majorly renovate their current gymnasium into an Athletic and Wellness Complex. Labette was ranked near the bottom of the 2018 Kansas County Health rankings and are trying to address the issue.
Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation / Sub Applicant: Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, Montgomery County, $250,000
Will purchase new equipment that will enhance the patient care.
Seward County Community College Foundation, Seward County, $250,000
The new Allied Health Center will allow them to move all programs and class into one building. Also, this gives them the infrastructure to handle modern medical equipment.
Sheridan County Hospital dba Sheridan County Health Complex, Sheridan County, $145,000
Reconfigure and upgrade outdated patient rooms to bring them to ADA standards.
Friends of JCDS, Inc, Johnson County, $80,000
Plans include building two new five-bedroom homes specifically designed to meet the accessibility needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
McPherson County Community Foundation / Sub Applicant: Marquette Learning Center, McPherson County, $215,000
Renovations are planned for an old schoolhouse building to turn it into a daycare faculty along with addressing the outdoor play space as required by KDHE.
The Salvation Army of Dodge City, Ford County, $250,000
Tearing down the old facility and replacing it with a new crops community center that will feature a gymnasium, food pantry, emergency disaster center, office space, meeting rooms, chapel, and educational programs.
Roots & Wings Foundation / Sub Applicant: Rosewood Services, $250,000
The foundation will renovate an existing building that will add room for a print shop, industrial kitchen, classroom, and location for job training. The multi-purpose facility will allow for growth and expansion of programs to those with intellectual and developmental disability.
Burglary suspects from Victoria caught after vehicle stuck in mud
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.
Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 900 block of west K4 highway approx. 9 miles west of Hoisington after citizens had reported two individuals walking on the highway and a vehicle pulled into an abandoned farmstead, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Deputies arrived at the location, contacted the individuals who were walking and learned their vehicle had become stuck when they pulled into the farm.
Sheriff’s officers went back to the vehicle and located what appeared to be freshly cut copper pipe and copper wire, according to Bellendir.
Upon investigation of the farmstead it was evident these individuals were in the process of burglarizing the location when the vehicle became stuck. Deputies arrested at the scene Brett D. Woods, age 47 and Aundria M. Pasek, 44, both of Victoria.
There was also an active warrant for Woods arrest from Russell County.
Both were transported to the Barton County Jail without incident. Upon arrival at the jail it was found that Pasek also had a suspected meth pipe in her possession. She was booked on charges of burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia and is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. Woods was booked on burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia and is being held on a $20,000 bond as well as the Russell county warrant.
Star Wars Day at Sternberg Museum will be Saturday
Submitted
Join the Sternberg Museum for its annual Star Wars Day at the Museum.
This event will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Costumed characters from the 501st and Rebel Legions will be roaming the museum.
Fun and interactive natural history displays can be found throughout the museum.
Be sure to wear your favorite Star Wars costume or accessories.
May the force be with you!
Russell Co. man arrested on suspicion of drug charges
LURAY — On Thursday afternoon, members of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office responded to 200 block of North Main in Luray and placed John A. “Jack” O’Leary under arrest on the strength of three outstanding warrants.
During the course of this arrest, information was obtained that led to a narcotics search warrant being served on O’Leary’s residence of Apartment B5 in the Regal Villa apartment complex. Numerous items of evidence were recovered, and O’Leary’s preliminary Russell County charges include possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.
COLUMN: 5 ways a chamber membership is completely overrated
Note from Tammy Wellbrock, executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce: “For those who know all of us at your local chamber, we like to have fun while also providing enlightenment and information to those who depend on us for valuable resources. We saw this article and wanted to share with all of you to help answer that often-asked question, ‘What does the chamber do?’ Enjoy!”
By CHRISTINA R. GREEN
Have you ever waited a really long time for something like a movie to come out, only to be disappointed? Or maybe a friend told you how wonderful a particular city was. But when you went there it wasn’t nearly as fantastic as your imagination—and your friend—had made it out to be.
Are you worried chamber membership will turn out the same way? A lot of talk and not much value? You’re probably right. In fact, I have a feeling you’re always right. Am I right?
Here are 5 ways a chamber membership is totally overrated.
The Learning Resources Are Free or Nearly Free
Everyone knows that business experts who are willing to give of their skills and knowledge for the cost of membership must have something up their sleeves. The fact that these chamber people want business owners in their community to be able to grow their business through educating them on pertinent topics like social media, building your own website, and mitigating risk just doesn’t make sense.
Everyone knows it’s best to not share any information because if someone knows you’re successful, they’ll think you’re an industry thought leader. The fact that the chamber is giving away information and serving as a helpful community resource shows that they know nothing about business. If they truly wanted the economy to thrive, they would throw everyone into the deep end of the pool to see who could swim not provide learning resources for all like Lunch and Learns, free articles, and professional advice.
They Offer Networking to Increase Business Revenue
Chambers offer networking groups, some of which are tailored by industry or level. There are mastermind groups and leads groups and sometimes these business people get together just to have fun. I’m not sure why anyone would want to be a part of a group that promoted business in ways that could increase growth.
That sounds pretty boring. Although, the growth part could mean more business revenue, which could mean you could afford to do something more exciting. But who wants more revenue? Then you’d have to go out and find a hobby.
They’re Off Campaigning for Business
As if those chamber folks aren’t busy enough collecting drink tickets and cutting ribbons with giant scissors, they’re also busy talking to people at the state capital asking for their support for their community on business issues that affect their local business owners. Who wants to support issues that benefit business and the economy? Not you. You have other more important things to do like run your business.
Of course, I suppose if these chamber people weren’t off doing that, we might have some issues. Good thing they are.
It’s Always the Same People
Those chamber events are always full of the same people dedicated to improving the local business climate. They work on shop local programs and support member to member patronage. All they think about is how they can grow their business and help others in the community do the same. A lot of them will even give you their suggestions on how they can help you based on their business experience.
This just proves a chamber membership is completely overrated. We need more people in town talking about the Kardashians. Our economy is fine the way it is. More successful businesses would mean more traffic, anyway.
They Keep the Light On
When visitors come to town, those chamber people are there to greet them. They strike up a conversation with those travelers and then they even give them suggestions based on what those visitors are looking for. Could even be your business.
But a chamber membership is overrated because those referrals take all the fun out of those weary travelers just stumbling across your place right before you close. Don’t you love the serendipitous moment of someone coming in like that? There you are just wondering if you’ll get a customer and some days one appears. Who wants to join the chamber and have referrals walk in all the time? No one with any sense of romance or fate.
Yes, a chamber membership is truly overrated. Having access to the inside track for new jobs or economic opportunities, having someone who’s actively advocating for your business when you don’t have the time nor the inclination, being a part of informal mentoring, and having access to free or nearly free learning opportunities certainly doesn’t sound like it would help you grow your business at all.
You know what you should do instead? Spend more time on Facebook watching cat videos. I read that 96.7% of people who spend the better part of a day on social media watching videos of furry cuteness have a unicorn delivered to their doorstep on the vernal equinox.
It’s true. It was on the Interwebs.
Christina R. Green teaches small businesses, chambers, and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Midwest Society of Association Executives’ Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog.
— Submitted by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce
HPD Activity Log Sept. 6
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Thu., Sept. 6, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Welfare Check–400 block W 21st St, Hays; 2:35 AM
Civil Dispute–2200 block Walnut St, Hays; 7:02 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 7:48 AM
Dead Animal Call–800 block Vine St, Hays; 8:43 AM
Computer Crime–1800 block Ash St, Hays; 9:45 AM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–2300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:41 AM
Disturbance – General–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:30 AM; 11:42 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley; 800 block Elm St, Hays; 1:18 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:01 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th and Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 3:15 PM
Animal At Large–27th St and Augusta Ln, Hays; 3:25 PM
Theft (general)–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12:01 AM; 5 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–400 block E 7th St, Hays; 6:31 PM
Burglary/storage unit–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:41 PM
Harassment (All Other)–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 8:53 PM