TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the public water supply located in the city of La Harpe in Allen County.
LaHarpe is just east of Iola on U.S. 54.
The city water supply experienced a loss of pressure in the water system due to planned system maintenance. When such a loss of pressure occurs, it is possible for contaminants to enter the system. Chlorine residuals may also drop to levels that are inadequate to protect against bacterial contamination.
Effective immediately, customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure. Regardless of whether the supplier or the system announces the boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories.
DONIPHAN COUNTY — Ken McCauley parked his Chevy pickup in the middle of a dirt road overlooking some of the world’s best corn growing acreage.
He examined a creek bed that was flanked by a narrow strip of woods and sloping hills covered with stubble from last year’s crop.
Ken McCauley, a Doniphan County farmer, said he doesn’t see the sense in building a 350 mile canal or aqueduct to carry water from the Missouri River to western Kansas so that farmers there can continue to irrigate corn. Photo by Trevor Graff, KHI.
McCauley said his family has farmed here six generations. The 4,600-acre operation includes corn and soybean production.
“They picked a good place to stop,” McCauley said of his ancestors.
But it wasn’t family history or 220 bushels-per-acre corn that was the hot topic this particular day on this particular piece of Missouri River bottomland.
“I’ve said since I was a kid that we’d be fighting over water,” McCauley said. “When you start talking about an aqueduct, open water going across the state it’s enough to get everybody riled up in a hurry.”
Kansas officials are studying the possibility of an aqueduct, pipeline or canal that would carry water — perhaps across McCauley’s land — from the Missouri River at White Cloud to Ness County, 360 miles to the southwest.
McCauley’s farm is closer to St. Louis or Cedar Rapids, Iowa, than it is to Ness City.
Pumping uphill
The audacious project, if realized, would surpass in distance and cost the 336-mile Central Arizona Project, which is still considered the most expensive water transfer system ever built in the United States.
The Arizona project — started in 1973 — took 20 years and $4 billion to construct. It carries 1.5 million acre-feet of water per year from the Colorado River to Tucson and irrigates about 1 million acres of farmland. The federal government paid for it.
An earlier U.S. Corps of Engineers study looking at the feasibility of tapping the Missouri River to water western Kansas estimated it would cost $4.4 billion to build a system and about $475 million a year to operate it. Those were 1982 estimates.
McCauley said he and others he knows consider the idea of moving massive quantities of water uphill across the state a bad one and he doesn’t understand why western Kansas farmers can’t find better solutions to their water problems.
But the part of Kansas where McCauley lives gets about 35 inches of rainfall a year, enough most years to grow corn without irrigation.
In Ness County, on the High Plains, average annual rainfall is 22 inches and that diminishes as you move west.
Irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer is what has sustained corn and other water-gulping crops in western Kansas and other portions of the Great Plains for more than 60 years — but the end is in sight for what some have called “water mining.”
‘Some kind of changes’
“We’re looking at about 50 years to make some kind of changes in the way agriculture is done out there,” said Prof. James Sherow, an environmental historian at Kansas State University who wrote a 1990 book about the history of water use in the Arkansas River Valley.
“In other words, thinking about recapitalization and what new forms of agriculture need to take the place of this current one once the water situation no longer supports what’s going on today.”
Since the invention of center-pivot irrigation in the late 1940s, Kansas farmers have been drawing water from the aquifer far more rapidly than it is naturally recharged.
In some areas, the Ogallala, which is part of the larger High Plains Aquifer, can regain four to six inches of water a year. But that natural recharging falls well short of replacing what is being siphoned out of the ancient underground reservoir.
From 1996 to 2012, the average level of the aquifer in Kansas dropped 14 feet, according to the Kansas Geological Survey — and average of 9.33 inches per year. It dropped more than 51 inches in 2012 alone.
Scientists project that it would take more than 100,000 years to recharge some parts of the Ogallala that for practical purposes already have been tapped out.
Without the bounty of the Ogallala, western Kansas fields would revert to producing the relatively paltry yields of dry land farming and the natural aridity that prompted 19th century geographers to label it part of the Great American Desert — hence the strong interest in keeping the spigot on.
Getting past the ‘threshold of rejection’
Mark Rude, executive director of Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 3, is a chief spokesman for the interests trying to revive the Missouri water transfer proposal.
GMD No. 3 and the Kansas Water Office have agreed to foot half the cost of a fresh, $300,000 feasibility study. The U.S. Corps of Engineers has agreed to pay the other half.
The report, expected to be complete by early 2015, would look at several things overlooked in the Corps’ original 1982 report, including the potential costs of litigation with Missouri and other states.
“It’s a brand new concept for some, just how valuable water is and what we can do with it in the western part of the state where it’s not so common,” Rude said. “So people have to think about it a while. It’s almost trying to get past that threshold of rejection and getting people to keep their minds open.
“It’s what the aqueduct can do for all those areas along the way that’s really the story. It’s not just Missouri water to western Kansas, it’s really an infrastructure for the whole state,” he said.
Rude said the canal or aqueduct could carry water to every stream along its course with potential to also provide water for Wichita and southeast Kansas. And, of course, once the Missouri’s flow reaches a major destination reservoir in Ness County, additional infrastructure could carry the vital liquid farther into southwest Kansas.
Others eye the Missouri
GMD No. 3 isn’t the only western entity with a covetous eye on the Missouri River.
The U.S. Department of the Interior in 2012 released a study of future water needs in the Colorado River Basin, which includes two Mexican and seven U.S. states, and concluded there wouldn’t be enough.
One of the proposed solutions was a pipeline from the Missouri River to help supply the Colorado Front Range, including Denver, which happens to be the largest city in the Missouri River Basin
But given the history of water struggles in the western U.S., no one can imagine major diversions from the Missouri could occur without a fight.
Shortly after the Kansas aqueduct idea was revived for discussion, Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri responded with threats of litigation.
Kansas water officials say they haven’t started talking about it with their counterparts in Missouri or the several other states that bank North America’s longest stream.
“We haven’t had an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with our downstream neighbors,” said Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office. “I’d anticipate that their first move would be negative. I’d like to think that we could explain what we’re talking about and maybe find some benefit.”
‘Long shot’
The Kansas Rural Center — which promotes sustainable, small-scale farming — is among those already raising questions about the idea.
Most of the crops grown in western Kansas are used to fatten livestock, and irrigating feed grains with Missouri River water would compound already existing problems ranging from bad eating habits to climate change, according to Paul Johnson, a member of the center’s board of directors.
“Is growing feed grains on irrigated acres the best use of this precious water,” Johnson wrote in the center’s recent newsletter. “Is it best for a healthier diet?
The updated aqueduct study is occurring against the backdrop of broader discussions underway across the state and nation regarding climate change and the adequacy of Kansas and U.S. water resources in the years and decades to come.
Gov. Sam Brownback, with an eye on the Ogallala’s predicted depletion and the silt that is filling in the large reservoirs that help keep water flowing in the eastern part of the state, has called for a new 50-year water plan.
Discussions about the plan have been underway across the state among various water officials and other experts. The final version of it is scheduled for release in November.
Federal officials are working on a national water census, after concluding they lacked enough up-to-date information about how much water there is and how it is used to be ready for the challenges expected from the 21st century.
Meanwhile, some see in the aqueduct plan an example of the desperation that could become more common as the demands for water, particularly in the nation’s southwest, continue to outpace supply.
“To me (the aqueduct proposal) is a desperation measure. I can’t even imagine the costs of that kind of system.” K-State’s Sherow said.
“The costs will be staggering,” Streeter of the Kansas Water Office said, “and I’ll venture to say it’s a long shot. I think even the staunchest of advocates know it’s a long shot.”
TOPEKA (AP) — A bill that would make some police records available to the public will go before the Kansas House.
The House Judiciary committee on Monday approved the bill, which would make police documents that explain reasons to arrest people open to the public. The bill would also make affidavits to justify search warrants open to the parties involved.
The Wichita Eagle reportsed that people whose home is searched would have 30 days to request documentation that explained the reasons for the search.
Kansas is one of the few states in the country that seals probable-cause affidavits.
The bill would allow prosecutors to seal or redact the records if releasing them would jeopardize “the safety or well-being” of a victim or witness.
Marcella McCluskey, a junior at Fort Hays State University studying communications with an emphasis in advertising, has announced the launch of her new business with the Clever Container company.
She is hosting a kick-off party from 1 to 3 p.m. March 8 at Indigo Cafe in Hays, on Eighth Street across from the U.S. Post Office.
Clever Container is a company dedicated to helping simplify and organize everyday life with products that help do just that. The kick-off party will be a no-pressure opportunity to see the products.
Indigo will have bubble tea available for purchase, and there will be cookies available as refreshments.
Work is nearing completion on the remodel of TMP’s Al Billinger Fieldhouse to satisfy fire code requirements.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Construction at Thomas More Prep-Marian’s Al Billinger Fieldhouse has continued to progress steadily since early November, when the school was notified by the state fire marshal of fire code deficiencies.
“We’ve made countless adjustments and schedule changes,” Development Director Jeff Brull told Hays Post on Monday. “Our students, athletes, faculty, staff, fans and parents have been very accommodating. They’ve certainly made the best of a bad situation.”
Activities such as sporting events have been moved off campus to several other Hays facilities.
As of Monday, the east exit of the building from the gym floor was nearly complete, and work on the exit from the top bleacher area continues.
Workers broke through the exterior brick wall Friday afternoon to create the opening for new fireproof doors. Electrical work began Monday, and Brull said the door and stair installation are next.
“Once that’s complete, we hope to get the OK from the office of the state fire marshal,” he said. “We’ve got a few events we’d still like to see hosted in the gym before the (school)year is out, and we’re doing everything we can to keep it on schedule.”
During the last couple months, winter had a tight grip on Kansas countryside. Seemed like whenever I’d look outside my office window I saw gray clouds, large flakes of snow and trees blowing in a bitterly cold wind. This made it easy to dream about the spring thaw or the warm summer sun.
John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.
Still there was work to be done – Insight columns to write, photos to take, radio programs to record and meetings to attend. Stacks of files waved to me from the corner.
Deadlines and commitments. What to leave in. What to leave out.
When experiences like this occur, I clear my mind and remember what makes this profession I’ve chosen rewarding.
For me, happiness comes in many forms:
• Seeing any story you’ve written adorned with your byline. You probably won’t rush home and show your spouse, mother or a good friend, but you consider it a job well done, a challenge met or another human interest story that comes to life on the printed page, Facebook or the web.
• Knowing you are creative. You think about things that cause others to say, “I wish I had thought of that” and for thinking of good stories, coming up with catchy headlines and “well-writ” and telling sentences. On top of that you’re being paid for that talent, even if you need less than a wheelbarrow to take into the bank.
• Wordsmithing, or working well with words. Whether it’s coaxing, educating, enlightening, urging or uncovering a wonderful story you have the ability. Still, you must look for the reality beyond the deadlines. You help people adjust to change. You show them dreams can become reality. You attempt to guide them away from trouble. And, you hold them up as examples of success in this business of farming and ranching.
• Sharing the excitement when the organization you work with is recognized for excellence. You enjoy the company you keep – the farmers and ranchers across Kansas. You admire the people you work for and write about, the folks who remain a part of this key industry called agriculture. Maybe you were once part of this vocation. Maybe you weren’t. In the end it makes no difference. By association, you are part of it.
• Understanding and valuing the weather and the four seasons. You’ve experienced the promising winds of spring, the blistering heat of summer, the brilliant colors of fall and the bleakness winter can bring. You know what it can do to crops and livestock. You know about the white combine. You’ve seen blizzards destroy a cow herd. Weather is like a wheel moving slowly while being prodded along by Mother Nature. Sure would be fun to spend more time watching her do so.
• Being recognized for your abilities. This usually includes certificates, a plaque, pin or that all too fleeting trip on stage and the applause that follows. The point is someone singled you out as a writer, photographer or editor. You’ve received an ‘atta boy or ‘atta girl. Accept it graciously and with gratitude.
• Finally, you are alive. You’re walking upright and enjoying this big adventure called life.
By the way, just yesterday I saw some green shoots in our yard poking their little heads out of the melting snow. That’s another reason for happiness.
A French writer from the early 1600s once said, “We are never so happy, nor so unhappy, as we suppose ourselves to be.”
This guy’s name was La Rochefoucauld.
Now that’s real happiness – remembering a name like that.
John Schlageck, a Hoxie native, is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.
Alumni from Leadership Hays classes are inviting other graduates to build upon the foundation of what they learned from the popular course by joining the Hays Area Konza Club.
Konza steering committee member Kris Fair said the new club plans to meet once a month.
“Our goal is to continue to learn the principles — or at least maintain — the principles you learn in Leadership Hays so you can go out in the real world and apply the lessons and be a better leader and teammate, ” Fair said.
Konza Club of Hays met for the first time last week. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, and each get-together will focus on a different topic. Meetings might feature a movie that involves leadership skills or a speaker.
“As long at the content relates to leadership in some way,” Fair said. “We will discuss and maybe someone will have a good idea that can help them in a challenge they are facing at that time.”
Amanda Rohleder, also on the steering committee, said Konza Club will help Leadership Hays alumni maintain the skills they learned in the course such as energizing others and passing on leadership skills to others.
“You take the (Leadership Hays) course for a couple of months and then you don’t have a constant refresher,” she said. “Konza will help those of us who want a reminder and want to practice those skills as well as develop others. … It’s an opportunity to build on.”
Rohleder said alums from all Leadership Hays courses are invited to attend.
For more information, visit Hays Area Konza Club’s Facebook page.
The Herb Guild of Hays will explore herb native to the Hays area at a meeting 5 p.m. March 4 at Hays Public Library.
James Leiker, Hays, has spent more than three decades studying the plants used before modern medicine not only as food, but also for their medicinal properties. Today, many of those herbs still are being used in foods, supplements and medicine.
Leiker, an author and researcher, will provide an overview of those plants native to the Hays area. The guild meets quarterly at the library. The public is invited to the free presentation.
TOPEKA — A bill aimed at speeding payments from the state’s KanCare contractors to Medicaid service providers was endorsed today by the House Health and Human Services Committee.
House Bill 2552, a so-called “prompt pay” bill, had the backing of most of the state’s Medicaid provider groups and faced no opposition.
The measure essentially would write into law some of the payment requirements already included in the state’s contracts with the three insurance companies that have run day-to-day operations of the Kansas Medicaid program since Jan. 1, 2013, when the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback moved virtually all the state’s Medicaid enrollees into health plans run by three managed care companies.
The bill also would let doctors, hospitals and other Medicaid service providers collect 12 percent interest on late payments from the KanCare companies. The three current contractors are Amerigroup, UnitedHealthcare and Sunflower State Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene.
A similar measure, Senate Bill 317, was introduced in the Senate and heard last week by the chamber’s Public Health and Welfare Committee. But no action has yet been taken on it.
The state’s contracts with the insurance companies include provisions that require they make timely payment for so-called “clean claims” submitted by Medicaid providers. The insurance companies have reported to state officials that they are meeting the contract standards well enough to qualify for the contract dollars the state has held back as an incentive for prompt payments.
A clean claim is one deemed by the managed care company to have been properly submitted in accordance with its billing procedures.
Providers have complained that the state’s contractual requirements for prompt payment have failed to account for the time it can take for a claim to be deemed “clean.”
Interhab, the group that represents most of the state’s Community Developmental Disability Organizations, pushed to have the 12 percent interest penalty in the bill raised to 18 percent. An amendment that would have done that was offered by Rep. Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat. But his amendment failed on a voice vote.
Working to beat looming procedural deadlines, the committee also voted on several other proposed bills but tabled a controversial measure that would have required municipal water utilities to issue warnings about the reputed hazards of fluoridation.
Public health officials argued the warnings are baseless and that fluoridated water helps prevent cavities, especially in children.
By voting to table HB 2372, the committee probably killed it for this session. The vote was 10-2. The two committee members who voted against tabling the bill were Reps. Patricia Sloop, a Wichita Democrat, and Kevin Jones, a Wellsville Republican.
The bill would have required municipalities to warn their water customers that the “latest science confirms that ingested fluoride lowers the IQ in children.”
The bill was pushed by an anti-fluoride group that in 2012 helped orchestrate the defeat of a fluoride ballot initiative in Wichita, one of the largest cities in the nation that doesn’t add fluoride to its drinking water.
Rep. Barbara Bollier, a Mission Republican and physician, voted to table the proposal. She said the vast majority of studies have shown that fluoridation is safe and effective.
“The studies that I have read are not consistent with the information that they (the bill’s supporters) brought forward,” Bollier said.
Also today:
The committee endorsed HB 2611. Supporters, including the Kansas Dental Association, said the bill would lift current restrictions that effectively limit dentists from having more than three practice locations and could improve access to oral health care in underserved parts of the state.
Approved HB 2673, which would update state law dealing with the regulation and supervision of physician assistants.
Recommended passage of HB 2701, which would add drugs containing lorcaserin to the state’s list of controlled substances. Lorcaserin is most commonly prescribed for weight loss. It already is listed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule IV drug.
The committee also voted to approve House Resolution 6049, urging creation of a state plan for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Xeriscaping — it’s a word that is being thrown around quite often these days with the continuing drought and water shortage issues facing the area. With conversations I have been a part of recently, and in listening to the conversations of others, it is obvious that this word – xeriscaping – or the concept of it can be a source of confusion in some instances.
Holly Dickman is Ellis County Horticulture Extension Agent.
I will try my best to explain what xeriscaping truly means and hopefully eliminate some of the confusion.
Xeriscaping is a word originally coined by the Denver Water Department several decades ago to describe landscaping with water conservation as a major objective. The word is derived from the Greek “xeros” meaning dry, and landscaping – thus, xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is not a specific “look” or a particular group of plants; it is actually a combination of seven gardening principles that maximizes water efficiency while creating an attractive landscape at the same time. Here are the steps required to create a true xeriscape:
Step #1: Planning and Design
Planning is essential in creating a sustainable, attractive xeriscape. Take into consideration site characteristics that affect water use (i.e. slopes, exposures, micro-climates) and then design the area with these things in mind. Put it on paper. A scale drawing or diagram can go a long way in helping you to visualize what your xeriscape might look like. Group plants according to water use and take into account mature plant size.
Step #2: Soil Preparation
“Take care of the roots and the tops will grow themselves”…this is a phrase that has been used to describe soil’s importance in plant growth. A healthy soil will result in healthier root systems which, in turn, create a more drought tolerant landscape. Amending entire garden beds (not just planting holes) with organic matter such as compost can help loosen heavy, clay soils allowing moisture and nutrients to infiltrate more readily to the roots vs. running off. On the other hand, adding organic matter to sandy soils will help increase the soil’s water holding capacity vs. water loss due to leaching below the root zone.
Step #3: Efficient Irrigation
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep, more drought tolerant roots. Only water when absolutely necessary! Turfgrass should be watered to a depth of at least 6-8” while flowers and gardens should be watered to a depth of at least 8-12 inches. Trees and shrubs need to be watered to a depth of 12-18 inches as that is where the bulk of their roots are located. Watering much deeper than these depths is a waste of water. Check watering depth by using a probe of some sort (i.e. long screwdriver, piece of rebar, strong wire, etc.). When the probe hits resistance you have likely hit dry soil and this is the depth to which the moisture has reached.
Drip or sub-surface irrigation is the most efficient method as it places the water exactly where you need it. If watering with sprinkler systems or by hand, irrigate early in the morning to take advantage of lower wind speeds (hopefully), less evaporation, and higher humidity levels. Watering at this time of day also allows plant leaves to dry off quickly, lessening the threat of potential disease problems.
Step #4: Mulch
The need for supplemental irrigation is reduced when organic mulches are properly applied around plants. Examples of organic mulches include wood chips, cedar mulch, straw, leaves, cottonseed hulls, etc. These types of mulches decrease soil temperatures in the heat of summer while limiting evaporation from the soil surface. Organic mulch also discourages weed growth and breaks down over time helping to improve the condition of the soil (See Step #2). Generally, a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch is ideal in most situations.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are generally not recommended for use around plants as they can create a hotter, harsher environment for plant roots. Organic mulches are preferred for use around plants in our area.
Step #5: Right Plant, Right Place – Plant zones
An extremely important step of xeriscaping is to plant the right plant in the right place. Plants vary in the amount of moisture they require so it is critical to know what those requirements are. Additionally, different areas of the yard may receive different amounts of moisture, sunlight, and wind. Take this into consideration when choosing plants for the xeriscape. Group or zone plants with similar water requirements together.
For example, group a crabapple tree with shrub roses in a planting bed vs. planting the trees and shrubs sporadically throughout a turfgrass area. Since trees and shrubs need to be watered differently than turf, planting them in separate zones will allow for more efficient watering and healthier plants.
Select low-water-use or drought-tolerant plants if possible. Remember all plants require additional moisture to get established. Drought tolerant does not mean “plant it and forget it.”
Step #6: Practical Turf Areas
Cool-season turfgrass such as Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass typically require the most water and maintenance in the landscape. Limit cool-season turf areas. Consider using mulches, groundcovers, ornamental or native grasses, shrub beds, decks or patios instead. Avoid odd shaped or narrow strips of turfgrass as these can be difficult to irrigate and may result in wasted water.
If you have full sun, consider planting warm-season turfgrasses such as Buffalo and Bermudagrass. These warm-season grasses are well suited to our area and, once established, will require very little supplemental irrigation (if any) in comparison to the cool-season grasses.
Keep areas designated to turfgrass practical for your use. Do you really need that vast expanse of green grass in the front yard?
Step #7: Proper Maintenance
While xeric landscapes can be low maintenance, they will still require some degree of care throughout the year. At appropriate times, proper pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, watering, and insect/disease control are important to maintain the health of your xeriscape.
Overall, these seven steps create a true xeriscape. As you can see, it is not just about rocks! Reducing outdoor water use does not have to mean replacing lawns and trees with plastic and gravel, or turning flower gardens into cactus gardens. Xeriscaping is not Zero-scaping! Water conserving landscapes, as I prefer to call them, can look just as beautiful – if not more so – than water wasting ones.
For more information on water conserving landscapes or if you have questions regarding water conservation in general please contact the Ellis County Extension Office at (785) 628-9430 or check out our website, www.ellis.ksu.edu, for more information. You can also find us on Facebook under K-State Research and Extension – Ellis County.
Holly Dickman is Ellis County Horticulture Extension Agent.
Logan resident Mark Runnion passed away Saturday, Feb. 22, at his home in Logan at the age of 45. He was born Jan. 21, 1969, in St. Joseph, Mo., the son of Niles and Jean (Damewood) Runnion. He was working as a welder.
Survivors include his parents, Niles & Jean of Glade, Kan.; his brother Mike of Glade; and his grandmother, Elsie Runnion of Logan.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. in the Logan High School, Logan, with Pastor Troy Buss officiating. Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade.
The casket will be closed. Friends may sign the book from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Logan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Logan Fire Department.
Stakeholders are invited to a public meeting to discuss looking improvements to 13 Street in Hays.
The city’s 2012 comprehensive plan update called for improving gateway corridors leading to downtown Hays, including 13th Street from Main to Milner.
In addition to being called out in the comprehensive plan for aesthetic improvement, this stretch of 13th Street also ranked high on the priority of streets being considered for pavement improvements based on condition and traffic volume. The project was included in the city’s 2014 budget, and conceptual design planning has begun. Once a design plan is approved, construction would occur in 2015.
Assistant Hays Public Works Director John Braun says there will also be aesthetic improvements to the area:
The city of Hays will have a public open house at 5:30 p.m. March 5 at City Hall to discuss potential concepts for future improvements to the 13th Street corridor from Main to Milner. The city has encouraged residents and business owners adjacent to the proposed project to attend the open house to learn more about the project.
The engineering consultant hired by the city to complete the conceptual design, the Driggs Design Group, Hays, will be available to discuss the project and answer questions regarding the project. They also will be accept comments on various design concepts that have been developed for the city’s consideration. A presentation of concepts is tentatively scheduled for the March 20 Hays City Commission work session.
Those with questions prior to the meeting or requests for special accommodations can contact the Public Works Department at (785) 628-7350 or email [email protected].
