info2018-10-19T07:08:30-05:00October 19th, 2018|
The three candidates running for the first district seat on the Ellis County Commission in the November general election took part in a debate Tuesday at Fort Hays State University. The financial future of Ellis County, the number of commissioners and promoting economic development were among the topics discussed by the three candidates. (Read more: Hays Post)
info2018-10-19T07:05:30-05:00October 19th, 2018|
Artist Dennis Schiel envisions one of Hays’ giant water towers painted with a huge mural of the city’s signature branding logo, three people who aptly represent Hays’ pioneer and frontier history. Schiel this evening will ask the Hays City Commission to consider approving from $65,000 to $96,750 to contribute to the cost of a mural. Depending on the design chosen, the mural would include not only William Cody, Wild Bill Hickok and George Custer, but also a railroad steam engine, a buffalo and the words Hays America, Est. 1867. The 1-million-gallon water tower hovers over Interstate 70 next to Sternberg Museum, [...]
info2018-10-19T07:02:41-05:00October 19th, 2018|
Weeks of impassioned testimony and email writing have apparently paid off for neighbors of Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park. The county park board on Wednesday officially shot down a proposal for a gated exit through the park that Johnson County Community College wanted for emergencies. Some 40 neighbors applauded as the county park and recreation governing board unanimously voted to deny the egress route for college use. College officials should look for other alternatives, park board members said. Park neighbors have turned out in force to meetings on the idea and have submitted numerous emails since learning of the idea about [...]
info2018-10-19T06:58:59-05:00October 19th, 2018|
Some unusually good news for the city of Hays as it comes time for the annual renewal of the employees’ health insurance policy. Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood said the 2019 Blue Cross Blue Shield premium is actually a decrease based on the city’s expected enrollments. “We got really good bids this year. It’s actually a reduction of 2.46%, which in the current healthcare market is pretty good. So, we’re pretty excited about that,” Wood said. (Read more: Hays Post)
info2018-10-19T06:55:35-05:00October 19th, 2018|
The Chetopa City Council has directed an ordinance to be drafted to set a curfew for Veterans Park. During an Oct. 2 meeting, council member Geraldine Castle recommended more police patrolling of the park at night as there have been kids on top of the shelter houses. She also was concerned about the increased potential for vandalism. Debbie Yost of Chetopa said she was told that the free Wi-Fi in the park has encouraged drug deals there. The comments led to discussion on a possible park curfew, and the council agreed that an ordinance should be drafted that would close the [...]
info2018-10-19T06:52:51-05:00October 19th, 2018|
The Junction City Commission has approved an interlocal agreement with Geary County and USD 475 for improvements to Rathert Field. They include a new artificial turf for the infield, foul areas and warning track. Parks and Recreation Director Ed Lazear explained the project will help alleviate rainout problems. The bid was awarded to Hellas Construction of Austin, Texas for $424,715. City Manager Allen Dinkel explained the project will be paid for via a $200,000 commitment from the county from the transient guest tax that was initially put in place for a sports complex. We have a private donation of $100,000. ” [...]
info2018-10-19T06:49:38-05:00October 19th, 2018|
Plans for the rest of the land at the former Tonganoxie Elementary School campus were discussed in more detail at Monday’s City Council meeting. The Tonganoxie City Council took steps forward at the last meeting with regards to the new library’s future on the south end of the former TES site. On Monday, Kelley Hrabe of Prairie Fire Development in Kansas City presented to the council. Hrabe told the council about potential plans for 36 residential units on the property. Though the property might not be exclusively for retired residents, it’s expected to have many of its residents fit that demographic. [...]
info2018-10-19T06:48:02-05:00October 19th, 2018|
A contract with Osenbaugh Consulting, of Derby, for assistance with the Winfield city manager search was approved Monday by the city commission in a 3-0 vote. The contract specifies a flat fee of $8,000. This money will go toward consulting services and includes three trips to Winfield by Osenbaugh consultants, according to a copy of the contract. Additional trips will cost the city $1,000 each. The contract states Osenbaugh Consulting’s duties include discussing the parameters of the search with commissioners, composing and positing a help wanted ad, reaching out to potential candidates, reviewing and organizing résumés, participating in candidate interviews, creating [...]
info2018-10-19T08:35:10-05:00October 19th, 2018|
The Kansas Department of Commerce will host a community forum for Opportunity Zones from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25th, at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas. Opportunity Zones are part of a federally-led tax incentive program intended to localize private investment in economically distressed Kansas communities. Individuals or businesses that choose to invest in these designated areas may take advantage of preferential tax incentives. There are 74 designated Opportunity Zones in Kansas, representing 39 communities. This forum will provide communities with designated Opportunity Zones information on how they work and the funding resources and opportunities available. Attendees [...]
info2018-10-19T08:33:57-05:00October 19th, 2018|
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index shows continued growth across the Midwest. “The overall index for October was above growth neutral for the ninth straight time,” said economist Ernie Goss. “Agriculture is not doing as well. In other words, we’re still seeing farm equipment sales declining.” There are strong sectors in the rural areas, particularly when it comes to finishing some of those agricultural goods. (Read more: WIBW News Now!)
