By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It was a short five-minute work session for Hays city commissioners last Thursday afternoon.

The sole agenda item was the first step in creating a reinvestment housing incentive district for The Grove development to be built north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive.

Plans include 12 six-plex structures, eight duplexes, 50 single-family homes, and infrastructure to support and serve the development.

The commission agreed to move on a resolution to their <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03212024-1472">March 28&nbsp; meeting</a> for making certain housing needs findings and determinations.

"What that does is show the state there is a shortage of quality housing in Hays and that scenario is expected to continue," said Finance Director Kim Rupp.

"What is out of the norm is asking the city to finance the project with revenue bonds," he said.

Grow Hays is asking that the city finance and construct the infrastructure related to the project, by utilizing incentive district  revenues.

If the district is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum period of 25 years. Grow Hays estimates the incentive district would generate approximately $8.425 million in revenues.&nbsp;

"This state tool, what it does is, you've got a wheat field right now that's generating $200 a year in property tax," Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director said on Friday.

"When it's built out and has 50 houses on it, it's generating $150,000 a year in property tax. The RHID allows the developer to catch a significant portion of that increment ... until they have recovered their eligible costs for the development."&nbsp;

A 20-minute executive session was called at the end of the meeting for discussion of acquisition of real property. No action was taken afterwards.

Commissioner Mason Ruder was absent from the meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711125026070.png" alt="Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="RHID proposed for The Grove project" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=akpdx-15c32ce-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt was a short five-minute work session for Hays city commissioners last Thursday afternoon.The sole agenda item was the first step in creating a reinvestment housing incentive district for The Grove development to be built north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive.Plans include 12 six-plex structures, eight duplexes, 50 single-family homes, and infrastructure to support and serve the development.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711466449227.png" alt="Patio home examples that would be built in The Grove. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Patio home examples that would be built in The Grove. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission agreed to move on a resolution to their <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03212024-1472">March 28&nbsp; meeting</a> for making certain housing needs findings and determinations."What that does is show the state there is a shortage of quality housing in Hays and that scenario is expected to continue," said Finance Director Kim Rupp."What is out of the norm is asking the city to finance the project with revenue bonds," he said.Grow Hays is asking that the city finance and construct the infrastructure related to the project, by utilizing incentive district revenues.If the district is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum period of 25 years. Grow Hays estimates the incentive district would generate approximately $8.425 million in revenues.&nbsp;"This state tool, what it does is, you've got a wheat field right now that's generating $200 a year in property tax," Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director said on Friday. "When it's built out and has 50 houses on it, it's generating $150,000 a year in property tax. The RHID allows the developer to catch a significant portion of that increment ... until they have recovered their eligible costs for the development."&nbsp;A 20-minute executive session was called at the end of the meeting for discussion of acquisition of real property. No action was taken afterwards.Commissioner Mason Ruder was absent from the meeting.&nbsp;

🎙 Hays city commission hears reinvestment proposal for Grove housing district    

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Rural Ellis County voters will get their opportunity later
this year to vote on whether their tax dollars will go only to support
libraries in Ellis County or if that money will continue to be distributed
across north-central Kansas. 

Last week the Ellis County Commission approved in a 3-0
vote, putting the question “Shall Ellis County, Kansas establish and
maintain a county library?” before rural voters on the August 6, 2024 ballot.

Commissioner Michael Berges stressed that the tax would
continue to be collected but instead of the taxes going to the Central Kansas
Library System (CKLS) and then distributed back to the 17 counties that are a
part of that system, the money would stay in Ellis County.

“The taxing would be essentially the same,” Berges said. &nbsp;If the Ellis County Library were to be
approved, “The $300,000 is just collected within our own county board (and) they
(would) determine how they want to provide library services through the current
libraries that we have within the county.”

Berges, who joined the KAYS Morning show last week, talked
about the proposal and what a complicated issue it is.

“We really won't know all the answers that people want
because depending on the resolution vote, it could take up to two years to finalize
a county library,” Berges said. 

Berges said a lot of the feedback that he has received is
asking questions that the county cannot answer until the measure goes before
voters, so the first step in the process is to approve the resolution and see
what the voters want.

“If the voters want to continue on the current use of the Central
Kansas Library System, then that's their choice and we continue down that path,”
Berges said. “But if the voters were to move to an Ellis County Library, then
there's a two year process still, that also still includes the state, and
whether they would allow us to opt out anyway.”

Berges, who previously served on the Hays City Commission
said this is an issue that he has been aware of for many years.

Only residents who live in Victoria and rural Ellis County currently will be affected by the proposal and allowed to vote on the resolution.

Both the cities of Hays and Ellis already collect taxes to
fund their respective public libraries. 

Residents of Victoria and rural Ellis County are currently paying a 1.5 mill collected for the Central Kansas Public Library.

Residents in all areas of the CKLS are also taxed at the 1.5
mill or about $150 on $100,000 worth of property rate but as Berges pointed out
those funds are then split among the 17-county area. 

“That worked fine and well in the '60s and '70s,” Berges said.
“When all these counties out here were populated relatively closely. The
valuations were similar.”

Both Ellis and Saline Counties in the CKLS continue to grow
while the other counties are not and both counties are seeing the amount of
funding they receive shrink.

“Ellis County residents are continuously paying more into
the Central Kansas Library System because our valuations are going up; we have
more people and the amount that we receive back, right now it's less than a
third,” Berges said. “So, if you pay $150 in, the Central Kansas Library system
sends about $50 back to Ellis County libraries.”

The Hays Public Library and the Ellis Public Library are
both members of the CKLS and receive funding from the system but Brandon Hines,
the director of the Hays Public Library said they are seeing less funding each
year.

Hines told the commission he sees the CKLS as an important
part of rural communities and that they are in no way attempting to be the only
library in Ellis County.

“Library services to our rural communities is very important,”
Hines said. “Ellis already has a library, we think this change could actually
increase their funding, increase their resources in the future.”

Because Victoria does not have a public library, Hines estimated
the Hays Public Library has 450 cardholders from Victoria and they believe they
could extend services to Victoria, if the Ellis County Library is approved. 

Berges also stressed that they see this as a benefit for the
Ellis Public Library and access to the Ellis Public Library is not going anywhere.
Hines also stressed that to the county commission.

“Absolutely, there needs to be a public library in Ellis,”
Hines who is an Ellis resident, said. “There's no intention of the Hays Public Library
being the only library in the county.”

The City of Ellis and the Ellis Public Library are currently
considering whether to remain separate from the proposed Ellis County Library
or opt in.

If they choose to remain separate, the funding remains the
same. They will still receive funds from the CKLS and the library will be funded
through local property taxes, just like the Hays Public Library.

If they elect to opt in to the Ellis County Library, the
voters in Ellis would also get to vote on the resolution and they would have
representation on the Ellis County Library Board.

Hines said that if the resolution is approved by voters the
process is already laid out by state statue.

“There would be a five member board, and it would be from
the taxing district,” Hines said. “So, if that taxing district was outside the
city limits of Hays, and outside the city limits of Ellis, it would be five
members from that taxing district. If Ellis decided to opt in or Hays decided
to opt in, it would also include that taxing district, but that board would be
appointed by the county commission.”

The board would set the mill levy and have control over the
library budget and contracts.

Both Hines and Berges reiterated that it is a very complicated
process and that they cannot answer all of the questions until voters weigh in
on the initial question, which is “Shall Ellis County, Kansas establish and
maintain a county library?”

Berges said, “The dividing line is if you feel the current
system works, and the libraries you feel are funded fine the way that is, vote
no and it remains,” Berges said. “If you feel like the opportunity is, ‘I
believe those tax dollars staying more local, and allowing local five board
members to make decisions for my tax dollars, (then vote yes),” Berges said. 

“I believe you would have a little bit more influence as citizens,
influence on your county and city commissioners on different topics,” Berges
said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704732367210.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostRural Ellis County voters will get their opportunity later
this year to vote on whether their tax dollars will go only to support
libraries in Ellis County or if that money will continue to be distributed
across north-central Kansas. Last week the Ellis County Commission approved in a 3-0
vote, putting the question “Shall Ellis County, Kansas establish and
maintain a county library?” before rural voters on the August 6, 2024 ballot.Commissioner Michael Berges stressed that the tax would
continue to be collected but instead of the taxes going to the Central Kansas
Library System (CKLS) and then distributed back to the 17 counties that are a
part of that system, the money would stay in Ellis County.<div><iframe title="Ellis County Commission sends library question to voters" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i79vr-15c33a5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“The taxing would be essentially the same,” Berges said. &nbsp;If the Ellis County Library were to be
approved, “The $300,000 is just collected within our own county board (and) they
(would) determine how they want to provide library services through the current
libraries that we have within the county.”Berges, who joined the KAYS Morning show last week, talked
about the proposal and what a complicated issue it is.“We really won't know all the answers that people want
because depending on the resolution vote, it could take up to two years to finalize
a county library,” Berges said. Berges said a lot of the feedback that he has received is
asking questions that the county cannot answer until the measure goes before
voters, so the first step in the process is to approve the resolution and see
what the voters want.“If the voters want to continue on the current use of the Central
Kansas Library System, then that's their choice and we continue down that path,”
Berges said. “But if the voters were to move to an Ellis County Library, then
there's a two year process still, that also still includes the state, and
whether they would allow us to opt out anyway.”Berges, who previously served on the Hays City Commission
said this is an issue that he has been aware of for many years.Only residents who live in Victoria and rural Ellis County currently will be affected by the proposal and allowed to vote on the resolution.Both the cities of Hays and Ellis already collect taxes to
fund their respective public libraries. Residents of Victoria and rural Ellis County are currently paying a 1.5 mill collected for the Central Kansas Public Library.Residents in all areas of the CKLS are also taxed at the 1.5
mill or about $150 on $100,000 worth of property rate but as Berges pointed out
those funds are then split among the 17-county area. “That worked fine and well in the '60s and '70s,” Berges said.
“When all these counties out here were populated relatively closely. The
valuations were similar.”Both Ellis and Saline Counties in the CKLS continue to grow
while the other counties are not and both counties are seeing the amount of
funding they receive shrink.“Ellis County residents are continuously paying more into
the Central Kansas Library System because our valuations are going up; we have
more people and the amount that we receive back, right now it's less than a
third,” Berges said. “So, if you pay $150 in, the Central Kansas Library system
sends about $50 back to Ellis County libraries.”The Hays Public Library and the Ellis Public Library are
both members of the CKLS and receive funding from the system but Brandon Hines,
the director of the Hays Public Library said they are seeing less funding each
year.Hines told the commission he sees the CKLS as an important
part of rural communities and that they are in no way attempting to be the only
library in Ellis County.“Library services to our rural communities is very important,”
Hines said. “Ellis already has a library, we think this change could actually
increase their funding, increase their resources in the future.”Because Victoria does not have a public library, Hines estimated
the Hays Public Library has 450 cardholders from Victoria and they believe they
could extend services to Victoria, if the Ellis County Library is approved. Berges also stressed that they see this as a benefit for the
Ellis Public Library and access to the Ellis Public Library is not going anywhere.
Hines also stressed that to the county commission.“Absolutely, there needs to be a public library in Ellis,”
Hines who is an Ellis resident, said. “There's no intention of the Hays Public Library
being the only library in the county.”The City of Ellis and the Ellis Public Library are currently
considering whether to remain separate from the proposed Ellis County Library
or opt in.If they choose to remain separate, the funding remains the
same. They will still receive funds from the CKLS and the library will be funded
through local property taxes, just like the Hays Public Library.If they elect to opt in to the Ellis County Library, the
voters in Ellis would also get to vote on the resolution and they would have
representation on the Ellis County Library Board.Hines said that if the resolution is approved by voters the
process is already laid out by state statue.“There would be a five member board, and it would be from
the taxing district,” Hines said. “So, if that taxing district was outside the
city limits of Hays, and outside the city limits of Ellis, it would be five
members from that taxing district. If Ellis decided to opt in or Hays decided
to opt in, it would also include that taxing district, but that board would be
appointed by the county commission.”The board would set the mill levy and have control over the
library budget and contracts.Both Hines and Berges reiterated that it is a very complicated
process and that they cannot answer all of the questions until voters weigh in
on the initial question, which is “Shall Ellis County, Kansas establish and
maintain a county library?”Berges said, “The dividing line is if you feel the current
system works, and the libraries you feel are funded fine the way that is, vote
no and it remains,” Berges said. “If you feel like the opportunity is, ‘I
believe those tax dollars staying more local, and allowing local five board
members to make decisions for my tax dollars, (then vote yes),” Berges said. “I believe you would have a little bit more influence as citizens,
influence on your county and city commissioners on different topics,” Berges
said.

🎙 Ellis County Commission sends library question to voters

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;&nbsp;Manager of Visitor Services,&nbsp;Brad Penka.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TjnI8ORX2mg?si=a9fyngG5bnWU1USs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;&nbsp;Manager of Visitor Services,&nbsp;Brad Penka.

🎤Forward Ever: Sternberg Museum Manager Brad Penka

"The Merchant of Venice" is a play by&nbsp;William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598.

The students of Travis Grizzell, TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School drama director, will present the bard's famous comedy this weekend on the school's  Dreiling Theater stage. 

"It's not traditionally taught a lot in schools," Grizzell said. "It's not like 'Romeo and Juliet' or even 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' It's classified as a comedy, but there's some very dramatic things there as well.&nbsp; There's a love story. There's a little bit there for everyone."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The version by the TMP drama program will take place in the Edwardian period rather than the Renaissance. Male characters will wear three-piece suits with ascots and sport lots of facial hair, while the female characters' clothing will be less voluminous and more fitted.&nbsp;

Male characters dominate the story and several female students will portray men.

Last year, the students performed Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream."

"We've got a great group for this. They really do interpret it and act it out well," Grizzzell said. "'Merchant' is a little bit heavier than 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with a lot of timely things in it.&nbsp; 

"It deals with antisemitism, stereotypes, some disparity in society. It starts a lot of good conversations, and we learn a little bit about history, too."

The central conflict in "The Merchant of Venice" stems from the segregation of Jewish people who were present at the time of its writing.&nbsp;

The commonalities in human lives over the centuries keep Shakespeare relevant for today's readers and audiences, Grizzell said.&nbsp;

"He wrote about the human condition and the things we all go through and feel. A lot of the things we were struggling with back then as a society, we're still struggling with today," he said.

Language that may come across as dry or stilted when one is reading Shakespeare today should come alive when performed on the stage. Grizzell said his students do a really good job of making that happen.

"I always tell the students if the acting is emphatic enough, and they're expressive, and the emotion is there, even though there's a language barrier, you'll get what's going on, and the audience will, too,"&nbsp; he said.

Phrases that originated in "The Merchant of Venice" and are still used today by English speakers include "pound of flesh" and "quality of mercy."&nbsp;

Grizzell teaches a Shakespeare unit in his drama class. He recently showed a performance of "The Merchant of Venice" by professional actors at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.

"A lot of the students after seeing that were really excited about doing it. They'd kind of dipped their toes into it," he said.&nbsp;

The play will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are available <a href="https://thomasmoreprepmarian.thundertix.com/events/226825">online</a> or at the door.&nbsp;

The cast list for "The Merchant of Venice" is

Antonio – Adrian Normandin Solanio – Allison Weber Salarino – Anabelle Leach Salerio – Grace Schmedler Shylock – Sam Schroeder Lorenzo – Riley Frank Gratiano – Eli Stein Launcelot Gobbo – Alyssa Church Bassanio – Nathan Stecklein Tubal/Duke of Venice – Kim Sack Portia – Ashley Hipp Nerissa – Breanna Seiler Jessica – Tessa Befort Prince of Morocco/Guard – Morgan Greenwood Prince of Arragon/Guard – Mario Valencia Balthasar – Ernest Pfeifer Leonardo – Mia Baltadano Stephanie – Brooke Befort

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710863027146.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' to be performed by TMP-Marian this weekend" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=33uy8-15b9ec9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"The Merchant of Venice" is a play by&nbsp;William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598.The students of Travis Grizzell, TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School drama director, will present the bard's famous comedy this weekend on the school's Dreiling Theater stage. "It's not traditionally taught a lot in schools," Grizzell said. "It's not like 'Romeo and Juliet' or even 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' It's classified as a comedy, but there's some very dramatic things there as well.&nbsp; There's a love story. There's a little bit there for everyone."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710947142476.png" alt="TMP-Marian students rehearse their spring play, Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." Photo by Travis Grizzell" />
 <figcaption>TMP-Marian students rehearse their spring play, Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." Photo by Travis Grizzell</figcaption>
 </figure>The version by the TMP drama program will take place in the Edwardian period rather than the Renaissance. Male characters will wear three-piece suits with ascots and sport lots of facial hair, while the female characters' clothing will be less voluminous and more fitted.&nbsp;Male characters dominate the story and several female students will portray men.Last year, the students performed Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream.""We've got a great group for this. They really do interpret it and act it out well," Grizzzell said. "'Merchant' is a little bit heavier than 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with a lot of timely things in it.&nbsp; "It deals with antisemitism, stereotypes, some disparity in society. It starts a lot of good conversations, and we learn a little bit about history, too."The central conflict in "The Merchant of Venice" stems from the segregation of Jewish people who were present at the time of its writing.&nbsp;The commonalities in human lives over the centuries keep Shakespeare relevant for today's readers and audiences, Grizzell said.&nbsp;"He wrote about the human condition and the things we all go through and feel. A lot of the things we were struggling with back then as a society, we're still struggling with today," he said.Language that may come across as dry or stilted when one is reading Shakespeare today should come alive when performed on the stage. Grizzell said his students do a really good job of making that happen."I always tell the students if the acting is emphatic enough, and they're expressive, and the emotion is there, even though there's a language barrier, you'll get what's going on, and the audience will, too,"&nbsp; he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710947362109.png" alt="Photo by Travis Grizzell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Travis Grizzell</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710947669719.png" alt="Photo by Travis Grizzell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Travis Grizzell</figcaption>
 </figure>Phrases that originated in "The Merchant of Venice" and are still used today by English speakers include "pound of flesh" and "quality of mercy."&nbsp;Grizzell teaches a Shakespeare unit in his drama class. He recently showed a performance of "The Merchant of Venice" by professional actors at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London."A lot of the students after seeing that were really excited about doing it. They'd kind of dipped their toes into it," he said.&nbsp;The play will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again at 2 p.m. Sunday.Tickets are available <a href="https://thomasmoreprepmarian.thundertix.com/events/226825">online</a> or at the door.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710948262161.png" alt="Photo by Travis Grizzell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Travis Grizzell</figcaption>
 </figure>The cast list for "The Merchant of Venice" isAntonio – Adrian Normandin Solanio – Allison Weber Salarino – Anabelle Leach Salerio – Grace Schmedler Shylock – Sam Schroeder Lorenzo – Riley Frank Gratiano – Eli Stein Launcelot Gobbo – Alyssa Church Bassanio – Nathan Stecklein Tubal/Duke of Venice – Kim Sack Portia – Ashley Hipp Nerissa – Breanna Seiler Jessica – Tessa Befort Prince of Morocco/Guard – Morgan Greenwood Prince of Arragon/Guard – Mario Valencia Balthasar – Ernest Pfeifer Leonardo – Mia Baltadano Stephanie – Brooke Befort

🎤 Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' to be performed by TMP-Marian this weekend  

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Curtis Wolf, site manager at Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center at Cheyenne Bottoms.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JsvYviWXZ40?si=ipZDW49WXxoPMfq3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Curtis Wolf, site manager at Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center at Cheyenne Bottoms.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Wetlands Education Center manager Curtis Wolf

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Housing prices are remaining strong, but Hays is not keeping up with demand, said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, at a quarterly luncheon on housing in Hays on Tuesday.

Hays had 232 housing transactions in 2023, which has been on a steady downward trend from 337 in 2020, when the nation saw historically low interest rates.

Interest rates went from 3.5 percent to 6.5 or 7 percent. Costs of building have also increased.

"Fortunately, in our market, we don't have bubbles and bursts," Williams said. "We have little peaks and valleys, but they are pretty gentle, as opposed to the coasts, where you can have really, really highs and really, really lows."

The total dollar volume of sales was also down from a high of almost $70 million in 2020 to $57 million in 2023.&nbsp;

This did not include the Heart of America Development's second phase of the Tallgrass Addition, which accounted for 17 homes for a total of $3.8 million in 2022 and 19 homes for a total of $4.27 million in 2023.

"It's not an easy time to build homes in this environment," Williams said. "You've got lots of competition for subcontractors. They've dealt with material shortages and fluctuating prices when they started this."&nbsp;

Hays home prices have continued to rise since 2019, from an average of $182,000 in 2019 to $246,000 in 2023.

Williams said this is an issue of supply and demand. A lack of housing stock in specific price ranges is increasing prices.

"It has priced some people out of the market," he said. "However, it's always amazing to me how resilient our market is."

The number of year-end home listings in Hays was slightly up in 2023 to 70, compared to 50 at year-end in 2020, 40 in 2021 and 48 in 2022.

Real estate agents also consider months supply of housing. Less than six months supply of housing is considered a seller's market, and more than six months supply of housing is considered a buyer's market. Hays was at 3.5 months as of 2023, which was up from a low of 1.8 months in 2021.

Williams said the "sweet spot" for housing has been homes in the $150,000 to $250,000 range. Forty percent of the homes sold in Hays in 2023 were in this price range, and the homes in the Tallgrass Addition have also been in this price range.

To sustain population growth of 1 percent for the city of Hays, the community needs to add 88 living units per year, according to a study. One percent growth would be adding about 220 new residents per year.

The community was 400 units short over the last 10 years of that goal, Williams said.

In 2023, Hays added 68 units, 55 in 2022 and 71 in 2021.

He anticipated Hays would have 20 or fewer single-family housing starts in 2024. The community has run out of lots.

The Tallgrass Addition should have 12 more lots under development in 2024.

"We have identified some multi-family lots that we think will happen this next year. I would say there will be 40 or more of those," he said.

He said he expects housing prices and rents to remain stable, with the possibility of rents increasing slightly.

Although many Hays residents have recently complained about property taxes, Williams said the city's property taxes are lower than those of similar Kansas communities.

The city of Hays mill levy was lower in 2023 than Pittsburg, Emporia, Garden City and Dodge City.

Hays' median home price in 2023, $235,000, is lower than Garden City and Dodge City.

Property tax based on the median home price is lower than Garden City, Dodge City and Emporia.

Phases one and two of the Tallgrass Addition, adjacent to the NCK Tech campus, are complete. All 36 homes in phase one are occupied, and four or five homes in phase two are now occupied.

Wheatland Drive will be redone this spring, and the Tallgrass phase three homes will be built along that road. Once the sewer, water and road are completed, home construction will begin in that addition.

Grow Hays is also working on The Grove housing addition, which will be on Canterbury north of HaysMed. This addition is meant to appeal to older residents.

Engineering contracts for the infrastructure have been approved. The addition will include 50 single-family residences, eight duplexes and six six-plexes.&nbsp;

The development will include a community center, which will be the new home of the Hays Senior Center, house a child care center and provide multi-use meeting rooms for the community.

Grow Hays has raised $5.75 million of the $6 million needed for the community center. Construction will begin this summer and be completed in about a year.

The house on the corner of what used to be a wheat field will be relocated.

Williams identified several needs he sees in the Hays housing market.

The city does not have housing lots available in the northwest portion of the city or housing in the mid-price range in the eastern portion of the city.

The city also needs more diverse rental options. Although the city has many two-bedroom rentals, it doesn't have many three-bedroom rentals or three-bedroom rentals with two-car garages.

One of the challenges of development is the cost of infrastructure. It's difficult for developers to make any money without some kind of incentives, such as Rural Housing Incentive Districts, Williams said.

Developing a street costs $1,200 to $1,400 per linear foot. To make that math work, there need to be homes on both sides of the street, he said. If you figure 100-foot lots, that is $60,000 to $80,000 per lot.

Some owners are not willing to sell or not willing to sell at a price that would make it affordable for a developer to develop the lots, Williams said.

"There just aren't many people who want to get into that game and make no money, which is basically what you're looking at. The question becomes why," Williams said.

The city also has other physical barriers to expansion, including the interstate, state-owned land to the south and the Big Creek floodplain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="Construction in the Tallgrass Housing Addition in Hays. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Construction in the Tallgrass Housing Addition in Hays. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<div><iframe title="Hays still short of housing stock; prices steadily rising" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5xeii-15a6961-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Housing prices are remaining strong, but Hays is not keeping up with demand, said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, at a quarterly luncheon on housing in Hays on Tuesday.Hays had 232 housing transactions in 2023, which has been on a steady downward trend from 337 in 2020, when the nation saw historically low interest rates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709931815424.jpeg" alt="City of Hays, number of housing transactions 2019-2023. Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays, number of housing transactions 2019-2023. Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Interest rates went from 3.5 percent to 6.5 or 7 percent. Costs of building have also increased."Fortunately, in our market, we don't have bubbles and bursts," Williams said. "We have little peaks and valleys, but they are pretty gentle, as opposed to the coasts, where you can have really, really highs and really, really lows."The total dollar volume of sales was also down from a high of almost $70 million in 2020 to $57 million in 2023.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709932035823.jpeg" alt="City of Hays total dollar volume of housing sold 2019-2023. Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays total dollar volume of housing sold 2019-2023. Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>This did not include the Heart of America Development's second phase of the Tallgrass Addition, which accounted for 17 homes for a total of $3.8 million in 2022 and 19 homes for a total of $4.27 million in 2023."It's not an easy time to build homes in this environment," Williams said. "You've got lots of competition for subcontractors. They've dealt with material shortages and fluctuating prices when they started this."&nbsp;Hays home prices have continued to rise since 2019, from an average of $182,000 in 2019 to $246,000 in 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709932198669.jpeg" alt="Average sale price of city of Hays homes 2019-2023. Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Average sale price of city of Hays homes 2019-2023. Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Williams said this is an issue of supply and demand. A lack of housing stock in specific price ranges is increasing prices."It has priced some people out of the market," he said. "However, it's always amazing to me how resilient our market is."The number of year-end home listings in Hays was slightly up in 2023 to 70, compared to 50 at year-end in 2020, 40 in 2021 and 48 in 2022.Real estate agents also consider months supply of housing. Less than six months supply of housing is considered a seller's market, and more than six months supply of housing is considered a buyer's market. Hays was at 3.5 months as of 2023, which was up from a low of 1.8 months in 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709932491789.jpeg" alt="Home transaction prices for 2023 for the city of Hays. Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Home transaction prices for 2023 for the city of Hays. Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Williams said the "sweet spot" for housing has been homes in the $150,000 to $250,000 range. Forty percent of the homes sold in Hays in 2023 were in this price range, and the homes in the Tallgrass Addition have also been in this price range.To sustain population growth of 1 percent for the city of Hays, the community needs to add 88 living units per year, according to a study. One percent growth would be adding about 220 new residents per year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709932605521.jpeg" alt="Housing growth in units compared to needed housing growth to match a 1 percent Hays population growth. Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Housing growth in units compared to needed housing growth to match a 1 percent Hays population growth. Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The community was 400 units short over the last 10 years of that goal, Williams said.In 2023, Hays added 68 units, 55 in 2022 and 71 in 2021.<h2>2024 outlook</h2>Williams made some predictions for 2024.He anticipated Hays would have 20 or fewer single-family housing starts in 2024. The community has run out of lots.The Tallgrass Addition should have 12 more lots under development in 2024."We have identified some multi-family lots that we think will happen this next year. I would say there will be 40 or more of those," he said.He said he expects housing prices and rents to remain stable, with the possibility of rents increasing slightly.Rental occupancy is at 95 to 97 percent.<h2>Property taxes</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709932879139.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Although many Hays residents have recently complained about property taxes, Williams said the city's property taxes are lower than those of similar Kansas communities.The city of Hays mill levy was lower in 2023 than Pittsburg, Emporia, Garden City and Dodge City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709933027152.jpeg" alt="Hays median home price in 2023 compared to comparable Kansas cities. Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Hays median home price in 2023 compared to comparable Kansas cities. Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays' median home price in 2023, $235,000, is lower than Garden City and Dodge City.Property tax based on the median home price is lower than Garden City, Dodge City and Emporia.<h2>Tallgrass Addition</h2>Phases one and two of the Tallgrass Addition, adjacent to the NCK Tech campus, are complete. All 36 homes in phase one are occupied, and four or five homes in phase two are now occupied.Wheatland Drive will be redone this spring, and the Tallgrass phase three homes will be built along that road. Once the sewer, water and road are completed, home construction will begin in that addition.<h2>The Grove</h2>Grow Hays is also working on The Grove housing addition, which will be on Canterbury north of HaysMed. This addition is meant to appeal to older residents.Engineering contracts for the infrastructure have been approved. The addition will include 50 single-family residences, eight duplexes and six six-plexes.&nbsp;The development will include a community center, which will be the new home of the Hays Senior Center, house a child care center and provide multi-use meeting rooms for the community.Grow Hays has raised $5.75 million of the $6 million needed for the community center. Construction will begin this summer and be completed in about a year.The house on the corner of what used to be a wheat field will be relocated.<h2>Needs</h2>Williams identified several needs he sees in the Hays housing market.The city does not have housing lots available in the northwest portion of the city or housing in the mid-price range in the eastern portion of the city.The city also needs more diverse rental options. Although the city has many two-bedroom rentals, it doesn't have many three-bedroom rentals or three-bedroom rentals with two-car garages.<h2>Challenges</h2>One of the challenges of development is the cost of infrastructure. It's difficult for developers to make any money without some kind of incentives, such as Rural Housing Incentive Districts, Williams said.Developing a street costs $1,200 to $1,400 per linear foot. To make that math work, there need to be homes on both sides of the street, he said. If you figure 100-foot lots, that is $60,000 to $80,000 per lot.Some owners are not willing to sell or not willing to sell at a price that would make it affordable for a developer to develop the lots, Williams said."There just aren't many people who want to get into that game and make no money, which is basically what you're looking at. The question becomes why," Williams said.The city also has other physical barriers to expansion, including the interstate, state-owned land to the south and the Big Creek floodplain.

🎙 Hays still short of housing stock; prices steadily rising

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rRzLORiSwvM?si=gjhytMNkK585hsnD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Hays High students Elizabeth Noble and Calliope Green, along with director Bill Gasper, about Hays High's&nbsp; production of "Daddy's Girl."

Hays High School will present the two-act comedy, along with several short sketches referred to as “Bon Appétit,” at 7 p.m. on March 7-9 at the 12th Street Auditorium. 

<div><iframe title="Hays High to present comedy, ‘Daddy’s Girl,’ Thursday through Saturday" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pxt3n-15a3741-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Hays High students Elizabeth Noble and Calliope Green, along with director Bill Gasper, about Hays High's&nbsp; production of "Daddy's Girl."Hays High School will present the two-act comedy, along with several short sketches referred to as “Bon Appétit,” at 7 p.m. on March 7-9 at the 12th Street Auditorium. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/42d5082b-168a-4216-b2c1-e8196314ae7c" target="_blank">Read more here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High's ‘Daddy’s Girl,’ underway

Recent record-setting high temperatures in Hays have many people thinking of spring, including participants in the Downtown Hays Market, who are looking forward to the popular program's annual opening.

"Vendor registration officially opened March 1," said Julie Ryder, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, "and we've been getting a lot of calls about how that registration process works."

The market opens Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25, and will run weekly through October 19, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

The market debuted in 2013 and is now in its 11th year. Last year, it was voted the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c9dcf8aa-4a97-4821-b756-50bcf96635cc">Best Market in Kansas</a> in the&nbsp;15th-annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, sponsored by&nbsp;American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition.&nbsp;

"We're really blessed to have Ben Dome back for a third season as the market manager," she said. Dome is a local student whose position is made possible through the regional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nex-generation.org/">NexGeneration Internship program</a>.

To participate in the 2024 market, potential vendors must read and sign the registration form. The four-page packet includes the market rules vendors must follow, details about what they'll be selling at the market, a copy of their Kansas sales tax registration certificate and their contact information.

"Some of our vendors drive from as far away as 80 miles to Hays," Ryder said, "arriving here just before daybreak."

Last year, the market had 63 vendors, selling everything from produce and locally raised meats to garden flowers and baked goods, plus lots of homemade crafts and gift items.

A $50 registration fee allows participation in all 22 weeks of the market. There is also an optional $50 reservation fee for the same spot&nbsp;each week in the downtown pavilion, 10th and Main, or adjacent parking areas.

"Many of our long-time vendors choose this option because it helps their customers know where to find them each week," Ryder said. "It has also created wonderful comradery among the vendors as they've gotten to know their neighbors."

The market is set up to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)&nbsp;payments.&nbsp;

Customers may use their EBT cards to purchase tokens to use at vendors' booths to purchase eligible foods, including fresh produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods and dairy items.

Also available is another state assistance program, Double Up Food Bucks, allowing customers to match their SNAP purchases of up to $25. Tokens are then used to buy more fruits, vegetables and seed packets.&nbsp;

"Vendors who sell eligible food products can sign up with us to accept these forms of payment. When they accept those tokens as payment, they turn them back into us monthly, and we use a reporting process to the state for their reimbursement," she said.

More information about the market and the registration process is available online at downtownhays.com, or you can call Ryder at 785-621-4171.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737363266.png" alt="the 2024 Downtown Hays Market will be open Saturday mornings 7:30-11:30 May 25 through October 19. Vendor registration is open now. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>the 2024 Downtown Hays Market will be open Saturday mornings 7:30-11:30 May 25 through October 19. Vendor registration is open now. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostRecent record-setting high temperatures in Hays have many people thinking of spring, including participants in the Downtown Hays Market, who are looking forward to the popular program's annual opening."Vendor registration officially opened March 1," said Julie Ryder, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, "and we've been getting a lot of calls about how that registration process works." The market opens Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25, and will run weekly through October 19, 7:30-11:30 a.m.<div><iframe title="Vendor registration now open for Downtown Hays Market; opens May 25" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=z9a6p-15a1faf-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The market debuted in 2013 and is now in its 11th year. Last year, it was voted the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c9dcf8aa-4a97-4821-b756-50bcf96635cc">Best Market in Kansas</a> in the&nbsp;15th-annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, sponsored by&nbsp;American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition.&nbsp;"We're really blessed to have Ben Dome back for a third season as the market manager," she said. Dome is a local student whose position is made possible through the regional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nex-generation.org/">NexGeneration Internship program</a>.To participate in the 2024 market, potential vendors must read and sign the registration form. The four-page packet includes the market rules vendors must follow, details about what they'll be selling at the market, a copy of their Kansas sales tax registration certificate and their contact information."Some of our vendors drive from as far away as 80 miles to Hays," Ryder said, "arriving here just before daybreak."Last year, the market had 63 vendors, selling everything from produce and locally raised meats to garden flowers and baked goods, plus lots of homemade crafts and gift items.A $50 registration fee allows participation in all 22 weeks of the market. There is also an optional $50 reservation fee for the same spot&nbsp;each week in the downtown pavilion, 10th and Main, or adjacent parking areas."Many of our long-time vendors choose this option because it helps their customers know where to find them each week," Ryder said. "It has also created wonderful comradery among the vendors as they've gotten to know their neighbors."The market is set up to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)&nbsp;payments.&nbsp;Customers may use their EBT cards to purchase tokens to use at vendors' booths to purchase eligible foods, including fresh produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods and dairy items.Also available is another state assistance program, Double Up Food Bucks, allowing customers to match their SNAP purchases of up to $25. Tokens are then used to buy more fruits, vegetables and seed packets.&nbsp;"Vendors who sell eligible food products can sign up with us to accept these forms of payment. When they accept those tokens as payment, they turn them back into us monthly, and we use a reporting process to the state for their reimbursement," she said.More information about the market and the registration process is available online at downtownhays.com, or you can call Ryder at 785-621-4171.

🎙Vendor registration now open for Downtown Hays Market; opens May 25

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast,</a>&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services executive director Jennifer Hecker about their Teen Book Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Options Teen Book Club helps teens discuss difficult subjects" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ip57e-159c1ca-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast,</a>&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services executive director Jennifer Hecker about their Teen Book Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Options Teen Book Club helps teens discuss difficult subjects

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Col Michael J. Foote.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDvY7Nmvjns?si=7A7-z3wmGqrybvW4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Col Michael J. Foote.

🎤Forward Ever: Fort Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Michael Foote 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Rain and snow last month, after weeks of dry conditions, had a serious effect on Ellis County roads, and now officials are looking into ways to improve the maintenance process going forward.

Following the winter storm early in January, Ellis County
officials say they received several phone calls concerning the condition of
roads in the county's rural area and, even more so, the residential subdivisions
outside the city of Hays.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the subdivisions have sprung
up since zoning regulations were altered in the mid-2000’s and updated in 2021.

The regulations aimed to conserve agricultural land in the
county. However, Leiker said subdivisions created more roads maintained by county
public works crews, and the commission has not increased the department’s
budget. 

“While we've changed the way the county has looked at it and promoted growth in these areas,” Leiker said. “We haven't promoted growth
on our public works to handle the influx of residents in these small areas.”

Leiker and the rest of the county commission tasked Public
Works Director Brendan Mackay to come up with ideas for ways to improve conditions.

Mackay said during the storm, the county paid 450 hours of overtime, and that did not include the time he spent working during those days. 

“We have almost 1,400 miles of roadway in this county, and
the guys are traveling seven miles an hour. We can't be everywhere,” Mackay
said. “Expectations exceeded what the county has funded for years past and what
we can do realistically with employees and equipment level.”

Mackey said they have seen staff and equipment
shrink due to budget cuts.

“You always want to do more with less, but we're at the point where there's no more we can do with the less that we have,” Mackey said. “We
have to expand if we want to improve our end product basically and improve our
services because we're stretched the limit right now.”

Leiker said he did not want to be critical of the past commissions who have cut funding for public works and said in recent years, they started to put money aside for bridge replacements and have started a fund to help with road maintenance.

Mackey said over the last three-plus decades, they have lost four graders to maintain the roads, all while adding additional roads that need to be maintained because of the subdivisions.

The commission was presented information on 14 subdivisions along with the unincorporated community of Munjor, where the public works department is tasked with road maintenance.

Mackey said while the subdivisions have not had a dramatic increase
in the number of miles maintained by crews, it does make it more difficult
because roads in the subdivisions have to be maintained differently.

“If there's one of those developments, that's four miles. It'll take us four hours easily to do those four miles because of the amount of
time you have to spend to reopen things and clear off in front of entrances and
driveways,” Mackey said. “So it may be only 20 miles that we maintain out of
all those developments, but it's like maintaining over 100 miles of county
roadways with the time requirement to do it.”

Some subdivisions maintain their roads, and
there is a possibility that future developments may also be required to do that.

But Mackey said part of the problem is that they currently
maintain those roads as they were built and will need to be upgraded. 

As part of the regulations, all roads built in rural Ellis
County must be built to standards set by the public works department.

But Mackey said he thinks some roads are going
to be improved, and that is going to take time and manpower.

He said some roads will need to be reworked with
the materials there, while some will need additional materials brought
in to fix the road.

Mackey will present the commission with his plans at the commission’s
retreat and a future meeting in March.

He said he plans to give them options for the beginning of the
process and then steps along the way.

“I don't want us to overshoot, and then we end up having to
overcorrect,” he added, “and then we want to make it fair and equal for
everyone.”

Among the ideas floated by Mackey and the commission was to hire another person to be in charge of the subdivision maintenance and add another piece of equipment responsible for those areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709158801428.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Rain and snow last month, after weeks of dry conditions, had a serious effect on Ellis County roads, and now officials are looking into ways to improve the maintenance process going forward.Following the winter storm early in January, Ellis County
officials say they received several phone calls concerning the condition of
roads in the county's rural area and, even more so, the residential subdivisions
outside the city of Hays.<div><iframe title="Ellis County searching for ways to improve rural road maintenance" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fv9yx-15975af-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the subdivisions have sprung
up since zoning regulations were altered in the mid-2000’s and updated in 2021.The regulations aimed to conserve agricultural land in the
county. However, Leiker said subdivisions created more roads maintained by county
public works crews, and the commission has not increased the department’s
budget. “While we've changed the way the county has looked at it and promoted growth in these areas,” Leiker said. “We haven't promoted growth
on our public works to handle the influx of residents in these small areas.”Leiker and the rest of the county commission tasked Public
Works Director Brendan Mackay to come up with ideas for ways to improve conditions.Mackay said during the storm, the county paid 450 hours of overtime, and that did not include the time he spent working during those days. “We have almost 1,400 miles of roadway in this county, and
the guys are traveling seven miles an hour. We can't be everywhere,” Mackay
said. “Expectations exceeded what the county has funded for years past and what
we can do realistically with employees and equipment level.”Mackey said they have seen staff and equipment
shrink due to budget cuts.“You always want to do more with less, but we're at the point where there's no more we can do with the less that we have,” Mackey said. “We
have to expand if we want to improve our end product basically and improve our
services because we're stretched the limit right now.”Leiker said he did not want to be critical of the past commissions who have cut funding for public works and said in recent years, they started to put money aside for bridge replacements and have started a fund to help with road maintenance.Mackey said over the last three-plus decades, they have lost four graders to maintain the roads, all while adding additional roads that need to be maintained because of the subdivisions.The commission was presented information on 14 subdivisions along with the unincorporated community of Munjor, where the public works department is tasked with road maintenance.Mackey said while the subdivisions have not had a dramatic increase
in the number of miles maintained by crews, it does make it more difficult
because roads in the subdivisions have to be maintained differently.“If there's one of those developments, that's four miles. It'll take us four hours easily to do those four miles because of the amount of
time you have to spend to reopen things and clear off in front of entrances and
driveways,” Mackey said. “So it may be only 20 miles that we maintain out of
all those developments, but it's like maintaining over 100 miles of county
roadways with the time requirement to do it.”Some subdivisions maintain their roads, and
there is a possibility that future developments may also be required to do that.But Mackey said part of the problem is that they currently
maintain those roads as they were built and will need to be upgraded. As part of the regulations, all roads built in rural Ellis
County must be built to standards set by the public works department.But Mackey said he thinks some roads are going
to be improved, and that is going to take time and manpower.He said some roads will need to be reworked with
the materials there, while some will need additional materials brought
in to fix the road.Mackey will present the commission with his plans at the commission’s
retreat and a future meeting in March.He said he plans to give them options for the beginning of the
process and then steps along the way.“I don't want us to overshoot, and then we end up having to
overcorrect,” he added, “and then we want to make it fair and equal for
everyone.”Among the ideas floated by Mackey and the commission was to hire another person to be in charge of the subdivision maintenance and add another piece of equipment responsible for those areas.

🎙  Ellis County searching for ways to improve rural road maintenance 

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays,
Kansas</a>, is pleased to announce Stepping
Out Day 2024 is scheduled for March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event holds significance as
it not only marks a day of member engagement but also showcases the Chamber's
commitment to fostering strong relationships within the community, said President
and CEO Sarah Wasinger.

“During Stepping Out Day, The
Chamber Ambassadors will embark on a mission to distribute 2024 membership
decals to all members who are up-to-date on their dues,” Wasinger said. “This
initiative not only emphasizes the importance of membership but also serves as
a tangible symbol of unity and support within the Hays business community.”

"Stepping Out Day is a
cornerstone of our annual calendar, offering a unique opportunity for our
Ambassadors to personally connect with our valued members. It's not just about
delivering decals; it's about reinforcing the sense of belonging and
camaraderie that defines our Chamber."

In addition to decal
distribution, Stepping Out Day provides a platform for members to engage with
The Chamber Ambassadors, share feedback, and explore the array of benefits that
come with Chamber membership. 

“The interactive nature of the
event fosters open dialogue, allowing members to voice their ideas, concerns,
and suggestions directly to Chamber representatives,” Wasinger said.

"The Chamber is dedicated to
serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity in our community. Stepping Out
Day exemplifies our commitment to actively engage with our members, listen to
their needs, and work together to advance our shared goals."

With its strategic timing,
Stepping Out Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining
membership status, Wasinger said. 

“The Chamber encourages all
members to ensure their dues are current to take full advantage of the
resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts offered throughout
the year,” she said.

“Stepping Out Day 2024 promises
to be a dynamic event, filled with meaningful connections, valuable insights,
and a renewed sense of community spirit. Members are encouraged to mark their
calendars and participate in this pivotal day for the Hays business community.”

For more information about
Stepping Out Day 2024 or Chamber membership, please contact The Chamber at (785)
628-8201 or visit <a href="http://www.hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708976947971.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays,
Kansas</a>, is pleased to announce Stepping
Out Day 2024 is scheduled for March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event holds significance as
it not only marks a day of member engagement but also showcases the Chamber's
commitment to fostering strong relationships within the community, said President
and CEO Sarah Wasinger.<div><iframe title="The Chamber in Hays, Kansas plans Stepping Out event" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p6phu-1593172-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“During Stepping Out Day, The
Chamber Ambassadors will embark on a mission to distribute 2024 membership
decals to all members who are up-to-date on their dues,” Wasinger said. “This
initiative not only emphasizes the importance of membership but also serves as
a tangible symbol of unity and support within the Hays business community.”"Stepping Out Day is a
cornerstone of our annual calendar, offering a unique opportunity for our
Ambassadors to personally connect with our valued members. It's not just about
delivering decals; it's about reinforcing the sense of belonging and
camaraderie that defines our Chamber."In addition to decal
distribution, Stepping Out Day provides a platform for members to engage with
The Chamber Ambassadors, share feedback, and explore the array of benefits that
come with Chamber membership. “The interactive nature of the
event fosters open dialogue, allowing members to voice their ideas, concerns,
and suggestions directly to Chamber representatives,” Wasinger said."The Chamber is dedicated to
serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity in our community. Stepping Out
Day exemplifies our commitment to actively engage with our members, listen to
their needs, and work together to advance our shared goals."With its strategic timing,
Stepping Out Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining
membership status, Wasinger said. “The Chamber encourages all
members to ensure their dues are current to take full advantage of the
resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts offered throughout
the year,” she said.“Stepping Out Day 2024 promises
to be a dynamic event, filled with meaningful connections, valuable insights,
and a renewed sense of community spirit. Members are encouraged to mark their
calendars and participate in this pivotal day for the Hays business community.”For more information about
Stepping Out Day 2024 or Chamber membership, please contact The Chamber at (785)
628-8201 or visit <a href="http://www.hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Stepping Out Day 2024: The Chamber Ambassadors to distribute membership decals and connect with members

The Hays Arts Council will open two exhibits of artists with ties to Fort Hays State University — one a former professor and the other his student.

An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for "John C. Thorns Jr.: A Creative Legacy" and "Doloris Pederson: First Chapters in Visual Biography." Admission to the exhibits and reception is free.

Thorns was the chairman of the FHSU art department. The art that will be featured in this exhibit are collage and acrylic works from 2003 to 2013, which was about the last decade of his life.

The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus is named in part for him. He also designed the stained-glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hall Street in Hays.

"Over the many decades of his creative, his collage elements were more understated, and there were big flows of acrylic used as a water media sort of around it," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council director, said.&nbsp;

"Later on, he really loved filling the space with the collage elements, but then they were joined together by his creative hand."

You might think of young children doing collage, but Meder said Thorns had incredible precision and craftsmanship in his work.

He would bring together dozens and dozens of pieces of collage to make one large piece of work, Meder said. He would then use acrylics or pastels to meld the components together.

Because of the layering in Thorns' work, it should be viewed in person, so you can look at the whole and then look at it up close and see the nature of the layering in the collage.

Almost three dozen of Thorns' pieces will be displayed, with another 20 in the art center's gift gallery. Thorns willed these art pieces to the FHSU Foundation upon his death and are on loan to the art center.

Select pieces of Thorns' work will be for sale. His work has sold for as much as $1,900, but works associated with this show are selling for $950.

Doloris Pederson is a Hays native and was one of Thorns' students. After studying at FHSU, she moved with her family to California. She has been a professional artist her whole adult life and earned many accolades in her own right, Meder said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708616951211.jpeg" alt="Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr." />
 <figcaption>Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Arts Council will open two exhibits of artists with ties to Fort Hays State University — one a former professor and the other his student.An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for "John C. Thorns Jr.: A Creative Legacy" and "Doloris Pederson: First Chapters in Visual Biography." Admission to the exhibits and reception is free.Thorns was the chairman of the FHSU art department. The art that will be featured in this exhibit are collage and acrylic works from 2003 to 2013, which was about the last decade of his life.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council to showcase Thorns, Pederson in dual exhibits" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gk2vq-158d7ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus is named in part for him. He also designed the stained-glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hall Street in Hays."Over the many decades of his creative, his collage elements were more understated, and there were big flows of acrylic used as a water media sort of around it," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council director, said.&nbsp;"Later on, he really loved filling the space with the collage elements, but then they were joined together by his creative hand."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617008428.jpeg" alt="Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr." />
 <figcaption>Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>You might think of young children doing collage, but Meder said Thorns had incredible precision and craftsmanship in his work.He would bring together dozens and dozens of pieces of collage to make one large piece of work, Meder said. He would then use acrylics or pastels to meld the components together.Because of the layering in Thorns' work, it should be viewed in person, so you can look at the whole and then look at it up close and see the nature of the layering in the collage.Almost three dozen of Thorns' pieces will be displayed, with another 20 in the art center's gift gallery. Thorns willed these art pieces to the FHSU Foundation upon his death and are on loan to the art center.Select pieces of Thorns' work will be for sale. His work has sold for as much as $1,900, but works associated with this show are selling for $950.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617083474.jpeg" alt="Artwork by&nbsp;Doloris Pederson" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by&nbsp;Doloris Pederson</figcaption>
 </figure>Doloris Pederson is a Hays native and was one of Thorns' students. After studying at FHSU, she moved with her family to California. She has been a professional artist her whole adult life and earned many accolades in her own right, Meder said.The art in Pederson's exhibit dates back to her early years of art exploration in the 1960s through 2003.She depicts California imagery, but she has also traveled extensively, including to visit with her daughter, who lives in the Netherlands.That was all inspiration for her work, Meder said. She has also created many florals, and her artwork is in the Hadley Foundation collection, which is displayed at the hospital.Pederson is living back in Hays and will be attending the opening reception.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617143806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Although not affiliated with the Hays Arts Council, the Moss-Thorns Gallery will have a closing exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for"Kansas Clay MFA," which are ceramics created by the master of fine arts students and faculty from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and FHSU. Admission is also free.The Hays Arts Council is taking submissions for its youth creative writing contest.&nbsp;Ellis County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, through their teachers or independently, are invited to submit prose and poetry works to this annual competition.Members of the FHSU English Department serve as the judging panel, and an award ceremony is in late spring. Find more information on the arts council website at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">https://haysartscouncil.org/</a>. The deadline for entries is March 6.The arts council is also accepting submissions for the 55-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition. Artists will submit works online for this juried exhibit with prizes totaling $3,000. Information on that exhibition can also be found on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">arts council website</a>. The deadline for entries is March 19.The exhibit will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk on April 27.