Hays Daily News

10/04/2025

Ellis County will receive a $4,360,000 state grant next year for the Saline River Bridge project. Governor Laura Kelly and Kan,. Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed announced the award in early September.

https://www.hdnews.net/4-3m-kdot-grant-awarded-to-ellis-county-for-saline-river-bridge/

10/04/2025

Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick announced an ordinance requiring SafeBar Alliance and Bystander Training as a part of future liquor license renewals will not be necessary.

During the Aug. 21, Hays City Work Session, the Commission asked city staff to researching and making recommendations regarding implementation of such an ordinance, aimed to prevent alcohol-facilitated sexual violence, like the program required by Lawrence’s 2020 Ordinance 9566. The Commission’s direction followed a half-hour presentation and request from representatives of Jana’s Campaign and Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services.

https://www.hdnews.net/barrick-says-bar-training-ordinance-not-necessary-owners-have-bought-in/

10/03/2025

Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp indicated to City Commissioners last week that one month of decreased sales tax collection revenue may not indicate a downward trend. On Sept. 25, Director Rupp reported that General fund sales tax collections for August 2025 ($891,861) were down 8% (-$67,117) compared to August 2024. He reminded Commissioners that the August Financial Report is part of a quarter and reflects sales collections from June.

https://www.hdnews.net/decreased-aug-sales-tax-8-may-be-a-blip/

10/01/2025

Ellis County Commission Chair Michael Berges and County Administrator Darin Myers were joined by Jordan Dettmer, a Bridge Engineer from Penco Engineering to present three ways to address the failing 10th Street Bridge in Ellis.

Two designs (“Options A & B) would redeck the bridge, using existing pylons which Mr. Dettmer described as in “fair condition.” The third, “Option C” would encompass a full bridge replacement, at a much higher cost than either Option A or B.

Both the City of Ellis and the County intend to pursue grants for funding a 10th Street Project. County Administrator Darin Myers explained that the two entities would need to determine exactly which project is desired in order to pursue funding as well as agree on cost-sharing terms.

https://www.hdnews.net/county-initiates-talks-with-ellis-about-10th-st-bridge-ems-bldg-sales-tax/

09/30/2025

The Official Memorial Account for Sgt. Scott Heimann has been set up through Golden Belt Bank, 1101 E. 27th St., as the account holder of the F.O.P. Lodge 48. Donations can be taken directly to the bank & are also being accepted in person, or by mail, at the City of Hays Police Department, 105 W. 12th St.
All proceeds collected will be donated directly to the family.

HomeNewsletter-Mid-WeekSgt. Scott Heimann served with honor, courage & dedication Sgt. Scott Heimann served with honor, courage & dedicationSeptember 30, 2025Newsletter-Mid-Week As the community mourns Sgt. Scott Heimann, the public, invited by the city, are leaving flowers and tributes on Heimann's...

09/30/2025

Visitation for Heimann will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the church. A Mass will be held at Gross Memorial Coliseum at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials are suggested for Scott’s family. The official memorial account is through Golden Belt Bank, 1101 E. 27th St., as the account holder of the F.O.P. Lodge 48.

https://www.hdnews.net/sgt-scott-heimann-served-with-honor-courage-dedication/

09/30/2025

The law enforcement es**rt and his processional is going on now. They left Wichita at approximately noon. The es**rt for Sgt. Heimann will enter the City of Hays via south U.S. 183 bypass, Exit 157, turning east on 27th Street. They will continue south on Hall Street, east on 13th Street, north on Vine Street, turning west on 20th Street to conclude at Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street.

During the es**rt, motorists traveling along this route may experience delays.

https://www.hdnews.net/sgt-scott-heimann-served-with-honor-courage-dedication/

09/30/2025

A Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) was established for developer Adam Pray’s Big Creek Estates project. Following a nearly hour-long Public Hearing on matter, Ellis County Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-16, establishing the Big Creek Estates 3rd Addition RHID, a proposed Development plan to construct 13 new homes in subdivision and approved the forming of a Developer Agreement.

https://www.hdnews.net/rhid-established-but-prays-big-creek-estates-project-faces-opposition/

09/29/2025

The new Hays Middle School (HMS) at 2300 East 13th Street is expected to open in 2026 after winter break. USD489 Transportation Director Russ Henningsen told the Board of Education (BOE) on September 22nd that the move will bring changes in bus eligibility. He reported that notices have been provided to families of the upcoming changes in a variety of ways, including social media.

https://www.hdnews.net/after-winter-break-hms-bus-eligibility-changes-with-move/

09/29/2025

Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman reminded residents that the summer restrictions, which prohibit outdoor use within the city limits from noon to 7:00 p.m., (private wells included) will be lifted at the end of the month.

https://www.hdnews.net/summer-watering-restrictions-end-sept-30/

09/27/2025

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110.

https://www.hdnews.net/asking-eric-friends-online-dating-woes-drain-the-life-from-friendship/

09/27/2025

There are plusses and minuses about a weighted vest. On the good side, they increase the intensity of workouts and activate muscles that don’t ordinarily get much exertion during a walk. On the down side, there is a greater risk for injury, especially if a person uses too much weight too quickly, says Dr. Keith Roach.

https://www.hdnews.net/are-weighted-vests-beneficial-for-an-intense-workout/