South Ellis grain elevator sparks nuisance complaints

County earns enhanced 'Community Supporting Breastfeeding' designation

HaysMed expands pasteurized donor human milk program

Commissioners challenged to ride ACCESS public transit

South Ellis grain elevator sparks nuisance complaints

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Commission plans to review its zoning regulations after South Ellis residents reported nuisance issues stemming from a grain elevator operating just outside city limits. Commissioner Michael Berges informed the board that multiple residents have reported what they describe as grain dust, mold and dead birds eating old, dumped grain at the agricultural operation. The county will investigate whether it holds the authority to enforce setbacks or issue environmental regulations on the business.

County earns enhanced 'Community Supporting Breastfeeding' designation

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Katie Givens, executive director of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, announced the county has officially earned a "Community Supporting Breastfeeding" plus designation. To earn the enhanced status, the coalition doubled the number of participating local businesses to 45, distributing window decals to indicate that nursing mothers are welcome. The coalition also collaborated with local child care providers, including the Early Childhood Connections program, to complete specialized training that supports breastfeeding mothers.

HaysMed expands pasteurized donor human milk program

HAYS, Kan. — Following the recent renewal of its "Baby-Friendly" designation, HaysMed has expanded its breast milk program to provide pasteurized donor milk directly to local hospital patients. Jessica Seib, OB/NICU/PEDS staff development coordinator and lactation consultant at HaysMed, reported that the hospital previously served only as a local collection depot, storing excess milk donated by local mothers before shipping it to Mothers' Milk Bank in Denver for pasteurization. Under the expanded program, the local hospital now orders the pasteurized human donor milk back from Denver to make it readily available for patients in Hays.

Commissioners challenged to ride ACCESS public transit

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Ellis County commissioners are conducting a fact-finding review of ACCESS public transportation as they evaluate the future of the service. Commissioner Michael Berges reported that Kansas Department of Transportation officials recently challenged local leaders to schedule and ride the transit service themselves before making any critical operational decisions. The general public transportation system currently averages about 200 monthly riders, including several rural residents who rely on the service to travel to Hays for medical needs like dialysis.

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