Commission approves $10.35 million bond issue for county facilities

Subdivision paving petition moves forward

Property valuation notices delayed until late March

Health department highlights $50,000 grant for septic replacements

County considers free tire disposal day for residents

Noxious weed department reports 6,800 acres treated

CASA of the High Plains expands outreach, secures opioid funds

Historical society prepares for Volga German sesquicentennial

Commission approves $10.35 million bond issue for county facilities

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Public Building Commission unanimously approved a $10.35 million revenue bond issue Tuesday to fund several major facility improvements. The 20-year bonds, which secured a favorable interest rate due to the county's AA- rating, will finance remodeling at the Law Enforcement Center, an emergency medical services building, heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements at the county courthouse and administrative building and a fire services storage building. County financial advisor Ranson Financial noted the bond size was reduced from the original $10.5 million target because the bonds were sold at a premium, generating extra cash to lower the principal while fully funding the projects.

Subdivision paving petition moves forward

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — A petition to pave roads in a county subdivision is moving forward after consensus was reached for a proposed special assessment financing structure. Under the plan, the county would issue bonds to fund the paving and initial maintenance, which property owners would then repay through special assessments estimated at less than $100 per month. Bond counsel with Gilmore & Bell clarified that no general county funds will be used for the project, and the petition will now be circulated among homeowners to secure the required signatures.

Property valuation notices delayed until late March

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Ellis County property owners will have to wait a bit longer to receive their annual valuation notices. County Appraiser Eugene Rupp informed the commission that the state approved an extension, pushing the mailing deadline for property valuations to March 23. The appraiser's office is currently working through its final checks before the notices are sent out.

Health department highlights $50,000 grant for septic replacements

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Environmental Services Director Justin Craig reminded residents Tuesday that Ellis County has a $50,000 grant available to help replace failing septic systems. The program can cover up to 100 percent of replacement costs for applicants making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline and 75 percent for those making up to 350 percent. Craig encouraged residents with failing systems to contact the county, noting that the funds are currently underutilized and are paid directly to the septic installers.

County considers free tire disposal day for residents

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Ellis County residents may soon have the opportunity to dispose of old tires for free. Environmental Services Director Justin Craig proposed hosting a tire-disposal amnesty day on a Saturday in June, where local residents and farmers could drop off up to 1,000 pounds of tires at no cost, with a discounted rate of $100 per ton for any excess weight. The commission voiced support for the proposal and directed Craig to move forward with planning the event.

Noxious weed department reports 6,800 acres treated

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Commission unanimously approved the 2025 Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report and the 2026 Management Plan. Weed Control Supervisor Gary Haas reported that his department treated 6,800 acres of county right-of-ways and properties over the past year, alongside 517 acres for the Kansas Department of Transportation. Moving forward, the department plans to focus on controlling Canadian thistle and utilizing more growth-regulator treatments on guardrails to improve visibility and ease of trimming.

CASA of the High Plains expands outreach, secures opioid funds

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Court Appointed Special Advocates of the High Plains Executive Director Jan Johnson updated the commission on the organization's recent growth, including successful fundraising efforts and newly secured opioid settlement funds from WaKeeney and Trego County. Johnson highlighted plans to increase youth civic engagement and outlined upcoming April events for Child Abuse Awareness Month, including an open house at local libraries. The program currently manages 12 cases across the 23rd Judicial District, with seven children in the final stages of adoption.

Historical society prepares for Volga German sesquicentennial

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Historical Society is gearing up for a busy year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Volga Germans' immigration to the area. Executive Director Amanda Rupp shared updates on the sesquicentennial events, including a new historically themed escape room designed by Hays High School students and a traveling exhibit. Rupp also announced that the gallery and workshop of late local sculptor Pete Felten were willed to the society by his estate, prompting the formation of a legacy group to oversee the historic building's restoration without straining the county's current capital projects.

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