Tallgrass Development donates $200,000 for fairgrounds lighting

Commission approves $237,000 fairgrounds lighting overhaul

County drafting zoning regulations for battery storage facilities

New holiday lighting display approved for downtown Hays

Dispatch center to educate public on text-to-911 technology

Transit task force highlights public transportation routes

County authorizes tax foreclosure sale for nine properties

1. Tallgrass Development donates $200,000 for fairgrounds lighting

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Tallgrass Development LLC presented a $200,000 donation to Ellis County to help fund comprehensive lighting improvements at the county fairgrounds. Steve Link and Chief Executive Officer Chris McKissack, representing ibV Energy Partners — the developer behind the Tallgrass solar project — presented the check. They explained that the contribution fulfills a community impact goal established during the conditional use permit process. County Administrator Darin Myers noted the developers also recently joined the Hays Chamber of Commerce to further support the local economy.

2. Commission approves $237,000 fairgrounds lighting overhaul

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Following the $200,000 donation from Tallgrass Development, the commission approved a $237,000 purchase order to replace all exterior lighting at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. The project will install energy-efficient light-emitting diode lighting and new steel poles across the grounds, including the RPM Speedway, rodeo arena, midway and parking lots. The county's share of the project is currently $37,000, though County Administrator Darin Myers stated that Ellis County Fair Board members are actively seeking community donations of equipment and labor to further reduce the final cost to taxpayers.

3. County drafting zoning regulations for battery storage facilities

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — In response to public concerns regarding potential commercial battery storage near the Tallgrass solar project, the commission confirmed the county is proactively drafting new zoning regulations to address the technology. While no official permits or plans have been submitted to the county, commissioners explained their decision to send Ellis County Environmental Services staff to battery storage training. Officials stated the training is a standard educational measure to ensure local agencies are prepared for safety and environmental oversight if the industry expands into Ellis County.

4. New holiday lighting display approved for downtown Hays

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — A new Christmas lighting display will brighten the southwest corner of 13th and Main streets this winter after the commission approved a request from the Downtown Hays Development Group. Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines, acting as a representative for the Downtown Hays Development Group, proposed the project, which will be entirely funded through private donations. Officials confirmed the new downtown display will not interfere with the traditional 4-H holiday tree decorations on the property.

5. Dispatch center to educate public on text-to-911 technology

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Residents will soon receive a public education update on alternative methods for contacting emergency services, including text-to-911 and Voice over Internet Protocol capabilities. County Administrator Darin Myers announced he has invited Communications Director Jeff Ridgway to a future commission meeting to detail the Ellis County Communications Center's technology and explain to residents how they can properly utilize the alternative reporting features.

6. Transit task force highlights public transportation routes

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Recent ridership statistics for the ACCESS Transportation Task Force were presented to the board, encouraging more residents to utilize ACCESS Public Transportation. The program allows users to schedule rides anywhere within the Hays city limits for $3. Additionally, the service offers rural routes to communities such as Ellis and Victoria on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, providing affordable transportation into Hays for a $5 fare.

7. County authorizes tax foreclosure sale for nine properties

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — A resolution was unanimously approved to initiate a 2026 tax foreclosure sale for nine local properties holding at least three years of delinquent taxes. County Counselor Bill Jeter reported that the combined assessed value of the properties exceeds $300,000, and the total owed in delinquent taxes, penalties and interest is $81,437. Jeter noted that the county generally bids on properties up to the amount of taxes owed to protect public funds, though delinquent taxes are frequently paid by owners before the final sale date.

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