Hays local news summary

Commissioner Warns of Serious Wildfire Threat to Hays

City Approves $2.9M Benefit District for New “Covenant Estates” Housing Development

New Crisis Intervention Center Expected to Create 50 Jobs

Officials Raise Alarm Over Unsafe Use of E-Scooters by Children

Ellis County Authorizes Publication of $34.77 Million Budget for 2026

1. Commissioner Warns of Serious Wildfire Threat to Hays

HAYS – A city commissioner issued a stark warning about the potential for catastrophic wildfires, urging the city to become more proactive in its prevention efforts. Following a “wildland resilience summit,” the commissioner reported that under extreme conditions like those seen during the 2017 Four-County Fire, a wildfire starting west of town could burn through Hays in as little as seven minutes. The official called for exploring mitigation strategies, public education programs, and potential changes to city ordinances regarding flammable trees like red cedars, suggesting the topic be addressed at a future commission retreat.

2. City Approves $2.9M Benefit District for New “Covenant Estates” Housing Development

HAYS – The City Commission has approved the creation of a special benefit district to fund $2.9 million in infrastructure for the new Covenant Estates First Addition housing development. The first phase of the project, managed by Covenant Land & Developing, Inc., will include 32 residential lots. Under the city’s policy, the developer will pay 30% of the infrastructure costs upfront, with the remaining 70% assessed to the future homeowners of the 32 lots over a period of up to 20 years. This financing model means the cost of the new streets, water, and sewer lines will be borne by the property owners within the development, not the city at large.

3. New Crisis Intervention Center Expected to Create 50 Jobs

HAYS – The new High Plains Mental Health Crisis Intervention Center is poised to bring a significant economic boost to the city, with officials estimating the facility will create approximately 50 new jobs. During a discussion about an opioid settlement grant, High Plains representative Craig Poe stated that 90% of the positions will pay over $19 an hour. The center is expected to serve at least 500 clients annually and will be a regional hub for mental health and substance abuse treatment, reducing the burden on law enforcement and distant state hospitals.

High Plains Mental Health Center will receive $45,481 from the city’s opioid settlement fund to purchase critical equipment for its new Crisis Intervention Center. The grant, which comes from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies and not taxpayer dollars, will be used to buy seven sobering detoxification chairs and seven infusion pumps. The new center, currently under construction, will serve a 20-county region in western Kansas, providing a much-needed local option for individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises.

4. Officials Raise Alarm Over Unsafe Use of E-Scooters by Children

HAYS – With school starting, city commissioners urged drivers to be cautious, while one official made a passionate plea to parents about the dangerous use of electric scooters by children. The commissioner described the issue as something that “absolutely scares me to death,” recounting an incident of two children flying down a street and another of a child riding with her younger sister sitting in front of her. The official called for parents to take accountability and ensure their children are operating the scooters safely, expressing fear that a tragedy will occur if the behavior continues unchecked.

5. Ellis County Authorizes Publication of $34.77 Million Budget for 2026

ELLIS COUNTY – Taxpayers will soon get a detailed look at Ellis County’s proposed 2026 budget after the Commission authorized its publication. The spending plan outlines a general fund of $34.77 million, a solid waste fund of $1.576 million, and a fire district fund of $892,000. County Administrator Darin Myers noted that the solid waste fund is a self-sustaining enterprise fund, not supported by tax dollars. A public hearing for the budget is scheduled for the September 9th, 2025, commission meeting, where residents can provide feedback before its final approval.

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