Hays local news summary
Week of October 25 2025
New playground approved for Massey Park
The Bricks provides downtown update
City finances boosted by $15.9 million bond issuance
Insurance to cover full cost of flood damage, officials say
Administrative office renovations nearing completion
Commissioners voice support for new crisis intervention center facility
County fire department awarded $75,000 for new truck
Early voting underway for Nov. 4 election
New playground approved for Massey Park
HAYS, Kan. — The commission selected Aspire 2 Play’s proposal for replacement playground equipment at Massey Park for about $119,363, within the 2025 Special Park & Recreation budget. City staff noted the new design adds features not currently found in other city playgrounds.
The Bricks provides downtown update
HAYS, Kan. — Executive Director Lee Ann June briefed the commission on upcoming downtown events and ongoing projects under The Bricks in Downtown Hays. The update highlighted programming that draws foot traffic to Main Street businesses.
City finances boosted by $15.9 million bond issuance
HAYS, Kan. — City revenues in September rose by roughly $16 million year-over-year, driven primarily by the closing of three debt issues on Sept. 25. During his monthly report, Director of Finance Kim Rupp said proceeds from Series 2025-A, 2025-B and 2025-1 totaled $15.9 million. He also noted reimbursements from the Kansas Department of Transportation related to a carbon-reduction path project and the Federal Fund Exchange increasing Special Highway revenue.
Insurance to cover full cost of flood damage, officials say
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Ellis County will face no out-of-pocket expenses beyond its deductible for the recent flood damage to its administrative offices, County Administrator Darin Myers announced at Tuesday’s commission meeting. Myers confirmed that the county’s insurance provider, the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool, has approved coverage for all damaged equipment, including desks and computers, as well as storage container costs. The county received its first reimbursement check on Oct. 20. Myers stated that the county is still coordinating with the city’s insurance regarding shared responsibilities.
Administrative office renovations nearing completion
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Renovations on the flood-damaged county administrative offices are in their final stages, with some staff expected to move back in as early as next week. County Administrator Darin Myers reported Tuesday that carpeting and epoxy flooring are complete, and restroom construction is underway. The adjacent parking lot has been crack-sealed and is awaiting new striping. Myers said contractors are now focused on finish work, including cleaning and blending the new flooring with the old.
Commissioners voice support for new crisis intervention center facility
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — After attending a recent town hall, county commissioners on Tuesday reiterated their support for the new Crisis Intervention Center. Commissioner Neal Younger called the facility a “much-needed thing for not just for Ellis County but the whole world.” Commissioner Michael Berges described the expert presentations as “very eye-opening” regarding the regional mental health crisis. The comments underscore the commission’s ongoing focus on the new facility and its expected benefits.
County fire department awarded $75,000 for new truck
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Fire Department will receive a new pickup truck funded entirely by a $75,000 federal grant, it was announced during Tuesday’s commission meeting. The funds were awarded through the Northwest Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council. The new vehicle will be used to haul the department’s water supply trailer, which was also acquired through a previous grant from the council.
Early voting underway for Nov. 4 election
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Early in-person voting for the upcoming general election is now open, commissioners were reminded Tuesday. Voting began Oct. 20 and will continue on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the county administrative offices. A special Saturday voting session will be held on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. The final opportunity for early voting will be Monday, Nov. 3, closing at noon. On Election Day, Nov. 4, voters must go to their designated polling locations. Commissioners thanked the clerk’s office for managing the election process amid office renovations.
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