Hays local news summary

Commission approves bonds for major medical manufacturing expansion

Bonds approved for Vernie's Trux-N-Equip facility

Contract awarded for Exit 161 commercial development

Chamber launches petition to support R9 water transfer

Commissioner suggests future discussion on closing Wilson Pool

Extension district reports $146,000 in Medicare savings for residents

New health initiatives announced for older adults

4-H reports enrollment growth and youth achievements

Deteriorating road conditions spark concerns

Health department reports significant financial turnaround

Fort Hays State University enrollment increases

Universities explore new dental school for western Kansas

Commission approves bonds for major medical manufacturing expansion

HAYS, Kan. - The city commission unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for Agiliti Hays. The medical technology and manufacturing company plans to purchase and expand its existing facility at 500 Commerce Parkway, a project valued at $6.55 million. As part of the agreement, which includes a 10-year property tax abatement, Agiliti intends to retain its current workforce of 91 employees and add 140 new jobs over the next five years.

Bonds approved for Vernie's Trux-N-Equip facility

HAYS, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously adopted an ordinance authorizing industrial revenue bonds for Vernie's Trux-N-Equip. The longstanding local business, which has operated in Hays for over 47 years, recently relocated to a new, larger facility on General Hays Road. The incentive package includes a sales tax exemption on construction materials but does not include a property tax abatement.

Contract awarded for Exit 161 commercial development

HAYS, Kan. - The commission awarded a $38,632 contract to Driggs Design Group for construction engineering services related to the infrastructure build-out at Exit 161. The project aims to create 11 "ready-to-build" commercial sites ranging from two to eight acres to attract developers. The engineering costs will be funded through general obligation bonds, which staff noted would utilize debt service rolling off the books to avoid impacting property taxes.

Chamber launches petition to support R9 water transfer

HAYS, Kan. - Sarah Wassinger, president and CEO of the Hays Chamber, announced a new petition drive to support the city's R9 water transfer application. The petition urges state water panel members to hold a final hearing and approve the transfer of water from the R9 ranch to Hays and Russell. Wassinger stated the chamber intends to submit the signatures and letters of support to hearing panelists and the governor's office in mid-January.

Commissioner suggests future discussion on closing Wilson Pool

HAYS, Kan. - During a discussion regarding swimming pool operations, Commissioner Musil suggested the city may need to consider closing Wilson Pool within the next four to five years. Musil cited declining attendance, noting the facility averaged only 48 swimmers per day this season, and recommended evaluating the costs versus benefits before committing to future capital improvements. Parks Director Jeff Boyle agreed to compile a capital needs schedule and a logistical analysis of a potential closure for a future work session.

Extension district reports $146,000 in Medicare savings for residents

HAYS, Kan. - Carissa Frazier, a community health worker with the Cottonwood Extension District, reported that the district helped local seniors save $146,665.59 during the recent Medicare open enrollment period. Frazier, a certified senior health insurance counselor, told commissioners that the savings were achieved by helping residents navigate insurance options and prescription assistance programs.

New health initiatives announced for older adults

HAYS, Kan. - Monique Kerner of the Cottonwood Extension District presented upcoming 2026 health programs, including "Stay Strong, Stay Healthy," an eight-week strength training course for older adults starting Jan. 5. The district will also launch a four-month hypertension awareness and prevention program in February to coincide with Heart Health Month, offering coaching and nutrition education to help residents manage high blood pressure.

4-H reports enrollment growth and youth achievements

HAYS, Kan. - Tamara Robertson, 4-H youth development agent, reported that the local program ended the 2024-2025 year with 191 full members and 14 "Clover Buds." Robertson highlighted successful recruitment efforts, noting that following a flyer campaign to elementary students in September, the organization has seen an increase in new enrollment. The group is preparing for upcoming events including a "Food Challenge" in February and a regional contest at Fort Hays State University in March.

Deteriorating road conditions spark concerns

HAYS, Kan. - Commissioner Nathan Leiker reported receiving numerous complaints from drivers regarding deteriorating road conditions following recent rains. Public Works Director Brendan Mackay acknowledged the issues, explaining that a "million-dollar rain" softened the roads right before freezing temperatures, complicating maintenance. Mackay assured the commission that crews have been out blading and addressing trouble spots, specifically mentioning Victoria Road, as weather permits.

Health department reports significant financial turnaround

HAYS, Kan. - While approving a $53,500 purchase order for 2025 vaccines, County Administrator Darren Myers highlighted a major financial turnaround for the Ellis County Health Department. Myers noted that since terminating a contract with VaxCare and bringing billing in-house, the department has moved from a $20,000 annual expense to a projected $100,000 net positive revenue for the current year. Health Director Melissa Miller confirmed that despite high demand for flu shots, the department has maintained adequate supply and efficient billing practices.

Fort Hays State University enrollment increases

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason reported strong fall enrollment numbers, with a total of more than 14,600 students, marking a significant increase compared to national trends. Mason noted that on-campus enrollment is up 2 percent, while retention rates from fall to sophomore year have reached 77 percent, the second highest in the university's history. Mason also highlighted growth in critical workforce areas, including a 23 percent increase in social work and a 22 percent increase in allied health enrollments.

Universities explore new dental school for western Kansas

HAYS, Kan. - During her university update, President Tisa Mason announced that Fort Hays State University is in the early stages of partnering with Wichita State University to explore opening a dental school to serve western Kansas. While the project is still in the preliminary phase, Mason indicated it is part of a broader effort to expand health care education, which also includes a new two-story addition to Stroup Hall to house the nursing and allied health programs.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

citizen journal offers three flagship products: a daily national news summary, a daily Kansas news summary, and local news and school board summaries from 15 cities across Kansas. Each issue contains 5 paragraph-length stories that are made to be read in 5 minutes. Use the links in the header to navigate to national, kansas, and local coverage. Subscribe to each, some, or all to get an email when new issues are published for FREE!