Hays – Week of May 11 2025
Fireworks poll; Health Dept. closure; Housing development plan; Science festival; County building closure
Hays to Launch Public Poll on Fireworks Regulations
Health Department to Close for Staff Training Amid Measles Concerns
Controversial Development Plan Moves Forward Despite Opposition
Inaugural Kansas Science Festival Draws Large Crowds
County Administrative Building to Close Briefly for Generator Tie-In
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1. Hays to Launch Public Poll on Fireworks Regulations
In response to perennially divided public opinion on fireworks, the city announced plans to launch an online poll to gather broader community sentiment. The poll, expected to go live the following day and remain open for several weeks, aims to provide a clearer understanding of residents' views, particularly concerning aerial fireworks. City officials acknowledged that they often hear from small but passionate groups on either side of the issue and hope the poll will offer a more representative picture to inform future decisions.
City of Hays
2. Health Department to Close for Staff Training Amid Measles Concerns
The Ellis County Health Department will close for one and a half days, from noon on Wednesday, May 21st, through Thursday, May 22nd, to allow all staff to attend the Kansas Immunization Conference in Wichita. The closure was unanimously approved by the commission. Health Director Melissa Miller emphasized the timeliness of the training, particularly with a recent measles outbreak in Kansas, and noted the conference will cover outbreak response, updated immunization protocols, and best practices. The trip is fully funded by an immunization action grant, covering registration and lodging. While services will be unavailable during the closure, officials stated the training is crucial for all staff, including frontline personnel, to enhance their knowledge and ensure a unified approach to public health.
Ellis County
3. Controversial Development Plan Moves Forward Despite Opposition
A preliminary plat for the "Fairview Patch Addition," a proposed residential development in the northeast corner of the county, received a divided 2-1 approval from the Ellis County Commission. The plan, located near the Russell County line along 400th Avenue, aims to create 13 new residential lots from an agriculturally zoned area. Commissioner Nathan Leiker cast the dissenting vote, expressing concerns that the development contradicts the county's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes controlled growth. The project will still require final approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission after further review and consideration of any recommendations made by the county commission.
Ellis County
4. Inaugural Kansas Science Festival Draws Large Crowds
At Thursday's meeting, city officials lauded the success of the recent Kansas Science Festival, a science-focused event held downtown. The inaugural festival reportedly attracted between 1,100 and 1,200 attendees, providing a significant boost to downtown activity and showcasing the positive impact of community-driven initiatives and restored downtown buildings. Commissioners praised the organizers, Dallas and Dacia Haselhorst, for bringing the event to the community and highlighted the broad sponsorship and enthusiasm it generated. The event's success underscores ongoing efforts and interest in downtown revitalization.
City of Hays
5. County Administrative Building to Close Briefly for Generator Tie-In
Ellis County officials will shut down the Administrative Building for a half-day to one full business day on a yet-to-be-announced mid-week date so contractors can connect a long-awaited emergency generator to the facility’s electrical system. The project—paid for with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds—was first approved nearly two years ago but stalled while the county waited for the generator and switch-gear to arrive. Because the unit is sized to power the entire building, electricians must cut all service during the switchover. County Administrator Darren Myers told commissioners he is coordinating a specific date with multiple subcontractors and will pick a Wednesday or Thursday to limit disruption and leave the rest of the week for any follow-up work. Employees who cannot perform duties remotely while power is out will receive administrative pay. Once online, the generator will keep critical county functions running through future outages, ensuring uninterrupted public access to records, payments and other services.
Ellis County
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