Special to The Hays Daily News

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment awarded nearly $500,000 in waste-tire recycling grants to entities across the state.

The following area schools, cities and counties received funding:

* Hays USD 489 received $16,069.42 to purchase recycled-tire, loose-fill playground surfacing for O'Loughlin Elementary School.

* Hays USD 489 Head Start received $66,917.21 to purchase recycled-tire, loose-fill playground surfacing for elementary playgrounds.

* The city of Bison received $1,047 to purchase two recycled-tire picnic tables and four benches to place in Bison City Park No. 2.

* The city of Hays received $6,662.50 to purchase recycled-tire, loose-fill rubber mulch for the playground at East Frontier Park.

* The city of Kensington received $2,402.40 to purchase recycled-tire, loose fill playground surfacing at the city park and pool.

* The city of Lebanon received $1,500 to purchase recycled-tire, loose-fill rubber mulch for the playground at Lebanon City Park.

* The city of Victoria received $18,567 to purchase recycled-tire, loose-fill playground mulch for Honey Braun Park.

* Rush County received $1,197 to purchase two recycled-tire picnic tables and two benches for Rush County Lake.