On August 8, 2024 the Hays City Commission unanimously approved the rezoning and annexation of two tracts located near the intersection of East 41st Street and Sherman Avenue. JTL Leasing (Lewis Auto Group) recently purchased the properties just outside the city limits and are planning to utilize the existing building at 655 East 41st Street (formerly Vernies Toys 4 Trux) and also develop the vacant lot across the street to the west.
Each City Commissioner is allotted time during meetings to make inquiries and comments and on August 8, 2024 Commissioners Mason Ruder, Alaina Cunningham and Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs all chose to share their experiences the previous day (Aug. 7) at the ceremony to celebrate National Purple Heart Day and the designation of Hays as Purple Heart City.
August 7, National Purple Heart Day, was the perfect time for the City of Hays to acknowledge both the service of its veterans and the work put in to designate Hays as a Purple Heart City.
Six-thousand rubber ducks made their voyage through the Hays Aquatic Park lazy river Wednesday night, one finishing above the rest. Its owner started the month of August on a good foot, winning $10,000 in the annual Duck Derby held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County.
“I’m going to leave a piece of ground better than I found it.”-- Dwight D. Eisenhower That spirit of improving the land, as expressed by former President Eisenhower in regard to his Gettysburg farm, is found in the passion of a contemporary Kansan as well. This young Kansan is working hard to improve the timber and grasslands of rural Kansas. Luke Terry is the founder of Custom Forestry Applications, LLC. Terry grew up in Robinson in northeast Kansas where his parents were teachers. He attended Highland Community College and then Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in park management and conservation. “I had some K-State professors who helped me fall in love with conservation and tree identification,” Terry said. He worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation and then the Colorado state parks before returning to northeast Kansas to become environmental director for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. In that role, he identified needed land improvement or wildlife restoration projects and put them out for bid, but he got a surprise: There were very few contractors to do such projects. “We had the dollars but nobody to do the work,” Terry said. It led him to identify this as a market opportunity. “I always had a drive to be an entrepreneur.” In 2008 he formed Custom Forestry Applications, LLC and started doing land improvement projects on the side. In 2012, he went into the business full time. Today, Custom Forestry Applications offers multiple woodland, wildlife and grassland conservation and improvement services. “We help manage timber for a variety of purposes,” Terry said. Some of those purposes include creating a better habitat for wildlife such as deer, turkey, or quail, developing recreational areas, or simply improving the aesthetics of woodlands. The company performs pasture spraying, mechanical tree clearing, and cover crop planting. Other projects include timber stand improvement and streambank stabilization. These may involve working one-on-one with an individual landowner or being part of a large-scale, multi-agency project. The overall goal is to improve the forest environment. “This area was originally dominated by fire, usually from native Americans,” Terry said. “When fire was removed from the environment, a lot of shade-tolerant, fire-intolerant, and invasive species moved in,” he said. “We work hard at improving that,” he said, adding that removing invasive species helps desirable species such as aging oak trees to reproduce. “I’ve been blessed with lots of energetic, hard-working professionals who have worked with me,” Terry said. “We do boots-on-the-ground work. Other people can run a skid loader, but not many are willing to carry a chain saw through rough habitat (like we do).” He values relationships with his customers and employees. “I have three priorities: Managing the natural resources well, coaching and training these young professionals, and hoping customers turn into friends,” Terry said. “We plant thousands of conservation trees and shrubs each year. I truly feel that I was put out here to coach people and to improve the landscape.” Terry’s wife is Jaime. They have daughters Miah and Brynn Williams. Terry is also committed to his community. In 2022, Terry purchased a brick-and-mortar building in Robinson. “It had been an old car dealership with an overhead door,” Terry said. It is now a working facility for Custom Forestry Applications. “My end goal would be to someday make it look like it did 85 years ago,” he said. It is good to find this type of business in a rural community such as Robinson, population 183 people. Now, that’s rural. “It’s all about the love of the land,” Terry said. “It’s been a real joy to improve the landscape together.” For more information, search for Custom Forestry Applications on Facebook. “I’m going to leave a piece of ground better than I found it.” Dwight D. Eisenhower expressed that commitment to land improvement decades ago and it is found in this young Kansan as well. We salute Luke Terry and all those involved with Custom Forestry Applications for improving our woodlands and landscapes. They are leaving this ground even better than before.
Voters residing in Victoria and unincorporated areas of the County resoundingly approved (474-173) the creation of a County Library, per the Ellis County August 6, 2024 Primary Election Unofficial Election Results.
Though it was not on the Aug. 6. Ellis County Commission Agenda, Commissioner Michael Berges stated he had requested County Administrator Darin Myers comment on County sales tax collection trends. He said he had made the request in light of recent media reports (such as the article published in the Hays Daily News Aug. 3 edition) of City sales tax collection decreases.
A revised 2025 County Draft Budget was reviewed and discussed during the August 6, 2024 Ellis County Commission meeting. County Administrator Darin Myers presented the draft which had been reworked (following the Commissioners’ day long Budget Hearings on July 18, 2024) to include improvements to 48th Street and paving of Vineyard Road east of Home Depot to 270th Avenue and then south to Airbase Road.
As County Administrator Darin Myers presented the latest 2025 Budget Draft to County Commissioners on August 6, 2024, he acknowledged the Commissioners’ goal to maintain or reduce the current mill levy rate of 36.624. He stated that, pending the Budget’s adoption in September as well final Nov. 2024 valuations, the 2025 mill levy rate is estimated to be 35.984, an approximate .6 reduction and the lowest mill levy the County’s seen since 2014. County Administrator Myers reminded Commissioners that although valuations have risen over the last few years, the mill levy has continued to decrease.
The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is pleased to announce that sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 36th Annual Education Appreciation event, titled sponsored by Heartland Credit Union. This year's event is set to take place on Tuesday, August 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E 8th St., Hays. “Join us in celebrating the dedicated educators of Ellis County who make invaluable contributions to the development and success of our area's youth,” said The Chamber in Hays, Kansas president and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “This event promises to be a memorable evening filled with gratitude, community spirit, and celebration.” “Attendees will enjoy a complimentary meal and dessert prepared by Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering. A cash bar will be available, and the evening will feature fun prizes from our generous sponsors, including Chamber Cheques, supplies, and more! The first 200 educators in attendance will also receive a swag bag brimming with goodies.” Sponsorship Levels: Premier Level - $700 Provide an item for swag bags to be given to the first 200 participantsFeatured in newsletter event flyerSocial media postOption to provide additional raffle prizesThree event tickets30-second social media commercial placement and event showing$25 Chamber Cheque given on sponsor’s behalf Core Level - $250 Provide an item for swag bags to be given to the first 200 participantsFeatured in newsletter event flyerSocial media postOption to provide additional raffle prizesTwo event ticketsTable space Foundation Level - $100 Provide an item for swag bags to be given to the first 200 participantsFeatured in newsletter event flyerSocial media postOption to provide additional raffle prizes “This event is an excellent opportunity for local businesses and organizations to show their support for schools and connect with over 200 local educators,” Wasinger said. “Sponsorship at any level ensures that your business is recognized for its commitment to education and community development.” To secure your sponsorship for this celebration of Ellis County educators, contact The Chamber office at (785) 628-8201 or email hayscc@hayschamber.com. Sponsorships are due by August 9 and can be completed at form.jotform.com/241906845704158. “Let's come together to honor the educators who shape the future of our community,” Wasinger said. “Join us in making the 36th Annual Education Appreciation event a resounding success.” About The Chamber in Hays, Kansas The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in Hays and Ellis County. Through various events, programs, and initiatives, The Chamber fosters business growth, community engagement, and professional development. For more information, please visit The Chamber in Hays, Kansas website, hayschamber.com.