ELLIS — The annual Ellis Polar Express will roll back into this weekend.

The three-day event begins at 6 p.m. Friday with the running of the holiday miniature
train until 9 p.m. around the Ellis Railroad Museum miniature train tracks, 911
Washington.

“This is
a lighted Christmas train ride," said Dena Patee, Ellis Polar Express committee member. “We put up Christmas lights all around the little miniature train tracks
and different lighted displays. And then we just send people out in the dark
and cold. And it's magical.”

“It's
also a way for the community to kick off the holiday season,” said Dan
Pyle, Ellis Polar Express Committee president and Ellis Recreation director.

Saturday’s activities include train rides, live music by an Ellis community
band and cookies with Santa at the Ellis Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m.

 On
Sunday, the train will run again from 6 to 8 p.m., but activities begin at 5:30
p.m. with the Ellis Recreation Free Candy Cane Hunt.

A $5 freewill donation is suggested for entry, with proceeds going to future
community events.

This year will mark the first time
the event can take full advantage of the recently revamped park and miniature train
depot.

“Just
getting to use all of our spaces again, it's really, really nice,” Patee said. “Having
Santa back in his own little workshop, that makes it nice because the kids get
their time with Santa, and the parents get that chance to get their pictures.”

In 2019 and 2020, the event was
drive-through only, due to the COVID pandemic. Last year, the depot was not yet available
for use. 

“This is
our first year that we're going to be able to go back, line up through the depot,
load the train correctly, and be back to normal,” said&nbsp;Cheryl Kinderknecht, Polar Express committee
member. &nbsp;

Along with using the park for the first time in years, new displays have
also been added to the route.

“We’ve got at least six new displays for 2022,” Pyle said. “My crew and I
have been checking bulbs, cords and displays for about a month, and we think
we are ready to go.”

In previous years, the Ellis Polar Express has had over 800 riders in one
night. This year, the Ellis Polar Express plans a total of 2,000 riders for the
three nights. 

While
all three days are expected to bring hundreds of people downtown, Pyle said
Saturday would likely be the busiest night, as Santa plans to visit with children in the library’s Community
Room.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event, and in that
time has evolved and grown over the years. 

“The Polar
Express movie was really big at the time. And it's like, why can't we do a for Polar
Express thing,” Kinderknecht said. "And then it just kind of has grown from there because we went from live vignettes
to more of the blowups to the actual live displays. So, it’s definitely grown
since its very meager beginnings.”

The event has grown thanks
to community involvement, Patee said.

“We do get
quite a bit of support through grants and other donations,” she said. “Without
that kind of funding, we would not be able to do this. And we greatly
appreciate everybody's assistance this year.”

“Those
donors really do help us get those new displays,” Pyle said.

And Patee
said they appreciate the many volunteers that help run the event.

“That is
the one fun little piece that no one really understands about how this works,
is how many people are working behind the scenes that you don't see,” Patee
said. “The people that are watching the crossings, for the patrons to walk in
front of the train, making sure that the people that are taking money, and
making sure people get on the train and off the train and around the family,
and the characters, and people making sure that the displays are still lit, and
something hasn't gone drastically wrong. … There's a ton of things to do, so
anybody that wants to volunteer, we can put them to work.”

Correction: The story was updated to reflect the Candy Cane Hunt's timing on Sunday, not Saturday. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669836892112.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — The annual Ellis Polar Express will roll back into this weekend.The three-day event begins at 6 p.m. Friday with the running of the holiday miniature
train until 9 p.m. around the Ellis Railroad Museum miniature train tracks, 911
Washington.“This is
a lighted Christmas train ride," said Dena Patee, Ellis Polar Express committee member. “We put up Christmas lights all around the little miniature train tracks
and different lighted displays. And then we just send people out in the dark
and cold. And it's magical.”“It's
also a way for the community to kick off the holiday season,” said Dan
Pyle, Ellis Polar Express Committee president and Ellis Recreation director.Saturday’s activities include train rides, live music by an Ellis community
band and cookies with Santa at the Ellis Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. On
Sunday, the train will run again from 6 to 8 p.m., but activities begin at 5:30
p.m. with the Ellis Recreation Free Candy Cane Hunt.A $5 freewill donation is suggested for entry, with proceeds going to future
community events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669836876412.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year will mark the first time
the event can take full advantage of the recently revamped park and miniature train
depot.“Just
getting to use all of our spaces again, it's really, really nice,” Patee said. “Having
Santa back in his own little workshop, that makes it nice because the kids get
their time with Santa, and the parents get that chance to get their pictures.”In 2019 and 2020, the event was
drive-through only, due to the COVID pandemic. Last year, the depot was not yet available
for use. “This is
our first year that we're going to be able to go back, line up through the depot,
load the train correctly, and be back to normal,” said&nbsp;Cheryl Kinderknecht, Polar Express committee
member. &nbsp;Along with using the park for the first time in years, new displays have
also been added to the route.“We’ve got at least six new displays for 2022,” Pyle said. “My crew and I
have been checking bulbs, cords and displays for about a month, and we think
we are ready to go.”In previous years, the Ellis Polar Express has had over 800 riders in one
night. This year, the Ellis Polar Express plans a total of 2,000 riders for the
three nights. While
all three days are expected to bring hundreds of people downtown, Pyle said
Saturday would likely be the busiest night, as Santa plans to visit with children in the library’s Community
Room.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669836863106.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event, and in that
time has evolved and grown over the years. “The Polar
Express movie was really big at the time. And it's like, why can't we do a for Polar
Express thing,” Kinderknecht said. "And then it just kind of has grown from there because we went from live vignettes
to more of the blowups to the actual live displays. So, it’s definitely grown
since its very meager beginnings.”The event has grown thanks
to community involvement, Patee said.“We do get
quite a bit of support through grants and other donations,” she said. “Without
that kind of funding, we would not be able to do this. And we greatly
appreciate everybody's assistance this year.”“Those
donors really do help us get those new displays,” Pyle said.And Patee
said they appreciate the many volunteers that help run the event.“That is
the one fun little piece that no one really understands about how this works,
is how many people are working behind the scenes that you don't see,” Patee
said. “The people that are watching the crossings, for the patrons to walk in
front of the train, making sure that the people that are taking money, and
making sure people get on the train and off the train and around the family,
and the characters, and people making sure that the displays are still lit, and
something hasn't gone drastically wrong. … There's a ton of things to do, so
anybody that wants to volunteer, we can put them to work.”Correction: The story was updated to reflect the Candy Cane Hunt's timing on Sunday, not Saturday. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

🎄 Ellis Polar Express returns this weekend 

5:42 a.m. Monday UPDATE from&nbsp;the Ellis County Fire Department

At approximately 3:20 pm Sunday, the Ellis County Fire Department
was requested for mutual aid for a large grass fire approaching Ellis County from Ness County.
Shortly after arriving on scene, fire crews identified the fire had already entered Ellis County. Many
of the fire companies in Ellis County were already responding to three other fire calls for service. As
fire crews arrived on scene in southwest Ellis County, crews were met with 60+ MPH winds and low
visibility due to smoke and dust. The location of the fire was in a remote area where the fire was
difficult to access as it is open range with very limited county roads.

At 5:47 pm, the Ellis County Commission Chair Butch Schlyer
approved a disaster declaration due to the size of the fire, and its movement to more populated
areas of Ellis County. This process allows for more resources from the State to be requested for assistance.

All the Ellis County Fire Department was on scene, to
include over 20 fire apparatus and 52 firefighters. The fire department was supported by the Ellis
County EMS, Public Works, and Sheriff’s office. Mutual aid assistance was also used from the Hays
Fire Department and the Trego, Ness, and Rush County Fire Departments, as well as the Kansas
Forestry Service.

Contact was made with the Office of the State Fire Marshall
to request a fire investigation to the cause and origin of the fire. Due to the fire’s origin in
Ness County, no further information is available. Current estimates show about 8,500 acres burnt in
Ellis County. It is also not yet currently known how much burned in Ness and Trego Counties.

In addition to the efforts of the firefighters, a great
impact to the success of extinguishing the fire was from the many different farmers on scene with farm
implements and local business who hauled water to the fire department. Preliminary damage assessments
show that no homes were lost in the fire. One firefighter was treated by Ellis County EMS and
transported to Hays Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

A majority of the fire crews were released just after
midnight; however, some fire crews and sheriff deputies remain on scene to monitor the area for any flare
ups. Additional fire crews will be back on scene on Monday to continue with extinguishing hot spots.

At around 8:00 p.m. a wildfire continued tracking along the southwest corner of Ellis County and heading northeasterly.

Efforts have been underway since around 4 p.m. to protect life and property in the area including efforts by fire fighting crews and area farmers as they plow in front of the fire line.

Strong winds have quickly push the fireline across the area.

Travel in the area is advised against, especially in the area from 140th to 180th and Antonino.

Houses that are being threatened are being evacuated. The sheriff's department is updating residents in the area as needed.

6:11 p..m. UPDATE: Fire is now in the area of 150th and Grants Villa in Ellis County. The area is being disked. A structure is under threat.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0b80696e-43cf-4328-8418-7aaa892544d2">RELATED: Winds fan Sunday wildfires across western Kansas</a>

At 4:12 p.m. Sunday, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office reported a large fire in the southwest part of Ellis County.

The public has been asked to avoid the area near Ellis Avenue and the Rush County line.

Antonio Road has also been identified as an area to avoid.

The fire was reported to be moving very fast, according to Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574261994.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> 5:42 a.m. Monday UPDATE from&nbsp;the Ellis County Fire DepartmentAt approximately 3:20 pm Sunday, the Ellis County Fire Department
was requested for mutual aid for a large grass fire approaching Ellis County from Ness County.
Shortly after arriving on scene, fire crews identified the fire had already entered Ellis County. Many
of the fire companies in Ellis County were already responding to three other fire calls for service. As
fire crews arrived on scene in southwest Ellis County, crews were met with 60+ MPH winds and low
visibility due to smoke and dust. The location of the fire was in a remote area where the fire was
difficult to access as it is open range with very limited county roads.At 5:47 pm, the Ellis County Commission Chair Butch Schlyer
approved a disaster declaration due to the size of the fire, and its movement to more populated
areas of Ellis County. This process allows for more resources from the State to be requested for assistance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574239123.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All the Ellis County Fire Department was on scene, to
include over 20 fire apparatus and 52 firefighters. The fire department was supported by the Ellis
County EMS, Public Works, and Sheriff’s office. Mutual aid assistance was also used from the Hays
Fire Department and the Trego, Ness, and Rush County Fire Departments, as well as the Kansas
Forestry Service.Contact was made with the Office of the State Fire Marshall
to request a fire investigation to the cause and origin of the fire. Due to the fire’s origin in
Ness County, no further information is available. Current estimates show about 8,500 acres burnt in
Ellis County. It is also not yet currently known how much burned in Ness and Trego Counties.In addition to the efforts of the firefighters, a great
impact to the success of extinguishing the fire was from the many different farmers on scene with farm
implements and local business who hauled water to the fire department. Preliminary damage assessments
show that no homes were lost in the fire. One firefighter was treated by Ellis County EMS and
transported to Hays Medical Center for smoke inhalation.A majority of the fire crews were released just after
midnight; however, some fire crews and sheriff deputies remain on scene to monitor the area for any flare
ups. Additional fire crews will be back on scene on Monday to continue with extinguishing hot spots.-----At around 8:00 p.m. a wildfire continued tracking along the southwest corner of Ellis County and heading northeasterly.Efforts have been underway since around 4 p.m. to protect life and property in the area including efforts by fire fighting crews and area farmers as they plow in front of the fire line.Strong winds have quickly push the fireline across the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574378695.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Travel in the area is advised against, especially in the area from 140th to 180th and Antonino.Houses that are being threatened are being evacuated. The sheriff's department is updating residents in the area as needed.-----6:11 p..m. UPDATE: Fire is now in the area of 150th and Grants Villa in Ellis County. The area is being disked. A structure is under threat. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0b80696e-43cf-4328-8418-7aaa892544d2">RELATED: Winds fan Sunday wildfires across western Kansas</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666566987331.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574293392.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostAt 4:12 p.m. Sunday, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office reported a large fire in the southwest part of Ellis County.The public has been asked to avoid the area near Ellis Avenue and the Rush County line.Antonio Road has also been identified as an area to avoid.The fire was reported to be moving very fast, according to Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun.This story will be updated as more information becomes available. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574316129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574356203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: About 8,500 acres burned in Ellis Co. during Sunday wildfire

The Imagine Ellis County Committee continues their work to strengthen area communities, from Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams stops by to share with us the latest on this episode of the Post Podcast.

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

The Imagine Ellis County Committee continues their work to strengthen area communities, from Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams stops by to share with us the latest on this episode of the Post Podcast.<div><iframe title="Imagine Ellis County Committee continues strengthening area communities" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=29djh-12d8106-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast:  Imagine Ellis County Committee continues strengthening area communities

ELLIS —&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8cb680b9-fc70-4c82-aef8-3bcdba44fd07" target="_blank">A
steady stream of voters entered the VFW Thursday to decide the fate of a $4.55
million bond issue for repairs and renovations in the district's two main buildings,
Washington Elementary and Ellis Jr./Sr. High School.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1e18c07d7daa72b30eae49" target="_blank">And as predicted by a
2020 Docking Institute survey, voters overwhelmingly supported the measure with
preliminary results showing a final vote of 440-98.</a>

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/4858/unofficial-results" target="_blank">Out
of 538 votes cast, 81.78 percent voted yes, and 18.22 percent voted no,
according to the Ellis County Clerk website.</a>

Board of Education president
Randy Honas said he was thankful for the support from the community.

He said he had never heard
much opposition but was still pleasantly surprised by the result, calling it a
“good showing and a great turnout.”

“They told us in the Docking
institute Study they would support a bond of this type and this amount,” Honas
said. “That’s what we ran, and they did what they said they would do,
overwhelmingly.”

“I’m just really happy for
the community and really proud of the community to come out and just do what
they said they were going to do,” he continued. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

Superintendent
Janice Wilson said the measure would positively impact the lives of the
students and staff.

“I think this gets Ellis on
the right track to making sure that our facilities are up to date and have the
opportunity to be where everybody else is,” Wilson said. “It’s been a long time
coming, and we are stoked and super excited because it’s important that Ellis
cares about their kids, and this proves it.”

She said the district would
now move into the design phase and find and hire contractors to do the work.

“Hopefully, we are on track
for next summer or even before to get this started,” Wilson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662693130095.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS —&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8cb680b9-fc70-4c82-aef8-3bcdba44fd07" target="_blank">A
steady stream of voters entered the VFW Thursday to decide the fate of a $4.55
million bond issue for repairs and renovations in the district's two main buildings,
Washington Elementary and Ellis Jr./Sr. High School.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1e18c07d7daa72b30eae49" target="_blank">And as predicted by a
2020 Docking Institute survey, voters overwhelmingly supported the measure with
preliminary results showing a final vote of 440-98.</a><a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/4858/unofficial-results" target="_blank">Out
of 538 votes cast, 81.78 percent voted yes, and 18.22 percent voted no,
according to the Ellis County Clerk website.</a>Voter turnout was 29.07
percent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662695372331.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Board of Education president
Randy Honas said he was thankful for the support from the community.He said he had never heard
much opposition but was still pleasantly surprised by the result, calling it a
“good showing and a great turnout.”“They told us in the Docking
institute Study they would support a bond of this type and this amount,” Honas
said. “That’s what we ran, and they did what they said they would do,
overwhelmingly.”“I’m just really happy for
the community and really proud of the community to come out and just do what
they said they were going to do,” he continued. “I couldn’t be prouder.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662695418358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Superintendent
Janice Wilson said the measure would positively impact the lives of the
students and staff.“I think this gets Ellis on
the right track to making sure that our facilities are up to date and have the
opportunity to be where everybody else is,” Wilson said. “It’s been a long time
coming, and we are stoked and super excited because it’s important that Ellis
cares about their kids, and this proves it.”She said the district would
now move into the design phase and find and hire contractors to do the work.“Hopefully, we are on track
for next summer or even before to get this started,” Wilson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662695293553.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis USD 388 bond issue proposal passes by wide margin

ELLIS — On Thursday, voters will head to the polls to decide
on a $4.55 million bond issue that would be used for improvements at the Ellis
Jr./Senior High School and Washington Elementary.

The vote will mark the third bond attempt since successfully
passing a $1.9 million bond in 1974.

A $10 million proposal was voted down in 2013. A $9 million
proposal was voted down a year later. 

Organizers say now is the time to pass a bond issue and are
using lessons from previous attempts in hopes of wider community support.

The bond would be used to make significant renovations and system
replacements in the schools and is needed after decades of relying on the
district’s capital outlay budget for facility updates for decades, according to&nbsp;Care 4 Kids committee treasurer and former member of the USD 388 Board of Education, Mike Keller.

He said that much of that budget was used to pay
debt acquired years ago to replace the HVAC system in Ellis High.

“It hamstrung us on our capital outlay. It basically took
half of the money available,” Keller said. “So it was really hard to keep up
with maintenance with making that big payment.”

While he said the facilities had been maintained as well as possible, the
lack of funding and years of use have taken a toll.

“We've done a fantastic job of maintaining that facility,”
Keller said of the High School. “When you walk in there, and you see our gym,
or our lobby or our classrooms, they do look nice. Our staff is to be commended
for keeping that facility in top-notch condition.

“But that doesn't mean there aren't needs,” he continued.

Among the projects planned if the bond is successful are a
complete renovation of the High School science labs, as well as exterior door replacement,
a partial roof replacement and the addition of a secure entry.

Washington Elementary would also see a complete HVAC
replacement, electrical system upgrades, interior improvements and a partial
roof replacement.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1e18c07d7daa72b30eae49">The planned repairs were decided upon during a process that
included a Fort Hays State University Docking Institute survey that outlined
the amount the community would support in a bond issue.</a>

Keller said they worked to keep the proposal within that
amount.

“Basically, I like to tell people when they say what's going
on with this bond, I say, you spoke we listened,” he said. “We're not trying
for anything that we think is going to put this in jeopardy, because these are
pieces that we need.”

If the proposed $4.55 million bond is approved residents within the district would pay additional property taxes for the 15-year term, but impact to property owners may be more significant if the measure fails, Keller said.

“If it does fail, one of the impacts will be it will cost us
it will cost us kids in our district, it'll cost us, staff," he said. "I think I read a USA
Today article and it said school district quality is one of the most important
factors home buyers consider when looking for a place to live, particularly for
a new or expecting parent."

And a good school district can greatly increase a
child's chance of success, Keller said.

For residential property owners for every $100,000 in assessed value, the bond would increase taxes by $11.26 monthly. For commercial property, the increase would be $24.48.

While the increased cost will affect taxpayers, he said the potential damage to the community could be greater.

“If it fails, the property owners who didn't want to pay any
more taxes I guess win in the short run, point blank,” Keller said. “But at what
cost? We can’t keep patching the system together with a wing and a
prayer.”

He said as a former member of the board of education and worked
to find what was needed and this bond issue reflects those needs.

Variable pricing for construction materials also creates a sense of urgency for the bond attempt.

"That was one of the reasons we decided to have a special election," Keller said." We wanted to move the timeline up with some of the uncertainty in our economy right now. If we can get this moved up and get it passed in September, it's about a six-month window for them to do the design process, and put it out to bids."

And he said no one knows what's going to happen with interest rates, but the last bond passed in the middle of a recession, during the oil crisis of that era.

"So I don't think that's a great excuse to vote against this right now," Keller said. "I think now's the time to invest in our kids in our future version of our town."

For more information about the USD 388 Bond Issue visit the USD 388 website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd388.com/page/usd-388-bond">usd388.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582917685536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — On Thursday, voters will head to the polls to decide
on a $4.55 million bond issue that would be used for improvements at the Ellis
Jr./Senior High School and Washington Elementary.The vote will mark the third bond attempt since successfully
passing a $1.9 million bond in 1974.A $10 million proposal was voted down in 2013. A $9 million
proposal was voted down a year later. <div><iframe title="Voters head to polls this week for Ellis USD 388 Bond election" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kfqa3-12b3ef3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Organizers say now is the time to pass a bond issue and are
using lessons from previous attempts in hopes of wider community support.The bond would be used to make significant renovations and system
replacements in the schools and is needed after decades of relying on the
district’s capital outlay budget for facility updates for decades, according to&nbsp;Care 4 Kids committee treasurer and former member of the USD 388 Board of Education, Mike Keller.He said that much of that budget was used to pay
debt acquired years ago to replace the HVAC system in Ellis High.“It hamstrung us on our capital outlay. It basically took
half of the money available,” Keller said. “So it was really hard to keep up
with maintenance with making that big payment.”While he said the facilities had been maintained as well as possible, the
lack of funding and years of use have taken a toll.“We've done a fantastic job of maintaining that facility,”
Keller said of the High School. “When you walk in there, and you see our gym,
or our lobby or our classrooms, they do look nice. Our staff is to be commended
for keeping that facility in top-notch condition.“But that doesn't mean there aren't needs,” he continued.Among the projects planned if the bond is successful are a
complete renovation of the High School science labs, as well as exterior door replacement,
a partial roof replacement and the addition of a secure entry.Washington Elementary would also see a complete HVAC
replacement, electrical system upgrades, interior improvements and a partial
roof replacement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662144049121.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1e18c07d7daa72b30eae49">The planned repairs were decided upon during a process that
included a Fort Hays State University Docking Institute survey that outlined
the amount the community would support in a bond issue.</a>Keller said they worked to keep the proposal within that
amount.“Basically, I like to tell people when they say what's going
on with this bond, I say, you spoke we listened,” he said. “We're not trying
for anything that we think is going to put this in jeopardy, because these are
pieces that we need.”<h2>&nbsp;Impact to taxpayers</h2>If the proposed $4.55 million bond is approved residents within the district would pay additional property taxes for the 15-year term, but impact to property owners may be more significant if the measure fails, Keller said.“If it does fail, one of the impacts will be it will cost us
it will cost us kids in our district, it'll cost us, staff," he said. "I think I read a USA
Today article and it said school district quality is one of the most important
factors home buyers consider when looking for a place to live, particularly for
a new or expecting parent."And a good school district can greatly increase a
child's chance of success, Keller said.For residential property owners for every $100,000 in assessed value, the bond would increase taxes by $11.26 monthly. For commercial property, the increase would be $24.48.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662144182092.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While the increased cost will affect taxpayers, he said the potential damage to the community could be greater.“If it fails, the property owners who didn't want to pay any
more taxes I guess win in the short run, point blank,” Keller said. “But at what
cost? We can’t keep patching the system together with a wing and a
prayer.”He said as a former member of the board of education and worked
to find what was needed and this bond issue reflects those needs.Variable pricing for construction materials also creates a sense of urgency for the bond attempt."That was one of the reasons we decided to have a special election," Keller said." We wanted to move the timeline up with some of the uncertainty in our economy right now. If we can get this moved up and get it passed in September, it's about a six-month window for them to do the design process, and put it out to bids."And he said no one knows what's going to happen with interest rates, but the last bond passed in the middle of a recession, during the oil crisis of that era."So I don't think that's a great excuse to vote against this right now," Keller said. "I think now's the time to invest in our kids in our future version of our town."For more information about the USD 388 Bond Issue visit the USD 388 website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd388.com/page/usd-388-bond">usd388.com.</a>

🎙 Voters to decide Ellis USD 388 bond issue Thursday

ELLIS&nbsp; — The Ellis city council has scheduled a special hearing for consideration of the 2023 budget.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. August 22 at the Ellis City Council chambers in City Hall, 815 Jefferson.

The council will also host a revenue neutral rate hearing and consider a resolution to exceed the rate during the meeting time.

ELLIS&nbsp; — The Ellis city council has scheduled a special hearing for consideration of the 2023 budget.The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. August 22 at the Ellis City Council chambers in City Hall, 815 Jefferson.The council will also host a revenue neutral rate hearing and consider a resolution to exceed the rate during the meeting time.

City of Ellis 2023 budget and revenue neutral rate hearing scheduled

ELLIS — A new fiscal year has begun for area school districts and the Ellis USD 388 Board of Education used the opportunity to look ahead to a year filled with potential while reflecting on last year.

Opening the meeting, the board selected leadership for the year.

Randy Honas was unanimously voted to serve as president of the board, a role he served in during the last year.

Brian Shannon was unanimously voted to serve as vice-president.&nbsp;

Along with the board leadership, the board unanimously approved Connie Waldschmidt to serve as board clerk, Theresa Thomas as deputy clerk and Linda Pfeifer as board treasurer.

The board next heard a bond update from new Superintendent Janice Wilson.

"There has been moving and shaking like you wouldn't believe," Wilson said.&nbsp;

She said a town hall meeting schedule had been set, and an information booth was planned for the Ellis Jr. Free Fair.

"We have speakers that will be at several other places," Wilson said. 

As the meeting and discussions continue she said a question and answer document was being compiled, noting a website for the bond issue is in the works.

"So if you have questions, you can take questions to the website," Wilson said. "And then we will have a facilitator that will work on answering them."

Additional work to inform the public about the bond issue is also underway, including a Facebook page, signs, shirts and flyers.

As these efforts&nbsp; continue, she said she had heard positive feedback from the community.

"Everybody has done a great job," Wilson said.

"It will start to get really active in&nbsp;probably about two weeks," Honas said. "We'll start seeing stuff come out, as far as sort of literature and some of that stuff. ... The first part of August is ... the first public meeting. So that's kind of a start."

He added the bond committee has been very active and has done a lot so far.

"We titled it Care for Kids," said board member Cindy&nbsp; Hertel. "Jared (Schiel) came up with the logo, so that's been developed, and we'll be utilizing that on our messaging."

As the work to spread information about the bond issues continues by the committee, Honas noted the next few weeks will be critical.

As the board during the meeting considered the future, they also looked back at the results of a survey from last year.

"This year, the participation of the climate survey was 56 responses," Wilson said.

Last year, around 70 surveys were collected. 

"So we've dropped a little bit in the participation," Wilson said.

Looking back at the previous survey, she said the results were similar to last year in many regards.

She said district communications were ranked highly, as well as staff availability and student extracurricular activities.

But as school resumes in August, she said the survey highlighted the need to&nbsp;look at relationships and student social and emotional needs. 

"Those are some of the areas that were not as strong," Wilson said.

Honas shared his concern from the survey showing that 30 percent of respondents disagreed that the district welcomes parent input, and 29 percent disagreed the district takes parents' concerns seriously.

"I don't know where that's coming from," Honas said. "But I mean ... it's been at 80 percent. It was over 20 percent. So, I don't know if that's a communication thing or just the perception."

Schiel noted that with the low survey return rate and some respondents who marked everything about the district negatively, the result might not truly reflect the opinions of most parents.

"We have 56 responses. If you have 12 to 16 people that are going to answer it negatively, it's going to skew results," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657651362117.jpeg" alt="Ellis Board of Education votes to approve Randy Honas as board president for the 2022-2023 academic year. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis Board of Education votes to approve Randy Honas as board president for the 2022-2023 academic year. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — A new fiscal year has begun for area school districts and the Ellis USD 388 Board of Education used the opportunity to look ahead to a year filled with potential while reflecting on last year.Opening the meeting, the board selected leadership for the year.Randy Honas was unanimously voted to serve as president of the board, a role he served in during the last year.Brian Shannon was unanimously voted to serve as vice-president.&nbsp;Along with the board leadership, the board unanimously approved Connie Waldschmidt to serve as board clerk, Theresa Thomas as deputy clerk and Linda Pfeifer as board treasurer.The board next heard a bond update from new Superintendent Janice Wilson."There has been moving and shaking like you wouldn't believe," Wilson said.&nbsp;She said a town hall meeting schedule had been set, and an information booth was planned for the Ellis Jr. Free Fair."We have speakers that will be at several other places," Wilson said. As the meeting and discussions continue she said a question and answer document was being compiled, noting a website for the bond issue is in the works."So if you have questions, you can take questions to the website," Wilson said. "And then we will have a facilitator that will work on answering them."Additional work to inform the public about the bond issue is also underway, including a Facebook page, signs, shirts and flyers.As these efforts&nbsp; continue, she said she had heard positive feedback from the community."Everybody has done a great job," Wilson said."It will start to get really active in&nbsp;probably about two weeks," Honas said. "We'll start seeing stuff come out, as far as sort of literature and some of that stuff. ... The first part of August is ... the first public meeting. So that's kind of a start."He added the bond committee has been very active and has done a lot so far."We titled it Care for Kids," said board member Cindy&nbsp; Hertel. "Jared (Schiel) came up with the logo, so that's been developed, and we'll be utilizing that on our messaging."As the work to spread information about the bond issues continues by the committee, Honas noted the next few weeks will be critical.As the board during the meeting considered the future, they also looked back at the results of a survey from last year."This year, the participation of the climate survey was 56 responses," Wilson said.Last year, around 70 surveys were collected. "So we've dropped a little bit in the participation," Wilson said.Looking back at the previous survey, she said the results were similar to last year in many regards.She said district communications were ranked highly, as well as staff availability and student extracurricular activities.But as school resumes in August, she said the survey highlighted the need to&nbsp;look at relationships and student social and emotional needs. "Those are some of the areas that were not as strong," Wilson said.Honas shared his concern from the survey showing that 30 percent of respondents disagreed that the district welcomes parent input, and 29 percent disagreed the district takes parents' concerns seriously."I don't know where that's coming from," Honas said. "But I mean ... it's been at 80 percent. It was over 20 percent. So, I don't know if that's a communication thing or just the perception."Schiel noted that with the low survey return rate and some respondents who marked everything about the district negatively, the result might not truly reflect the opinions of most parents."We have 56 responses. If you have 12 to 16 people that are going to answer it negatively, it's going to skew results," he said.

Ellis school board looks to bond issue, while taking a look back

The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.

According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.

Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.

Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.

Office of the Chief of Police On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare.

At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet
to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is
believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks.
The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was
performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.

Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they
deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult
time.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,
23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center
assisted with this investigation.

No further information will be released at this time, as
this is an active investigation.

The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.&nbsp;

Further details are expected from the department later today.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.

Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.

She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.

If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656686095522.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation. Office of the Chief of Police On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare. At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet
to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is
believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks.
The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was
performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they
deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult
time.The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,
23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center
assisted with this investigation.No further information will be released at this time, as
this is an active investigation.Avery A. Smith Chief of Police------------------UPDATE 9:45 a.m.:The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.&nbsp;Further details are expected from the department later today.Original story:The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.

UPDATE: Ellis woman found dead near railroad tracks

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Tour Die Kapellen (Tour of Chapels) bike ride has already exceeded its total registration from last year's event.

However, there is still time to sign up for the bike tour or the event's new bus tour option.

The event, which is in its third year, will be July 9 and begin at Hays Municipal Park.

The event this year will offer 15-, 30-, 50-, 62-, 75- and 100-mile rides. In addition, the event will offer a 54-mile multi-surface ride — 27 miles of which will be on gravel.

Maps of the routes can be found on the <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">event website</a>. Registration for both the bike ride and bus tour can be done online at the same website.

The tour will include stops at <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church" target="_blank">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catharine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm" target="_blank">Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer</a> and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm" target="_blank">St. Francis Church in Munjor. </a>

Riders that choose the 75- or 100-mile options can ride self-supported to visit the churches in Schoenchen and Antonino.

Volunteer-manned support-and-go (SAG) stops with water and snacks will be offered at the main church stops in Catherine, Victoria, Pfiefer and Munjor. Coolers with water and snacks will be left at the churches in Schoenchen and Antonio for riders who choose the self-supported 75- and 100-mile rides.

The 15-mile casual ride will be led by experienced cyclists Kathy Rome and Susan Bowles. They will instruct new cyclists about the rules of road cycling.

"What our hope is to generate a culture of bicycling that is more prominent in our community," Werth said,&nbsp; "from a health perspective and an economical perspective with the cost of gas and for our drivers so that they are accepting ...

"It's a healthy thing for your heart," she said. "It's a healthy thing for the environment."

The early registration deadlines for both the bike ride and bus tour are June 24. Those who register by that date will receive a free event T-shirt. 

The cost of the bike ride is $45 per person. The cost of the bus tour is $60 per person.

After June 24, cost of the bike ride will be $55 per person, and the cost of the bus tour will be $75 per person.

On-site registration will open for the bike ride at 6:30 a.m.

Preregistration is required for the bus tour. Slots are filling fast. A waiting list for the bus tour will be maintained if the bus fills.

In addition to the church stops, the bus tour will also drive by Grant's Villa and Historic Fort Hays. It will also pass by the old Walker Air Base and the remains of the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/sacredheartemmeram.htm" target="_blank">Emmeram Church</a>.
 All registrants receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.

The bus will return to 
Municipal Park to join in the After-Ride Party, which will include a German meal, beverage and music by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band.

The tour guide for the bus tour will be local historian Mary Kay Schippers.

Event organizers discourage people from trying to visit the churches that day by car. The increased traffic on the roads could be a hazard to bicyclists, Kay Werth, event coordinator, said.

The Tour Die Kapellen was conceived with the idea proceeds from the event would go to Ellis County nonprofit groups. This year the event will donate proceeds to the St. Francis Church in Munjor, which will use the funds for facility projects.

The event gave money to <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/" target="_blank">the Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria in 2019 for its remodel, and $12,000 to St. Catherine Church in Catharine for interior repainting in 2021.

Members of the Hays Symphony will be playing portions of musical pieces in Catharine, Victoria, Pfeifer and Munjor. See the schedule below for the musicians and their locations.

"The members of the Hays Symphony will be playing snippets of music in between so people can get the ambiance of the music with those cathedral ceilings," Werth said.

Werth said the ideas behind the bike tour are to promote wellness, bring people to Ellis County, create an appreciation for the rural terrain and Volga German heritage, and promote the Hays Symphony.

6:30–7:15 a.m. — Registration (Pick up packets at Municipal Park, Hays)

7:15 a.m. — Announcements, national anthem, invocation

7:30–8 a.m. — Sheriff escorts riders (cycling 30 or more miles) out of Hays

8– 8:30 a.m. — Bus Tour Participants meet across from Municipal Park, at NCK 
Tech. Participants will check in with Jeannie Kline as they board the 
bus. They will get packets and have their wristbands put on for the 
tour.

8:15–9:15 a.m. — St. Catherine Church, Catharine – Music by Ben Cline, Gamba and Hilary Shepard, Baroque flute

8:30 a.m. — Bus departs from Municipal Park

8:30–9:45 a.m. — St. Fidelis Church, Basilica of the Plains, Victoria — Music by St. Fidelis Brass Quintet

9 a.m. — 15-mile cyclists meet at the shelter house in Municipal Park

9:30–9:45 a.m. —15-mile, casual ride departs Municipal Park

9:30–11:30 a.m. — Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer – Music provided by Hays Symphony Conductor Brian Buckstead, violinist

10–11:30 a.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Harpist, Jane Hyde

Optional rides to Schoenchen and Antonino churches are self-supported

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Hays Symphony principal flutist and clarinetist,&nbsp;Hilary Shepard and Kristin Pisano

11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — German Meal prepared by St. Francis Church, Munjor, Defiance Brewery and root beer and cream soda provided by LB Brewing, Gella’s

Noon to 2 p.m. — music provided by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band in Municipal Park, Hays

For those cyclists continuing the self-supported 75- or 
100-mile options, arrange your schedule to enjoy the meal and 
music in the window provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326007341.jpeg" alt="Tour Die Kapellen 2021. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tour Die Kapellen 2021. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Tour Die Kapellen (Tour of Chapels) bike ride has already exceeded its total registration from last year's event.However, there is still time to sign up for the bike tour or the event's new bus tour option.The event, which is in its third year, will be July 9 and begin at Hays Municipal Park.The event this year will offer 15-, 30-, 50-, 62-, 75- and 100-mile rides. In addition, the event will offer a 54-mile multi-surface ride — 27 miles of which will be on gravel.Maps of the routes can be found on the <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">event website</a>. Registration for both the bike ride and bus tour can be done online at the same website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326092559.jpeg" alt="Tour Die Kapellen 2022. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tour Die Kapellen 2022. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The tour will include stops at <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church" target="_blank">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catharine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm" target="_blank">Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer</a> and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm" target="_blank">St. Francis Church in Munjor. </a>Riders that choose the 75- or 100-mile options can ride self-supported to visit the churches in Schoenchen and Antonino.Volunteer-manned support-and-go (SAG) stops with water and snacks will be offered at the main church stops in Catherine, Victoria, Pfiefer and Munjor. Coolers with water and snacks will be left at the churches in Schoenchen and Antonio for riders who choose the self-supported 75- and 100-mile rides.The 15-mile casual ride will be led by experienced cyclists Kathy Rome and Susan Bowles. They will instruct new cyclists about the rules of road cycling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326200783.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>"What our hope is to generate a culture of bicycling that is more prominent in our community," Werth said,&nbsp; "from a health perspective and an economical perspective with the cost of gas and for our drivers so that they are accepting ..."It's a healthy thing for your heart," she said. "It's a healthy thing for the environment." The early registration deadlines for both the bike ride and bus tour are June 24. Those who register by that date will receive a free event T-shirt. The cost of the bike ride is $45 per person. The cost of the bus tour is $60 per person.After June 24, cost of the bike ride will be $55 per person, and the cost of the bus tour will be $75 per person.On-site registration will open for the bike ride at 6:30 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326279635.jpeg" alt="Tour of Chapels in 2019. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Tour of Chapels in 2019. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Bus tour</h2>Preregistration is required for the bus tour. Slots are filling fast. A waiting list for the bus tour will be maintained if the bus fills.In addition to the church stops, the bus tour will also drive by Grant's Villa and Historic Fort Hays. It will also pass by the old Walker Air Base and the remains of the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/sacredheartemmeram.htm" target="_blank">Emmeram Church</a>.
 All registrants receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.The bus will return to 
Municipal Park to join in the After-Ride Party, which will include a German meal, beverage and music by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band.The tour guide for the bus tour will be local historian Mary Kay Schippers.Event organizers discourage people from trying to visit the churches that day by car. The increased traffic on the roads could be a hazard to bicyclists, Kay Werth, event coordinator, said.<h2>Donation</h2>The Tour Die Kapellen was conceived with the idea proceeds from the event would go to Ellis County nonprofit groups. This year the event will donate proceeds to the St. Francis Church in Munjor, which will use the funds for facility projects.The event gave money to <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/" target="_blank">the Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria in 2019 for its remodel, and $12,000 to St. Catherine Church in Catharine for interior repainting in 2021.<h2>Music</h2>Members of the Hays Symphony will be playing portions of musical pieces in Catharine, Victoria, Pfeifer and Munjor. See the schedule below for the musicians and their locations."The members of the Hays Symphony will be playing snippets of music in between so people can get the ambiance of the music with those cathedral ceilings," Werth said. Werth said the ideas behind the bike tour are to promote wellness, bring people to Ellis County, create an appreciation for the rural terrain and Volga German heritage, and promote the Hays Symphony. <h2>Schedule</h2>Saturday, July 9 6:30–7:15 a.m. — Registration (Pick up packets at Municipal Park, Hays)7:15 a.m. — Announcements, national anthem, invocation7:30–8 a.m. — Sheriff escorts riders (cycling 30 or more miles) out of Hays8– 8:30 a.m. — Bus Tour Participants meet across from Municipal Park, at NCK 
Tech. Participants will check in with Jeannie Kline as they board the 
bus. They will get packets and have their wristbands put on for the 
tour.8:15–9:15 a.m. — St. Catherine Church, Catharine – Music by Ben Cline, Gamba and Hilary Shepard, Baroque flute8:30 a.m. — Bus departs from Municipal Park8:30–9:45 a.m. — St. Fidelis Church, Basilica of the Plains, Victoria — Music by St. Fidelis Brass Quintet9 a.m. — 15-mile cyclists meet at the shelter house in Municipal Park9:30–9:45 a.m. —15-mile, casual ride departs Municipal Park9:30–11:30 a.m. — Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer – Music provided by Hays Symphony Conductor Brian Buckstead, violinist10–11:30 a.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Harpist, Jane HydeOptional rides to Schoenchen and Antonino churches are self-supported11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Hays Symphony principal flutist and clarinetist,&nbsp;Hilary Shepard and Kristin Pisano11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — German Meal prepared by St. Francis Church, Munjor, Defiance Brewery and root beer and cream soda provided by LB Brewing, Gella’sNoon to 2 p.m. — music provided by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band in Municipal Park, Hays For those cyclists continuing the self-supported 75- or 
100-mile options, arrange your schedule to enjoy the meal and 
music in the window provided.

Tour Die Kapellen adds bus tour, taking registrations

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

ELLIS—A pre-pandemic attendance incentive is set to return to Ellis High School after last week’s Ellis USD 388 Board of Education meeting.

The discussion came after Ellis Junior/Senior High principal Donna
Schmidt noted attendance was down this year.

“You’ll see our attendance was not good this year,” Schmidt
said.

She attributed the drop in attendance to an increased focus on having
students exhibiting any signs of illness stay home.

She then asked the board to consider re-inserting the
pre-pandemic attendance rewards program into the school handbook.

“I would really like to see a room reward system go back
into effect,” Schmidt said. “So we can have our attendance have a more positive
result or more positive percentage for our attendance.”

She added that students would still be asked to remain home
in case of illness, and those absences would not count against the student if
documentation from medical personnel documented the need to miss classes.

While acknowledging the need to increase attendance, the
board questioned the return of the incentives.

“Are we at all concerned that we’re bringing back the whole
idea…if you’re kind of sick, you can go to school, as opposed to staying home,”
said board member Jared Schiel. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655501878745.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostELLIS—A pre-pandemic attendance incentive is set to return to Ellis High School after last week’s Ellis USD 388 Board of Education meeting.The discussion came after Ellis Junior/Senior High principal Donna
Schmidt noted attendance was down this year.“You’ll see our attendance was not good this year,” Schmidt
said.She attributed the drop in attendance to an increased focus on having
students exhibiting any signs of illness stay home.She then asked the board to consider re-inserting the
pre-pandemic attendance rewards program into the school handbook.“I would really like to see a room reward system go back
into effect,” Schmidt said. “So we can have our attendance have a more positive
result or more positive percentage for our attendance.”She added that students would still be asked to remain home
in case of illness, and those absences would not count against the student if
documentation from medical personnel documented the need to miss classes.While acknowledging the need to increase attendance, the
board questioned the return of the incentives.“Are we at all concerned that we’re bringing back the whole
idea…if you’re kind of sick, you can go to school, as opposed to staying home,”
said board member Jared Schiel. He said after two years of pushing a message of staying home
while exhibiting any potential illness, attendance might be prioritized over
health if reimplemented.Board member Latisha
Haag said the district should encourage sick students to seek medical care.
Still, others said it is not difficult to obtain a note excusing the
absence, no matter the illness.“We have some students now who know which doctor or clinic
to visit to get an excuse or even to call,” Schmidt said.“Pretty soon, we’re going to have a whole menu of, let me
pick which one I want to tell the doctor I want to see,” said board member
Marty Hollern.<a href="mailto:bshannon@usd388.com">Brian
Shannon</a> also noted as students aim to meet the attendance goal, they
may share minor illnesses that impact educational outcomes.“I think what you’re gonna run into it’s just the kids that
have the common cold and maybe doesn’t necessarily warrant seeing a doctor. They can treat it over the counter or something like that, but then they’re
going to be coming to school and pass that to the kids on the left and the kids
sitting on the right and so on from there,” he said.The previous policy had offered incentives for attendance by rewarding
students with a quarterly off-site lunch and the option to skip comprehensive
finals, something the board also questioned the relevancy of in the current
education system.Superintendent Corey Burton noted feedback in previous
years, indicating the importance of completing a comprehensive final in higher
education is less important than in previous years, as fewer classes require
it.But as an incentive, Haag said they could make a substantial difference.“That’s a strong incentive,” she said, “because
comprehensive exams terrify them. If you had to those students who already
struggle in school, that’s a big incentive to be in class, so they don’t have
to take those.”Later in the meeting, the board voted to adopt the junior/senior high school handbook, including the attendance incentive policy. Schiel made a
motion to approve the new handbook. Haag offered a second, and the board passed
the measure unanimously.The current policy only applies to high school students. Expanding the attendance incentives to junior high students will be discussed
with teachers and at next month's school board meeting.