[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6547258,"mediaKeyId","3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7","parentId",3800919,"title","Local nonprofits seek county support: Humane Society, Grohaze, Historical Society, Conservation District present requests","audioSeconds",3464,"startMs",495000,"endMs",3959000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7&start=495&end=3959","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7/thumbnail_495000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6547258/Ellis-County/Kansas/Local-nonprofits-seek-county-support-Humane-Society-Grohaze-Historical-Society-Conservation-District-present-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547258-b6ec0a5719774a2dcd1ccf82478f0295/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162549&Signature=NzQEs8RgPkx27wiEsA7cL4k6~MNsWWTy61W3Zvt2vcwN3vUNj6jae8f2~CsvPvRY~uzAV-1LD1aezY9hJOkBW-BUXKOwroMJm0mz0oJnVaSDW1fiXg6JG54Bfr2ASnZvUVn1zLpisJrS~~cYzobHnTRs~RH763l~lsJcjuQ6SMhy9saf42gxBl2Jz2Km5skpn~eYfy9wvkFXP9R1Q8p~Q3bo4lfdhmNkMi9uDpfd7sMKNXGZFwrPAG0icsH0CDzgbVYYjkvdwBoBQDEF2zr-espDtbAlbmcUHbKZJLgLt69xPsDdPwPg3ZDyFs6ewhqZDbnVJd61T27iIXU2ZbNKfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ellis County, KS","date","2025-06-10T15:41:19Z","article","Jessica Fried, representing the Humane Society of the High Plains, asked the commission to continue the shelter’s prior county allocation of $2,600 to help care for strays picked up in Ellis County. Fried said the shelter took in 54 dogs and 36 cats or kittens in 2024 from Ellis County strays and described the basic, non‑emergency care costs for that caseload as $10,620; she told commissioners only about 18% of those picked up were returned to owners and the remainder were placed for adoption. Fried also described the shelter’s practice of placing some animals on “manager approval” holds when additional vetting or medical care is required.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grohaze, told commissioners his organization requested $165,000 from the county—the same amount it received last year—and thanked the county for prior support. Williams said he circulated an updated request letter for the commission to review.

Amanda Rupp spoke for the historical society (agency name as presented in the packet) and reviewed past public funding and the organization’s recent capital work. Rupp said the society has increased private fundraising and capital campaigns to rehabilitate two county buildings; she said county support in recent years rose from prior levels but that she was seeking a larger allocation than what the packet showed for 2025. Rupp provided attendance and programming context and listed collaborative efforts with other local agencies.

Mary Heifer, chair of the Ellis County Conservation District, and Dustin Crowley, acting NRCS district conservationist, presented the conservation district’s budget request. Heifer said the district’s 2026 request included $61,896 for operations (the same as the prior year) plus $10,750 for the county cost‑share program, for a total requested allocation of $72,646. She said the district had 24 cost‑share applications totaling $170,740 for 2026 and that many projects requested were for terrace rebuilds, range plantings and water wells. Crowley told the commission the conservation district is required as a local partner for NRCS work and that federal programs like EQIP and CSP channel significant federal dollars into the county when local match and programs are in place.

Why it matters: The presentations outlined how county allocations leverage private and federal funds, support local services (animal control and historical/cultural programs), and sustain conservation practices on private land.

Follow‑up: Commissioners thanked presenters and asked routine budget and operational questions. No formal disbursement votes were taken at the meeting; requests will be considered during the county’s budget process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ellis County, KS Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Four local organizations—Humane Society of the High Plains, Grohaze, a historical society representative, and the Ellis County Conservation District—briefed the commission and requested or reviewed county funding levels.","taxTitle","Ellis County, Kansas","taxId",52148,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547265,"High Plains Mental Health asks Ellis County to help fund 22‑bed crisis center to reduce state hospital waits",760,1770000,2530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7&start=1770&end=2530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7/thumbnail_1770000.jpg","/articles/6547265/Ellis-County/Kansas/High-Plains-Mental-Health-asks-Ellis-County-to-help-fund-22bed-crisis-center-to-reduce-state-hospital-waits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547265-5ccde6e0f4d180153c28077664a149ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162549&Signature=a4AYCYy~0epSm2c52DYp3KlR8rZUL16xNcpFxUbmjQyCAvS~kGwPC6vdSJffoIAgHql3g8e15eaUhZpuVRMTiEQCr6FzgxcLkpv7MwcJsPSMOuw6RrJ7OpPTl~BqZQhnuSvWL8XcaHO4h0CevTFuK8Z4aE3wxfcC68JtFL1ieXUjxJotStotsRivbh4IGiCBemMBQN1UMN0vqtR6z5Q6eQ02f5RNszWzI72O7ixkYsU9Tm7ZX8uWStu6Ryg4i52VdJ292UUDX6d~r1r8kbPL1cDtoo5NO0dyshPW9qcAWyH0Lc5PFrPhnqtwp4hXgTSw~XPw6UjdObmSp2t6GNlZSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Craig Poe, a representative of High Plains Mental Health Center, told the Ellis County Commission the organization is seeking county support for a new 22‑bed crisis and sobering facility in Hays. “This facility is the only type that will be in any of the Western half of the state,” Poe said, and it is designed to provide short‑term care while people are stabilized.

Poe said the project under construction is a little over $5 million and would operate under a short‑term license similar to existing crisis stabilization units. He said the center would be licensed for 72‑hour holds and—unlike the center’s current services—would be prepared to take involuntary admissions when clinically indicated.

The request is tied to an interlocal funding model among 20 counties. Poe said the center’s packet showed that 224 Ellis County residents were screened for mental health crisis in 2024 and that the funding request presented to counties was intended to support those screenings and potential admissions. He described that model and the screening counts as the basis for the county share presented in the packet.

Why it matters: Poe told commissioners the new facility aims to reduce long waits for placement at Larned State Hospital. He said two people screened in Hays recently met criteria for the state hospital but waited more than two weeks for placement and instead remained under 24‑hour observation without the full psychiatric care they needed. That, he said, is part of the motivation for creating a local 72‑hour involuntary‑care option.

Details and local impact: Poe said the center expects to add about 50 direct jobs and estimated an associated regional employment impact of roughly 86 jobs in the Hays area through indirect effects. He described entry‑level behavioral health technician positions at roughly $19 per hour with benefits and said the facility will provide local career opportunities and retention of recent graduates.

The presentation described the planned facility as an alternative—not a replacement—to state hospitals. Poe cited results from a similar temporary facility in Lawrence, where he said around 98% of individuals who received services did not subsequently require state hospitalization.

Commissioners asked about funding mechanics, whether other counties would contribute, and how ongoing operating costs would be handled. Poe said High Plains is pursuing a mix of interlocal contributions, potential agreements with other regional community mental health centers, and other funding mechanisms; he said there were no finalized county commitments from the other counties at the time of the presentation. He also said the center is not asking the county to underwrite construction costs but is requesting operating support as the facility opens.

No formal county vote on a funding commitment was recorded during the meeting; the request remained under consideration and commissioners asked that staff and High Plains continue follow‑up conversations.

Ending: Poe concluded by asking commissioners to consider the packet and the potential service change for Western Kansas residents and to discuss funding for 2026 during upcoming budget deliberations.","High Plains Mental Health Center presented a request for county funding toward a planned 22‑bed, $5 million crisis and sobering facility in Hays that would provide up to 72‑hour involuntary care and reduce long waits for state hospital placement, saying 224 Ellis County residents were screened for crisis in 2024.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547246,"Votes at a glance: key actions by Ellis County Commission",6771,441000,7212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7&start=441&end=7212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7/thumbnail_441000.jpg","/articles/6547246/Ellis-County/Kansas/Votes-at-a-glance-key-actions-by-Ellis-County-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547246-7d044ccb4a39fb7b4782e5731c048079/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162549&Signature=HJ9uOiw5d6QNH5nVLIyN7DIW73-~pWX2m6Bhn56kC82SQ0qi~lq2EA2CeGxy927XvY5rUrDNzom3NePE2KRPevg4zVm6ueQRHtSFBUOArIkmcukHiU3Lsyu6NYRy6khoyYA3H639AAWtS1nmnJS0AthRxO2-d~6MiupILDWqTSy1Xnm7h7It1wgU1owW1W7H3aIiaQ3NZJrGnBqv6f8Vyj3ZhA2lGabvKjaLuoEb-u8cSx6UDkr04~zj0OyRk~kckg4dilBm1kapY5F9cCk~~fPqZoLLkXlcJ4tXaL9WoHid-eELdSqCn5jaZmkdyQ772jJi943Cq3ADqE7ED3--9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ellis County Commission recorded the following formal actions during the meeting.

Votes and formal actions (summary)
- Consent agenda (items a–g): approved 3‑0.
- PO 79 25 — reconstruction of the East Main Street approach to Highway 40 (Victoria): motion to approve carried (vote recorded as passing; outcome recorded in meeting packet).
- PO 7 9 2 4 — purchase order to Ergon Asphalt and Emulsion Incorporated for Catherine Road reconstruction materials: approved 3‑0.
- Planning and zoning reappointments — David McDaniel and Mason Reuter (three‑year terms beginning 07/01/2025): approved 3‑0.
- Resolution 2025‑10 — Ellis County secured loads policy (landfill): approved 3‑0 (education period through 2025; full enforcement effective 04/01/2026).
- Special alcohol fund disbursements — allocations recommended by the Care Council (Smoky Hill Foundation and Dream Inc.): approved 3‑0 to distribute the county’s special alcohol funds as recommended.
- Resolution 2025‑11 — 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for county pay scales, contract positions and elected officials, effective with the June 22 pay period: approved 2‑1.

What the tallies mean: Several items were approved unanimously. The COLA adjustment passed on a 2‑1 vote after discussion about economic uncertainty and budget timing.

How to find details: The county packet and the meeting minutes list the full purchase order numbers, the text of the adopted resolutions, and supporting materials for the road and landfill items. Commissioners noted staff will follow up on implementation steps where applicable (procurement for landfill camera and signage; scheduling and contracting for road projects).

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to proceed with the approved purchases, prepare implementation plans for adopted resolutions, and return any items that require additional legal or budget adjustments to a future agenda.","At the meeting commissioners approved a set of purchases, appointments and resolutions. Notable votes: adoption of secured loads policy (Resolution 2025‑10) 3‑0; 2.5% COLA (Resolution 2025‑11) approved 2‑1; purchase orders for road projects approved; special alcohol fund disbursements approved 3‑0; planning commission reappointments approved 3‑0.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547251,"Commission adopts secured‑loads policy for landfill; education period through 2025, enforcement April 1, 2026",526,4675000,5201000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7&start=4675&end=5201","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7/thumbnail_4675000.jpg","/articles/6547251/Ellis-County/Kansas/Commission-adopts-securedloads-policy-for-landfill-education-period-through-2025-enforcement-April-1-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547251-6c61372ce6397bd47a8cb5177e1cc152/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162549&Signature=C70nUhGNmf99JZ0Sr2X8hzMSLQKNdrIdXlKiFhoMC9CRrKJBL3eJjRuRXd~8MSp29WModRTz8Tz3g4uqCz1l0~9pSs6EhRcbl-QdlBiW77DuDOpnZRZtimhgGKl72J9D5zKEXm4l0VBdHm7kVmNWqhj8o6zd0he6yysccyLMRc-amzhBFiuH2ycM3DYtOn3ydzT1MHe9mVP2uVkNM3ylFSp6QWn4QON8k9Rzs1QQd9i7hTSBngsimNoMDPlBBi1Qo3n3fBuNJw3~faKCH1M5iiUEanW30ap8O3IVh923mGV5ANHzFSfkPPD9H1fKCwENX-50aSC7nkW2MmAo0VhI-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Justin Greg, environmental services director, presented a proposed resolution to establish a secured loads policy at the Ellis County Landfill. Greg said the policy’s purpose is not to raise revenue but to reduce debris on public roads and keep landfill access areas clean. “The purpose of this policy would not be to increase revenue at the landfill,” he said.

Key provisions presented:
- A secured load is defined as material that is covered, tarped, tied, bound or otherwise contained to prevent materials from spilling or escaping during transport.
- If an attendant determines a load to be unsecured and a roadway hazard, the landfill fee would be increased by a 50% surcharge over the applicable disposal rate as a penalty for an unsecured load.
- The county will run an education and awareness period through the remainder of 2025; targeted enforcement with discretion would begin during a three‑month window, with full enforcement set for April 1, 2026.
- The landfill will add signage on 50th Street and at the scale house and plans to install a camera to allow attendants to view loads on the scale and retain video for dispute review.

Toby Doherty, Hays city manager, told commissioners the city supports the resolution and will assist with public outreach; Greg said city residents bringing tree limbs to the landfill would retain the existing free disposal benefit only if their loads are secured.

County counselor Bill Jeter advised that where the new resolution differs from prior resolutions, the new language would supersede the earlier documents.

The commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑10. The board approved the measure 3‑0 and directed staff to carry out an education campaign and to begin staged enforcement up to the April 1, 2026 full enforcement date.","The commission approved Resolution 2025‑10 establishing a secured loads policy for the Ellis County Landfill. Under the policy, attendants may assess a 50% surcharge for loads judged unsecured; the county will run an education period for the remainder of 2025 and begin fuller enforcement on April 1, 2026.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547254,"Commission amends agenda to discuss private roads and alleys; staff to bring detailed map next week",469,3288000,3757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7&start=3288&end=3757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800919-a6ae2436e95aa07aa3234de0c77ad7d7/thumbnail_3288000.jpg","/articles/6547254/Ellis-County/Kansas/Commission-amends-agenda-to-discuss-private-roads-and-alleys-staff-to-bring-detailed-map-next-week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547254-4dd59a7e062541d21edec9bf95c1798d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162549&Signature=GnnJWHH-EAX3WcmxuTmM4UpNdi8l13NzhC5RzKUUWn0X4ff4U~0bVITRrFybj1USQtXbymY-flm5FGDCOePOfyLRh17Bo11roPMgXVmaI~du4ftNJfr98cRGtMY9tudTarr1L2DOyqTN4fzARTDsKrL7bDafEtO26k4N3LuqOfBpyF9ERAaYhvIhzCsYAh2IEdwcKqLx7hYJpfLoGlCd3yQZo-Iitzib4OF6SIhwp7LPbK20pn5ILC8yxCCJ1V1dV8yP9FuOpz-f0eul0jn7cTfide~DE4r9P1xy3JmmhH8OEMCkTUQ4meEJl7Q7b~k9nIY3Rf2CC467OViPJG75fA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ellis County Commission amended an agenda item originally listed as Wiles Road to a broader discussion of private roads and alley maintenance and directed public works to return with more detailed information.

Public works staff described three common situations the county is encountering: platted rights‑of‑way that were never built or opened; roadways the county has maintained at times but for which no record of an official opening exists; and roadways that function as private driveways although public right‑of‑way may appear in parcel maps. Staff said the county does not build new alleys or unbuilt roads in platted developments and generally will not repair utility work in alleys—the utility provider is expected to restore the alley where they excavate.

Bridal McCabe, identified in the record as public works director, told commissioners a 10,000‑foot overview map will be presented at the next meeting and that each disputed roadway would need individual review to determine whether it should be acquired, opened, maintained, or vacated. McCabe noted some platted but unbuilt rights‑of‑way cannot simply be vacated because doing so could landlock parcels.

Commissioners asked staff to pause any immediate, district‑wide policy changes or abrupt shifts in maintenance practice until the subdivision item and the more detailed road‑status map are reviewed; the board agreed to continue the debate at the next meeting.

Ending: Staff will bring the map and additional analysis to the commission at the next meeting for further direction.","Ellis County commissioners amended an agenda item on Wiles Road to a broader discussion of private roads and alleys. Public works staff said the county does not build unbuilt platted roads or maintain most alleys; commissioners asked staff to compile maps and review individual roadways before any policy changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local nonprofits seek county support: Humane Society, Grohaze, Historical Society, Conservation District present requests

High Plains Mental Health asks Ellis County to help fund 22‑bed crisis center to reduce state hospital waits

Votes at a glance: key actions by Ellis County Commission

Commission adopts secured‑loads policy for landfill; education period through 2025, enforcement April 1, 2026

Commission amends agenda to discuss private roads and alleys; staff to bring detailed map next week