By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission approved an agreement for replacing a bridge over the Saline River on 125th Avenue during its meeting on Tuesday.
The design agreement is with Penco Engineering for a county bridge about 12 miles north and half a mile east of the city of Ellis.
The project is funded through a program that awarded the county’s Public Works Department about $4.36 million for construction and inspection. The grant also includes plans for replacing another bridge on Saline River Road and one on County Line Road.
The financial impact to the county is $110,000 for design and preliminary engineering.
Water well agreement
The commission approved an agreement granting AMP Rentals access to a county-owned water well in the northern part of the county, allowing for the well's use until a rural water meter is obtained from the Trego County Rural Water District.
Darin Myers, county administrator, emphasized the agreement does not tap into Trego County rural water and will give Adam Pray, with Platinum Builders, temporary access for an undetermined amount of time.
Commissioner Neal Younger asked for clarification on the duration of AMP Rentals' access. Pray said it could be years, but usage will be less than that of an average household.
"It should be a minimal amount of water," Pray said.
Pray is number 31 on the waiting list to get a water meter from the district. The property is on the north side of the land purchased for the new public works facility and yard.
The water will be used for limited business and personal purposes, with all expenses and compliance obligations covered by Pray or the future landowner.
Other business
Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling provided the oath of office to re-elected County Treasurer Vern Ruder, officially swearing him in for his next term. Ruder was re-elected in November 2024.
Commissioners approved a request to allow trailer, RV, and boat storage on a property along Toulon Avenue. The permit was recommended for approval by the Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission.
High Plains Mental Health Executive Director Craig Poe provided an update to the commission on the status of construction of the Crisis Intervention Center project, which remains on schedule.
Ellis County Historical Society Director Amanda Rupp provided an update on the organization’s ongoing projects, including progress on its buildings in Hays and Victoria, and preparations for the 150th anniversary of Volga German settlement in the county.
Monique Koerner and Karissa Frasier with the Cottonwood Extension District also updated the commission on recent and upcoming health and wellness programs.