By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A new Ellis County Health Director was formally appointed during Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.
Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller was selected after a search process that involved reviewing multiple applicants. She began working with the health department on Feb. 24.
Miller is a Tribune native who launched her public health career as the office manager at the Greeley County Health Department.
“It’s been an easy transition, and I look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.
Kerry McCue has been serving as the part-time health director and assisting Miller. He will continue to provide support until March 13.
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Health Department welcomes new director
Road repairs
The county commission approved road repairs and improvements for 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway.
The 48th Street repairs include milling down existing asphalt and applying new asphalt lifts. Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway will also receive asphalt lifts.
The total cost of both projects is $907,532. The city of Hays will contribute $377,000, approved at the Feb. 27 City Commission meeting.
Additional enhancements include installing culverts, reshaping ditches and applying a prime seal.
Northwest Homeland Security project update
Ellis County is receiving funding from the Northwest Home Security Council for multiple emergency response improvements.
Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, discussed with commissioners the purchase of a pickup truck for a mobile water supply trailer and the replacement of an aging UTV for EMS operations.
In 2020, Ellis County acquired a mobile water supply trailer for wildfire response. Homeland Security funding was recently secured for a pickup truck to transport the trailer.
The pickup will have a radio, lights, siren, PA system, pull-out bed tray and a topper. The vehicle is expected to be delivered in 2026.
Used excavator request
The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division requested approval to purchase a used 2021 Caterpillar, which is expected to be more effective than the county's current 2005 CAT excavator.
Commissioner Nathan Leiker said local contractors use older equipment, and the Road and Bridge Division should be able to do the same.
“If they can make that equipment run, we should be able to make it run as well,” Leiker said.
The commissioners agreed to monitor their budget and explore alternatives, as the cost of the used 2021 Caterpillar amounts to $218,000.
Other business
The commission approved a bid from APAC Kansas Inc. to produce cold mix asphalt for the 2025 asphalt maintenance plan. The material will be used for road overlays and patching to maintain county roadways.
The commission also approved a 3.7-acre lot split request for land in Hays from Platinum Group owner Adam Pray.