What kind of improvement does the city of Hays want for our airport? I'm sorry; I forgot to mention this was for the Oberlin Kansas city airport. More than 20 people from Decatur County drove 115 miles to Hays to meet with Secretary Miller, because they need a 2,000-foot extension on their runway.

Why did they drive to Hays? The plane, owned by the state of Kansas, couldn't land there. The runway is too short. Point made.

But the reason they need the extension is for a bus manufacturing company, Bus and Coach International, that does business in Decatur County. They need to fly folks and freight in and out; and they need more runway for bigger planes to land and take off. This could lead to the company's expansion, not to mention ancillary businesses that have an interest for moving to the area. Oberlin and Decatur County can be quite proud of the presentation their area leaders gave to Secretary Miller.

In gathering a little background, I visited with Connie in the Decatur Counter eco-devo office and Oberlin city manager Gary Shike. Both were quite helpful and happy to give credit to the entire area for the support of this project. When I remarked to Connie about the 115 mile drive, she told me over 30 people had driven to Kansas City to meet with the FAA. She added, "They were impressed, too."

Although some western Kansas towns are in danger of shutting down, Oberlin won't go without kicking and screaming. And if what I saw last week is any indication, they are going to be around for a long time. Congratulations and good luck.

* * *

On the other side of the coin, I attended a chamber luncheon earlier in the day and Secretary Miller was the speaker. It was billed that she would outline the duties of her office, allowing time for comments from community leaders for suggestions on the upcoming 10-year highway plan.

This is the person that is going to guide legislation that will hand out concrete for the next ten years. To me, I would think that would be an important meeting to attend for a city/county official. I know there were representatives from communities from at least 60 miles away.

The chamber has a custom of introducing the elected officials that attend their meetings. Representatives Dan Johnson and Eber Phelps were introduced, along with Sheriff Ed Harbin. Our state senator, Janis Lee, sent her regrets, as she is recovering from hip replacement surgery (getting ready for door-to-door in 2008). Jerry Haley, 3rd District commissioner for the Kansas Highway Advisory Board, also attended and introduced Secretary Miller.

I was a bit surprised that not one Hays city or Ellis county elected official (besides the good sheriff) was in attendance. Not one Hays city or Ellis County staffer attended. Was it a communication thing? Just curious.

* * *

Speaking of communication. If you are going to invite 1,000 or more folks to party with you, shouldn't you have a bathroom or two for them? More then a few people were miffed to find out (the hard way) there were no porta-potties this year at FHSU Tailgrate. When they tried to get in the gate, they were told they needed a ticket.

I had my ticket, but some people met there to barbecue with friends and family and had no intention to attend the game. I have no problem with the absence of porta-potties or with charging admission to go to the bathroom (as long as there is no one tapping their foot in the next stall), just advertise it as such. You know, something like "must have football game ticket to pee." One person who tried to get in the gate explained to the ticket taker there were no porta-potties and she had to go to the bathroom really bad. The reply, "That's not my responsibility."

Otherwise, it was great party; and hopefully next year, there will be porta-potties or better communication on the bathroom situation.

* * *

Topeka was well-represented in Hays last Friday. Besides the aforementioned Secretary Miller and Jeremy Anderson, Secretary of Revenue Joan Wagnon was in Hays for a meeting of area city officials and also met with a local business owner on some of his concerns. She was joined by her husband, Kansas State School Board Chairman Bill Wagnon. Bill visited Hays High School, met with Superintendent Fred Kaufman and was interviewed by members of the local media.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has always said she is committed to western Kansas. Her actions and those of her administration are proof that it is so much more then lip service.

(Also posted to the Hays Daily News)