Kansas Corporation Commission announces workshop series on resource adequacy
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission has scheduled a series of informational workshops to discuss the topic of resource adequacy.
As renewable energy resources continue to grow nationwide and aging gas, coal and nuclear facilities are being retired, careful planning is required to ensure adequate energy generation and reliability in the event of extreme weather events. As part of this inquiry, the Commission recognizes the physical attributes of various generation options must be taken into consideration. These considerations include the intermittency of renewable resources, fuel availability and cost for thermal generation, and outage rates for all generation types.
KCC Utilities Director, Jeff McClanahan addressed these considerations in speaking before the Kansas House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications committee at the Capitol last week.
“How far can you go with renewable generation given the need for reliability? Given the variability within renewable generation, you can’t always count on it. For example, there is just not as much wind in the winter. You need dispatchable generation out there to balance it all out until we get to long term, longer duration battery storage or other technology that can provide that,” said McClanahan.
Each workshop will feature experts on resource adequacy sharing information and answering questions from KCC Commissioners and staff.
The current workshop schedule appears below with additional dates to be added:
January 25 9 – 11 a.m. Black and Veatch
February 8 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Midwest Reliability Organization
Heartland CEO appointed to National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative Board of Directors
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mark Scheibe will advocate for the technology needs of cooperatives in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming following his election to the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) Board of Directors representing District 7.
NRTC is a national cooperative that helps rural electric and telephone providers deploy advanced technology solutions in rural communities. Scheibe said he is particularly interested in helping cooperatives leverage smart grid technologies to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid.
“NRTC has always been there for major technology decisions at every co-op I’ve been at,” Scheibe said. “Whether it’s advanced metering infrastructure, solar, battery technologies, or electric vehicles, they’re always there to provide support and help solve problems.”
Scheibe said his background in data analytics and engineering lends him a unique perspective. He sees many opportunities for cooperatives to make better use of the data and streamline operations through automation of repetitive tasks.
“I want to ensure people are able to do the hard work once to get things automated and then reap the rewards in the future,” Scheibe said.
Scheibe was elected to the District 7 seat, which became open in 2021 upon the retirement of Dale Short as CEO of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in El Dorado, by vote of the other NRTC board members, who considered several impressive cooperative leaders and conducted interviews prior to their vote. His election was effective January 13, 2023, and his term continues until March 2025.
“Mark’s track record of deploying technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid is impressive,” said NRTC Board Chairman Tim Mergen, CEO and General Manager, Meeker Cooperative Light & Power Association in Minnesota. “We look forward to his contributions to the Board as NRTC continues to drive technology innovation on behalf of its members.”
Scheibe is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Iowa State University. Prior to coming to Heartland, Scheibe worked his way up from Distribution Engineer to Director of Engineering for Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative in Anamosa, Iowa.
Prior service on local, state, and national boards and committees includes:
Board member for Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush
Trustee and Executive Committee Member for Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.
Chairman of Loss Control, Safety, and Compliance Committee for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
Member of Strategic Technology Advisory Council for the Business and Technology Strategies area of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Scheibe is also an avid long-distance cyclist. He lives with his wife and two children in rural Crawford County, Kansas.
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in southeast and eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes consumer-members in 12 counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.
Heartland REC is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative that traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives: Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association, and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association. Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company joined with Sugar Valley in 1975 to form United Electric Cooperative; United Electric Cooperative joined with Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in 1996 to form Heartland.
James Erwin Golden, Sr., age 69, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born April 9, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Royal S. Golden and Elsie L. Foote Golden.
James grew up and attended school in Denver, Colorado. He served with the United States Army from 1975 to 1979 where he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. While with the Army, James served with the Military Police and also did photography work.
Following his time with the Army, Jim moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas to pursue a career in truck driving. He married Connie Hayes and they had two sons, James Jr. and Daniel. For the majority of his life, James worked in the trucking industry where he was able to travel throughout the country. For a time while his sons were in high school, James worked for the Water Treatment Plant in Ft. Scott, but later returned to trucking. Following his retirement, James loved to drink coffee and spend time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his two sons, James E. Golden, Jr. and Daniel Golden (Joyce) all of Ft. Scott; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Also surviving are three brothers, John, Dean and Dale Golden and a sister, Colleen Schmersal.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren and his former wife, Connie.
Following cremation, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the James Golden Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Wade Douglas Young, age 69, resident of Fort Scott, KS, gained his Heavenly wings surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Medicalodges Fort Scott. He was born October 10, 1953, in Fort Scott, the son of Marion and Lena (Kerr) Young. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Johnson on August 26, 1982, in Fort Scott on the steps of the church. They cherished each other for 40 years and from their union came beloved daughter, Kimberly Young.
Never knowing a stranger, you would usually encounter Wade with a smile on his face or offering a helping hand to someone in need. He could be found at the dirt track rooting for Bolin, donning his blue and orange for the Denver Broncos, cheering on the Fort Scott High School football team, singing to some Motown oldies, or waving as he cruised around town with Mary by his side. He was also a very adoring father, grandfather, and friend.
Those left to treasure his memory are his wife, Mary; his children, Kimberly Young (Brett), Cyress Alexander (Todd), Wade W. Young (Rusty); step-sons, Shawn Judson (Becky), Larry Judson (Tasha); bonus daughters, Chelsea Zandler, and Danielle Wisely (Shawn); twelve grandchildren, Keegan, Nicholas, Wade, Bekah, Elisha, Mary, Benjamin, Jonathan, Donathan, Darian, Gabrielle, and Alessandra; five great-grandchildren, Savannah, Whitney, Melissa, Moses, Rhysland Wade, and another on the way; siblings, Nellie Satterfield (Terry), sister-in-law Eloise Young, Wayman Young (Linda), Floyd Young, brother-in-law Frank Davis, Rodney Young, and Rhonda Warren (Ike).
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Loretta Young, Mary Anne Young, Janice Ray, Goldie Young, Junior Young, and Teresa Davis.
There was cremation. No public services are planned.
The guestbook is available to sign at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Wade Young Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Property Tax Relief Just a reminder from my update last week about tax relief programs passed by the legislature last year that the applications are now available. The link for the application for property tax relief for low income seniors and disabled veterans is posted at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf and the application for some property tax relief for businesses shut-down or negatively impacted by the Governor’s shutdown during COVID is at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront You may also call KDOR at 785-368-8222 or e-mail [email protected] with questions about the programs and applications.
Official Website of the Kansas Department of Revenue
Sales Tax Holiday on School Supplies The Senate Tax Committee held hearings to establish one weekend in the year that “school supply” purchases could be exempt from state sales tax. Years ago, myself and others worked on this legislation. As a result, Fort Scott created a local sales tax holiday and have been doing so for over 10 years. Many Kansans go to Missouri and Oklahoma to make these purchases. It would not only help families with students, all persons purchasing the supplies on the defined weekend would qualify for the exemption if the bill becomes law as written.
Income Tax Savings , We passed a law last year allowing a workaround from a federal tax law that capped State and Local Tax (SALT) itemized deductions at $10,000, and our law provided a path for Kansans to take these deductions on approximately $130 million dollars. Basically, it saved Kansans on their federal tax returns while not impacting the amount of state or local taxes collected. It was reported to the Senate Tax Committee that some members of the U.S. Congress are trying to remove the $10,000 cap, but until it is removed there is still a workaround in Kansas.
Government Picking Winners and Losers In Senate Commerce Committee and the Joint Post Audit Committee there were presentations on big business tax incentive programs. Twenty-eight companies were selected to respond to questions, such as “would you have proceeded with their project as planned, even without the incentive?” Of the respondents, 11 (37%) said they would have preceded with the project – the incentives did not affect their business decision. Instead of government picking ‘winners and losers’, we should try to level the playing field and lower taxes for all, making Kansas a competitive market for business and individuals to be successful. The full report can be found at:
Some friends and I put our heads together and made a list of all the different “houses” we could think of. We came up with 40, but I’m sure there’s a bunch more. My top picks were: jailhouse, big house, doghouse, tree house, bunkhouse, well house, smokehouse, outhouse, slaughterhouse, dollhouse, and beach house. My folks’ place had several outbuildings and one of them was a tiny two-room structure nestled behind the lower garage. The right side was the well house and the left side was the smokehouse. The room on the left could’ve been called the storehouse because we didn’t smoke meat in it, we just used it to store stuff.
The Bible states that God has storehouses. “How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world” (Psalm 31:19 NLT). God delights in storing up good things for His children. This makes perfect sense, because I do the same thing for my three little granddaughters. I have a drawer where I stash items I buy in advance to give to them at the appropriate time. God says, “I have been saving this, and I have it locked in My storehouses” (Deuteronomy 32:34 NCV).
The New Testament tells us that God has a house that’s beyond comprehension. John the Revelator tried to describe it, but we still can’t begin to imagine this glorious house. John Chapter 14 is a beloved text that’s often read at funerals, and rightly so. It encourages those who live in an earthly house now, and also gives hope for a beautiful heavenly home in the future. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-4 NKJV).
Several vocalists have recorded the spiritual, “Come and Go With Me.” My favorite rendition is performed by Christian artist Alicia Williamson. She communicates these lyrics with a big smile — like she knows what she’s singing about: “Come and go with me to my Father’s house…there is joy, joy, joy. Peace and happiness there in my Father’s house…there is joy, joy, joy. No more dyin‘ there in my Father‘s house…there is joy, joy, joy.” The invitation to go to God’s house was sent out 2,000 years ago in the form of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Because of the Father’s unfailing mercy, there’s no expiration on the RSVP as long as the individual can think and breathe.
In 1963, when my Grandpa Hayward was dying in the arms of his grandson Dwain, he said he saw angels. Although I wasn’t there and didn‘t see these heavenly beings, I believe they were there just like he said. I have no problem believing that Grandpa was carried by angels to his Father’s house. According to the following scripture, Jesus tells us that when believers die the angels bring them into God’s presence. “One day poor Lazarus died, and the angels of God came and escorted his spirit into paradise” (Luke 16:22 TPT).
The Key: When life’s timer goes off, believers are escorted by angels straight to the Father’s House.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:January24, 2023 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT9:00AM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes •Approvalfor Accounts Payable •Eric Bailey–Road &Bridge Report •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer •Shane Walker–ChiefOperatingOfficer •Justin Meeks–County Counselor •Bill Martin–Discussion of Investigation by County Attorney •Public Comment •Commission Comment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agencywhich would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting December 12, 2022 PRESENT:John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson ALSO PRESENT:Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall meeting rooms. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR:Chairman Bartelsmeyer shared wishes for a safe break, and thanked all employees. He said he is proud of them and what they do for the college. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:None. CONSENT AGENDA:A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and approved by unanimous vote to add two items for Action/Discussion:
1) Consideration of Sublease Agreement between SEK-CTEC and FSCC and 2) Consideration of Donation of Items to the Legacy Group.
A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS: A.A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Tom Havron as the Title IX Coordinator. B.A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Sublease Agreement between SEK-CTEC and FSCC. C.A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the donation to the Legacy Group of items that will be identified by John Bartelsmeyer and Luke Demko. Any other Board member who wishes to participate shall contact Bartelsmeyer. No more than 3 members can participate in order to maintain compliance with KOMA statutes.
REPORTS: ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES:The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development, Instruction, Student Services, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, Athletics, and the President. Brian saw a graphic on facebook about FSCC’s economic impact on the community. The graphic came from last year’s annual report, and more info like that will continue to be shared. Alysia addressed ERP challenges. FSCC is one of 12 schools in the nation that uses our current system. ADJOURNMENT:There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:28 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote.
January 23, 2023 Board of Trustees Fort Scott Community College 2108 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701 The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session onMonday, January 23, 2023. The meeting will be heldin Cleaver-Burris-Boileau HallatFort Scott Community College. 5:00 p.m.Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, followed by regular board meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m. THE AGENDA 5:00DINNER 5:30ROLL CALL,3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER, 4 A.Comments from the Chair, 4 B.Comments from the Public, 4 CONSENT AGENDA, 5 A.Approval of Agenda, 5 B.Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on December 12, 2022, 6 C.Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims,7 D.Approval of Personnel Actions, 5 ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 52 A.Approval of 2023-24 Academic Calendars, 52 B.Consideration of Heavy Equipment Simulators Purchase, 55 ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 58 A. Correspondence for Review, 58 REPORTS,60 A.Administrative Updates, 60 EXECUTIVE SESSION,73 ADJOURNMENT,741
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES: •January 23, 2023:Board Meeting •February 20, 2023:Board Meeting •March 13 – 17, 2023:Spring Break, Campus Closed •March 20, 2023:Board Meeting •March 24, 2023:Aggie Day •April 7, 2023:Good Friday, Campus Closed •April 17, 2023:Board Meeting •May 13, 2023:Graduation •May 15, 2023:Board Meeting •June 19, 2023:Board Meeting Sincerely, John Bartelsmeyer, Chair Alysia Johnston, President FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
CALL TO ORDER A.COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR B.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
CONSENT AGENDA A.APPROVAL OF AGENDA B.APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on December 12, 2022. C.APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report. D.APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Separations a)Abbey Schwab, Admissions Representative, effective January 13, 2023 b) Chelsea Goff, Assistant Cheer/Dance Coach, effective January 15, 2023 c)Tommy Myers, CTEC Director, effective January 20, 2023
E.APPROVAL OF GORDON PARKS BOARD MEMBER ACTIONS 1) Additions a)Destry Brown, effective January 9, 2023 2) Separations a)Elouise Young, effective December 31, 2022
F.APPROVAL OF INSTITUTE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT (IDEA) BOARD MEMBERS 1) Additions a)Alysia Johnston b) Dave Elliott c)Juley McDaniel d) Cindy Bartelsmeyer e)John Farrell
RECOMMENDATION:It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
We have just barely dipped into winter and so far it’s not been too bad. Living in southeast Kansas, we all know that can change in the blink of an eye! We continue to be in a drought situation with the counties being classified in the severe to extreme drought categories. The extent of the drought on our landscape ornamentals will show up this spring. Unfortunately, the drought has already taken out some green giant arborvitae in the area.
More than likely, we still have the potential for extremely cold weather in the next month. How will it affect our landscape ornamentals? Of course low temperatures can directly damage plants, especially those that produce fruit. For example, fruit buds of peaches and nectarines are likely to be damaged at 5° to –5° F. Blackberries are generally damaged at temperatures near 5°F though some of the newer varieties can withstand temperatures to -10°F. Some fruit buds of apple cultivars, however, can survive temperatures as low as –20° to -25° F.
What about wind chills? Are wind chills harmful to plants? Not really. Wind chills have a huge effect on warm-blooded animals and their ability to keep warm. But plants do not respond to wind chills indexes because they do not need to maintain a temperature above that of the outside temperature. For example, a -40°F wind chill at 0 degrees F will not cause any more cold injury to plant tissue than a wind chill of -20°F at 0 degrees F.
However, the wind alone can dry out plant tissues. A high wind velocity can cause moisture loss from plant tissues and even cause enough loss to injure or even kill tissues, especially in smaller size wood that is found in peach tree twigs, apple spurs and blackberry canes.
Because we haven’t had moisture on a regular basis this fall and winter, landscape plants will need some additional water to survive. Any newly transplanted woody plants and evergreens should be high on your priority list for watering. Water all of the area from the trunk to the edge of the outermost branches and not just near the trunk. In order for the water to soak in, wait until the temperature is above freezing and the soil is unfrozen.
Landscapes have a tendency to be dark and rather drab this time of year. But certain kinds of plants can add color and interest to the winter landscape. If you’re looking to brighten your landscape in the winter, consider planting a red or yellow twig Dogwood shrub this spring. The Red Osier Dogwood has bright red young stems during the winter months that become even more intense closer to spring. The Yellow Twig Dogwood is much like the red except the twigs are bright yellow instead of red.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
