In early November, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a pavement repair project on a 500-foot section of K-7 at Girard. K-7 will be closed to traffic north of K-47. A state route detour will be signed on K-47, U.S. 69 and K-39 (see map).
Project activity includes repairs to the base drains and replacing the water lines and pavement. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $388,686 to Mission Construction, St. Paul. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by mid-December.
Persons with questions may contact KDOT Pittsburg Area Engineer Kyler Farmer at (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details.
Minimum-custody Inmate Joshua W. Renfro Who Walked Away from Lansing Correctional Facility Apprehended
~LCF Walkaway Apprehended Without Incident~
TOPEKA –
Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro has been apprehended.
Renfro was taken into custody Monday night, October 24, 2022, by law enforcement officials in Leavenworth County. He was arrested on the KDOC escape warrant without incident.
Renfro had been placed on escape status after he walked away from the minimum-security unit at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) on October 24, 2022.
No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. Serving only males, the facility maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start a survey at the Little Sugar Creek drainage culvert on K-52 in Linn County the week of Oct. 17. The culvert is approximately 1 mile west of the K-7/K-52 junction (see map).
The survey area of 2,500 feet is based on the existing alignment. Survey crew members will gather information for a future culvert replacement project. KDOT expects the survey to be complete by Dec. 30.
Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property. John Lilak of Bartlett & West will manage the survey for KDOT. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
Jason Anglin, CEO of NRMC,announcesthatafter many months of discussions and planning that Nevada Medical Clinic is to become a part of Nevada Regional Medical Center. At the August meeting, the Nevada Regional Medical Center board of directors votedto approve the Nevada Medical Clinic becoming a hospital clinicand toconsolidateoperations with the clinic andits physicians.The decision was made after months of research anddetailed analysis. Inearly2022, Drs Jennifer Conley and Heather Russell, of theNevada Medical Clinic approachedhospital administrationwith their intent to change their business model.They explained that theyhadexplored options for theirfutureincluding:closing the clinic and finding new positions elsewhere, acquisition of the clinic by an outside health system,and acquisition by Nevada Regional Medical Center. “Themedical delivery system andfinancial structure have changed significantlyover the years.Now, government payments are extremely unfavorable for independentphysiciansanddramatic increases in medical liability and health insurance premiumshave made continued private ownership of Nevada Medical Clinic no longer financially viable,”said Dr.Conley. Nationwide, the percentage of physician–owned practices hassteadily declined as more doctors are seekingemployment.“More than half of all physicians in the United States are now employed,” said Holly Bush,Chief Quality Officer at NRMC. “And that number continues to rise every year.” “Those physicians who wererecruited to Nevada Medical Clinic in the past fourteen years left after three to five years for employment models,”said Conley.“A large number of local physicians retired from their practices between 1999 and 2015. This has caused the workforce to decrease from as many as twelve physicians to the current five. There is no real prospect for adding more physicians without a change in structure.” Presented with this dilemma, hospital administrators worked with outside consultants to research the riskassociated with losing the neighboring clinic andtodevelopa financialanalysistodetermine the feasibility ofsaving the practice. “What we found in our assessment was that the loss of the Nevada Medical Clinic and its physicians would be detrimental to healthcarein our community. Strategically, working together with Nevada Medical Clinic is critical to NRMC. We had to find a way to keep these services here,”saidAnglin. “Acquisition by an outside health system wouldrequire the physicians maintain outpatient–only practices with cessation of obstetric services. Maintaining OB services is essential for NRMC to continue to qualify for the disproportionate share hospital program (DSH) and for the pharmacy 340B program. Together those programs provide over $5 million to NRMC every year. A loss of these programs jeopardizes NRMC survival.Working together with Nevada Medical Clinic physicians allows NRMC to continue tomaintainthese essential programs.
From a communityservice perspective, OB isvital to our community as all of the nearby hospitals have closed their units. Without OB in Nevada, our residents would have to travel a significant distance to deliver their babies. It is time to recruit new obstetric physicians for NRMC, but this process is lengthy, challenging, and very expensive. We cannot let the doctors we have here go, stated Anglin.”The clinic wouldalso provideNRMC with added space for recruitment of other physicians. Currently, the long–term care facilities in Nevada rely on theclinicphysicians for medical care and medical directorships.Loss of this coverage could be detrimental to these, already struggling, entities. The financial pro forma that was developedand presentedto the board showedthat additionof the clinic and employment of its physicians and staff is possible for NRMC, even under their current state of financialstrain. “We will be able to designate the Nevada Medical Clinic as aHospital BasedRural Health Clinic like our other campuses,” said Dana White, Chief Financial Officer at Nevada Regional Medical Center. “That designation is what makes the payment system from Medicare and Medicaid more favorable for a clinic.” “Despite our financialposition, we are compelled to make this transition with the Nevada Medical Clinic as we believe it is vital for the future of both organizations,” said Bob Beaver, Chairman of the NRMC board of directors.“Given the state of today’s healthcare system, this should help sustain great doctors in our community for many more years and give us the space to recruit more.” Anglin stated,“We intend to move forward with as little disruption to the patients as possible. We found that Nevada Medical Clinic was a lean organization that operates very efficiently, which is what made this possible. It is our intention to continue with what works.” Nevada Regional Medical Center andNevada Medical Clinic are targeting for the transition to occur soon. ######################
Sept. 11, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Throughout September, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Nearly everyone will feel the ripple effects of suicide in their lifetime. Those left behind experience grief, sorry and, often, regret. But, repeatedly, experiences show that suicide is preventable when caught in time to help. To build awareness about suicide prevention, it’s essential to know the warning signs and risk factors.
10 Warning Signs
Depression: Frequently, suicide is accompanied by long-lasting sadness, despair and a feeling of hopelessness. People who seem to withdraw from family and friends or isolate themselves from usual social activities may be exhibiting signs they are thinking about ending their lives.
Untreated mental health condition: It’s common for people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mood disorders (along with other mental health conditions) to experience thoughts of suicide. It’s even more likely that people with undiagnosed or untreated issues may consider suicide.
Substance use: Any kind of substance abuse can increase the likelihood that a person may consider ending his/her life. When a person’s substance use increases or escalates in severity, it’s a strong warning sign that something is amiss and needs attention.
Reckless behavior: It’s a warning sign that someone may be having thoughts of ending their life when they begin engaging in reckless behavior or taking unnecessary and excessive risks, such as participating in unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. It’s especially worrisome when someone who normally acts with caution and care acts with reckless abandon without caring about the consequences.
Statements about suicide: People who say they want to die usually mean it. Anyone who says they are considering killing themselves is definitely at risk. Suicidal people may say they feel hopeless or they have no reason to live. Searching online for suicide methods or buying a gun can also indicate someone is a serious threat to themselves.
Final preparations: Making a will or setting up life insurance policies is responsible adulting. However, when someone sets about to making final preparations it may, also, be a sign they are planning to hurt themselves. Other indicators of final preparations might include: giving away prized belongings and informing others about their life insurance policies, will, burial arrangements or who will get their assets. Another sign can be making it a point to clean their house or garage, being sure to not leave any loose ends to burden their loved ones.
Unusual display of emotion/affection: A person who suddenly makes it a point to share their love and affection for a friend or family member may be showing a sign that they are considering suicide. Many times, people who are thinking of ending their lives will unexpectedly visit family members and friends and deliver an exaggerated goodbye when they see someone they care about. These behaviors can be signs they are in severe distress.
Trauma/life crisis: Many people who think about committing suicide have a history of serious childhood trauma; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; or bullying in their lives. It’s also common for those on the verge of ending their lives to have recently experienced some other circumstances that makes them especially vulnerable: the loss of a loved one; unemployment; money crisis; or a relationship break up.
Chronic/fatal health condition: Anytime someone is diagnosed with a severe health condition, it can impact their mental health. If they are in constant pain or discomfort, it increases the chances they’ve considered suicide. Many people worry about how their health condition will continue to affect them, fearing they will be/are a burden to their loved ones.
Sudden calm or cheer: It’s relatively common for someone contemplating suicide to seem suddenly calm, at peace and, maybe, in good cheer. But it can be a warning sign of suicide that someone who is usually anxious, depressed or upset is relaxed and good with the world. It’s extremely possible they are no longer at war with themselves and have settled on their decision to end their life.
There is not just one single warning sign that can help prevent suicide. But, by being aware and making connections with others, it’s possible to notice the signs that are very clear indicators that someone is not ok.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
The Women’s Health Fund (WHF) giving circles, the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) and the Circle of Friends Giving Circle (COF), are pleased to make available their annual grant opportunity to southeast Kansas nonprofits in support of the WHF mission to improve the health and wellbeing of women by supporting education, increasing awareness and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.
Please consider this mission statement as you complete your grant application.
There are two grant categories available from the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Funds. Grant requests greater than $2,000 are funded from the Women’s Giving Circle. Grant requests $2,000 or less are funded from the Circle of Friends Giving Circle.
In 2021, the WGC awarded $36,678 to 8 SEK non-profit recipients. Awards averaged $4,585 and ranged from $810 to $12,665. The COF awarded $7,100 to 4 recipients. Awards averaged $1,775 and ranged from $1,500 to $2,000. Projects in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, and Labette counties received funding from the two giving circles.
Project Expenses Typically NOT Funded:
Ongoing operating expenses/salaries/stipends/personnel costs
Mileage reimbursement or travel costs
Building /construction projects/capital improvements
Religious activities unless the project serves the general public regardless of religious affiliation
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Observes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
#BeThe1To
Sept. 1, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Suicide doesn’t discriminate. Suicide doesn’t care whether you’re young or old. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States with an average of 130 suicides daily. All month mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members, including Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, are observing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Organizations and communities will create awareness with tools and resources to empower people to make a difference and save lives. Special attention comes on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and during National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10) to share resources and promote suicide prevention awareness.
Many activities are planned throughout the region during the month of September. SEK Mental Health Center will be joining the effort by distributing awareness ribbons and bookmarks to area schools and local libraries, along with an active social media campaign.
How can Southeast Kansas Participate in other ways?
Use #BeThe1To1: Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center encourages community members to be the one to make a difference. Students, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, parents, friends – we can all be the one to listen, persuade and help. Use #BeThe1To in social media posts about suicide prevention awareness and tag SEK Mental Health Center. Also, feel free to post wearing your suicide prevention ribbon or the colors teal and purple in support of awareness.
Connect: Reach out to loved ones to show them you care. Check in through a text or a quick phone call just to say, “How are you?” or “Thinking of you!”
Know the signs and have the conversations: Learn the signs of mental health crisis or suicide indicators. It can feel awkward, but it’s essential to engage with those you see in distress. Learn more about the signs of and risk factors for suicide2.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
KCC grants NextEra public utility status to build a 94-mile Wolf
Creek to Blackberry transmission line, but with added conditions
TOPEKA – In a special business meeting August 29, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) granted a certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) to NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest, LLC, enabling the company to do business as a transmission only public utility in the State. The company filed an application for the certificate in February in order to construct a 94-mile, 345 kV transmission line from Wolf Creek to the Blackberry Substation, less than one mile over the state line in Southwest Missouri. The proposed line runs through five Kansas counties: Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford. The final route has not yet been approved by the Commission.
The Wolf Creek to Blackberry project was identified by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) as a necessary economic project to increase the transmission capability and relieve congestion from western Kansas east to SPP load centers. SPP is a regional transmission organization (RTO) mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices on behalf of its members. SPP serves 17 states, including Kansas.
In issuing today’s order, Commissioners agreed the project provides benefits for Kansans.
“Based on the testimony received, the Commission finds that the Transmission Project will have a beneficial effect on customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion and improving the reliability of the transmission system.”
Justin Grady, KCC Chief of Revenue Requirements, Cost of Service and Finance testified that Kansas customers could see an increase of $0.04 to $0.05 per month to cover the cost of the line beginning in 2025, but when the benefits of the project are considered, they should see a reduction of $4 to $7 for every dollar spent on the line over its 40 year operating life.
Grady also addressed misconceptions about the financing and purpose of the transmission line. He said the cost of the line will be allocated equally across the entire 14 state SPP region based on transmission customer load share. Kansas is paying 16.5% of the cost.
As for concerns that the line will be shipping nuclear or wind power out of Kansas to states outside of the SPP footprint, Grady said there is no evidence to support that.
While granting the certificate, the Commission imposed additional requirements and conditions on NextEra designed to protect ratepayers and to explore ways to minimize the impact of landowners along the proposed route. One of the conditions calls for NextEra to evaluate the feasibility of double circuiting the line with an existing 25-mile Evergy 161 kV transmission line and report back before a line siting application can be filed with the Commission. A double circuit line has two independent circuits on the same structure eliminating the need for an additional easement and reduces structure costs.
“The public interest of Kansans, especially including the landowners that would be affected along this portion of the preliminary route of the line, will not be served if this issue is not comprehensively reviewed by all parties before NEET Southwest files its line siting request with the Commission. To reiterate, failure to earnestly and completely review the double circuit option may result in a proposed route that the Commission cannot approve as reasonable, which the Commission wishes to avoid.”
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Volunteer Coach), Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 20-21 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties.
4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2022 Champion and 6th Overall Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Teams. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 3rd and Tate Crystal 10th after excelling in all contests.
The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Crystal, Dreher, Nemecek) was seated second after the test and was later named the Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (O’Brien, E. Yoho, G. Fry, Mueller) earned 3rd best team.
The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 228 contestants and 43 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Crystal, Nemecek) was 4th in Sheep; 2nd in Hogs; 1st in Cattle and 1st in Reasons and named Third Team Overall. Southwind #1 (E. Yoho, O’Brien, Hurt, Mueller) was 3rd in Sheep; 3rd in Hogs; 5th in Cattle; 5th in Reasons and named Fifth High Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:
The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and three sets of reasons. Southwind #2 (Crystal, B. Fry, G. Fry, A Yoho) was 1st in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 2nd in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and judging wool. Southwind #2 (Crystal, Dreher, O’Brien, A. Yoho) was 2nd in Exam, 1st in ID; and Champion Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:
Aidan Yoho – 1st Identification; 10th Exam; High Individual Overall
Tate Crystal – 3rd Identification; 3rd Overall
Haleigh O’Brien – 9th Overall; 7th Exam
This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Skillathon Team, Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team, 3rd & 5th Overall Livestock Judging Teams, and Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.
Southwind District 4-H’ers following the awards presentation. Pictured left to right is MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, and Seth Shadden.
Southwind District 4-H’ers won the Intermediate Kansas 4-H Meat Judging Contest held at Weber Hall on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. The intermediate participants were Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, MaKinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton and Seth Shadden.
The contest classes consisted of 30 retail cut identification; 3 classes of pork wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; 3 classes of beef wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; and 2 sets of 5 questions.
Results for the 4-H’ers are as follows:
Team: High Team Overall, High Team Retail ID, 2nd High Team Placings, 2nd High Team Questions
Hailey Shadden: High Individual Overall, 2nd High individual Retail ID, 7th High Individual Placings, 9th High Individual Questions
Kendyl Bloesser: 2nd High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Retail ID, 5th High Individual Questions, 8th High Individual Placings
Makinlee Bloesser: 5th High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Placing, 5th High Individual Retail ID
Marley Sutton: 7th High Individual Overall, 4th High Individual Retail ID
McKinley Sutton: 11th High Individual Overall, 9th High Individual Retail ID
Seth Shadden: 26th Individual Overall
This group of 4-H’ers tried the contest last year and were 5th. As you can see, their hard work this year definitely paid off. Congratulations to our Southwind 4-H’ers.
From left to right; Bill Fiscus (TVDS CEO), Tricia Campbell (TVDS Special Projects Coordinator), Diane and Jeffrey Brown (prize winners), and Jeff Lassman (Steve Faulkner Ford).
The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 22nd Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing: Diane Brown of Oregon. Diane’s ticket was drawn from 1,725 entries on Friday, June 24th at 1:30 pm by TVDS Quality Enhancement Coordinator, Joanna Iden. Diane was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that she had won. Diane and Jeffrey Brown came to Chanute on August 17th to collect her prize. She is now the proud owner of a 2022 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck, purchased from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS.
Diane and Jeffery Brown. Submitted photos.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing. This year’s raffle drawing raised $18,300 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired six houses and one duplex. These thirteen houses are home to 62 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle
KCC approves settlement and financing order for Kansas Gas
Service to recover winter storm costs using low interest bonds
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a settlement agreement and financing order giving Kansas Gas Service (KGS) authorization to issue securitized bonds to recover $328 million in deferred costs and associated carrying costs resulting from the 2021 winter storm. The use of low interest securitized bonds is expected to save ratepayers $35 to $46 million compared to recovery through traditional rates.
The exact amount of the winter weather recovery charge KGS customers will see on their monthly bills won’t be determined until the bonds are issued. Variables include the length of term and interest rate based on current market conditions. It is estimated the monthly charge, to be labelled “Winter Event Securitized Cost” on customer bills, will range from $4.87 to $6.42 over seven to ten years. Without securitized bonds, ratepayers would see charges of $9.04 per month over five years or $13.90 per month over three years using traditional ratemaking.
During the winter weather event, the KCC ordered regulated utilities to do everything possible to continue providing natural gas service to its customers, defer the charges, and then develop a plan to allow customers to pay the unusually high costs over time to minimize the financial impact. The Commission emphasized it was in the public interest for KGS to incur the extraordinary costs to ensure the integrity of the gas system and ensure continuous service to its customers.
The 2021 Kansas Legislature later passed the Utility Financing and Securitization Act, which allows utilities to use securitized bonds to pay for extraordinary costs at more favorable terms than traditional financing.
Wholesale natural gas prices are not regulated by the KCC or any other government entity. The U.S. Congress deregulated natural gas prices back in the mid-1980s. Prices are market driven by supply and demand. The Commission has stated that any proceeds recovered by KGS resulting from state or federal investigations into possible market manipulation, price gouging, etc., will be passed on to customers.
