Help For Saving Energy and Lowering Monthly Bills

KCC approves energy efficiency programs for Evergy customers

 

TOPEKA – In a 2 to 1 vote this morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission approved a settlement agreement pertaining to Evergy’s application for a Demand-Side Management (DSM) Portfolio featuring nine energy efficiency programs aimed at helping customers save energy and lower their monthly bills. Today’s decision is not related to Evergy’s pending rate case, which is a separate docket.

Discussions on the Energy Efficiency program application have been ongoing between Evergy, Commission Staff, and other stakeholders since the application was filed in December 2021. Agreement on the program offerings came relatively quickly. However, determining the best way to measure and fund the programs resulted in differing opinions.  Due to KCC staff concerns regarding potential cost, the Commission was presented with two proposals — a full slate of nine programs including PAYS® or a modified, lower cost option featuring only five programs.

The original nine-program offering was approved today with conditions attached to help ensure accurate performance measurements and fiscal accountability while avoiding duplication of funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act.  The approved settlement agreement is expected to have a total bill impact of less than 1-2% to implement and maintain the energy efficiency programs, while producing lower overall costs for customers in the long run. These costs will not appear on customer bills until mid-2025 at the earliest.

Commissioner Dwight Keen filed a dissenting opinion (included in the docket with today’s order) explaining his preference for a cost effective alternative DSM Energy Efficiency proposal that he believes provides substantial benefits to Evergy ratepayers at a significantly lesser cost, and more directly addresses his concerns regarding a possible duplication of incentives contained in the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Today’s order states:

“The Commission’s view of “just and reasonable rates” and “the public interest” is broader than immediate bill impacts. The Commission must evaluate not just the cost of programs, but also what customers are receiving for that cost. Here, customers are gaining access to programs that allow them to better control their energy usage and their bills. The Commission received very positive feedback from the public that they want access to these types of programs.

“While there is ample evidence that the system as a whole will benefit from the KEEIA portfolio, the Commission is also compelled to provide opportunities for low and fixed income customers to control their bills. In the Commission’s view, programs serving these communities make rates more just and reasonable for all. The continued absence of energy efficiency tools for these communities contributes to less just and reasonable rates.”

The order also references the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA) K.S.A. 66-1183, previously passed by the Kansas Legislature.

“Nearly ten years ago, the Kansas Legislature and Governor set State policy promoting the establishment of cost-effective energy efficiency programs. At that time, it became the policy of this State to help utility customers use energy more efficiently and in a manner that sustains or enhances those customers’ incentives to use energy more efficiently. The intent of this Order is to implement the goals of our State’s highest policymakers and ensure those Kansas residents and businesses with the greatest need to control their bills have options available to do so.”

The nine programs approved today include the following:

1) Whole Home Efficiency Program: Provides rebates, discounts, and on-bill financing for HVAC and building envelope measures in single and multifamily residences. It will also provide no cost energy assessments and discounted energy savings kits.

2) Home Energy Education Program: Helps rural and low-income customers use energy more efficiently through marketing, outreach, and education.

3) Home Demand Response Program: Helps customers reduce their energy use during peak demand periods. It also provides opportunities for customers to receive free thermostats and water heater controllers.

4) Hard-to-Reach Homes Program: Provides enhanced incentives, no-cost home upgrades, and no-cost energy assessments and savings kits for low-income and rural customers.

5) Whole Business Efficiency Program: Provides both variable and fixed incentives to help business customers install efficient equipment and building envelope improvements.

6) Business Energy Education Program: Provides tools, resources, and guidance for businesses interested in saving money on energy. The program focuses on small businesses.

7) Business Demand Response Program: Helps business customers decrease their energy usage during periods of peak demand.

8) Hard-to-Reach Businesses Program: Offers enhanced incentives to small businesses and non-profits.

9) Pilot Incubator Program: Creates a pathway to identify and evaluate new DSM program concepts to meet changing customer needs and integrate evolving technologies.

More details and the timeline for implementation will be shared as the programs are developed.

Today’s order is available here. A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

###

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023

I find it difficult to be around married couples who constantly correct each other’s stories.  Recently, Dave and I spent a couple of days with such a twosome. They both love the Lord and are bold in their faith, but that didn’t keep them from annoying me.

Conversations went like this:

He: So, we were on a 32-foot houseboat when we nearly rolled over.  We were…

She: It was a 30-foot houseboat.

He: Okay, but we were terrified that the storm—that came fast and out of nowhere…

She: We had a warning.  We saw the clouds in the distance but didn’t know it was as bad as it was.

He: You’re thinking of the time we were in our sailboat and we…

She:  No.  Remember, we had Jenn with us and she was five years old and she was hiding under the kitchen table.  The sailboat was another time.

He: No, it wasn’t.  When the lightning flashed, we were alone on the 32-foot houseboat.

My head was ping-ponging back and forth as I attempted to make eye contact with the person speaking.

The fact was, I didn’t care what kind or size of boat they were on.  I could see the frustration in the husband’s face who couldn’t say anything without being admonished.

The wife, for some reason, didn’t seem to mind as much when she was set straight.

But I did.

I understand that we are to love those who frustrate us, but is there a point where we speak up…in love, of course?  Usually, I can make a joke to point out other’s offensive behaviors, but if they aren’t close friends, is that my place?

Our goal is to become more like Christ.  To “nit-pick” makes us nothing like him. So, shouldn’t I help this couple by pointing out how annoying their pattern is and how they will never have really close friends because they are so irritating? I need wise counsel on this.  I turn to God’s Word.

As I search Scripture for answers, I am directed to Matthew 7:3-5: Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Not the resolution I’m seeking, but I shouldn’t be surprised.

It seems that every time I set out to correct someone else’s flaws, I have to look in a mirror.  This time, however, I can disregard Matthew’s writing because correcting my hubby is not one of my problems.

Dave and I are to go to dinner with this couple tonight.  We discuss ways we can address this annoyance.

“Dave, maybe I could just come out and say, ‘Remember when you brought up the 32-foot houseboat that almost rolled over and were immediately set straight?”

“Well, Patty, you could do that, except the conversation started with his wife talking about an almost-accident she had on a jet ski when the storm came in.”

“Absolutely did not happen that way.  Remember she said it was 30-feet long?

“Maybe we’re not the ones who should try and help.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

 

 

Letter to the Editor by Pete Allen

 

I noticed in the agenda for the next commission meeting under item 10  of “New Business” is a proposal for discussion “Consideration of Old Fort Boulevard/Skubitz Plaza Maintenance and Beautification Project” proposed by Mayor Wells.

It is my belief that for Fort Scott to succeed as a tourist town, we must put our best foot forward and this would be a project that would fit in with our comprehensive plan toward promoting tourism for economic benefit.

When I went downtown last June and walked the bricks from 3rd Street to the Old Fort, I was appalled and embarrassed by the filth on the street, the dips and low spots in the bricks, the grass and weeds growing in the bricks and gutters, and I noticed the theme of the GOD’s was “walk the bricks”.

And then I walked the alley behind the buildings, and I saw filth and potholes that would break the leg of a horse if he stepped in it, and I wondered how we could ignore common housekeeping and maintenance.

It has been 50 years since Skubitz was built and the lack of maintenance shows the city has just been incapable of maintaining anything. I think back to the years when we had a water truck with spray nozzles on the front and every so often following a good sweeping it was used to wash the bricks and gutters into catch basins, getting the downtown ready for the inevitable and welcomed crowds of people coming to shop, socialize, and partake of movies and activities on Friday and Saturday nights.

My thanks to Mayor Wells for recognizing a need and for acting.

I just hope the other commissioners will recognize the need and push for this much-needed project. (I can even remember when farmers were chastised for bringing their muddy trucks to town and parking on the clean streets!)

Pete Allen

Southeast Kansas Library System Newsletter for Summer 2023

The SEKnFind Newsletter
Summer 2023

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

Save what’s left
by Elizabeth Castellano

Starting over in a small beach community on the east coast, Kathleen Deane discovers this picturesque town is not what it seems but just what she needs as she finds herself in an all-out war with her neighbors who are building a huge monstrosity next to her tiny cottage.

Just another missing person
by Gillian McAllister

While investigating the disappearance of 22-year-old Oliva, Julia, the detective heading up the case, discovers, to save her own family, she must not find out what happened to Oliva and must frame somebody else for her murder. 150,000 first printing.

The block party : a novel
by Jamie Day

“This summer, meet your neighbors. The residents of the exclusive cul-de-sac on Alton Road are entangled in a web of secrets and scandal utterly unknown to the outside world, and even to each other. On the night of the annual Summer block party, there has been a murder. But, who did it and why takes readers back one year earlier, as rivalries and betrayals unfold–discovering that the real danger lies within their own block and nothing–and no one–is ever as it seems”

California golden
by Melanie Benjamin

Two teens in 1960s California grapple with the unconventional path of their mother, who defies societal expectations as a talented female surfer, in the new novel from the New York Times best-selling author of The Children’s Blizzard.

The summer of songbirds : a novel
by Kristy Woodson Harvey

“Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process”

The déjá glitch : a novel
by Holly James

When she literally crashes into Jack one Friday morning, Gemma Peters gets a funny feeling of déjà vu until he tells her the unbelievable truth: they’ve lived this day over and over 147 times and to break the loop, she must fall in love with him in 24 hours. Original.

Mister Magic : a novel
by Kiersten White

Reuniting 30 years after a tragic accident ended their show Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members, who hold the secret of their close circle, the mystery of the beloved magical host and what really happened on that deadly last day, soon wonder if they’ve been lured into a trap.

The Splinter in the sky
by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

When her lover is assassinated and her sibling is kidnapped by Imperial solders, Enitan, using her fledgling tea business as cover, moves undetected through the Vaalbaran capital where she will learn just how far she’ll go to exact vengeance, free her sibling and secure her homeland’s freedom.

Shark heart : a love story
by Emily Habeck

When her husband Lewis, a few weeks after their wedding, receives a rare diagnosis—his physical body will gradually turn into a great white shark—Wren, struggling with his fate, finds his developing carnivorous nature activating long-repressed memories which forces her to make an impossible choice.

Fever house : a novel
by Keith Rosson

While collecting overdue drug money in a rundown Portland, Oregon apartment complex, Hutch Holtz discovers a severed hand in the client’s refrigerator and quickly realizes the body part induces uncontrollable madness and violence and sets catastrophic forces into motion.

Small town sins : a novel
by Ken Jaworowski

In a down-and-out Pennsylvania town, Nathan, a volunteer fireman who finds a secret stash of money; Callie, a nurse who risks her career to grant her young patient a final wish; and Andy, a recovering heroin addict who doles out vigilante justice, must face their troubled pasts—and their crimes—to have a future.

A month of doomsdays
by William W. Johnstone

Discovering a small band of rustlers are hiding stolen cows from other ranches among their herd, former lawman Ty Brannigan and his son Matt, while investigating, are drawn into the biggest heist in history and must race against time to stop it before innocent people die. Original.

New Audiobooks

All the Demons Are Here
by Jake Tapper

Two siblings, one an AWOL marine working off the grid for Evel Knievel and the other a star reporter, deal with the culturally weird events of 1977, including the Summer of Sam and the death of Elvis. 150,000 first printing.

Everyone here is lying : a novel
by Shari Lapena

“William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he’s been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter, Avery, unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper. Hours later, Avery’s family declares her missing. Who took Avery Wooler?”

The invisible hour : a novel
by Alice Hoffman

“One brilliant June day when Mia Jacob can no longer see a way to survive, the power of words saves her. The Scarlet Letter was written almost two hundred years earlier, but it seems to tell the story of Mia’s mother, Ivy, and their life inside the Community–an oppressive cult in western Massachusetts where contact with the outside world is forbidden, and books are considered evil. But how could this be? How could Nathaniel Hawthorne have so perfectly captured the pain and loss that Mia carries inside her? Through a journey of heartbreak, love, and time, Mia must abandon the rules she was raised with at the Community. As she does, she realizes that reading can transport you to other worlds or bring them to you, and that readers and writers affect one another in mysterious ways. She learns that time is more fluid than she can imagine, and that love is stronger than any chains that bind you. As a girl Mia fell in love with a book. Now as a young woman she falls in love with a brilliant writer as she makesher way back in time. But what if Nathaniel Hawthorne never wrote The Scarlet Letter? And what if Mia Jacob never found it on the day she planned to die?”

New Nonfiction

The heat will kill you first : life and death on a scorched planet
by Jeff Goodell

A New York Times best-selling journalist shares an explosive new understanding of heat in this searing examination of the impact that rising temperatures will have on our lives and on our planet.

ChatGPT
by Pamela Baker

“ChatGPT For Dummies demystifies the artificial intelligence tool that can answer questions, write essays, and generate just about any kind of text it’s asked for. This powerful example of generative AI is widely predicted to upend education and business. In this book, you’ll learn how ChatGPT works and how you can operate it in a way that yields satisfactory results. You’ll also explore the ethics of using AI-generated content for various purposes”

The tao of self-confidence : a guide to moving beyond trauma and awakening the leader within
by Sheena Yap Chan

“In 2021, women represented 54.3% of the US workforce but only held 35% of senior leadership positions. Of that percentage, only 2.7% of Asian women were seen in management roles. While there have been great leaps for women in the workplace in the last decade, women of color still fall behind. The Tao of Self-Confidence book sets a foundation to help Asian Women start being seen as leaders in work and life rather than by our stereotypes. In order to move forward with true confidence, we must learn the lessons our challenges have taught us and heal our trauma. With an honest and vulnerable approach, Yap Chan discusses and explores the specific challenges our community faces, historically and now in the midst of the pandemic, intergenerational and historical trauma, false stories we tell ourselves, and how we can rise above stereotypes. We’ll tap into our inner joy, celebrate our authentic self, and awaken the leader within.”

Sipping Dom Pérignon through a straw : reimagining success as a disabled achiever
by Eddie Ndopu

A global humanitarian born with spinal muscular atrophy—and the first-ever disabled African awarded a full scholarship at Oxford University—shows how he broke through every barrier put in front of him—a queer, black wheelchair user—challenging the bias at the highest echelons of power and prestige. Illustrations.

The underworld : journeys to the depths of the ocean
by Susan Casey

Drawing on interviews with marine geologists, marine biologists and oceanographers, a premiere chronicler of the aquatic world and New York Times best-selling author provides a fascinating history of deep-sea exploration and shows how urgent it is that we understand the ocean in a time of increasing threats from climate change. Illustrations.

Future care : sensors, artificial intelligence, and the reinvention of medicine
by Jagmeet Singh

“A brief examination of how new and advanced technologies can change the world of medicine for the better. Future care is virtual care: sensor-aided, digitally enabled, and powered by predictive analytics. Like most facets of modern life, human organs, too, are being digitally monitored. Sensors are well on their way to helping us proactively capture the information needed to predict and prevent disease. Paired with the medical world’s growing emphasis on wellness and prevention, the digital revolution will help us effectively monitor and address the chronic diseases that have been the Achilles’ heel of the health care system to date. This large-scale transition is not only going to reshape the patient-physician relationship but also dramatically changehow hospitals and the business of medicine operate”

The garden maker’s book of wonder / : 162 Recipes, Crafts, Tips, Techniques, and Plants to Inspire You in Every Season
by Allison Vallin Kostovick

“Drawing on decades of gardening experience, and illustrated with vibrant photography from her own home and garden, popular gardening lifestyle influencer Allison Vallin Kostovick offers sage advice on growing bountiful harvests of favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers”

[Message clipped]  View entire message

Continue reading Southeast Kansas Library System Newsletter for Summer 2023

Birth Certificates in Kansas Must Reflect Biological Sex of the Person

Kobach statement on Foster v. Stanek order

TOPEKA – (August 31, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued the following statement in response to the Court’s order in Foster v. Stanek:

“The Court’s opinion was well reasoned and thorough. The trans activists in this case attempted to nullify state law. The Court held that SB 180 means what it says – birth certificates in Kansas must reflect biological sex. As long as I am attorney general, the laws of Kansas will be enforced as written. The Legislature decided that birth certificates must reflect biological reality, and they were quite clear in how they wrote the law.  Today’s decision is a rejection of the activists’ and Governor Kelly’s attempt to twist the English language beyond recognition. The Court has told the Governor what the law clearly means. We now expect the Governor to follow the law and cease changing birth certificates to something other than biological sex at birth.”

###

Bo Co Coalition Will Meet on September 6

The regular general membership meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition will be held on Wednesday, September 6, in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 123 S. Scott, at 1:00 p.m.

At present, the program has not been confirmed. Cheri Walrod has been asked to talk about Core Communities but she may not be able to come until October. If she can not make it next week, we will hear from her in October. Billie Jo Drake will let the membership know before the meeting if there is a program.

 

 

Bourbon County To Receive $1Million for Bridge on 60th Street, South of Uniontown

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has made bridge funding awards to projects including one in  Bourbon County.

Governor Kelly Announces 35 Local Bridge Projects Across Kansas to Receive $42.3M

DODGE CITY – Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that 35 local and off-system bridge projects across the state will receive a combined total of $42.3 million as part of two local bridge improvement programs that capitalize on new revenue from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is nearly $48.8 million. By reshaping the local bridge programs to take advantage of BIL, the Kansas Department of Transportation more than doubled its annual funding as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).
“A stronger transportation system and safer bridges keep our communities and economy moving,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas, all of which are essential to getting people and goods where they need to go. Yet almost 5,000 of those bridges simply cannot meet our state’s needs in a modern world, which is why these investments are critical for making our state a better place to live and work.”
The project announcements took place in Dodge City to highlight the largest local bridge grant being awarded:  $7 million for the construction of a new northbound bridge on 14th Avenue over the Arkansas River. Dodge City is matching $2 million toward the $9 million total cost of the new bridge.
In addition to Governor Kelly and Secretary Reed, Dodge City Mayor Michael Burns and Representative Shannon Francis, Liberal, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, participated in the announcement.
“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating bridges,” said Secretary Reed. “The needs are high, and these programs allow KDOT to assist communities move projects forward that support the transportation needs of Kansans.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge program (OSB) is awarding $20.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 funds to 20 projects across the state. The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) is awarding $21.8 million in Fiscal Year 2024 KDOT funds to 15 projects, with 16 deficient bridges to be replaced and an additional 12 to be permanently removed from local systems.
The OSB and KLBIP are targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.
For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 176 applications requesting $162.4 million.
The list of recipients and project locations for KLBIP and OSB are below. A link to a map showing the projects can be found here.
2024 Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program Projects
Local Government Agency Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local % Match Requirement Maximum KDOT Match Funds Funds for Bridge Removal Maximum Funds Awarded
Doniphan County RS 2128 – 2.7 miles west, 0.2 mile south of Highland $86,503 10% $700,000 $50,000 $750,000
Leavenworth County Golden Road – 1.9 miles, 3.0 miles east of Linwood $737,117 20% $2,000,000 $2,000,000
Lyon

County
Road P – 7.0 miles west, 0.5 mile south of Neosho Rapids over Cottonwood River $736,025 15% $3,000,000 $3,000,000
Marshall County 24th Road – 2.7 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Bettie over Robidoux Creek Tributary $6,000 10% $437,000 $83,000 $520,000
Osage

County
RS 1471 – 2.0 miles east, 0.2 mile north of Lyndon $256,306 10% $1,112,500 $62,500 $1,175,000
Lincoln County 183rd Road – 1.9 miles south, 0.8 miles west of Lincoln $20,982 0% $1,050,000 $50,000 $1,100,000
Marion

County
310 Road – 2.0 miles south, 0.9 miles east of Tampa 10% $275,000 $50,000 $325,000
Mitchell County J Road – 1.3 miles south, 2.2 miles east of Beloit over Plum Creek $9,012 5% $683,000 $142,000 $825,000
Russell

County
182nd Street – 11.0 miles south, 2.0 miles west of Russell over Landon Creek $96,838 5% $900,000 $900,000
Elk

County
Osage Trail – 0.1 mile south of Moline over Wildcat Creek Tributary $65,521 0% $ 750,000 $ 750,000
City of

Bel Aire
North Oliver – south of East 45th Street $98,173 20% $180,000 $180,000
Harper

County
N.W. 110 Avenue – 0.5 miles west, 3.7 miles north of Attica over W. Branch Bluff Creek $78,213 5% $580,800 $69,200 $650,000
Rice

County
22nd Road – 6.0 miles east, 1.8 miles north of Sterling over Cow Creek $147,205 10% $1,500,000 $1,500,000
Sumner County N. Oliver Road – 2.1 miles north of Belle Plaine over Cowskin Creek Tributary $315,478 10% $1,095,500 $54,500 $1,150,000
City of

Dodge City
14th Avenue – Northbound over Arkansas River $2,061,197 15% $7,000,000 $7,000,000
TOTAL $4,714,570   $21,263,800 $561,200 $21,825,000
 
 
 
2025 Off-System Bridge Program Project Recommendations
Local Government Agency Bridge Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local Cost % Maximum Funds Awarded (covering 100% of Construction and CE)
Jefferson

County
McCall Road – 1.9 miles north of Oskaloosa over

Slough Creek
$84,632 6.7% $1,400,000
Jackson County 246th Road – 1.0 mile south of Circleville over

Elk Creek Tributary
$51,871 8.4% $750,000
Nemaha County O Road – 0.5 mile south, 1.5 miles east of Kelly $62,245 6.8% $950,000
City of Atchison Patriot Street – over Brewery Creek, one block west of U.S. 73 $117,939 10.3% $1,200,000
Morris

County
K Avenue – 2.2 miles south, 0.6 miles east of White City over West Fork Neosho River $98,282 12.7% $750,000
Washington County W Washington Street – in Hanover over Little Blue River Tributary $90,638 9.0% $1,000,000
Dickinson County 1100 Avenue – over Turkey Creek, 2.6 miles east of K-15 $103,742 8.5% $1,250,000
Sheridan County 125 E – 14.9 miles south, 12.5 miles east of Hoxie over Saline River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Decatur County L Lane – 0.4 mile west of Clayton over

Prairie Dog Creek
$46,411 5.3% $1,000,000
Trego

County
EE Road – 13.0 miles south, 5.6 miles west of Trego Center over Sand Creek $50,779 5.7% $950,000
Graham County DD Road – 6.0 miles south, 1.3 miles east of Densmore over Bow Creek $50,233 4.3% $1,200,000
Sherman County 32 Road – 1.4 miles north, 3.0 miles east of Edson over South Fork Sappa Creek Tributary $44,773 8.7% $500,000
Norton

County
Road BB – 1.3 miles east of Lenora over North Fork Solomon River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Bourbon County 60th Street – 5.9 miles south, 1.0 mile west of Uniontown over Hinton Creek Tributary $76,442 7.7% $1,000,000
Franklin County Texas Road – 1.0 mile east, 3.4 miles south of LeLoup over Walnut Creek $108,110 10.1% $1,000,000
Allen

County
Nebraska Road – 0.5 mile south, 3.2 mile west of Moran over Elm Creek $70,982 8.3% $850,000
Crawford County 690th Avenue – 1.0 mile north, 0.7 mile east of Walnut over Little Walnut Creek Tributary $93,914 10.4% $900,000
Cowley

County
232nd Road – 2.5 miles south, 3.5 miles west of Dexter over Grouse Creek $424,295 17.5% $2,000,000
Harvey

County
60th Street – 9.3 miles east of I-135 over East Whitewater Creek $87,362 8.9% $950,000
Rush

County
Avenue Q – 0.5 mile south, 1.9 miles east of Nekoma over Branch of Walnut Creek $62,791 8.0% $850,000
TOTAL   $ 1,741,275   $ 20,500,000
 
Photos from today’s announcement for media use can be found below.
###
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
       

Splash Pad Closed Today Reopens For the Weekend, Then Closes For the Season

Per City Manager, Brad Matkin, Management Action #5 of the Water Warning Plan:

The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.

 

Here is the plan in its entirety as it has been posted:

 

Water Warning Plan

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Effective 8/30/2023

The City of Fort Scott addresses its short-term water shortage problems through a series of stages based on conditions of supply and demand with accompanying triggers, goals, and actions. Each stage is more stringent in water use than the previous stage since water supply conditions are more deteriorated. The City Manager is authorized by ordinance to implement the appropriate conservation measures.

Water Warning

Goals:

The goals of this stage are to reduce peak demands by 20% and to reduce overall weekly consumption by 10%.

Triggers:

This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:

  1. The City’s storage has fallen below 70 percent capacity and will not recover within a normal amount of time.

Education Actions

  1. The City will make news releases to the local media describing present conditions and indicating the water supply outlook for the upcoming week.
  2. Water conservation articles will be provided to the local newspaper.

Management Actions: What measures the city will do

  1. The City water supplies will be monitored closely.
  2. Leaks will be repaired within 24 hours of detection.
  3. The City will monitor its use of water and will curtail activities such as hydrant flushing and street cleaning.
  4. The City will curtail its water usage, including operation of fountains, watering of City grounds and washing of vehicles.
  5. The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.
  6. Water will be drawn from the City’s reservoirs as needed.

Regulation Actions:

  1. The public will be asked to voluntarily make efficient use of indoor water, i.e., wash full loads, take short showers, do not let faucets run, etc.
  2. Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing will be restricted to before 10:00 am and after 9:00 pm.
  3. All consumers will be asked to limit or eliminate nonessential water uses including, but not limited to the following uses:
  4. Watering lawns, shrubs, trees.
  5. Washing automobiles.
  6. Filling swimming pools or using water in fountains and evaporative air conditioning systems.
  7. Refilling of swimming pools will be allowed one day a week after sunset.
  8. Outdoor watering will be restricted to use of a hand-held hose or bucket only.
  9. Excess water use charges for usage of water over the amount used in the winter will be considered.
  10. Waste of water will be prohibited.

As of right now, the City water supply is not affected by the “Water Emergency” set by the Governor of Kansas. That emergency was to allow the counties noted to request water to be taken out of “state” water sources. The City of Fort Scott owns Lake Fort Scott and Cedar Creek is not a state-owned lake, so permission is not required.

Lake Fort Scott, Cedar Creek, and Rock Creek are the three sources we use to get water for the City of Fort Scott river intake system.

As of right now, Cedar Creek has a good supply of water, but we are taking water from this source daily, and we have not taken water from Lake Fort Scott. If we are forced to take water out of Lake Fort Scott, we will issue a Water Warning Stage #2 which will require additional water restrictions.

We are in a drought situation that must be taken seriously, and the City of Fort Scott will do whatever possible to maintain good levels of water for the citizens. Please help us by following the restrictions that have been imposed.

If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address below.

Thank you,

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Maker Space: A Place to Enhance Artistic Talents

 

The Bowman family of eight live in the Museum of Creativity at 102 S. National.

Jonathon and Lorina Bowman moved to Fort Scott with their six kids and started a venture called the Museum of Creativity which offers games, crafts, Barbie exhibits, legos, model trains, and more for youth and all ages. They live on the top floor of the multi-story building.

There is also a retail store on-site with ready-to-make craft kits and all kinds of “fun items,” Lorina said.

Today, August 31, there will be a  grand opening and ribbon cutting for a Maker Space in the museum at 5:30 p.m.

“One of our main goals has always been to provide more opportunities for all ages to get creative by learning new skills and enhancing each individual’s talents,” Lorinda said.

“We know how frustrating it can be to take over the dining room table to get crafty,” she said. “Using our space minimizes that need and allows the table to be used for its intended purpose.”

Cost for using the Maker Space will be included in the museum entrance fee which is $2/child and $1/adult.

Parents are asked to please stay in the space with their children.

“The main wall will have a large array of craft supplies and tools ready to be put to good use,” she said. “To assist in future purchases of materials so we can keep everything stocked up, we will have a donation jar for anyone who wants to contribute to that cause.”
“For your convenience, we will also have a wall with a variety of preassembled craft kits (in all different skill levels) for sale,” she said. “After purchasing a kit, you can choose to use our room to create it or if you have what you need to complete it at home, you can grab it to go.”
“Please join us in our ribbon cutting where we will finally open this space up for all to use,” she said. “All guests will get a tour of the possibilities this room can provide. This event will be free but please let us know if you are planning to attend!”
“We will have refreshments available,” she said. “The Chamber of Commerce will begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Our featured projects for the evening will be to make bracelets and sensory bottles.”
For more info:
[email protected]
Or text – 209-204-9743Ribon  Or follow them on their Facebook page.
View their Facebook page for a lemonade fundraiser for children with cancer and another event called September Service Stretch.

 

Maker Space Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Museum of Creativity

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the evening ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the grand opening of the new Maker Space, according to a press release from the chamber.

Remarks and the cutting of the ribbon will take place at 5:30 p.m. while guests are welcome to come and go from 5 to 8 p.m., according to the press release.

Refreshments will be available along with craft kits to purchase.  Featured projects for the evening will be bracelets and sensory bottles to assemble for those interested.

 

The Tucker Family Band “70s Elvis, Hawaiian Style” Concert is Sept. 8

The Tucker Family Band. Submitted photo.

The Tucker Family Band “70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style” Concert

held at The Fort Scott River Room

 

Raised on good music with a lot of soul, the Tucker Family Band (TFB) will present their “70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style” show at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 8, at the River Room (upstairs with elevator access), 3 W. Oak. Doors open at 6 p.m.

 

The band is comprised of Carolyn Tucker (keys and vocals), daughter Mariam Tucker Self (vocals and saxophone), son Aaron Tucker (drums and vocals), Stephan Moses (lead guitar and vocals), and Jessica Bergen on the electric bass. Everyone in the five-member band has many years of experience playing and singing in a variety of venues.

 

Elvis Presley made entertainment history in 1973 with his global “Aloha from Hawaii” live via satellite television special. The TFB show will feature several songs from Elvis’ Hawaiian concert such as See See Rider, Burning Love, Steamroller Blues, I Can’t Stop Loving You, Hound Dog, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, A Big Hunk o’ Love, plus more of the Band’s favorites such as Proud Mary, Little Sister, Never Been to Spain, Polk Salad Annie, Moody Blue, and more.

 

“All these individuals have been making music since they were youngsters. So when all that experience, talent, and family unity joins together musically, the band is really tight,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “You won’t want to miss this unique show of lively, classy Elvis covers. The show is free (tips appreciated) and sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Sound is provided by Dave’s Music Gear and Jim Butler.

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News