Government

Unprecedented Demand For Natural Gas and Propane

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Sen. Marshall Calls on Kansans to Conserve Energy Following Recent Spike in Natural Gas and Propane Prices

 

(Washington, D.C., February 15, 2021) – This morning, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. spoke with Kansas utility officials and community leaders about the recent spike in natural gas and propane prices impacting communities and residents. Prolonged and extreme cold temperatures across much of the Midwest have contributed to unprecedented demand for natural gas and propane, which has pushed prices to more than 100-times their average costs.

 

“I appreciate the dedication of officials in Kansas to ensuring our businesses and residents have the natural gas and propane needed to continue powering their homes and businesses through this cold weather,” said Senator Marshall. “We will be doing all we can at the federal level to confirm no foul play or price gouging has occurred and continue to support our utility companies and community leaders as they work diligently to keep Kansans warm. In the meantime, I urge my fellow Kansans to do everything they can to conserve energy and keep energy costs low.”

 

Background:

The current cold weather impacting much of the Midwest and eastern U.S. has put extreme pressures on the nation’s natural gas and propane supply. Natural gas is the state’s largest energy source, accounting for more than 30 percent of the state’s portfolio. Kansas maintains a robust natural gas storage system, which has been tapped to fill elevated demand. Additionally, freezing conditions have prevented new energy generation in many sectors, putting further pressure on the state’s utility companies. Energy costs are expected to increase in the coming days as demand continues to outpace supply. Utility companies and community leaders are asking all Kansans to do their part to conserve energy and keep their own energy costs low by doing the following:

 

Keep warm, not hot
When possible wear additional layers of clothing, consider turning down your thermostat and check your programmable settings.

Seal leaks around doors and windows
Apply weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to stop air leaks and prevent energy loss. If that is not an option, you can also cover windows with towels, sheets or plastic to help keep the warm air in your house.

Reduce the temperature on your water heater
Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or put it on the “warm” setting. If your home will be vacant for two days or more, set the dial to the pilot position for even more savings.

Close blinds and curtains
This helps keep warm air inside, especially if the sun is not shining.

Change or clean filters
A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Dirty filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment.

Hold off on doing chores
Doing laundry and washing dishes can both use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. If you can, wait until the extreme cold weather passes to complete these activities. If you cannot wait, use the cold setting where possible.

Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets
Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.

 

Bourbon County, Business

BEDCO Update: Hiring an Eco Devo Director

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Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit started in 1992.

 

The council   “reconstituted”  in 2020.

 

“The bylaws were amended, and the board reconstituted in 2020, to make economic development functions a county-wide effort again, and to reestablish cooperation and trust amongst the disparate geographies in our county,” he said.  “We can no longer afford to go it alone, and must work together.”

 

In the last few months, the council began a search for an economic development director.

Their goal for this month is to hire an economic development director to move the county forward.

 

“The Human Resource Committee (of BEDCO) is currently running the process of hiring an executive director,”  Motley said. “We had 13 applications from all over the United States, and one from overseas.”

 

Through a qualifications matrix, six applications were selected, and each of the six has completed a test to measure skills and temperament suitable for the job, he said.

 

The committee will reduce the number of applicants based on their scores, and begin interviewing the finalists soon, Motley said.

 

 

Composition of BEDCO

“The board of trustees consists of appointees by the…seven incorporated cities, one each from USD 234, USD 235, Fort Scott Community College, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and two at-large members,” Motley said.

 

The group is comprised of:

Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah, City of Fort Scott Commissioner Josh Jones, Jess Ervin representing Uniontown, Mike Blevins-Mapleton, Michael Stewart-Bronson, (Treasurer) Mary Pemberton-Redfield, Misty Adams-Fulton, Ted Hessong-USD234, Bret Howard-USD235, (Vice President) Jim Fewins-Fort Scott Community College,(President) Greg Motley-Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, (At-Large) Mark McCoy and (At-Large) Heather Davis.

 

 

“Our goal is to be a trusted vehicle whereby we can act as a catalyst for economic development and any other function that might integrate well on a county-wide basis,” Motley said.  “Right now, our most valuable assets are lots in the Fort Scott Industrial Park; in conjunction with the county, we are currently working with an active prospect on a land deal in that vicinity that would bring a new business to town.”

 

 

“The main board only meets when there is something of substance to consider,” Motley said.

 

In addition to the human resource committee, the operations committee is meeting regularly.

 

Operations Committee

The operations committee met on Feb. 11, and worked on logistics of onboarding the economic development director, including office space, phone, etc., Motley said.

 

That committee is comprised of Mark McCoy, Lynne Oharah, Mary Pemberton, Misty Adams, and Josh Jones.

 

 

Mark McCoy. Taken from Facebook.

 

“We discussed office locations,” McCoy said. “Cost is number one, we have very limited funds.”

 

Two locations were discussed: the BWERC ( Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center) office above the new Star Emporium Downtown General Store on Main Street and an office inside Landmark Bank, also on Main Street.

 

“Both of these offer the potential of the first year, no cost,” McCoy said.

 

Also discussed was the equipment needed for the job.

 

“Telecommunication is an important part of the job,” McCoy said.  “We want to make sure BEDCO has appropriate information technology access.”

 

The position is being funded by the Bourbon County Commission who committed $130,000 for the total package of salary, benefits, equipment, supplies, transportation expenses, association expenses, and office space, McCoy said.

 

“The goal is to save taxes in Bourbon County,” McCoy said. “My goal in the future is to have one economic director representing the county.”

 

Currently, the City of Fort Scott and the Bourbon County Commission both have an economic director.

 

The city and county recently agreed to share the finance director position, held by Susan Bancroft.

 

To learn more about this collaboration:

Susan Bancroft Assumes Duties as Bourbon County Business Manager

 

Name Change

The BEDCO group is considering a name change since they have a new direction of the whole county.

“There are four names under consideration,” McCoy said. “With the new direction, it is important to revise who you are and where you are going.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Uniontown 4-H Club January Report

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January Uniontown 4-H Report

Submitted by Kendyl Bloesser, Club Reporter

The Uniontown 4-H club met on January 10, 2021, at 6:00.

Hailey Shadden let the club in the flag salute and Will Maycumber led the club in the 4-H pledge.

Roll call was ” What is one goal you have for the new year?”

There were 12 members and 8 adults in attendance

. The 4H Council Representatives advised the next council meeting was to be held on January 27th.

The 4-H leaders reported that 4-H days would be held using a virtual format this year and is to be held on Saturday, February 6th. Regional 4-H days are to be held on March 6th. 4H summer camp dates are set for 2021, those interested should review registration dates.

The Bourbon County Fair dates for 2021 are July 9th – July 16th.

Communication Project leaders, Deidra Maycumber and Jackie Shadden, led the club in part 2 of a 6 part series. Part 2 covered how including details help people to understand our communication better. To demonstrate this, they led the club in two activities using different levels of detailed instructions and had club members compare the outcomes to see how alike or different their drawings were. Then the project leaders led us in a conversation around how they could have instructed the group differently with additional details for all drawings to be similar.

Tucker Sutton presented a project talk on how to take care of a baby pig.

Afterwards, members played a game of charades and sang Home on the Range.

The next club meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Government, Kansas

State of Disaster Due to Wind Chill and Stress on Utility Providers

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Governor Laura Kelly Issues State of Disaster Emergency Due to Wind Chill Warnings and Stress on Utility and Natural Gas Providers

TOPEKA – At 4:40 p.m. today, Governor Laura Kelly issued a State of Disaster Emergency due to wind chill warnings and stress on utility and natural gas providers.

The state has experienced bitter winter temperatures and below zero wind chills for more than a week, which has put stress on utility and natural gas providers across the state. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.

“As the extreme cold temperatures continue to affect the region, we are urging Kansans to conserve energy in order to help ensure a continued supply of natural gas and electricity and keep their own personal costs down,” Governor Kelly said.

Because of the sub-zero temperatures which causes an increased energy demand and natural gas supply constraints, utilities are currently experiencing wholesale natural gas prices anywhere from 10 to 100 times higher than normal. Those costs will eventually flow through to consumers, and increase monthly natural gas and electric bills.

Customers can keep these costs down by reducing their natural gas and electric usage at this critical time.

Here are some things each household can do to help in the conservation effort and slow down the increases in energy bills due to high usage:

  • Keep warm, not hot. When possible wear additional layers of clothing, consider turning down your thermostat and check your programmable settings.
  • Seal leaks around doors and windows. Apply weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to stop air leaks and prevent energy loss. If that is not an option, you can also cover windows with towels, sheets or plastic to help keep the warm air in your house.
  • Reduce the temperature on your water heater. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or put it on the “warm” setting. If your home will be vacant for two days or more, set the dial to the pilot position for even more savings.
  • Close blinds and curtains. This helps keep warm air inside, especially if the sun is not shining.
  • Change or clean filters. A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. Dirty filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment.
  • Hold off on doing chores. Doing laundry and washing dishes can both use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. If you can, wait until the extreme cold weather passes to complete these activities. If you cannot wait, use the cold setting where possible.
  • Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets. Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10 percent of your home’s energy loss.
Opinion

Spoons from heaven.com by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker

 

Since spoons are more versatile, they’re used more often than forks. Last week I realized we needed more spoons — not forks or knives, just spoons. I’d mentioned this shortage to my husband, but I hadn’t come up with a good solution. Later in the same week, our daughter-in-law dropped by and surprised me with a big handful of…beautiful spoons! She had no idea I needed them, but while shopping in December at a thrift store in Idaho, she spotted my Oneida pattern and bought them for just a few bucks. Cynthia kept forgetting to give the flatware to me, but I believe God wanted her to wait until I actually needed them. I call that a God thing.

I didn’t even think to pray and ask God for spoons. But since God knows how many hairs are on my head, He certainly knew the desire of my heart. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 ESV). The Book of Psalms is one of my favorites because of the scriptures pertaining to playing instruments, singing, and praising the Lord. If we have breath, the Psalmist David instructs us to praise the Lord. When God gives us something, we’re supposed to thank and praise Him for it. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6 NKJV).

When you receive anything good, it is from God. His Word verifies this: “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father….” (James 1:17 NLT). We are actually insulting God when we neglect to give Him the glory that is due Him. Good things are not coincidences — they are God things.

It’s comforting to know that my loving heavenly Father watches over me. He was aware of my spoon shortage and He cared. You may think I’m a hay bale short of a full barn loft, but I’m not and I can prove it: “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP).

It’s interesting to note that the spoons were purchased over a month before the need arose. We must remember that when it looks like God’s not doing anything in your circumstances, He is. Because He is the great I AM. He works behind the scenes, He works under the stormy ocean, and He works above the turbulent clouds. He’s not nervous, He’s not confused, and He’s never surprised.

So here’s something to consider. If you don’t thank and praise God for the little things He does for you, why should He give you the big things you’re asking for? Are you tying His hands by being ungrateful? God cannot operate against His own word. “You must not bow down to them [false gods] or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods“ (Deuteronomy 5:9 NLT). Giving credit to the god of coincidence or good luck is displeasing to God. He is deservingly possessive of the worship and praise that belong to Him. If you’re breathing, you are to give glory to the one and only true God.

The Key: God wants to give you the desires of your heart…even if it’s spoons.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Energy Conservation Encouraged With Natural Gas

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Kansas Gas Service Encourages Customers to Conserve Energy
During Extended Cold Weather

Video toolkit features Managing VP of Operations answering common questions

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Feb. 13, 2021 – As frigid weather settles over Kansas for an extended period, Kansas Gas Service encourages customers to practice simple energy-saving tips and conservation efforts to manage their winter heating bills.

“Due to the extended duration of historically low temperatures, we are seeing much higher natural gas use and natural gas prices have gone up,” said Kent Shortridge, vice president of operations for Kansas Gas Service. “While we do not markup the price of natural gas, these events will have an impact on customer bills. At this time, we can’t quantify what the impact will be.”

Energy-saving Measures to Reduce Natural Gas Usage

To help better manage your energy consumption over the extended winter period and help reduce your energy bills, Kansas Gas Service encourages these effective, conservation measures:

• Keep warm, not hot When possible wear additional layers of clothing, consider turning down your thermostat and check your programmable settings.
• Seal leaks around doors and windows Apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to stop air leaks and prevent energy loss. If that is not an option, you can also cover windows with towels, sheets or plastic to help keep the warm air in your house.
• Reduce the temperature on your water heater Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or put it on the “warm” setting. If your home will be vacant for two days or more, set the dial to the pilot position for even more savings.
• Close blinds and curtains This helps keep warm air inside, especially if the sun is not shining.
• Change or clean filters
A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Dirty
filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment.
• Hold off on doing chores
Doing laundry and washing dishes can both use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. If you can, wait until the extreme cold weather passes to complete these activities.
If you cannot wait, use the cold setting where possible.
• Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets
Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.

Additionally, remember these safety tips:
• Never use your stove or oven for home heating.
• Make sure nothing obstructs a furnace’s air intake and that vents and flues are intact and unblocked to avoid the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• When removing ice and snow in the vicinity of meters, vents or flues, do so carefully so as not to cause damage.
• Leave cabinet doors open, especially those on exterior walls, to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• If you smell a natural gas odor, leave the area immediately then call 911 and 888- 482-4950.

Customers are encouraged to visit KansasGasService.com/SevereCold for any company severe
weather updates.
Digital toolkit
Kent Shortridge, managing vice president of Operations for Kansas Gas Service, answers common customer usage questions:
https://vimeo.com/onegascomms/download/512084053/7dedd9394a
• :03 – :13 Why are you asking customers to conserve?
• :17 – :36 How much natural gas will customers use during this cold snap?
• :40 – 1:10 How will this impact customer bills?
• 1:13 – 1:31 What steps should customers take to conserve energy?
• 1:36 – 2:03 Are you expecting a shortage in gas supply?
• 2:07 – 2:18 What is being done to ensure service to critical facilities?
• 2:22 – 2:38 What is the impact on large commercial and industrial customers?
• 2:42 – 3:04 How well is your pipeline system operating?
• 3:08 – 3:35 Have you experienced any system failures or outages?

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Master of Memory Program to be Presented

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

1Many people believe that memory loss and aging go hand-in-hand. That would assume that as a person gets older his or her memory begins to fail. While some change may be expected as you age, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it in the absence of a brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. You can be proactive in using some strategies and lifestyle adaptations.

Southwind Extension District Agent, Barbara Stockebrand, will be presenting a Texas A&M created workshop series on “Master of Memory” on March 4, 11, and 18 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The 3-lesson series helps participants understand how memory works and what may affect memory. All sessions will be presented by Zoom, so it will be easy to attend and participate from the comforts of your home.

“Master of Memory” has been found to help participants identify and use strategies to improve memory function. Participants will learn there are different ways to learn new things and different memory strategies; how different foods and nutrients may affect brain function and medications that may affect memory; medical conditions that affect memory and may be reversible, along with how exercise benefits the body and mind.

Call 620-625-8620 to register for this free educational opportunity. Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom link to take part in the program.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

Delivery of Propane During Extreme Weather

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Governor Laura Kelly Lifts Certain Motor Carrier Regulations to Allow Emergency Delivery of Propane During Extreme Weather

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order allowing faster delivery of propane and other essential home heating fuels during the extreme cold weather blanketing the state.

Executive Order #21-03 suspends federal motor carrier regulations contained in Title 49 C.F.R. Parts 390-399 through February 28, 2021. All other applicable state and federal regulations still apply.

“Kansans who heat their homes and businesses with propane or other fuel cannot afford an interruption in service right now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This order will allow those deliveries to continue during this dangerous weather.”

Among other provisions, the order extends allowable working hours to ensure motor carriers can transport propane through poor weather conditions as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in response efforts.

To view E.O. #21-03, click here.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda For Feb. 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Parson Dave Mohler, American Legion Post #25 Chaplain

  1. Approval of Agenda:

  2. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  3. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 2nd, 2021 and special meeting minutes of February 11th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1282-A totaling $481,476.32.

  1. January financials

  1. Lauber Municipal Law Firm – January Invoice – $16,432.50.

  1. Request to Pay – SAM, LLC – Sanitary Sewer System GPS Data Collection – $9,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – Joplin Roofing Co., Inc – Replacement of Wastewater Treatment Plant roof – $29,368.00.

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Report: Susan Bancroft – Sick and Vacation Liability Numbers

Review of Purchase Policy

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: None

  1. New Business:

1. Consideration of Golf Cart Lease Agreement

2. Consideration of Charter Ordinance regarding Residency

3. Consideration of Charter Ordinance to replace vacant City Commissioner position

4. Consideration of Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades – Request for Engineering Services

5. Consideration of Water Treatment Plant – Request for Engineering Services

6. Discussion of First Source building -Selling, Renting, Marketing

7. Approval of Bid and documentation for Mayor to sign for Mayco Ace Project – CDBG Grant

8. Approval to apply for the Rural Preservation Grant for Memorial Hall

9. Consideration to accept Request for Qualifications for City Attorney

XII. Reports and Comments:

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment:

Bourbon County Local News