2021 – Page 272 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

KCC issues emergency order to ensure adequate natural gas and electricity is available

info2021-02-15T22:19:32-06:00February 15th, 2021|

In a special meeting Monda morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission issued an emergency order directing utilities under its jurisdiction to do all things possible and necessary to ensure adequate amounts of natural gas and electricity to meet the needs of Kansas customers including interconnected non-jurisdictional utilities that depend on them for power. The prolonged stretch of extremely cold temperatures has increased demand, created natural gas supply constraints, and potential reliability issues. “It’s in every Kansan’s best interest to conserve electricity and natural gas over the next few days when possible,” said KCC Chairperson Andrew French. “Reducing your usage will help ensure [...]

NO POWER: Andale businesses respond to townwide power outage Monday morning

info2021-02-15T22:18:39-06:00February 15th, 2021|

On Monday morning, the town of Andale had a power outage -- which ended up having quite a lasting impact of some businesses in the small town. Business owners said around 8 a.m., the entire town of Andale went dark with the unexpected power outage. With subzero temps, Steve Hilger, the owner of Small Business Auto Repair said his efforts to save some of his plumbing came to a sudden halt. "The lights went out but we were already fighting frozen pipes so we were getting the heaters going and then when it blacked-out we were like well that will be [...]

Contagious UK coronavirus strain found in Sedgwick County, Kansas’ 2nd variant case

info2021-02-15T22:18:05-06:00February 15th, 2021|

Kansas public health officials have identified the first known case of a coronavirus variant in the Wichita area. It’s the second case in the state of a more contagious strain of the virus that was first detected in the United Kingdom. The U.K. variant was identified in Sedgwick County, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Monday afternoon. The first case of that particular strain of the virus was identified earlier this month in Ellis County. “A case investigation has been conducted and close contacts notified,” a news release from KDHE said. “The case investigation indicates that the person likely [...]

Frigid weather sees utilities urging customers to conserve

info2021-02-15T22:17:26-06:00February 15th, 2021|

Frigid weather that has sent temperatures plunging across Middle America also had power and gas utilities urging customers to dial down the thermostat. Utility companies serving Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri issued pleas Sunday and Monday for customers to conserve power as temperatures plummeted and demand for energy soared across the Plains. “Much as it does in summer, high demand can put additional strain on our system," a message from Omaha Public Power District to customers read. “We are seeing similar effects now, only this time with record cold instead of heat.” Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Topeka City Manager will get help in the form of a chief of staff

info2021-02-15T22:16:03-06:00February 15th, 2021|

Topeka City Manager Brent Trout told KSNT News that the selection of Chief of Staff was suggested by the governing council and former Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran came to mind. Topeka City Manager Brent Trout announced during a Topeka City Council meeting last week that retired Police Chief Bill Cochran would become Chief of Staff to the City Manager. The position pays anywhere from $125,000 to $135,000 annually. Trout said the money for his salary will come from budgeted salary dollars from positions that have not been filled. Source: KSNT News

Extreme Temps Result in Southwest Power Pool Issuing Level 3 Alert KEC Urges Electric Consumers to Reduce all Unnecessary Electricity Usage

info2021-02-15T22:15:06-06:00February 15th, 2021|

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which balances electricity production and use for a 14-state region including Kansas, has declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3 just hours after issuing a Level 2 alert. The Level 3 declaration requires the SPP to direct its member companies to prepare to implement controlled interruptions of service if necessary. Your electric cooperative will be preparing to implement controlled interruptions of service if the SPP deems it necessary to safeguard continued reliability of the regional grid. Kansas electric cooperatives are asking their members to conserve energy wherever possible and safe to do so to prevent worsening [...]

WaterOne in Johnson County Wins National Contest, Declared “America’s Best Tasting Drinking Water”

info2021-02-15T09:31:12-06:00February 15th, 2021|

WaterOne has been declared “America’s Best Tasting Drinking Water” in the Great American Water Taste Test, a nation-wide contest for water utilities sponsored by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA). In the Great American Water Taste Test, water systems are judged by a panel of experts on the clarity, bouquet, and taste of their water. The award was presented at the NRWA Virtual Water Rally on Thursday, February 11th. WaterOne competed against 24 other entries from across the country. Source: WaterOne.

Stimulus prospects could boost the stock market and interest rates in the week ahead

info2021-02-15T09:49:58-06:00February 14th, 2021|

The prospects of a big government spending program could continue to boost the stock market and put upward pressure on interest rates in the week ahead. Earnings season is beginning to wind down, but some big names have yet to report. Walmart's earnings on Thursday should provide a good window into the consumer, as should the government's retail sales report for January, also expected Wednesday. The Federal Reserve releases minutes from its last meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and investors will dig into those for any insight into the central bank's view on inflation. Source: CNBC - Bonds

Sedgwick County lowers age restrictions on COVID vaccine to 70

info2021-02-15T09:50:05-06:00February 14th, 2021|

The Sedgwick County Health Department has opened its COVID-19 vaccination program to anyone 70 or older, a five-year reduction in age restrictions. Outside of health care workers, who were the first to receive the vaccine, the county has tied eligibility to age. It is scheduling appointments for walk-in or drive-through vaccines for people with mobility issues. Sedgwick County is offering first doses of the vaccine to anyone in the 70-and-up age group who lives or works in the county, according to a Friday morning news release. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

COVID rules eased for Wichita-area schools; some close contacts won’t have to go home

info2021-02-15T09:50:17-06:00February 14th, 2021|

COVID-19 rules for schools are being relaxed and fewer students will have to stay home if they have close contact with infected classmates, Sedgwick County and most of the school districts serving Wichita-area children announced Friday. Dr. Garold Minns, the county health officer, said he’s approved two levels of close contact when it comes to school kids — high-risk and a new category for low-risk contacts. The low-risk category will include students who are exposed in the classroom setting where masks and social distancing are required. Those children will be allowed to stay in school and will no longer have to be [...]

Yearly Archives: 2021