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Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces the construction of its newest renewable energy resource, the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell facility, is complete. The commissioning process and initial synchronization to the electric grid are now underway, marking a significant step forward in Sunflower’s commitment to supplying reliable, cost-effective energy to its member utilities. Source: Homepage

A tower of 100 empty plastic gallon jugs might seem an unlikely object in a museum exhibit. But the tower presents an effective monument, making the often invisible clear to see: the importance of water in our history and everyday lives. “Ripples. Water, Community and You” will be on display at the Johnson County Museum through Jan. 10. Source: Johnson County KS News & Sports |

Kansas students are spending fewer days in school than they did decades ago, and the state’s top education leader wants that to change. Education Commissioner Randy Watson is urging districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for days that were canceled because of inclement weather. Most districts lost about eight days of school this winter because of snow or bitterly cold conditions. Watson recently told the Kansas State Board of education that districts should also consider half-day summer school in June and July, at least for kindergarten through third grade students who are below grade level [...]

The Wichita City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create a municipal ID, the City of Wichita ID, in an effort to lower barriers for Wichitans who lack standard documentation for a state-issued ID, such as people who are homeless. IDs will be issued at City Hall and the Multi-Agency Center, where services for the homeless are being consolidated. The ID will display a person’s name, photo, address, date of birth and ID number, making it I-9 compliant to verify an individual’s identity for employment. Source: KLC Journal

Wichita has a rich history of hosting one of basketball's biggest events. The NCAA Tournament has tipped off in the city 12 times since the 1950s. Eight of the dozen were played at what is now Charles Koch Arena. One was at the old Kansas Coliseum, and the remaining have been hosted at Intrust Bank Arena. The tournament first visited the Air Capital in 1956 at the Roundhouse, which was then called the University of Wichita Field House. Source: KSN-TV

A lot of preparation has gone into getting Wichita ready for tens of thousands of fans, and that includes safety. KSN's Derek Lytle sat down with a Wichita Police Lieutenant, Stephanie Neal, to learn how they are keeping Intrust Bank Arena and the surrounding area safe. Lt. Neal said anytime fans gather for a large sporting event, law enforcement is on high alert.  "We're going to have the drones, the mounted unit, officers on foot, officers on bikes, the SWAT team will be down there, the bomb squad will also be down there, explosive detection K9s that will be doing sweeps [...]

Parts of central Topeka have a history of high crime and low overall neighborhood health, but it’s motivating people to inspire positive change. The Central Topeka Grocery Oasis, Omni Circle and Keep America Beautiful are leading an effort to clean trash and repaint outdoor amenities in the Capital City. “It’s nice when people see the need and are ready to jump in and fill the need, which is to tidy up the community,” said Omni Circle COO Nikki Ramirez-Jennings. “We’re going to be repainting the playground equipment with the help of Shawnee County Parks and Rec. Stormont Vail is going to [...]

It may not be every council member’s favorite time of the meeting, but purchase requests are part of the job. On Monday, the Arma City Council reviewed and approved multiple requests from city superintendent Austin Spragg with one pertaining to utility poles. Earlier this year, a utility pole failed and caused the loss of power to an entire neighborhood in the midst of a winter storm. To stay ahead of the game and avoid future hefty costs and repairs, Spragg and city electrician Chuck Burns recently patrolled the city and compiled a list of utility poles that need to be replaced [...]

Governor Laura Kelly joined federal, state and local officials this past Saturday to officially mark the opening of Hilmar Cheese Company’s new production facility in Dodge City, Kansas. “I am pleased that Hilmar Cheese Company chose to build its new production facility in Dodge City,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This investment in our state is a strong signal to industry leaders around the globe that Kansas has the workforce and infrastructure for companies to be competitive.” Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is one of the world’s largest cheese manufacturers and a global supplier of high-quality whey ingredients. Hilmar’s new Dodge City facility [...]

The City of Wichita has taken steps to clear a homeless encampment from a park in the Riverside neighborhood, shortly before a cleanup event takes place. Notices were posted at Sim Park and homeless residents there were given until the end of the day Thursday, and the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team has been working to move them to shelters and into services and programs. The city has reported a number of complaints online and by phone about the encampment. The city is working to enforce an illegal camping ordinance after the City Council voted to approve changes in December. The [...]