Kansas energy crisis: heating bills could be 25 times normal in some cities

Ordinarily, the city of Winfield spends about $1.5 million a year on natural gas for customers of its public utility department. During the brutal cold spell a week ago, Winfield had to buy $10 million worth of gas in six days. “It’s incredible,” said City Manager Taggart Wall. “It’s devastating financial impacts to our customers. A normal bill would be in the $100 range, just natural gas. We’re estimating $2,500 for this event, for one month, if we were just to straight pass that on.” Winfield is one of dozens of municipal utilities with thousands of customers spread across Kansas, all of which are facing similar dire straits.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:01:11-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Fredonia schools closed due to inflated utility prices

School was out in Fredonia …, but not because of the weather. Utilities have spiked so much in town, the district had to make the decision to close its doors Thursday and Friday to conserve energy and money. City officials have determined that this week, it would cost an excess of $25,000 per day just to keep school buildings open. Fredonia Mayor Bob McKenney says right now this is a team effort, and the town needs to come together once again.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:02:38-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

KSDE task force prepares to convene for oversight of pandemic funds for schools

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson has created a task force to offer guidance and oversight of school districts’ plans for expenditure of federal funds focused on supporting student learning and student needs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commissioner’s Task Force on Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief and Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools Funding Oversight is comprised of 19 people, including superintendents, legislators, teachers, local school board members, business managers and private school personnel. The task force will direct oversight to $368 million in ESSER II funds and $26 million in EANS funds.
Source: The Miami County Republic

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:03:12-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Gas costs soar due to arctic blast in Winfield

The City of Winfield has incurred $10 million in natural gas costs through the previous six days as sub-zero temperatures gripped the area, leading the city to look for ways to mitigate the financial fallout. “The cost of this event to our community has been one that we have had very little control over. We are seeking every avenue of relief as this is an insurmountable cost for us that, without relief, will be felt for years to come,” Winfield city manager Taggart Wall said in a letter to the community, which was posted on the city’s Facebook page and emailed to the CourierTraveler. The city’s typical annual natural gas purchase is for $1.6 million, with a typical daily index of less than $3 per 1 million British Thermal Units (MMBtu). Wall said beginning Feb. 13 the daily index on the city’s pipeline soared more than 100 times the norm. That, compounded by extreme rises in demand, led to an all-time high of $428/MMBtu on Feb. 18.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:03:32-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Parsons offers temporary plumbing licenses

Plumbers in Parsons for a limited time can get a license without taking the standardized test usually required. During a special meeting Friday afternoon, the Parsons City Commission approved a resolution allowing plumbers to get a license to practice their trade in the city without a master or journeyman certificate until April 30. Those receiving temporary licenses must have either worked for a licensed plumber for several years or did plumbing work of their own outside of the city. The move was made to alleviate the backlog of people still waiting to have their pipes thawed or repaired after the Arctic blast sent local low temperatures below zero for the last several days.
Source: Parsons Sun

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:04:02-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Housing study finds Johnson County real estate market remains unaffordable for many

While communities across Johnson County enjoy high growth as attractive places to live, residents often face limited options in the housing market that are attainable for raising a family and aging in place. That’s according to the results of a county-wide housing study, which was released and published earlier this month. The Johnson County Municipalities Community Housing Study is a months-long endeavor by the Johnson County Health Equity Network, a collaboration that comprises the county and 19 cities, along with numerous private groups and organizations.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:04:15-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Finney County educators and school staff get vaccinated

Finney County educational staff received their first round of COVID vaccines Thursday and Friday. The vaccinations took place at the county’s mass vaccination clinic at the Finney County Fairgrounds exhibition building. The chance to get vaccinated stemmed from a community collaboration between the county, the local health community, and surrounding schools. “It’s so exciting to be able to collaborate with our community partners and offer vaccinations for all of the school employees here. We’re very excited to do this outreach for our community,” said Colleen Drees, Finney County Health Department Director.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:04:24-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

City of Cheney asks for help with high gas prices

One of the cities needing relief from the current astronomical prices is the city of Cheney. The whole year of 2020 the city of Cheney said they spent 256,000 dollars on natural gas. With the huge spike in prices, just in the month of February, the total amount is looking to be a million dollars. A huge expense for a city of just over two thousand people. “We need help it’s not just the city asking for help we are asking for help from our businesses and our customers,” said Danielle Young, Cheney City Administrator. When the price of natural gas started its dramatic and rapid rise, Young started crunching the numbers. “The reality of sending out these bills is just disheartening I don’t know what to tell customers other than we are doing everything that we possibly can to get the higher-ups to understand our situation,” said Young.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:04:39-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Broadband company expands its reach to rural areas, thousands could benefit

In a virtual world, the internet is key. However often in rural areas, it can be difficult to access. In Haviland, a local broadband company received a much-needed upgrade. The pandemic made it clear for many how important fast internet speeds are to get through the day-to-day virtual life activities But with that came challenges for small internet companies working to serve rural customers. Haviland Broadband, formerly known as Haviland Telephone is a small, locally-managed internet company. It serves areas in and around Kiowa, Kingman, and Sumner counties.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:04:45-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Recommended to leave a radius around fire hydrants when shoveling snow

Firefighters are asking the community to be mindful when shoveling snow. Fire departments recommend leaving at least a five-foot radius around fire hydrants. Doing that allows sunlight to help the ground thaw more efficiently — keeping water lines warmer, which will help prevent water issues with the hydrant. Steven Burton, Fire Chief, Columbus Fire Dept., says, “Any amount of clearance around it is very important for us, but also making sure the different jurisdictions and private parties that are pushing snow aren’t piling those piles up in the way of those hydrants to where they’ll block the view from responders. That’s very important as well.”
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:04:53-06:00February 21, 2021|News|