Humboldt will get $3 million and LaHarpe $750,000 in state water grant funds. Humboldt's will go toward the city's planned $13 million water system replacement project; LaHarpe's will pay to replace the city's six sewer lift stations. Source: The Iola Register

Allen County Commissioners agreed to a 180-day moratorium in regards to a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) in the southeast part of the county at their meeting Tuesday. Zoning Director Terry Call discussed the project with the commissioners. The current proposal is for a 300-megawatt storage facility near Savonburg and Elsmore. An estimated 15 to 30 acres would be needed for the facility and it would cost $300 million. Source: The Iola Register

At their Tuesday morning meeting, Allen County Commissioners discussed ways to help Your Community Foundation meet a $70,000 matching grant, without affecting the management of the county's environmental fund. With the help of County Counsel Bob Johnson, the commission arrived at a solution. Source: The Iola Register

Allen Community College trustees announced Tuesday evening that Dr. Lyvier Leffler has been selected as the next president of the college. Leffler’s career includes 11 years at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, where she served as dean of academic services and director of counseling services. Source: The Iola Register

Iola City Council members will decide whether to enter a solar agreement to provide up to 3 megawatts of power via solar energy produced in Pratt County. The allocation would price the 3 megawatts at $50 per megawatt hour. City administration will present Iola City Council members with documents for the final approval of a 3-megawatt solar allocation at their 6 p.m. meeting Monday. At the Nov. 12 meeting, council members agreed to diversify the city’s energy profile by entering into a solar agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (KMEA). Source: The Iola Register

The City of Iola is working with local churches and organizations to remind utility customers of a program that helps neighbors in times of financial hardship. When paying your utility bill, you have an option to round up to the nearest dollar or make an additional donation. With cooler temperatures rolling in, the City of Iola wants people to know they can help their neighbors keep their house warm this winter. “If you choose, you can round up your utility payment to the nearest $1, $5, or $10 and it can go towards someone who needs assistance with their bill,” explained [...]

The theme of Thrive's 17th annual awards ceremony, "Creating a Masterpiece, Together," recognized individuals, businesses and organizations that create a healthy, vibrant community. After 17 years, Thrive Allen County’s vision is more clear than ever. In fact, some might call it a masterpiece. Thrive CEO Lisse Regehr said that’s exactly what her team hoped to create as they celebrated the organization’s anniversary with an annual awards banquet Friday evening at Allen Community College. The theme was “Creating a Masterpiece, Together.” Source: The Iola Register

Iola City Council members agree it’s a good idea to diversify the city’s energy profile. How? By adding 3-megawatts of power to the city’s energy portfolio through a solar agreement. Recently, the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (KMEA) and NextEra Energy entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Through the agreement, KMEA anticipates purchasing up to 90-megawatts of electric energy from a 200-megawatt solar facility called Ninnescah Flats Solar in Pratt County. As a member of KMEA, the City of Iola is eligible to purchase a portion of the energy. Source: The Iola Register

On Election Day, Allen County picked a new county commissioner and voted down a half-cent sales tax that would have shifted the burden of funding EMS away from property taxes. A commissioner who proposed the sales tax said the county could try again. Source: The Iola Register

A Community Conversation allowed Elsmore residents to talk about their priorities and challenges. They talked about the need for short-term rental housing with an RV park or small rentals for hunters or those visiting the lake. They also want help with drainage and ditches. Infrastructure and housing top the list of priorities for Elsmore residents. The small community held a Community Conversation Oct. 22 to discuss what they enjoy about their town, as well as what areas need improvement. Allen County Commissioners received an update on the conversation Tuesday morning from Thrive Director of Community Engagement Marcia Davis. She noted that [...]