A staffing shortage within the Chase County Emergency Medical Service is taking center stage as the county begins shaping its 2024 budget. Scott Harris, Chase County EMS director, told commissioners last week his workers’ request for 2024 was not necessarily for more dollars, but for more employees. “We cannot keep up this pace,” Harris told commissioners, according to the Emporia Gazette. “I know my guys are tired.” Harris said each year before he brings his budget to the commission, he asks his staff what changes they would like to see, the Gazette reported. Source: The Iola Register

Reno County is asking for proposals from companies to utilize the landfill gas that is generated from the Reno County Landfill. County commissioners approved the plan on Tuesday, the Hutchinson news reported. The county hopes this will be a win-win situation, with the landfill complying with state and federal requirements, an end-user benefiting from the landfill gas and the county benefiting from the revenue in sales. A request for proposals is due Sept. 1. Source: The Iola Register

In his travels across the state, Iola Mayor Steve French occasionally makes note of how other communities have invested in their sports facilities. “Just go south to Chanute and look at their ball diamonds, and look at what other communities are pouring into their sports complexes,” French said at Monday’s Iola City Council meeting. French’s comments were sparked by conversations he’d had with a handful of local parents in recent days, wondering if it’s time for Iola to consider an upgrade. Source: The Iola Register

For all of its successes — and there are many — Humboldt faces challenges similar to countless other rural communities these days. Local employers are unable to keep fully staffed because of a dearth of quality and affordable housing, a lack of quality daycare centers; and an ongoing “brain drain” wave in which the best and brightest students often go elsewhere to find their niche in life. For that matter, too many youths are the unwitting victims of a digital society, in which they’ve become accustomed to spending hours of screen time instead of play time — and their mental health [...]

As newcomers to Iola, Manish Sahdev and wife Karisma have already felt welcomed into the community. Now, the new owners of Iola’s Regency Inn are intent on extending that same hospitality to their customers. The Sahdevs acquired Regency Inn about two months ago, and have immediately made efforts to ensure their motel is the preferred destination for anyone staying in Iola on a short- or long-term basis. ... On top of their overnight business, they’ve also instituted long-term room rentals, starting at $650 a month. “It’s about helping people in the community,” Manish said, including senior citizens, workers needing housing for [...]

Chanute is adding a 6-megawatt solar plant to its energy portfolio. Chanute City Commissioners agreed at their April 10 meeting to proceed with the plan. Evergy energy company will build and operate the solar farm on 47 acres of land, the Chanute Tribune reported. The city will purchase the electricity from the solar farm at a fixed rate, and has an option to buy the facility after six years. Commissioners noted, however, Chanute likely will not be in a position to buy the solar farm then, the Tribune reported, because of anticipated water treatment and sewer projects. Source: The Iola Register

For all of the good in town — neighbors helping neighbors, infrastructure upgrades, etc. — LaHarpe still has plenty of issues that, if not addressed, will eventually threaten the community’s future. So said a small group of residents who gathered this week for a community conversation, hosted by Thrive Allen County. The hour-plus powwow tackled the town’s strengths and struggles, with plenty to boast about, but often with a blunt assessment on what needs help. First the good news. A small but ambitious set of volunteers has helped with several improvements in recent years, from LaHarpe PRIDE handling annual clean-up day [...]

Anyone who’s curious about the Regional Rural Technical Center in LaHarpe will have a chance to see the facility and equipment at an open house on Tuesday. The tech center will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. for prospective students, and from 3 to 6:30 p.m. for the community. Representatives from participating colleges will be available to explain programs and answer enrollment questions. High school juniors and seniors, and adults can take courses at RRTC earning certificates in a variety of areas. Next year, the center will offer CNA, phlebotomy, wind, automotive, welding, and construction programs. Source: The Iola Register

A proposal to create a new state park in Iola took another big step forward Thursday when Kansas senators voted overwhelmingly in favor of what would become Lehigh Portland State Park. The Senate’s passage means the bill goes back to the Kansas House of Representatives — perhaps as early as Thursday evening — for a final vote before the measure would go to Gov. Laura Kelly. The Senate’s bill differed slightly from a similar bill approved previously by the House in that it was combined with another bill granting free permanent hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans. Sen. Caryn Tyson, [...]

Flashing red lights atop wind turbines would be curtailed to improve nighttime views under a bill that has been sent to the governor. If signed by Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly, it would require installation of light-mitigating technology on new and existing wind farms, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports. The aircraft detection lighting system technology would turn off the lights except for when aircraft are near. Aircraft aren’t near a wind farm about 97% of the time the lights are blinking, said Rep. Lisa Moser, R-Wheaton. Source: The Iola Register