The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library has announced that their&nbsp; second StoryWalk® JC is available for the public to take part in. StoryWalk® JC is a program that allows families to take a walk and read a story at the same time. Downtown Junction City businesses have partnered with the library to help with this program by putting up pages of the story in their windows for patrons to read.

This month’s story is Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell. This month’s StoryWalk® JC begins and ends at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library once again. While at the library, families can stop in and pick up a Clifford at the Circus Scavenger Hunt. As families read the story, they can put a sticker on the scavenger hunt when they find the matching object on the book pages. Once families have finished their scavenger hunts, they can return them to the library to be entered into a prize drawing.&nbsp; The last day to complete the Clifford StoryWalk® JC and scavenger hunt is August 15.&nbsp;

The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library has announced that their&nbsp; second StoryWalk® JC is available for the public to take part in. StoryWalk® JC is a program that allows families to take a walk and read a story at the same time. Downtown Junction City businesses have partnered with the library to help with this program by putting up pages of the story in their windows for patrons to read.This month’s story is Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell. This month’s StoryWalk® JC begins and ends at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library once again. While at the library, families can stop in and pick up a Clifford at the Circus Scavenger Hunt. As families read the story, they can put a sticker on the scavenger hunt when they find the matching object on the book pages. Once families have finished their scavenger hunts, they can return them to the library to be entered into a prize drawing.&nbsp; The last day to complete the Clifford StoryWalk® JC and scavenger hunt is August 15.&nbsp;

Library unveils Story Walk JC plans

Foundation Properties, owners, and operators of Valley View Senior Life Junction City, have announced that “Foundation Park,” is coming to Grand Mere, Colbert Hills in Manhattan. The company is planning to break ground in late July-early August and plan to open near the end of the year.

Foundation Park will have three separate homes, with 12 private suites per household. Limiting each home to just 12 residents, will allow Foundation Properties to provide an intimate Home-Like environment. We like to call “Family Style Care.” Foundation Park is licensed as a “Home Plus” by the state of Kansas. Home Plus allows them to offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Intermittent Skilled Nursing Care.

There will be an open kitchen, where residents can order their breakfast off a menu, “What you want, When you want,” and watch and smell home cooked meals served just like home. Each home has been designed with an above ground “storm shelter,” for Kansas storm safety.

&nbsp;Each resident suite is designed with individual quiet central air &amp; heat. NO shared air exchange with other resident rooms. Each resident climate unit is equipped with technology that reduces the risk of airborne transmission. This system Inactivates 99.4% of SARS Covid &amp; Influenza.

Each home will have a Game Room, Therapeutic spa, Beauty Shop, and Physical Therapy Room.

There will also bbe wrap around porches, views of the Flint Hills, and Colbert Hills Clubhouse and golf course!

Foundation Properties also has plans for two,” Foundation Park “Homes on their campus grounds at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City. The first Home is slated for the land north of their campus, with entrance off Ash Street. The second location is planned near their Independent Apartments to the west of the campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625854697154.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Foundation Properties, owners, and operators of Valley View Senior Life Junction City, have announced that “Foundation Park,” is coming to Grand Mere, Colbert Hills in Manhattan. The company is planning to break ground in late July-early August and plan to open near the end of the year.Foundation Park will have three separate homes, with 12 private suites per household. Limiting each home to just 12 residents, will allow Foundation Properties to provide an intimate Home-Like environment. We like to call “Family Style Care.” Foundation Park is licensed as a “Home Plus” by the state of Kansas. Home Plus allows them to offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Intermittent Skilled Nursing Care.There will be an open kitchen, where residents can order their breakfast off a menu, “What you want, When you want,” and watch and smell home cooked meals served just like home. Each home has been designed with an above ground “storm shelter,” for Kansas storm safety.&nbsp;Each resident suite is designed with individual quiet central air &amp; heat. NO shared air exchange with other resident rooms. Each resident climate unit is equipped with technology that reduces the risk of airborne transmission. This system Inactivates 99.4% of SARS Covid &amp; Influenza.Each home will have a Game Room, Therapeutic spa, Beauty Shop, and Physical Therapy Room.There will also bbe wrap around porches, views of the Flint Hills, and Colbert Hills Clubhouse and golf course!------Foundation Properties also has plans for two,” Foundation Park “Homes on their campus grounds at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City. The first Home is slated for the land north of their campus, with entrance off Ash Street. The second location is planned near their Independent Apartments to the west of the campus.

NEW CONCEPT SENIOR HOUSING COMING TO COLBERT HILLS

First Brigade, 1st Infantry Division troops are preparing for a nine-month deployment to Europe. Geary USD 475 leaders were informed Thursday evening that some of the families of those Soldiers will depart the area during the deployment.

Col. William McKannay, Fort Riley Garrison Commander provided information during a school board meeting. "We have seen very high numbers of families choosing to leave while their Soldiers deploy this year. For some reason this year we're seeing a little bit higher numbers than we have in previous years."

McKannay added that officials on Post are trying to encourage all of the families to stay and that they're actually losing money. He referred to the lower cost of living here versus other places. But he added, "Many of them have valid reasons to go and we understand that."

USD 475 could be impacted with lower enrollment for the upcoming school year due to decisions by those families to relocate elsewhere.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625847683659.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First Brigade, 1st Infantry Division troops are preparing for a nine-month deployment to Europe. Geary USD 475 leaders were informed Thursday evening that some of the families of those Soldiers will depart the area during the deployment.Col. William McKannay, Fort Riley Garrison Commander provided information during a school board meeting. "We have seen very high numbers of families choosing to leave while their Soldiers deploy this year. For some reason this year we're seeing a little bit higher numbers than we have in previous years."McKannay added that officials on Post are trying to encourage all of the families to stay and that they're actually losing money. He referred to the lower cost of living here versus other places. But he added, "Many of them have valid reasons to go and we understand that."USD 475 could be impacted with lower enrollment for the upcoming school year due to decisions by those families to relocate elsewhere.

Some military families choose to leave the area during the upcoming deployment

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

ABILENE - A Colorado man died after being struck twice on Interstate 70 (I-70) late Thursday night in Dickinson County.

According to information from Dickinson County Sheriff Jerry Davis, deputies responded at 11:49 p.m. Thursday to I-70 near mile marker 267 just east of Solomon.

Just prior to the arrival of deputies, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two vehicles that were traveling east on I-70, Davis noted. Although life saving measures were attempted, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Dalton’s vehicle was located at the scene, parked off of the roadway.

During the initial investigation last night, the eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed and traffic was diverted.

Occupants of the first vehicle that struck Dalton were not injured.

Melissa A. Wilson, 32, of Lenexa, and Amanda R. Coots, 34, of St. Joseph, Mo., were occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton and were transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition, the sheriff reported.

According to Davis, the incident remains under investigation.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostABILENE - A Colorado man died after being struck twice on Interstate 70 (I-70) late Thursday night in Dickinson County.According to information from Dickinson County Sheriff Jerry Davis, deputies responded at 11:49 p.m. Thursday to I-70 near mile marker 267 just east of Solomon.Just prior to the arrival of deputies, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two vehicles that were traveling east on I-70, Davis noted. Although life saving measures were attempted, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Dalton’s vehicle was located at the scene, parked off of the roadway.During the initial investigation last night, the eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed and traffic was diverted.Occupants of the first vehicle that struck Dalton were not injured.Melissa A. Wilson, 32, of Lenexa, and Amanda R. Coots, 34, of St. Joseph, Mo., were occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton and were transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition, the sheriff reported.According to Davis, the incident remains under investigation.

Sheriff: Man dies after being struck twice on I-70

RILEY COUNTY—A Manhattan woman was injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Thursday in Manhattan.

A car driven by 95-year-old Margaret Wecker of Manhattan struck a pedestrian identified as Courtney Thompson, 28, Manhattan,&nbsp;&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Manhattan Ave. and Poyntz Avenue, according to the&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;EMS transported Thompson to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—A Manhattan woman was injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Thursday in Manhattan.A car driven by 95-year-old Margaret Wecker of Manhattan struck a pedestrian identified as Courtney Thompson, 28, Manhattan,&nbsp;&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Manhattan Ave. and Poyntz Avenue, according to the&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;EMS transported Thompson to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

Manhattan woman hospitalized after stuck by car

K-State Research and Extension Geary County SNAP-Ed is joining with Live Well Geary County (LWGC) to host&nbsp;SNAP-Ed Night&nbsp;on Thursday, July 15 at the Farmer's Market.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stop by the SNAP-Ed booth for information about the SNAP-Ed program, food tastings and activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter for a chance to win a gift bag!&nbsp;&nbsp;Individuals and families can register for free nutrition classes at the SNAP-Ed booth. &nbsp;

Thursday, July 15, is TRIPLE DAY! Live Well Geary County will triple the dollars you spend from your SNAP-EBT card. &nbsp;

The Geary County Health Department will provide COVID Vaccinations. Three vaccinations will be available: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson. The Health Department will also provide information on the services they provide.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beth Dye, Operation Field Specialist for Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will provide education and assistance with KanCare and other state programs offered to the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter for a chance to win a wellness basket!&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension Geary County SNAP-Ed is joining with Live Well Geary County (LWGC) to host&nbsp;SNAP-Ed Night&nbsp;on Thursday, July 15 at the Farmer's Market.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stop by the SNAP-Ed booth for information about the SNAP-Ed program, food tastings and activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter for a chance to win a gift bag!&nbsp;&nbsp;Individuals and families can register for free nutrition classes at the SNAP-Ed booth. &nbsp;Thursday, July 15, is TRIPLE DAY! Live Well Geary County will triple the dollars you spend from your SNAP-EBT card. &nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Bring your SNAP-EBT or Pandemic-EBT card to the information booth at the farmer's market.&nbsp;</li><li>They’ll swipe it for up to $25 (this is the maximum double/triple amount—you can spend less).&nbsp;</li><li>Get $25 in RED tokens to spend on SNAP-approved food. &nbsp;</li><li>Get $25 in ORANGE tokens to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. &nbsp;</li><li>Get another $25 in Market Bucks to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. &nbsp;</li><li>Shop for your favorite summertime foods at the market!&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>The Geary County Health Department will provide COVID Vaccinations. Three vaccinations will be available: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson. The Health Department will also provide information on the services they provide.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beth Dye, Operation Field Specialist for Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will provide education and assistance with KanCare and other state programs offered to the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter for a chance to win a wellness basket!&nbsp;

SNAP-Ed Night planned at the Farmer's Market

Junction City High School classes for the 2021-2022 school year will begin Aug. 25th, two weeks later than originally planned. Teachers will report to school on Aug. 12th instead of August 4th and students will begin on the 25th.

The new schedule for JCHS was announced and approved by the USD 475 Board of Education Thursday evening.

Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the change in the schedule is due to the construction on the new school and the pace of that work. "We will add 15 minutes to the day in order to be sure that we cover all of the minutes that we need for seniors as well for all of the students at the high school."

The last day of the school year will be May 17th.

Access to the new high school could be challenging for awhile

David Wild, USD 475 Chief Operations Officer, also confirmed for the school board that there will be only one way to access the new high school when the new year begins, and that will be via Rucker Road. It connects with north end of the new Blue Jay Way that is slated to run along the east side of the school.&nbsp; That could make it difficult to access and depart the property at times due to congestion.

Rucker Road is also a gravel road while the southern 200 feet of Blue Jay Way connecting to a planned K-18 roundabout on the southeast corner of the property&nbsp; has not yet been paved. There will eventually be a roundabout built on K-18&nbsp; but that work has not yet even begun so there will be no access to JCHS from the southeast side of the school site.&nbsp;

On the west side of the new school, the bid letting for the Munson Road improvement is scheduled July 19th. Wild estimated it would be Thanksgiving before that work is done. Traffic will not be able to access the school from that side of the facility until that work is completed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625794351887.jpeg" alt="New JCHS" />
 <figcaption>New JCHS</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City High School classes for the 2021-2022 school year will begin Aug. 25th, two weeks later than originally planned. Teachers will report to school on Aug. 12th instead of August 4th and students will begin on the 25th.The new schedule for JCHS was announced and approved by the USD 475 Board of Education Thursday evening.Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the change in the schedule is due to the construction on the new school and the pace of that work. "We will add 15 minutes to the day in order to be sure that we cover all of the minutes that we need for seniors as well for all of the students at the high school."The last day of the school year will be May 17th.Access to the new high school could be challenging for awhileDavid Wild, USD 475 Chief Operations Officer, also confirmed for the school board that there will be only one way to access the new high school when the new year begins, and that will be via Rucker Road. It connects with north end of the new Blue Jay Way that is slated to run along the east side of the school.&nbsp; That could make it difficult to access and depart the property at times due to congestion.Rucker Road is also a gravel road while the southern 200 feet of Blue Jay Way connecting to a planned K-18 roundabout on the southeast corner of the property&nbsp; has not yet been paved. There will eventually be a roundabout built on K-18&nbsp; but that work has not yet even begun so there will be no access to JCHS from the southeast side of the school site.&nbsp;On the west side of the new school, the bid letting for the Munson Road improvement is scheduled July 19th. Wild estimated it would be Thanksgiving before that work is done. Traffic will not be able to access the school from that side of the facility until that work is completed.&nbsp;

Starting date for the Junction City High School year is being moved back

GEARY CO., Kan. (WIBW) - Seven stray pups were found near Geary State Lake and now the Sheriff’s Office would like to speak to their owners.

The Geary Co. Sheriff’s Office says it is looking for information about who the puppies left at Geary State Lake may belong to.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, on July 5, around 7 p.m., deputies found seven stray puppies running around Geary State Lake near mile marker 145. It said no adult dogs were found in the area

If you have information about the pups, call the Geary County Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261.

By WIBW TVGEARY CO., Kan. (WIBW) - Seven stray pups were found near Geary State Lake and now the Sheriff’s Office would like to speak to their owners.The Geary Co. Sheriff’s Office says it is looking for information about who the puppies left at Geary State Lake may belong to.According to the Sheriff’s Office, on July 5, around 7 p.m., deputies found seven stray puppies running around Geary State Lake near mile marker 145. It said no adult dogs were found in the areaIf you have information about the pups, call the Geary County Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261.<figure>
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Sheriff's Department searches for owners of stray pups

&nbsp;A new mural is in place on the lawn on the southwest side of the Junction City Police Department at 210 East Ninth Street.&nbsp;

Police Chief John Lamb said they will reach out to the Chamber of Commerce to do an introduction and ribbon cutting. "Just to have an opportunity for everybody to come out there and explain why we did it., the purpose behind it and just highlight a lot of the things that not just the police department but our community are proud of. It's not just the JCPD but it's also the city and the state."

Some landscaping and lighting improvements remain to be completed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625785986551.jpeg" alt="New mural&nbsp; has been completed outside the JCPD" />
 <figcaption>New mural&nbsp; has been completed outside the JCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;A new mural is in place on the lawn on the southwest side of the Junction City Police Department at 210 East Ninth Street.&nbsp;Police Chief John Lamb said they will reach out to the Chamber of Commerce to do an introduction and ribbon cutting. "Just to have an opportunity for everybody to come out there and explain why we did it., the purpose behind it and just highlight a lot of the things that not just the police department but our community are proud of. It's not just the JCPD but it's also the city and the state."Some landscaping and lighting improvements remain to be completed.&nbsp;

Mural project completed outside the JCPD

July 15th at Champions Car Wash, 1720 Old U.S. 40, is the date and location for the monthly Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is a free networking event for the Chamber.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Business After Hours will run from 5-7 p.m. on the 15th.

July 15th at Champions Car Wash, 1720 Old U.S. 40, is the date and location for the monthly Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a free networking event for the Chamber.&nbsp;&nbsp;Business After Hours will run from 5-7 p.m. on the 15th.

Chamber schedules Business After Hours

Every year the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library celebrates the American Girl book series by auctioning off an American Girl doll and the latest books. Young People's Department Head Kelly Liptak said there is still time to purchase tickets for the American Girl Doll Auction, which are on sale now through Thursday, July 15. Tickets for the doll auction are $2 each. The more tickets you buy the better chance at winning the doll auction. This year’s doll is “Kira.” In the “Kira” book series, she visits her aunt at a wildlife park in Australia.

To go along with the “Kira” books’ theme, the library is also selling Outback Odyssey bags! ! The bags include a free ticket for the doll auction , a snack, a necklace, an Australian stuffed animal, a recipe for the Australian snack, “Fairy Bread,” and a craft based on the Aboriginal clapping sticks! Bags cost $10 each.

Winners of the doll auction and book series will be notified by phone or email by July 22. All proceeds from ticket and bag sales benefit the book donation program - DBPL at DBPL: Donating Books to Promote Literacy. This program allows the Library to provide organizations, schools, daycares, etc., with free books for classroom and home libraries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625782090148.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Every year the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library celebrates the American Girl book series by auctioning off an American Girl doll and the latest books. Young People's Department Head Kelly Liptak said there is still time to purchase tickets for the American Girl Doll Auction, which are on sale now through Thursday, July 15. Tickets for the doll auction are $2 each. The more tickets you buy the better chance at winning the doll auction. This year’s doll is “Kira.” In the “Kira” book series, she visits her aunt at a wildlife park in Australia.To go along with the “Kira” books’ theme, the library is also selling Outback Odyssey bags! ! The bags include a free ticket for the doll auction , a snack, a necklace, an Australian stuffed animal, a recipe for the Australian snack, “Fairy Bread,” and a craft based on the Aboriginal clapping sticks! Bags cost $10 each.Winners of the doll auction and book series will be notified by phone or email by July 22. All proceeds from ticket and bag sales benefit the book donation program - DBPL at DBPL: Donating Books to Promote Literacy. This program allows the Library to provide organizations, schools, daycares, etc., with free books for classroom and home libraries.

American Girl Doll and latest books will be up for auction

By ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

Evergy customers in parts of Missouri may be repaying electric costs for the next 15 years following February’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/16/missouri-facing-more-rolling-power-outages-as-extreme-winter-cold-continues/">winter storm that forced power outages across the Midwest</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas City-area customers in both Kansas and Missouri, however, could see savings.

In February, Winter Storm Uri caused&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/18/feds-ramp-up-emergency-help-for-kansas-other-states-hit-by-extreme-weather/">sustained cold temperatures across much of the central United States</a>, driving demand for energy sky high. At the same time, utilities had trouble getting&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/11/natural-gas-shortages-high-prices-helped-drive-february-power-outages/">natural gas</a>. In some places,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063727799">coal piles froze</a>. Wind turbines iced over.&nbsp;

For several days, utility companies asked customers to conserve their energy use. To keep the grid stable and avoid uncontrolled outages, the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid Evergy belongs to,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/15/evergy-plans-power-outages-as-cold-weather-disrupts-regional-grid/">asked member utilities to implement rolling blackouts</a>.

Now, Evergy is totaling the financial impact of the storm. In the greater Kansas City area, Evergy was able to generate more power than it needed during the cold snap and sell the excess into the SPP. That helped offset the higher prices it had to pay to serve the region, and the utility plans to return those proceeds to customers over the next couple of years.

But customers outside the metro in Kansas could gradually repay $152.3 million over two years. In parts of Missouri outside the metro, the company is asking to defer and then recover more than $297 million — potentially over 15 years. If Evergy didn’t spread those costs out over time, customers’ bills would be astronomical, said Lena Mantle, a senior analyst with the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel.

“That was unprecedented. That has not occurred since — well, ever that I remember,” Mantle said.&nbsp;

Evergy’s Missouri West area, which stretches from the Iowa border south along the Kansas border nearly to southwest Missouri, was hit the hardest by high February costs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/commoncomponents/view_itemno_details.asp?caseno=EU-2021-0283&amp;attach_id=2021023780">Documents on file with the Missouri Public Service Commission</a>&nbsp;show that area incurred more than triple its normal fuel costs. It purchased $316.8 million in power —&nbsp;more than 21 times its average $14.8 million for February.&nbsp;

After adjusting for other costs and channels of revenue, the area incurred $297.3 million in extraordinary costs.&nbsp;

Evergy filed last week with Missouri regulators for an “accounting authority order,” which allows it to defer the sum it will collect from Missouri customers related to the storm.&nbsp;

To spread out that cost, Evergy plans to file with the Missouri Public Service Commission to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/06/parson-signs-bill-helping-utilities-shutter-coal-plants-transition-to-renewable-power/">state’s newly created securitization policy</a>&nbsp;and spread the cost to customers over 15 years.&nbsp;

If approved, Evergy estimates those customers’ bills would increase by $2.85 per month. The company wouldn’t say how high those customer bills would be without securitization, but it said the impact would be greater.

“Securitization would be the lowest total cost and lowest bill impact option for customers,” said Gina Penzig, a spokeswoman for Evergy.

In general, Evergy is allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers unless stakeholders, like the Office of the Public Counsel, successfully argue the company acted imprudently, which Mantle said is difficult to prove.

Meanwhile, Evergy customers in Kansas City will see a surplus returned to them.&nbsp;

Kansas already granted Evergy authority to defer costs related to the storm. The company filed a plan with the Kansas Corporation Commission last week to recover them.&nbsp;

In Kansas, Kansas City-area customers could see their bills decline by almost $10 per month from April 2022 until April 2023 to return a surplus of $43.9 million.

In Evergy’s other Kansas territory —&nbsp;stretching from the Nebraska border to Wichita and from the Missouri border west to Salina —&nbsp;customers will pay another $4.70 per month for the next two years to repay the $153.2 million in extraordinary costs from the storm.&nbsp;

In both states, consumer and business advocates will have the opportunity to comment on Evergy’s plans.

The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625769451311.jpeg" alt="Some Evergy customers in Kansas will have higher energy bills following a winter cold snap that forced outages. (Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Some Evergy customers in Kansas will have higher energy bills following a winter cold snap that forced outages. (Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorEvergy customers in parts of Missouri may be repaying electric costs for the next 15 years following February’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/16/missouri-facing-more-rolling-power-outages-as-extreme-winter-cold-continues/">winter storm that forced power outages across the Midwest</a>.&nbsp;Kansas City-area customers in both Kansas and Missouri, however, could see savings.In February, Winter Storm Uri caused&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/18/feds-ramp-up-emergency-help-for-kansas-other-states-hit-by-extreme-weather/">sustained cold temperatures across much of the central United States</a>, driving demand for energy sky high. At the same time, utilities had trouble getting&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/11/natural-gas-shortages-high-prices-helped-drive-february-power-outages/">natural gas</a>. In some places,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063727799">coal piles froze</a>. Wind turbines iced over.&nbsp;For several days, utility companies asked customers to conserve their energy use. To keep the grid stable and avoid uncontrolled outages, the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid Evergy belongs to,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/15/evergy-plans-power-outages-as-cold-weather-disrupts-regional-grid/">asked member utilities to implement rolling blackouts</a>.Now, Evergy is totaling the financial impact of the storm. In the greater Kansas City area, Evergy was able to generate more power than it needed during the cold snap and sell the excess into the SPP. That helped offset the higher prices it had to pay to serve the region, and the utility plans to return those proceeds to customers over the next couple of years.But customers outside the metro in Kansas could gradually repay $152.3 million over two years. In parts of Missouri outside the metro, the company is asking to defer and then recover more than $297 million — potentially over 15 years. If Evergy didn’t spread those costs out over time, customers’ bills would be astronomical, said Lena Mantle, a senior analyst with the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel.“That was unprecedented. That has not occurred since — well, ever that I remember,” Mantle said.&nbsp;Evergy’s Missouri West area, which stretches from the Iowa border south along the Kansas border nearly to southwest Missouri, was hit the hardest by high February costs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/commoncomponents/view_itemno_details.asp?caseno=EU-2021-0283&amp;attach_id=2021023780">Documents on file with the Missouri Public Service Commission</a>&nbsp;show that area incurred more than triple its normal fuel costs. It purchased $316.8 million in power —&nbsp;more than 21 times its average $14.8 million for February.&nbsp;After adjusting for other costs and channels of revenue, the area incurred $297.3 million in extraordinary costs.&nbsp;Evergy filed last week with Missouri regulators for an “accounting authority order,” which allows it to defer the sum it will collect from Missouri customers related to the storm.&nbsp;To spread out that cost, Evergy plans to file with the Missouri Public Service Commission to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/06/parson-signs-bill-helping-utilities-shutter-coal-plants-transition-to-renewable-power/">state’s newly created securitization policy</a>&nbsp;and spread the cost to customers over 15 years.&nbsp;If approved, Evergy estimates those customers’ bills would increase by $2.85 per month. The company wouldn’t say how high those customer bills would be without securitization, but it said the impact would be greater.“Securitization would be the lowest total cost and lowest bill impact option for customers,” said Gina Penzig, a spokeswoman for Evergy.In general, Evergy is allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers unless stakeholders, like the Office of the Public Counsel, successfully argue the company acted imprudently, which Mantle said is difficult to prove.Meanwhile, Evergy customers in Kansas City will see a surplus returned to them.&nbsp;Kansas already granted Evergy authority to defer costs related to the storm. The company filed a plan with the Kansas Corporation Commission last week to recover them.&nbsp;In Kansas, Kansas City-area customers could see their bills decline by almost $10 per month from April 2022 until April 2023 to return a surplus of $43.9 million.In Evergy’s other Kansas territory —&nbsp;stretching from the Nebraska border to Wichita and from the Missouri border west to Salina —&nbsp;customers will pay another $4.70 per month for the next two years to repay the $153.2 million in extraordinary costs from the storm.&nbsp;In both states, consumer and business advocates will have the opportunity to comment on Evergy’s plans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673106778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

After winter storm, some Evergy customers may see savings, others pay for years

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 6,000 Kansans are set to take part in this year’s Sunflower State Games.

“We are looking in great shape as far as registration numbers go,” Cassie Criger, executive director of the Games, said. “Our mission is to bring an Olympic-style festivity to all ages and all skill levels.”

Athletes will compete in 43 events at 20 venues across the Capital City this weekend and next.

“There’s gonna be some really good competition this year, and also we’ve got our sports that are just fun like miniature golf and cornhole,” Criger said.

The games are for everyone. Competitors from ages five to 99 will participate in everything from basketball to fishing, team paintball and axe throwing.

The Games kick off Friday with a free-to-attend Cauldron Fest and Tailgate Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hummer Sports Park. The cauldron will be lit around 6:00 p.m.

“We’ll have inflatables, we’re going to have face painting and balloons, there will be a couple food trucks out here,” Crirger said.

It’s a team effort from the lighting of the torch to the final event. More than 700 volunteers will help out this year.

“The goal is just to get people to come out and be active and get their body moving again,” Criger said. “Especially coming out of the COVID year, everybody is ready to come back out and start competing.”

<a href="https://www.sunflowergames.com/" target="_blank">The registration deadline</a>&nbsp;for next weekend’s events is Friday, July 9.

By WIBW's Marleah CampbellTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 6,000 Kansans are set to take part in this year’s Sunflower State Games.“We are looking in great shape as far as registration numbers go,” Cassie Criger, executive director of the Games, said. “Our mission is to bring an Olympic-style festivity to all ages and all skill levels.”Athletes will compete in 43 events at 20 venues across the Capital City this weekend and next.“There’s gonna be some really good competition this year, and also we’ve got our sports that are just fun like miniature golf and cornhole,” Criger said.The games are for everyone. Competitors from ages five to 99 will participate in everything from basketball to fishing, team paintball and axe throwing.The Games kick off Friday with a free-to-attend Cauldron Fest and Tailgate Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hummer Sports Park. The cauldron will be lit around 6:00 p.m.“We’ll have inflatables, we’re going to have face painting and balloons, there will be a couple food trucks out here,” Crirger said.It’s a team effort from the lighting of the torch to the final event. More than 700 volunteers will help out this year.“The goal is just to get people to come out and be active and get their body moving again,” Criger said. “Especially coming out of the COVID year, everybody is ready to come back out and start competing.”<a href="https://www.sunflowergames.com/" target="_blank">The registration deadline</a>&nbsp;for next weekend’s events is Friday, July 9.

More than 6,000 Kansans expected to compete at this year’s Sunflower State Games

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW TV) - Emporia’s David Traylor Zoo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to celebrate completing the first phase of exterior renovations.

The zoo held a grand opening for the Jones Testamentary Trust Grand Entrance and Memorial, the North American Flyway, and the Laughing Kookaburra Exhibit. The updates are part of a nearly five-million-dollar contract; the next step in the renovation process is to move all of the zoo’s llamas south to make room for a new parking lot. The City of Emporia will also be paving South Exchange St. to provide better access to the zoo from the east side.

The zoo’s Education Center, parking lot, and king vulture exhibit are set to be renovated and expanded in 2022.

By WIBW TV's Marissa VentrelliTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW TV) - Emporia’s David Traylor Zoo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to celebrate completing the first phase of exterior renovations.The zoo held a grand opening for the Jones Testamentary Trust Grand Entrance and Memorial, the North American Flyway, and the Laughing Kookaburra Exhibit. The updates are part of a nearly five-million-dollar contract; the next step in the renovation process is to move all of the zoo’s llamas south to make room for a new parking lot. The City of Emporia will also be paving South Exchange St. to provide better access to the zoo from the east side.The zoo’s Education Center, parking lot, and king vulture exhibit are set to be renovated and expanded in 2022.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10159255632403445%26id%3D367697018444&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="664" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Emporia Zoo celebrates newly-completed front entrance renovations

To help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the CDC recommends most people wear cloth face covers in public, like at the grocery store. But remember, social distancing and hand washing are still very important steps in prevention.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Learn more about face coverings: <a href="https://ascn.io/3dTlewi?fbclid=IwAR17kpQoHqIWzc4zuOw2X9yTRWHn7kh3J-oGF17_VoNH2JHTGT_kAJRo3Z4" target="_blank">https://ascn.io/3dTlewi</a>

To help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the CDC recommends most people wear cloth face covers in public, like at the grocery store. But remember, social distancing and hand washing are still very important steps in prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp; Learn more about face coverings: <a href="https://ascn.io/3dTlewi?fbclid=IwAR17kpQoHqIWzc4zuOw2X9yTRWHn7kh3J-oGF17_VoNH2JHTGT_kAJRo3Z4" target="_blank">https://ascn.io/3dTlewi</a>

Ascension Via Christi Hospital provides advice on slowing COVID-19

1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division troops will deploy to Europe for a 9-month in support of the Atlantic Resolve misson.

&nbsp; &nbsp;Equipment from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division rolls off the ship in Gdansk, Poland ready to move on to forward locations. &nbsp; &nbsp;

1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division troops will deploy to Europe for a 9-month in support of the Atlantic Resolve misson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625766731022.jpeg" alt="( Photo courtesy o Fort Riley )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo courtesy o Fort Riley )</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp;Equipment from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division rolls off the ship in Gdansk, Poland ready to move on to forward locations. &nbsp; &nbsp;

1st Brigade equipment arrives in Europe

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery in Manhattan involving a skateboard.

Just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police filed a report for aggravated battery near the intersection of N. 5th Street and Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 53-year-old man reported an unknown male suspect hit him in the head multiple times with a skateboard. 

The victim sustained injuries to his head but declined EMS. 

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery in Manhattan involving a skateboard.Just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police filed a report for aggravated battery near the intersection of N. 5th Street and Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 53-year-old man reported an unknown male suspect hit him in the head multiple times with a skateboard. The victim sustained injuries to his head but declined EMS. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: 53-year-old man attacked with a skateboard

Fall gardens do best when planted in mid-July, says K-State horticulture expert&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – It’s nearing the middle of July, so Kansas gardeners are turning their thoughts to harvesting tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and many other fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;

It’s not the time to begin the work all over again…right?&nbsp;

“Probably the last thing most gardeners are thinking of right now is planting vegetables,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham. “But fall gardens will often produce higher quality, tastier cool-season crops if you plant now.”&nbsp;

Upham said fall vegetables do well if they are allowed to mature during cooler, less stressful times. That means a fall bounty requires getting seeds into the ground as early as mid-July.&nbsp;

Planting vegetables during summer’s heat, however, requires a different approach. “Plant seeds slightly deeper than you would in the spring so that it stays cooler, and the soil around the seeds stay moist longer,” Upham said. “Plant more thick, and thin the plants later. The plants also may need to be protected from rabbits by using fencing.”&nbsp;

Upham shared a timely calendar to help gardeners plan for a fall harvest:&nbsp;

Plant potatoes if you can find them, or use seed potatoes that you might have saved. Do not use freshly dug potatoes because they have a built-in dormancy that will prevent growth. Also, do not use grocery store potatoes; they won’t sprout because they often have been treated.&nbsp;

Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be started from seed in mid-July. “Choose a protected place where the soil can be kept moist and rabbits will not bother them,” Upham said, adding that the crops should be transplanted in mid-August.&nbsp;

Seed spinach and long-season maturing lettuce. Leaf lettuce will be seeded later.&nbsp;

Transplant cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower to their final location.&nbsp;

“There is no need to fertilize before planting these crops,” Upham said. “Side dress them two weeks after transplanting, or four weeks after sowing seed by apply 2 tablespoons of a 16-0-0 fertilizer, or 1 tablespoon of 27-33-3 or 30-3-4 fertilizer.”&nbsp;

Upham said liquid fertilizer can also be used (many store brands exist), and should be used according to label instruction. “It would be a good idea to wash off the leaves with clean water to prevent burn from the fertilizer,” he said.&nbsp;

Fall crops should be watered more frequently so that the seed does not dry out. Upham recommends a soaker hose or drip irrigation next to the row, which allows water to slowly seep into the ground. “Overhead watering often causes soil to crust, making it more difficult for young, tender plants to emerge,” he said.&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Fall gardens do best when planted in mid-July, says K-State horticulture expert&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – It’s nearing the middle of July, so Kansas gardeners are turning their thoughts to harvesting tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and many other fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;It’s not the time to begin the work all over again…right?&nbsp;“Probably the last thing most gardeners are thinking of right now is planting vegetables,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham. “But fall gardens will often produce higher quality, tastier cool-season crops if you plant now.”&nbsp;Upham said fall vegetables do well if they are allowed to mature during cooler, less stressful times. That means a fall bounty requires getting seeds into the ground as early as mid-July.&nbsp;Planting vegetables during summer’s heat, however, requires a different approach. “Plant seeds slightly deeper than you would in the spring so that it stays cooler, and the soil around the seeds stay moist longer,” Upham said. “Plant more thick, and thin the plants later. The plants also may need to be protected from rabbits by using fencing.”&nbsp;Upham shared a timely calendar to help gardeners plan for a fall harvest:&nbsp;Mid-July&nbsp;Plant potatoes if you can find them, or use seed potatoes that you might have saved. Do not use freshly dug potatoes because they have a built-in dormancy that will prevent growth. Also, do not use grocery store potatoes; they won’t sprout because they often have been treated.&nbsp;Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be started from seed in mid-July. “Choose a protected place where the soil can be kept moist and rabbits will not bother them,” Upham said, adding that the crops should be transplanted in mid-August.&nbsp;Late July&nbsp;Seed beets, carrots and beans.&nbsp;Late July to early August&nbsp;Seed spinach and long-season maturing lettuce. Leaf lettuce will be seeded later.&nbsp;Mid- to late August&nbsp;Transplant cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower to their final location.&nbsp;“There is no need to fertilize before planting these crops,” Upham said. “Side dress them two weeks after transplanting, or four weeks after sowing seed by apply 2 tablespoons of a 16-0-0 fertilizer, or 1 tablespoon of 27-33-3 or 30-3-4 fertilizer.”&nbsp;Upham said liquid fertilizer can also be used (many store brands exist), and should be used according to label instruction. “It would be a good idea to wash off the leaves with clean water to prevent burn from the fertilizer,” he said.&nbsp;Fall crops should be watered more frequently so that the seed does not dry out. Upham recommends a soaker hose or drip irrigation next to the row, which allows water to slowly seep into the ground. “Overhead watering often causes soil to crust, making it more difficult for young, tender plants to emerge,” he said.&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Gardeners begin summer harvest…and look ahead to fall 

MARSHALL COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Marshall County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Nissan Rogue driven by Zelayha&nbsp;Vincent, 21, Junction City, was&nbsp;south bound on U.S. 77&nbsp;north of Parallel Road.

The driver lost control of the SUV. It entered the eastbound ditch, struck an embankment, continued southbound and traveled out of the ditch and came to rest on the shoulder.

EMS transported Vincent to the hospital in Manhattan. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

MARSHALL COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Marshall County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Nissan Rogue driven by Zelayha&nbsp;Vincent, 21, Junction City, was&nbsp;south bound on U.S. 77&nbsp;north of Parallel Road.The driver lost control of the SUV. It entered the eastbound ditch, struck an embankment, continued southbound and traveled out of the ditch and came to rest on the shoulder.EMS transported Vincent to the hospital in Manhattan. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Junction City woman hospitalized after SUV crash

Geary USD 475 will start the new school year with games, treats, live entertainment and free school supplies during a Back-to-School carnival. The District noted on social media that the event is open to the community.

The Back-to-School Carnival is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 5th from 6-9 p.m. at Al Simpler Stadium.&nbsp;

Geary USD 475 will start the new school year with games, treats, live entertainment and free school supplies during a Back-to-School carnival. The District noted on social media that the event is open to the community.The Back-to-School Carnival is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 5th from 6-9 p.m. at Al Simpler Stadium.&nbsp;

USD 475 will host a Back to School carnival

The Department of the Army has announced the upcoming 2021 rotation to Europe of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley..

They will replace the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and will participate in Atlantic Resolve exercises in support of the United States’ commitment to NATO allies and partners.

"The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team is honored to deploy in support of Atlantic Resolve as a regionally allocated force in Europe,” said Col. Brian E. McCarthy, 1st ABCT commander. “It is a great privilege to aid in the preservation of peace by showcasing our Army's ability to project readiness across the globe. This brigade’s legacy of fighting and training alongside our European partners began in the fields of France during World War One. We are proud to uphold our dedication to a strong Europe, and once again stand with our allies and partners.”

The Department of the Army has announced the upcoming 2021 rotation to Europe of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley..They will replace the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and will participate in Atlantic Resolve exercises in support of the United States’ commitment to NATO allies and partners."The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team is honored to deploy in support of Atlantic Resolve as a regionally allocated force in Europe,” said Col. Brian E. McCarthy, 1st ABCT commander. “It is a great privilege to aid in the preservation of peace by showcasing our Army's ability to project readiness across the globe. This brigade’s legacy of fighting and training alongside our European partners began in the fields of France during World War One. We are proud to uphold our dedication to a strong Europe, and once again stand with our allies and partners.”

1st Armored Brigade deploys to Europe

Geary County Commissioners have set a July 19th bid opening date for the Munson Road improvement project on the west side of the new Junction City High School site.

"We've got to get the portion of Munson Road from K-18 to the high school's north property line and that bid opening will be July 19th at 1:15 p.m., said Commissioner Keith Ascher. He added that the cost will be paid for by USD 475 but the project runs through Geary County.

Munson Road is currently a gravel road and must be upgraded to accommodate increased traffic going to the new high school.

Geary County Commissioners have set a July 19th bid opening date for the Munson Road improvement project on the west side of the new Junction City High School site."We've got to get the portion of Munson Road from K-18 to the high school's north property line and that bid opening will be July 19th at 1:15 p.m., said Commissioner Keith Ascher. He added that the cost will be paid for by USD 475 but the project runs through Geary County.Munson Road is currently a gravel road and must be upgraded to accommodate increased traffic going to the new high school.

County sets bid opening date for Munson Road project

By&nbsp;ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A consumer watchdog wants federal regulators to acknowledge the influence of activist shareholders on Evergy’s decision-making, mirroring a local push that Kansas regulators rejected.&nbsp;

Public Citizen, a 40-year-old nonprofit representing consumers, is pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ferc.gov/">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a>&nbsp;to recognize two investment firms as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">Evergy</a>, arguing last year that one of the companies purchased shares “for the purpose of obtaining control over the company’s management.”&nbsp;

Last month, Public Citizen once again insisted in a filing with FERC that Elliott Management Corp. and Bluescape Energy Partners be considered affiliates of Evergy after the company did not list them in response to an inquiry from the commission.

“These non-arm’s length transactions raise serious concerns about the influence wielded by both Bluescape and Elliott Management,” the organization’s filing said.&nbsp;

The relationship between&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/23/advocacy-groups-push-for-transparency-in-evergys-8-9-billion-sustainability-plan/">Evergy and Elliott has been a subject of scrutiny</a>&nbsp;for other interested groups since last year when Elliott, an Evergy shareholder, sent a letter to Evergy’s board&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elliott-management-sends-letter-to-board-of-directors-of-evergy-inc-300990314.html">urging the company to either consider a sale or invest in capital</a>. That type of spending is the primary way heavily regulated monopoly utilities can raise their rates. Elliott then gained two seats on Evergy’s board.

Evergy, which serves 1.6 million electric customers in Kansas and Missouri, last year announced its Sustainability Transformation Plan, a $8.9 billion capital plan developed under pressure from Elliott.

Bluescape bought interest in Evergy earlier this year, and its executive chairman gained a seat on the company’s board.

“We are simply saying if these companies want to invest in Evergy, if these companies want to influence the future direction of Evergy, then they’ve got to do it by the book,” said Tyson Slocum, energy program director for Public Citizen.

In a statement, Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said neither Elliott nor Bluescape fits the definition of an affiliated party.

“These are shareholders with no more or less control than any other shareholder,” Penzig said. “We have engaged in a dialogue with them over a process and have been transparent about that process. We frequently have dialogue with shareholders about our business operations and strategy.”

For months, the Kansas Corporation Commission has been reviewing Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan. When it developed the STP, Evergy went through a 12-week analysis by the Boston Consulting Group, which has been kept confidential as part of proceedings before the Kansas Corporation Commission. Several groups criticized what they saw as limited transparency in the STP proceedings, leading the KCC to open the case to public comment. That window closes July 7.

The Kansas Industrial Consumers Group petitioned the KCC to require Elliott to be party to the STP investigation, arguing interested parties should be able to review Elliott’s influence in creating the plan.

“Elliott has amassed a significant amount of ‘economic exposure’ to, and influence over, Evergy,” the filing says. “This influence has caused Evergy to revise its capital plans by billions of dollars that could ultimately fall upon ratepayers. The commission should order the STP’s key architects participate in this investigation.”

Evergy responded in a filing, saying Elliott was not involved in the decision to pursue the STP or develop the plan itself.

“KIC’s allegation that Elliott is somehow exercising control over Evergy in a way that led to the development and approval of the STP is both false and offensive,” the company says. “In reality, the ‘key architects’ of the STP are Evergy and its management team —&nbsp;who are already under the commission’s jurisdiction and party to this docket.”&nbsp;

“Contrary to the unsupported allegations contained in KIC’s motion, Elliott has no control or substantial influence over any of Evergy’s directors,” the firm wrote.

The KCC rejected the motion, saying KIC hadn’t presented a compelling reason to require Elliott to join.

“The commission realizes the entire ‘strategic review’ to increase shareholder value resulted from pressure from Elliott … but the commission is not investigating either Elliott’s or Evergy’s motives,” the KCC said in its order. “Instead, the question before the commission is whether the STP is in the public interest of the state of Kansas.”

KIC and environmental groups have shared concerns Evergy’s STP is geared more at shareholder value than benefits for customers. Wells Fargo analysts recently downgraded Evergy as an investment, fearing a strict regulatory environment in Kansas.

But at the same time, the analyst said Evergy as a company was “shareholder-friendly” and capable of controlling costs.

Slocum said it’s important to scrutinize Elliott and Bluescape because Evergy serves captive ratepayers.

“This isn’t some nefarious plot,” Slocum said. “… They are investors that are seeking to maximize their return, and the way that they do that is to push management in the direction that hedge fund thinks they need to go.”

He added that would be fine if the company were selling “yachts or Rolexes.”

“But Evergy is different,” he said.&nbsp;

Neither Elliott nor Bluescape provided comment on Friday.

The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625672870382.jpeg" alt="Evergy's Flat Ridge Wind Farm, near Medicine Lodge, is one of the utility's sources of renewable energy. It plans to spend more, according to its sustainability transformation plan. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Evergy's Flat Ridge Wind Farm, near Medicine Lodge, is one of the utility's sources of renewable energy. It plans to spend more, according to its sustainability transformation plan. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorKANSAS CITY, Mo. — A consumer watchdog wants federal regulators to acknowledge the influence of activist shareholders on Evergy’s decision-making, mirroring a local push that Kansas regulators rejected.&nbsp;Public Citizen, a 40-year-old nonprofit representing consumers, is pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ferc.gov/">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a>&nbsp;to recognize two investment firms as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">Evergy</a>, arguing last year that one of the companies purchased shares “for the purpose of obtaining control over the company’s management.”&nbsp;Last month, Public Citizen once again insisted in a filing with FERC that Elliott Management Corp. and Bluescape Energy Partners be considered affiliates of Evergy after the company did not list them in response to an inquiry from the commission.“These non-arm’s length transactions raise serious concerns about the influence wielded by both Bluescape and Elliott Management,” the organization’s filing said.&nbsp;The relationship between&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/23/advocacy-groups-push-for-transparency-in-evergys-8-9-billion-sustainability-plan/">Evergy and Elliott has been a subject of scrutiny</a>&nbsp;for other interested groups since last year when Elliott, an Evergy shareholder, sent a letter to Evergy’s board&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elliott-management-sends-letter-to-board-of-directors-of-evergy-inc-300990314.html">urging the company to either consider a sale or invest in capital</a>. That type of spending is the primary way heavily regulated monopoly utilities can raise their rates. Elliott then gained two seats on Evergy’s board.Evergy, which serves 1.6 million electric customers in Kansas and Missouri, last year announced its Sustainability Transformation Plan, a $8.9 billion capital plan developed under pressure from Elliott.Bluescape bought interest in Evergy earlier this year, and its executive chairman gained a seat on the company’s board.“We are simply saying if these companies want to invest in Evergy, if these companies want to influence the future direction of Evergy, then they’ve got to do it by the book,” said Tyson Slocum, energy program director for Public Citizen.In a statement, Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said neither Elliott nor Bluescape fits the definition of an affiliated party.“These are shareholders with no more or less control than any other shareholder,” Penzig said. “We have engaged in a dialogue with them over a process and have been transparent about that process. We frequently have dialogue with shareholders about our business operations and strategy.”<h2>Actions in Kansas</h2>For months, the Kansas Corporation Commission has been reviewing Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan. When it developed the STP, Evergy went through a 12-week analysis by the Boston Consulting Group, which has been kept confidential as part of proceedings before the Kansas Corporation Commission. Several groups criticized what they saw as limited transparency in the STP proceedings, leading the KCC to open the case to public comment. That window closes July 7.The Kansas Industrial Consumers Group petitioned the KCC to require Elliott to be party to the STP investigation, arguing interested parties should be able to review Elliott’s influence in creating the plan.“Elliott has amassed a significant amount of ‘economic exposure’ to, and influence over, Evergy,” the filing says. “This influence has caused Evergy to revise its capital plans by billions of dollars that could ultimately fall upon ratepayers. The commission should order the STP’s key architects participate in this investigation.”Evergy responded in a filing, saying Elliott was not involved in the decision to pursue the STP or develop the plan itself.“KIC’s allegation that Elliott is somehow exercising control over Evergy in a way that led to the development and approval of the STP is both false and offensive,” the company says. “In reality, the ‘key architects’ of the STP are Evergy and its management team —&nbsp;who are already under the commission’s jurisdiction and party to this docket.”&nbsp;Elliott said the same in another filing.“Contrary to the unsupported allegations contained in KIC’s motion, Elliott has no control or substantial influence over any of Evergy’s directors,” the firm wrote.The KCC rejected the motion, saying KIC hadn’t presented a compelling reason to require Elliott to join.“The commission realizes the entire ‘strategic review’ to increase shareholder value resulted from pressure from Elliott … but the commission is not investigating either Elliott’s or Evergy’s motives,” the KCC said in its order. “Instead, the question before the commission is whether the STP is in the public interest of the state of Kansas.”KIC and environmental groups have shared concerns Evergy’s STP is geared more at shareholder value than benefits for customers. Wells Fargo analysts recently downgraded Evergy as an investment, fearing a strict regulatory environment in Kansas.But at the same time, the analyst said Evergy as a company was “shareholder-friendly” and capable of controlling costs.Slocum said it’s important to scrutinize Elliott and Bluescape because Evergy serves captive ratepayers.“This isn’t some nefarious plot,” Slocum said. “… They are investors that are seeking to maximize their return, and the way that they do that is to push management in the direction that hedge fund thinks they need to go.”He added that would be fine if the company were selling “yachts or Rolexes.”“But Evergy is different,” he said.&nbsp;Neither Elliott nor Bluescape provided comment on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673106778.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

Watchdog wants feds to acknowledge investors’ influence on Evergy

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for alleged animal cruelty.

Just before 3 p.m. July 5, officers responded to a call of a dog left inside a vehicle in the 1000 Block of Westloop Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Officers issued a citation&nbsp;to Austin Sadler, 21, of Ft. Riley for Cruelty to Animals. Temperatures were in the upper 80s to low 90s that afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Police released no additional details.

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for alleged animal cruelty.Just before 3 p.m. July 5, officers responded to a call of a dog left inside a vehicle in the 1000 Block of Westloop Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Officers issued a citation&nbsp;to Austin Sadler, 21, of Ft. Riley for Cruelty to Animals. Temperatures were in the upper 80s to low 90s that afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Police released no additional details.

Fort Riley man cited for leaving dog in a vehicle

The Junction City Police Department's Community Involvement Unit will show the movie Dora and The Lost City of Gold, this Friday July 9th at Heritage Park. The movie will start at 9 p.m. 

Popcorn and water will be provided for free. The movie is sponsored by the Bramlage Family Foundation. If inclement weather is possible, Movies At the Park are moved indoors to the Municipal Building.

The Junction City Police Department's Community Involvement Unit will show the movie Dora and The Lost City of Gold, this Friday July 9th at Heritage Park. The movie will start at 9 p.m. Popcorn and water will be provided for free. The movie is sponsored by the Bramlage Family Foundation. If inclement weather is possible, Movies At the Park are moved indoors to the Municipal Building.

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