Public hearing on KCP&L rate increase to be Aug. 23

A public hearing on a KCP&L proposed $26.2 million rate increase will be held on Thursday, Aug. 23.

Some residents of western Wyandotte County may be in the Kansas City Power and Light or the Westar Energy electric service areas.

The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at the B.E.S.T. Conference Center on the University of Kansas Edwards Campus, at 12600 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas.

According to information from a Kansas Corporation Commission news release, KCP&L has requested a rate increase of $26.2 million or 4.5 percent, excluding property tax rebasing. The increase including rebasing would be $32.9 million.

Because of the merger with Westar Energy, KCP&L’s request was reduced by about $10.3 million, according to the KCC.

If granted as originally requested, before the merger reduction, the average residential customer using 1,366 kWh in summer months and 833 kWh in winter months would see an increase of about $7.29 before property tax rebasing or $9.19 after property tax rebasing.

Residential customers who use electricity to heat their homes could experience a higher average monthly increase during winter months.

The KCC is accepting public comments through 5 p.m. Oct. 17. The KCC decision is due by Dec. 27.

Besides attending the public hearing, the public may make comments on the KCC website, www.kcc.ks.gov on the “Your Opinion Matters” link; may send a written letter to the Kansas Corporation Commission, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604-4027, referencing Docket No. 18-KCPE-480-RTS; or call the KCC’s public affairs office at 1-800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

Rock, Roll and Run to be Aug. 18 at Providence amphitheater

Providence Medical Center and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City will present the third annual Rock, Roll and Run Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs, Kan.

Proceeds benefit the Providence YMCA-Ball Family Center’s Cancer Survivorship program, as well as the YMCA scholarship program.

The family-friendly activities begin Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Providence Medical Center Amphitheater with a 5K walk-run though Wyandotte County Park, Bonner Springs, at 8 a.m., followed by a free Kids Run and Health Fair.

Runners are encouraged to “dress” like their favorite Rock and Roll stars. Tribute stars such as Elvis 2 and others will be entertaining during the run. Each registered runner will receive free tickets to the Providence Amphitheater, a $120 value.

Registration Aug. 13-18 is $25. Race registration is available online at: https://register.enter2run.com/Race/KS/BonnerSprings/RockRollRun5k

Health screenings and information will be available for blood pressure, breast cancer awareness information, body fat,-bmi, health and weight checks, Leg Vein Checks (Peripheral Artery Disease), stress measurement and relaxation information for expecting moms, smoking cessation and healthy nutrition information, hands-only CPR information, Children’s Health information and a special Teddy Bear clinic (children will receive a free stuff animal), and more.

Other activities include a free kids run at 9:30 a.m.; inflated obstacle course for the kids, Zumba before the kids run, Mascots (Sizzle and Happy Heart) local fire and police activities, KCKFD Fire Safety House, face painting and other fun activities.

Those who do not want to participate in the run-walk may still visit the health fair for free and participate in the kids run for free.

One YMCA member who lost 120 pounds and participated in the 5K last year plans to be participating again this year.

For more information about Rock, Roll and Run, including registration, visit https://runsignup.com/rrr5k.

– Story from Pat McBratney, Providence Medical Center

Bonner Springs city to hold public hearing on proposed budget tonight

Bonner Springs city will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at 205 E. Second St., Bonner Springs.

The proposed mill levy for 2019 is 38.186 mills, as compared to 33.689 mills for the current year, an increase of 4.49 mills.

The budget authority for expenditures was $21.6 million for 2019, as compared to expenditures of $22.33 million in 2018.

Total assessed valuation increased almost $5 million in the city.