BPU offers tips to prevent and thaw frozen pipes

Some simple tips can prevent frozen and burst pipes, according to the Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities.

By running a pencil-thin stream of water overnight, customers may avoid frozen pipes, according to David Mehlhaff, BPU’s chief communications officer.

“Water expands as it freezes, placing tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes,” he said. “Pipes exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, garages or kitchen cabinets freeze most frequently,” he said. “The results can be both a nuisance and costly.”

Running the thin stream of water would use about two gallons of water an evening, which is less expensive than a frozen or burst pipe. Water saved from running a small stream could be used to water indoor plants.

Another tip is to open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.

Additionally, eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and eliminating drafts near doors.

Customers should know the location of their main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.

Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or use electrical heat tracing wire; newspaper or fabric also might work.

If the pipes freeze, shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.

Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. A hair dryer, space heater or hot water can be used. Do not leave space heaters unattended and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.

Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.

BPU advises that subfreezing temperatures may cause aging water mains to break and cause water to cover roadways. If you see a leak, your water service is disrupted, or you experience low pressure, contact the BPU’s water issues line at 913-573-9622 to report an emergency.

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Rally at City Hall supports mayor

A rally held Friday afternoon at City Hall supported Mayor Tyrone Garner.

At the rally, supporters chanted “Change is here,” “This is the people’s mayor” and “Seven more years.”

On Thursday night, the UG Commission voted to expand the commission’s power to set the UG standing committee agenda. Until now, the mayor had the power to set the agendas under the UG rules. A measure passed Thursday in Section 202 rules said items should not be added or removed from a standing committee agenda without approval of the standing committee chair.

A sentence in Section 203 rules was deleted Thursday: “The mayor ultimately determines the final agenda for the full commission meetings.”

Mayor Garner released a statement Friday: “Considering my recent call to action for unity and collaboration between myself, our commission, and the community, I view the political action taken by nine UG Commissioners as an underhanded act that curtails the longstanding discretion and authority of the UG Mayor/CEO. I believe that this is more than a blatant rejection of my community driven agenda, but rather clearly rejects the will of the people of Wyandotte County desperately seeking change. Their request for community driven change champions equity, facilitates unity, promotes opportunity, and calls for a political body that provides leadership that works equitably for all. It is an understatement to say that I am disappointed for those voters that elected me seeking an improved way forward. As such, I am even more resolved to stand firm with the people against an establishment that I believe has disenfranchised many, disinvested much, and has brought us to the brink of bankruptcy. I am confident that the resilient people of Wyandotte County are aware of what is occurring and will do what is legally necessary for us to rise above any challenge. I assure the residents of our great County that community driven change has indeed come, and I remain committed to standing with all those demanding change.”

On Thursday the mayor urged people who were concerned about the UG Commission’s actions to get out and vote at the next election.


The proposed change to the rules and procedures was not on the UG’s agenda for Thursday. It was introduced at the end of the meeting when adjournment was starting. The meeting was the last one before Christmas and around the time of Mayor Garner’s one-year anniversary in office.

Commissioner Andrew Davis, one of three people who were said at the meeting to have known about the UG Commission action in advance, posted on Facebook after the vote: “There’s quite a bit of disinformation going around explaining what happened last night at the Full Commission meeting. I humbly ask that you watch the meeting in its entirety to understand the full context of what’s taken place and what this means going forward.”

Louise Lynch, a community activist who has been instrumental in organizing utility customers who want the utility cutoffs to stop, said this meeting was not organized by her but tended to be a response to the Thursday UG meeting. She also said the UG was trying to stop her from ceding time to speak at the UG Commission meetings. She said she believed that was an unconstitutional attempt to stop her free speech.

To see an earlier story, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/christmas-power-grab-at-ug-commission/.

Saturday events

KCK schools to hold forums Saturday on cameras in the classroom


Should cameras be placed in Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools classrooms? That will be the topic of forums to be held on Saturday, Dec. 17. The public is invited to weigh in on the topic during the forums.


Superintendent Anna Stubblefield said during the Dec. 13 school board meeting that two public forums are planned. Those interested in participating in the forums must register for a forum at a link at kckschools.org.


The time of the in-person forum Saturday, Dec. 17, is 10 a.m. to noon at the school district office, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Then there also will be a virtual forum from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Registration also is necessary for this forum.


The district has already held a forum for staff members on Dec. 7. The school board is not expected to make a decision on cameras in the classroom on Saturday.

Holiday Light and Magic show tonight

The Holiday Light and Magic show is running through the holidays at the Wyandotte County Parks, 126th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. It also is on Sunday at the same hours, continuing through the season. A drive-through event with holiday lighting, there are more than 60 character scenes including Santa Claus, Nutcrackers and Snowglobes. Recently, cars were charged $35 per regular car or vehicle. It is $40 for commercial limousine or van, and $55 for commercial bus. For more information, see https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/Calendar-of-Events/Holiday-Light-and-Magic-2022


Knights of Light holiday lighting event continues at Renaissance Festival grounds


Knights of Light, the third annual holiday lighting event at the Renaissance Festival, will continue Saturday, Dec. 10, at 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs. Christmas lights and decorations will be placed at the festival’s buildings, celebrating with food entertainment, crafts and visits to Santa Claus. The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until Dec. 18, then will be open from Dec. 21 through Christmas Eve, as well as Dec. 30 and 31. Tickets are $20 per adult and $12 for children ages 5 to 12, with free admission for children under 5. Children will receive free hot chocolate and every attendee will get a gift bag and a chance to win a prize. Those who bring five or more nonperishable food items to the box office for a food drive will get $5 off one adult ticket. Tickets and information are available at www.kcrenfest.com.


Olde World Christmas tours at Strawberry Hill Museum


Strawberry Hill Museum continues its Olde World Christmas tours today at the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Tours are held Saturdays and Sundays at the historic Cruise-Scroggs building that is now a museum, and tickets are not available online on the day of the tour to guarantee a spot. But walk-ins are being welcomed at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Tickets are nonrefundable. For more information, see strawberryhillmuseum.org/plan-a-visit.