Public Works Director Position Available in Lindsborg

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Lindsborg, Kansas, a city of about 3,800, is seeking qualified enthusiastic applicants to fill the position of full-time Public Works Director for our growing and diverse community.

Public Works professionals with project management, supervisory experience, and organizational skills are encouraged to apply. Leadership and presentation skills, as well as the ability to work well with diverse organizations within the community are required. The primary job responsibilities include oversight of the activities of the Streets, Water, Electric, and Wastewater Departments, as well as budget preparation and management. This position serves as a member of the city management team to ensure overall effective integration of public works activities with other city functions.

For more information and to apply, please complete the online application at https://www.lindsborgcity.org/jobs and attach your cover letter and resume.  Position open until filled. With questions or to request a complete job description, please contact Roxie Sjogren at roxies@lindsborgcity.org.

Introducing David Nurse: Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Annual Conference

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We are excited to announce that David Nurse will be the keynote speaker at the KMEA Annual Conference on October 23 and 24. Registrations for members will open on August 26, so mark your calendars!

David Nurse has been transforming the way hundreds of NBA stars play on the court for most of his career. His innovative methods have been dubbed as training “athletes of the future” due to his unique ability to teach players how to tap into different mindsets and become unstoppable.

David’s impressive career includes writing two bestselling books, running a successful motivational coaching business, and being a highly sought-after speaker. His expertise has helped thousands of employees and athletes develop unshakeable mindsets. Recently, he was named one of the top 50 keynote speakers in the world by Real Leaders, making him the youngest speaker on the list.

As a former professional basketball player, David’s ability to get into the zone and master his mindset led him to achieve two Guinness World Records for shooting—an incredible feat. In 2016, the Brooklyn Nets hired him as a coach to help players improve their shooting. Under his guidance, the team went from being 28th in the league to 2nd overall in 3-point shooting. Over his career, David has worked with over 150 NBA players whose contract earnings total an astounding $3.2 billion.

Today, CEOs and professional athletes seek out David for his award-winning strategies and infectious positivity. His books, Pivot & Go and Breakthrough, which was an Amazon Best Seller on the day of its release, have empowered thousands to develop confidence and achieve success. These teachings are also at the core of his virtual coaching business, online workshops, and corporate speaking engagements.

We are excited to welcome him to the KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference and look forward to seeing you in Wichita!

 

2024 Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant Application

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The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from eligible Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils (including Labor Unions), state educational institutions (as defined by K.S.A 76-711), businesses, non-profits or workforce boards for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeship.  Applications should clearly demonstrate linkage between the project, industry demand, apprentice training and apprentice recruitment.

An organization may submit one application. The total program budget is up to $500,000. The minimum award is $75,000 and up to $200,000. Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 match for every grant dollar requested. Matching dollars can include FTE costs.

Registered Apprenticeship Project Grants Timeline

August 1, 2024 – Request for Applications issued

August 25, 2024 at 5:00PM CDT – Application submissions due

Sept 1, 2024 – Earliest Notice of Award

 

Projects must be completed by July 30, 2025

Click here for more details!

US says start of new China tariffs will be delayed by at least two weeks

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 The U.S. Trade Representative’s office said on Tuesday, some of the steep U.S. tariff increases on an array of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and their batteries, computer chips and medical products will be delayed by at least two weeks.
USTR said in May those tariffs would take effect on Aug. 1 but the office said it is still reviewing 1,100 comments received and now expects to issue a final determination in August. The office added the new tariffs will take effect approximately two weeks after the final determination is released.
President Joe Biden in May opted to keep tariffs put in place by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump while ratcheting up others, including a quadrupling of import duties on Chinese EVs to over 100% and doubling semiconductor duties to 50%.

DEED Funding for Utilities

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DEED grants encourage and promote energy innovation and support the development and demonstration of new, innovative technologies and techniques, and the creation of useful products and tools for the betterment of public power utilities and their customers. Grants often support pilot projects, new technology demonstrations, early commercialization projects, and the development of best practices.

Funding is available to improve utilities by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, investigating new technologies, offering new services, and improving processes and practices to better serve customers. DEED grants have been used to improve reliability, safety, security, and lessen environmental impact. The grants are typically $25,000-$50,000 but could be up to $125,000. See examples of DEED-funded projects. Only DEED members may apply for DEED grants. Learn more about DEED membership.

View the Grant Reporting Requirements for information on grant responsibilities and reporting for DEED grants.

 

Click Here to read more…

Highlights from the First KMGA Regional Meeting of 2024 in Lyons

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The first KMGA regional meeting of 2024 was held on July 31st in Lyons, providing a valuable opportunity for KMGA staff to connect with member cities in a small group setting. Representatives from Ellinwood, Garden City, Lyons, Partridge, Sylvia, and Sterling attended the meeting. Key topics on the agenda included an overview of the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency (KMGA), legal update, and projections for gas supply prices for the upcoming winter. These meetings are designed to foster collaboration and ensure that KMGA members stay well informed. If you missed this meeting, there are more opportunities to participate. The next regional meetings are scheduled for August 12th in Osage City, August 13th in Kechi, and August 21st in Humboldt. To register for any of these upcoming meetings, please click on the link below. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to build strong relationships within our community.

Click HERE to register!

Equipment loan program for KMEA members

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KMEA provides an equipment loan program exclusively for its members. Member cities can access all equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. To inquire about availability or to schedule equipment, please reach out to Tyson McGreer at 913-660-0235 or mcgreer@kmea.com. Please see below a list of the equipment available.

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Mitchell Receives Award at the APPA National Conference

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Jonathan Mitchell, the City Manager for the City of Hoisington, Kansas, was recently honored with the prestigious Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in San Diego, California. This award recognizes outstanding managers of small utilities serving fewer than 2,500 meters.

Mitchell’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, reflecting the “seven hats” of his position including planning and design, administration, public relations, field supervision, accounting, human resources, and community leadership

As City Manager since 2009, Mitchell oversees day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and infrastructure design. He ensures efficient utility management, fosters community engagement, and maintains financial accountability. Beyond his official duties, Mitchell actively contributes to community well-being through volunteer work, including service with the Hoisington Ambulance Service and youth sporting activities.

From 2015 to 2023, he held executive board positions in the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA), demonstrating leadership and dedication. The award recognizes Mitchell’s exceptional contributions, making it a well-deserved honor for his commitment to the City of Hoisington.

More than just a Utility

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Recognizing Heroic Efforts: Electric Department Employees Go Above and Beyond

The City’s electric department is proud to highlight the heroic efforts of three outstanding employees: Superintendent Billy Villanueva, Line Foreman Jr. Salinas, and Journeyman Lineman Alex Rodriguez. These individuals exemplify the core value of community, by going beyond their regular duties to assist others in times of need.

On Thursday, June 13, Billy and Jr. were returning from inspecting recent improvements to the airport’s electric system when they witnessed a semi-truck overturn on US 50 and Raceway Road, east of Garden City. Without hesitation, they rushed to the scene, joining other first responders to assist in removing the trapped truck driver. Their quick thinking and selflessness helped an individual they did not know, and potentially saving his life.

Just two days later, on the evening of Saturday, June 15, Journeyman Lineman Alex Rodriguez was at home when he heard an explosion nearby. Without hesitation, Alex was one of the citizens who rushed to the home where catastrophic damage had occurred. Alex helped an individual escape from the debris, and fire demonstrating immense courage and compassion.

The City of Garden City extends its sincere gratitude to Billy, Jr., and Alex. Their actions embody the spirit of community, as they put others’ safety above their own. We are proud to have such dedicated and caring individuals on our team, said Mike Muirhead, Director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of Garden City.

Remember, it’s not just about providing reliable electricity; it’s about being there for our community when it matters most. Thank you, Billy, Jr., and Alex, for your unwavering commitment to public power, service and compassion.

Data Centers, EV Expansion Create Around 300 TWh Increase in U.S. Electricity Demand by 2030

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Total U.S. electricity demand has remained relatively stable at around 4,000 terawatt-hours since 2010, but as electrification accelerates, that’s about to change, consulting group Rystad Energy said on June 24.

The build-out of data centers and more widespread adoption of electric vehicles is expected to ramp up electricity demand in the U.S. in the coming years, with Rystad Energy’s research predicting these two sectors alone will add 290 TWh of new demand by 2030.

Leading up to that point, the growth in electricity demand for data centers will be heavily driven by those focused on artificial intelligence, which consumes more electricity compared to traditional computing, Rystad Energy said.

Overall, the combined expansion of traditional and AI data centers, along with chip foundries, will increase demand cumulatively by 177 TWh from 2023 to 2030, reaching a total of 307 TWh, it said.

“Despite data centers currently representing a relatively modest portion of total electricity demand in the US, this marks a more than two-fold increase compared to 2023 levels, which stood at 130 TWh, highlighting the efforts of the US to position itself as a global data center hub,” Rystad Energy noted.

EVs will emerge as the second major catalyst for power demand growth in the US market up to 2030. In 2023, electricity consumption in the transportation sector totaled 18.3 TWh. By 2030, this figure is projected to soar to 131 TWh, driven primarily by the expansion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

In tandem, Rystad Energy forecasts that total US power demand across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors will grow by 175 TWh between 2023 and 2030, bringing the country’s demand close to 4,500 TWh. To support this growth, renewable energy capacity continues to expand at a strong rate, aided by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, it said.

Read more at:

Data Centers, EV Expansion Create Around 300 TWh Increase in U.S. Electricity Demand by 2030 | American Public Power Association