This weekend, the Southwest Power Pool issued a EEA Level Two for the 14-state region that makes up its territory.

Electric consumers in Kansas are requested to be very conservative with electricity usage starting now and continuing for the next few days. Sunflower Electric Power Corporation has been alerted that the 14-state region that comprises the Southwest Power Pool has moved to an Energy Emergency Alert Level Two due to the extreme weather conditions that are causing the tightening supplies of energy generation and natural gas. In an Energy Emergency Alert Level Two consumers are strongly urged to practice energy conservation methods.

Consumers can make an immediate impact by lowering their thermostats 2-4 degrees and avoiding the use of energy consuming appliances such as ovens and dryers. Follow Pioneer Electric for more information about the Energy Emergency Alert and for energy conservation tips.  

Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) team presented the Steven’s County 4-H Council with a $9,000 grant to assist in making repairs in the Stevens County 4-H building. Renovations will fix leaks in the roof of the building.

The youth representatives of the Stevens County 4-H Council formed a committee, focused on creating a plan for renovations for the building. The roof became an immediate priority for the group, and they began to look towards outside assistance for the project.

“This building has been around since the late ’40s to early ’50s and needs some major repairs,” said Ron Honig, Wild West District Extension Agent. “The goal of this project is to stop the damage occurring to the building due to the leaks. A bid was sought last spring, before the COVID-19 virus which, then shut down all building use and renovation plans. Now that we are back to allowing 4-H groups to use the building, we are seeking funds to fix the issues in the building.”

The project is the start of other renovations that the extension office hopes to complete in the building. The committee hopes to renovate the bathrooms, lighting, doors, and flooring. Those interested in making donations or assisting with these projects may contact the Stevens County Extension Office at 620-544-4359.