News Flash

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dave Sturgeon

Phone: (785) 483-6311 

The City of Russell is continuing it’s electric distribution rebuild project. The project, led by the city electric department in collaboration with KMEA/Midstates and RMA Engineering, aims to bolster the reliability and efficiency of the local power infrastructure. The second construction phase is contracted to Great Plains Power, LLC. This phase of the comprehensive reconstruction project includes rebuilding our North Residential 1 and 2 circuits, which have been funded through a federal BRIC grant of $2,039,000, complemented by an additional $339,000 allocation from the State of Kansas’ Build Kansas Fund. 

North Residential 1 and 2 circuits are located north of the railroad tracks from St. John to North Culp Streets. This phase’s construction is expected to take approximately 15 months. It will include the replacement of power poles, power lines, and transformers within the designated areas. Following the completion of the North Residential Circuits, the project will transition to the next phase, which will be the East Commercial Circuit, followed by additional circuits until all 12 circuits are completed.

Great Plain Power, LLC has mobilized resources throughout the project to ensure timely execution and minimal disruption to residents. Short power outages may be necessary during specific tasks, but advanced notice will be provided to affected customers. Notices will be distributed via door hangers and the city's Notify Me system, offering a 24-hour lead time for planned outages. As with any project, unexpected events such as unplanned outages may occur. City staff will do their best to communicate these events through Notify Me, and its various media channels. 

Residents can stay informed about project developments and outage schedules by signing up for the Notify Me system at www.russellcity.org. For inquiries regarding the electric distribution rebuild project, please get in touch with Dave Sturgeon, Electric Utility Director, at 785.483.7112.

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The City of Russell recently implemented a new mass notification system for members of the community to easily subscribe to various alerts to receive important information and updates. Types of notices include:

• Billing Notices – subscribers to this alert will receive a reminder for monthly utility bills. 
• Closings & Cancellations – subscribers will be notified of city facility and service closures. 
• Emergency Alerts – subscribers will be notified of various emergencies impacting the local community.
• Public Notices – subscribers will receive community information such as notices of altered trash routes, planned street closures, or other services/events that may impact the community. 
• Utility Outage Notice – subscribers will be altered to important information relating to water and electric utilities. 

 Subscribing to these alerts is fast and easy, follow the steps below to subscribe:

1. On a web browser, type in www.russellcity.org On the home page, click on the Notify Me icon.
2. Type your email address in the box and select Sign in.
3. If you would like to receive text messages enter your phone number and select Save.
4. To subscribe or unsubscribe Click  and/or   next to the lists to which you wish to subscribe/unsubscribe

 Please remember to set your spam blocker to allow mail from listserv@civicplus.com to receive e-mail notifications.

 For assistance and questions, please call the City Clerk’s office at (785)483-6311. 

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