Gas

If you're a Kansas Gas Service customer, your rates are going up. The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved a Settlement Agreement between itself, KGS and the the Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board. The $28 million settlement means the average residential customer will see an increase of less than $2 per month or $24 per year on their bills. The new rates go into effect Jan. 1. KGS originally requested a $50.7 million increase. Kansas Gas Service's last rate increase of $52 million was approved in late 2006.  Kansas Gas Service provides service to approximately 632,000 customers.

One week ago Thursday Wichita police used tear gas to break up a large crowd in Old Town, but that incident isn't stopping a new bar from opening in the same area "Revolution is a rock bar," said Owner Melad Stephan. "It's completely different than the bars you have here in Wichita. " Revolution is located in the 200 block of North Mosley. The area has gotten some negative attention lately. But owners like Stephan want to change that perception Stephan owns several other bars and restaurants in Old Town, so he's well aware of the recent late night incidents in the area.

Wichita Police Chief Norman Williams says his supervisor was justified in setting off tear gas in Old Town early Friday morning.  The small canister of tear gas was released in the 200 block of North Mosley.  Williams says a supervisor made the call to use the tear gas to help help break up a fight and disperse a large crowd.  He says the crowd wouldn't leave and there were several fights in the area. "That sergeant utilized the training that he's gone through as far as crowd management," Williams said.

Thahn Nguyen's family has owned the DC Gas Station for about 15 years. In all of those years welcoming customers, they've also had a share unwelcome visitors. "About ten years ago my mom did get robbed once and ever since then we exercise our right to open carry," Nguyen said. Nguyen says the shooting at another convenience store shows how some gas station attendants are willing to fight back. "it sends a message that we are willing to protect ourselves when push comes to shove, but it's unfortunate that a man had to die for store owners to be able to stand up for that right.

Reno County Commissioners approve a plan to build a new gas storage facility southeast of Hutchinson.  The above ground facility will store one and a half million gallons of natural gas. Many living near the storage site spoke out against the plan.   George Mack convinced nearly 90 of his neighbors to sign a petition protesting the plans which also include a shipping hub.  They're concerned about more traffic congestion caused by trains and trucks along Sou th Obee Road.  However, their biggest fear stems from something that happened in Hutchinson nearly 12 years ago. On January 17, 2001 an underground storage facility started leaking, sending natural gas into caverns beneath the city.  A series of explosions across Hutchinson killed two people.  "It sticks with you forever if you were around," Mack says.  "It sticks right in the back of your mind.

911 dispatchers say the natural gas line that was leaking this morning has been shut off and the situation is getting back to normal at 29th and Tyler.  A few nearby businesses were evacuated and traffic was shut down in that area for a short time Monday morning. Black Hills Energy called in the leak at around 6:30.  No one was hurt.

Gas prices in Wichita are now at their lowest levels since late January. The average price for unleaded is $3.12 a gallon. Some stations are selling gas for a couple cents cheaper. Gas peaked at $3.79 a gallon in late September. In recent months, the price of gas has experienced its largest decline since 2008.  

Gas prices in Wichita are now at their lowest levels since early February. The average price for unleaded is $3.22 a gallon. Some stations are selling gas for $3.19 a gallon. Gas peaked at $3.79 a gallon in late September. Nationwide, gas has fallen more than 20 cents in two weeks, the largest decline since 2008. Analysts say the drop is due to several factors including companies switching to cheaper seasonal blends and lower crude prices. A drop in gas prices in California is also being credited for the steep decline nationally .  

Gas prices continue to fall across much of the country, including Kansas. The price unleaded now averages $3.43 a gallon in Wichita . Gas peaked at $3.79 a gallon in late September. The price of gas typically drops in the fall as the summer driving season ends and companies start using cheaper seasonal blends. Analysts say this year's drop was later than normal, due in part to refinery problems and high oil prices on the international market.