The North Central Kansas Technical College has unveiled a new program that is gaining worldwide attention.
The Kansas Institute of Underground Technology evolved from the increasing need of a trained workforce in the career fields of horizontal directional drilling, proper fluid mixing and training for locating underground utilities.
In conjunction with grant assistance from the Kansas Department of Commerce, North Central Kansas Community Network, Inc. as a funding source through the Rural Business Development Tax Credit program of the Kansas Department of Commerce and in-kind support from Charles Machine Works, Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch products and Ditch Witch of Kansas, NCKTC has developed the Kansas Institute of Underground Technology. The Institute features state-of-the-art, up-to-date curriculum, along with hands-on practical training opportunities to allow participants/students to successfully complete the training needed to safely operate equipment used in underground technology.
Since announcing the new program on September 1st the college has already received a response from the editor of two trade publications in London who plans to help promote the program in Beloit by getting the information to their subscribers.
For more information follow this link to the website on the new college program.
Showing posts with label North Central Kansas Technical College. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Central Kansas Technical College. Show all posts
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tech College Sets Sights on Future
The North Central Kansas Technical College is setting sights on developing the Kansas Institute for Underground Construction. The idea is being discussed with representatives from Ditch Witch who manufacture a directional drilling tool used in utility construction.
At this time there is no training program for operation of drilling tools and the technical college would like to be the first to offer such a program and possibly begin a certification program.
School, state and community officials met at the college last week to discuss the ideas for the program in further detail. They hope something can be developed soon. The demand for underground construction is picking up and is expected to be good in the year 2011.
The Institute for Underground Construction would not only include training in directional drilling. It would also cover topics including utility locating, OSHA Regulations, CDL training and a variety of other subjects addressing the needs of the underground construction industry.
We would like to thank the representatives from Ditch Witch who attended the meeting and provided their insight of the industry. This partnership can help formulate a program that benefits both the school and the industry.
At this time there is no training program for operation of drilling tools and the technical college would like to be the first to offer such a program and possibly begin a certification program.
School, state and community officials met at the college last week to discuss the ideas for the program in further detail. They hope something can be developed soon. The demand for underground construction is picking up and is expected to be good in the year 2011.
The Institute for Underground Construction would not only include training in directional drilling. It would also cover topics including utility locating, OSHA Regulations, CDL training and a variety of other subjects addressing the needs of the underground construction industry.
We would like to thank the representatives from Ditch Witch who attended the meeting and provided their insight of the industry. This partnership can help formulate a program that benefits both the school and the industry.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Utilities and Technology Vital
When it comes to business growth and new business attraction having up to date utilities, infrastructure and technology is a vital.
Sometimes rural communities are over looked because people think they aren't up to speed with the rest of the world. Well you might be surprised by what you can find in a rural community like ours.
For example, fiber optics is a MUST for many businesses today. But some might not think we have access to it here. I contacted Brent Cunningham with Cunningham Telephone and Cable and was impressed to find they have over 1,000 miles of fiber optics connecting homes, businesses and communities in Mitchell, Jewell, Cloud, Republic, Osborne and Ottawa counties. That is very significant to business sustainability and growth here in north central Kansas. Cunningham Telephone exchanges are built with "Fiber-to-the-Home" technology with dedicated fibers per customers and 100 Mbps capable connections.
This didn't happen overnight. Cunningham Telephone is a founding member of the Kansas Fiber Network connecting Kansas with advanced services. Cunningham Communications cable systems are built with fiber optic nodes and 1GHz technology. They have been providing broadband Internet service since 1997.
Another great asset for our community is the North Central Kansas Technical College. The college provides training and services that can be very beneficial for business. Some of these are on the cutting edge of technology. The NCK Tech College has a great GIS/GPS program and can provide training and services related to geographic information systems.
The college can also provide training in telecommunications, business, computer courses, welding and a wide variety of other programs.
The City of Beloit and Mitchell County are working together on gathering GIS data and creating new aerial maps and databases. This information can be important for business planning, infrastructure development and improvements.
Utilities are another important element when a business considers expanding or relocating in our area. On one recent site visit a business person asked me how many times a year we had power outages and how long they lasted. I contacted the Systems Operations department for the City of Beloit and they verified my answer. In 2009 the city of Beloit had 3 power outages. Two of those were during winter ice storms. The average time of the outages was only about 15 minutes. In most cases the outages are limited to one section of the city or another depending on what caused the outage and where it is located.
Beloit us unique in that the city still has a power plant and can generate their own power if needed during outages from their suppliers. Or in case of emergencies. In 2009 the City of Beloit generated their own power for a total of 761,780 kWh. They purchased over 47,000,000 kWh of electricity last year from KMEA, WAPA and GRDA.
Water is another vital resource for residents and businesses alike. The city of Beloit gets its water from the Solomon River/Waconda Lake. The City has total water rights of more than 227,102,673 gallons per year or approximately 622,199 gallons per day.
The capacity of the City Water Plant is 1.5 million gallons per day and the average annual consumption is 800,000 gallons per day.
The numbers, facts and figures concerning the utilities, infrastructure and technology available in our area goes on and on. But I think this summary give you a better idea on what we have to offer to businesses and the fact that we are up to speed with the latest technology that is so important in today's business world.
Sometimes rural communities are over looked because people think they aren't up to speed with the rest of the world. Well you might be surprised by what you can find in a rural community like ours.
For example, fiber optics is a MUST for many businesses today. But some might not think we have access to it here. I contacted Brent Cunningham with Cunningham Telephone and Cable and was impressed to find they have over 1,000 miles of fiber optics connecting homes, businesses and communities in Mitchell, Jewell, Cloud, Republic, Osborne and Ottawa counties. That is very significant to business sustainability and growth here in north central Kansas. Cunningham Telephone exchanges are built with "Fiber-to-the-Home" technology with dedicated fibers per customers and 100 Mbps capable connections.
This didn't happen overnight. Cunningham Telephone is a founding member of the Kansas Fiber Network connecting Kansas with advanced services. Cunningham Communications cable systems are built with fiber optic nodes and 1GHz technology. They have been providing broadband Internet service since 1997.
Another great asset for our community is the North Central Kansas Technical College. The college provides training and services that can be very beneficial for business. Some of these are on the cutting edge of technology. The NCK Tech College has a great GIS/GPS program and can provide training and services related to geographic information systems.
The college can also provide training in telecommunications, business, computer courses, welding and a wide variety of other programs.
The City of Beloit and Mitchell County are working together on gathering GIS data and creating new aerial maps and databases. This information can be important for business planning, infrastructure development and improvements.
Utilities are another important element when a business considers expanding or relocating in our area. On one recent site visit a business person asked me how many times a year we had power outages and how long they lasted. I contacted the Systems Operations department for the City of Beloit and they verified my answer. In 2009 the city of Beloit had 3 power outages. Two of those were during winter ice storms. The average time of the outages was only about 15 minutes. In most cases the outages are limited to one section of the city or another depending on what caused the outage and where it is located.
Beloit us unique in that the city still has a power plant and can generate their own power if needed during outages from their suppliers. Or in case of emergencies. In 2009 the City of Beloit generated their own power for a total of 761,780 kWh. They purchased over 47,000,000 kWh of electricity last year from KMEA, WAPA and GRDA.
Water is another vital resource for residents and businesses alike. The city of Beloit gets its water from the Solomon River/Waconda Lake. The City has total water rights of more than 227,102,673 gallons per year or approximately 622,199 gallons per day.
The capacity of the City Water Plant is 1.5 million gallons per day and the average annual consumption is 800,000 gallons per day.
The numbers, facts and figures concerning the utilities, infrastructure and technology available in our area goes on and on. But I think this summary give you a better idea on what we have to offer to businesses and the fact that we are up to speed with the latest technology that is so important in today's business world.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Next Focus On Technology and Infrastructure
A new brochure is currently being developed to focus attention on the technology and infrastructure we have to offer businesses that are looking to expand or relocate in our area. The brochure, developed by Mitchell County Community Development is the third in a series that is being sent directly to professional Realtors and site selectors who assist businesses in their decision making.
It is interesting to note Cunningham Telephone and Cable has over 1,000 miles of fiber optics connecting homes, businesses and communities in Mitchell, Jewell, Cloud, Republic, Osborne and Ottawa counties. North Central Kansas Technical College has a GIS/GPS Technology program that provides training in geographical information systems software using global positioning system technology. The college has contracted with local city agencies to provide data in GIS format.
The brochure will also include information on the advanced medical technology that is available to our local physicians and hospital. It will also cover information on current utility capabilities available in and around our communities.
Businesses look closely at the technology they need when they consider expanding or relocating to an area.
It is interesting to note Cunningham Telephone and Cable has over 1,000 miles of fiber optics connecting homes, businesses and communities in Mitchell, Jewell, Cloud, Republic, Osborne and Ottawa counties. North Central Kansas Technical College has a GIS/GPS Technology program that provides training in geographical information systems software using global positioning system technology. The college has contracted with local city agencies to provide data in GIS format.
The brochure will also include information on the advanced medical technology that is available to our local physicians and hospital. It will also cover information on current utility capabilities available in and around our communities.
Businesses look closely at the technology they need when they consider expanding or relocating to an area.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tracking Federal Recovery Funds Down to Us
If you do a search on the internet there are several sources you can use to track the Federal Stimulus Funds as they trickle down from the federal government to the states.
Taking a closer look you can see where those dollars are going to help local schools, housing programs and assist with highway projects. Take a look at the federal governments tracking website Recovery.gov and this is what you will find in Mitchell County, Kansas.
According to Recovery.gov over $1.3 Billion has been awarded to Kansas. Of that amount nearly $453 Million has been received.
In Mitchell County there has been over $5 Million awarded in federal recovery funds. The largest amount, over $4.6 million has been allocated to the North Central Kansas Community Network for residential weatherization assistance for low income persons.
The Kansas Department of Transportation was awarded $465,450 for infrastructure improvements on a road south of Glen Elder.
The City of Beloit Housing Authority was awarded $55,453 to install a generator for the Sunny Slope housing addition.
Cawker City received over $90,000 to replace roofs on two buildings.
Schools received recovery funds to assist with funding cuts and technology upgrades. The North Central Kansas Techhnical College has been awarded over $248,000 in "stabilization" funds for educational programs. USD 272 at Cawker City is receiving over $184,000 for educational technology. At the same time USD 273 in Beloit has been awarded just under $20,000 for educational programs.
In all over $5 Million in recovery funds have been authorized for projects in Mitchell County, KS. But at this time not all of the funds have been received and distributed locally.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized the distribution of $787 Billion. A very large amount of the funds have not been allocated. You can check back at Recovery.gov to see how the funds are awarded and distributed in the weeks and months ahead.
Taking a closer look you can see where those dollars are going to help local schools, housing programs and assist with highway projects. Take a look at the federal governments tracking website Recovery.gov and this is what you will find in Mitchell County, Kansas.
According to Recovery.gov over $1.3 Billion has been awarded to Kansas. Of that amount nearly $453 Million has been received.
In Mitchell County there has been over $5 Million awarded in federal recovery funds. The largest amount, over $4.6 million has been allocated to the North Central Kansas Community Network for residential weatherization assistance for low income persons.
The Kansas Department of Transportation was awarded $465,450 for infrastructure improvements on a road south of Glen Elder.
The City of Beloit Housing Authority was awarded $55,453 to install a generator for the Sunny Slope housing addition.
Cawker City received over $90,000 to replace roofs on two buildings.
Schools received recovery funds to assist with funding cuts and technology upgrades. The North Central Kansas Techhnical College has been awarded over $248,000 in "stabilization" funds for educational programs. USD 272 at Cawker City is receiving over $184,000 for educational technology. At the same time USD 273 in Beloit has been awarded just under $20,000 for educational programs.
In all over $5 Million in recovery funds have been authorized for projects in Mitchell County, KS. But at this time not all of the funds have been received and distributed locally.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized the distribution of $787 Billion. A very large amount of the funds have not been allocated. You can check back at Recovery.gov to see how the funds are awarded and distributed in the weeks and months ahead.
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