NEWSMAKERS 2025Q3
City of Lawrence Wastewater Treatment Facilities Receive Recognition
The City of Lawrence is proud to announce that its Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant has earned the Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for 2024 — the highest recognition for consistent excellence in permit compliance.
The Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant added another national honor to Lawrence’s track record of environmental stewardship by earning the Silver Peak Performance Award, which is a signifi cant accomplishment as the plant was undergoing major construction and upgrades while operating at reduced capacities throughout 2024.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible, dedicated, and caring wastewater treatment team we have here in Lawrence,” said Trevor Flynn, Assistant Director of Municipal Services & Operations. “Their work largely happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to protecting public health and the environment. Meeting strict compliance standards day in and day out is an extremely challenging task — one that our team takes seriously. This is a great recognition for all of their efforts.”
Good Energy Solutions and Brightwell Capital Partner to Bring Clean Energy to Nonprofits, Churches, and Government Organizations
Good Energy Solutions is excited to announce a new partnership with Brightwell Capital, a collaboration designed to accelerate the adoption of clean energy for nonprofi ts, churches, and government organiz tions.
This initiative opens the door for mission-driven groups to reduce operating costs, improve energy resilience, and shrink their carbon footprint, all while giving investors the chance to earn returns that align with their values.
Through the partnership, Good Energy Solutions brings the engineering and installation expertise, while Brightwell Capital provides fi nancing solutions that leverage tax credits, incentives, and creative investment structures. The result is a pathway for these organizations to access solar power without large upfront costs.
Kevin Good Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Kevin Good, co-founder and president of Good Energy Solutions, received the Impact Award from the Climate + Energy Project (CEP). This lifetime achievement award honors Kevin’s outstanding contributions to the solar industry, which have had lasting, positive effects on climate, energy, and environmental issues across the states of Kansas and Missouri.
Kevin founded Good Energy Solutions with his wife, Shana, in 2007. Since then, the company has grown to 70 employees, installed more than 900 commercial and residential solar systems, and expanded its services to include electrical work.
Kevin’s career has combined his passion for engineering, construction, and environmentalism with a commitment to doing good, honest work for his customers.
LMH Health earns highest hospital rating
LMH Health just celebrated a remarkable achievement: a 5-star rating for hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — the highest rating possible.
Out of more than 2,800 hospitals evaluated nationwide, only 291 earned fi ve stars—that puts LMH in the top 10% of hospitals across the country, and one of only eight in Kansas. This recognition refl ects the outstanding work of every team across the hospital and is a testament to a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Peaslee Tech Launches $10 Million Endowment Campaign to Expand Access to Technical Training
Peaslee Tech CEO, Dr. Kevin Kelley, announced the launch of the Peaslee Promise Campaign, a long-term fundraising initiative to establish a $10 million endowment. The fund will provide scholarships for juniors and seniors from partner high schools and qualified Douglas County residents from low-income households to attend Peaslee Tech debt-free.
“The Peaslee Promise Endowment Fund will ensure technical training remains accessible and affordable for generations,” said Kelley. “It’s an investment in high-skilled, high-income careers for our community.”
To lead the campaign, Kelley named Megan Hill as Executive Director of Endowment. Hill brings over a decade of nonprofi t fundraising experience and previously served as Director of Donor Engagement for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. The endowment will be managed by the Douglas County Community Foundation, supporting both student scholarships and Peaslee Tech’s long-term fi nancial sustainability.
“I believe everyone deserves dignity and purpose through a meaningful career,” Hill said. “As a parent of a Peaslee alum, I’ve seen fi rsthand how transformative these programs can be. My son’s experience in the HVAC program helped launch his successful career right here in Lawrence.”
The campaign has already received its fi rst major contribution: a $100,000 gift from long- time Lawrence residents Bob and Lois Hanzlik to fund scholarships for young people interested in careers in the skilled trades.
CEK Welcomes Brad Shanks as it’s Newest Producer
CEK Insurance is proud to welcome our newest producer, Brad Shanks. You may recognize Brad from his time behind the counter at Taco Zone from 2014 to 2022—or, if you go back even further, from one of his many roles in the downtown service industry since 2007. However you know him, chances are you remember his signature laugh and, more importantly, his dedication to outstanding customer service. Now, as a Producer at CEK Insurance, Brad brings with him the same values that guided his years in hospitality: “Treat everyone that walks through the door like family.”
