Kraft and Kirmer unveil plan to merge economic development agencies

Commissioners question small business representation in new alliance

Woods voices concerns over transition to unified economic model

Sales tax receipts show holiday season trends

Consumption area hours extended to 1 a.m.

City takes possession of new Fire Station 1 headquarters

Rep. Schmidt updates city on federal funding standoff

Board adopts Region I Hazard Mitigation Plan

Work continues on new Lyon County Emergency Communications Center

Kraft and Kirmer unveil plan to merge economic development agencies

EMPORIA, Kan. — Regional Development Association Chair Brad Kraft and Chamber Board Chair Lisa Kirmer presented a comprehensive proposal to consolidate the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, Emporia Main Street, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Emporia Enterprises into a single entity tentatively named the Flint Hills Economic Alliance. During a joint meeting of the Emporia City Commission and Lyon County Commission, the presenters outlined a vision to reduce service duplication, combine resources and operate under a single CEO and board of directors. The founding board members, who have been meeting since June 2025, argued that a unified approach will better position the region for state resources and shift the focus from organizational activities to measurable economic outcomes like wage growth and population stability.

Commissioners question small business representation in new alliance

EMPORIA, Kan. — During the presentation on the proposed Flint Hills Economic Alliance, commissioners raised concerns about how the new unified agency would protect the interests of small businesses while pursuing large industrial prospects. The proposed structure includes a board of directors with designated seats for small business representatives—defined as those with fewer than 25 employees—and specific director-level staff dedicated to business retention and downtown vitality. Kraft and Kirmer assured the governing bodies that the new model aims to provide a "one-stop shop" where businesses of all sizes can access resources without navigating multiple offices, though they acknowledged the need to maintain the "boots on the ground" service currently provided by entities like Emporia Main Street.

Woods voices concerns over transition to unified economic model

EMPORIA, Kan. — Presenters acknowledged anxiety among current staff at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Emporia Main Street regarding the merger during discussions on the Flint Hills Economic Alliance. Emporia Main Street Executive Director Casey Woods noted that employees are concerned that rapid "speed of business" services—such as helping a merchant set up a Facebook page—might get lost in a corporate hierarchy led by a CEO. The transition plan, which targets a full rollout through 2026 and 2027, aims to retain current staff while aligning benefits packages, though organizers admitted communication needs to improve as the legal and structural details are finalized over the next 30 to 45 days.

Sales tax receipts show holiday season trends

EMPORIA, Kan. — The city's finance department reported that January sales tax receipts, which reflect sales made in November, showed a 4.78% increase for the city and an 8.71% increase for countywide collections. City Manager Trey Cocking noted that while these numbers capture the early part of the holiday shopping season including Black Friday, the most significant data will arrive next month when receipts reflecting December sales are processed. These figures serve as a key indicator of the local economy's health heading into the new fiscal year.

Consumption area hours extended to 1 a.m.

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Emporia City Commission approved an ordinance establishing the boundaries and rules for the downtown common consumption area for the upcoming year. The primary change to the ordinance is an extension of the operating hours, allowing the area to remain active until 1 a.m. This adjustment allows patrons within the designated downtown district to possess and consume alcoholic beverages later into the night during specified events, continuing the city's efforts to revitalize downtown social activity.

City takes possession of new Fire Station 1 headquarters

EMPORIA, Kan. — City Manager Trey Cocking announced that the City of Emporia officially took possession of the new Fire Station 1 headquarters on Monday. While the facility is not yet fully operational for emergency calls, crews are preparing the building for service, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house are expected to be announced later this week. Following the joint meeting, city and county commissioners were invited to tour the new facility on Market Street, marking a significant milestone in local public safety infrastructure.

Rep. Schmidt updates city on federal funding standoff

EMPORIA, Kan. — U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., made a brief appearance at the Emporia City Commission meeting to update local officials on federal appropriations. Schmidt reported that Congress has completed 11 of the 12 annual funding bills, marking the most significant progress in a single year since the mid-1990s. However, he noted that the final bill funding the Department of Homeland Security remains stalled due to disputes over immigration enforcement. Schmidt expressed hope that a resolution would be reached by the following Monday to avoid disrupting agencies such as the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Board adopts Region I Hazard Mitigation Plan

EMPORIA, Kan. — Lyon County Commissioners adopted Resolution 04-26 formally approving the Kansas Homeland Security Region I Hazard Mitigation Plan. Acting on a request from Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell, the board solidified the strategic framework aiming to lower the county's vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters.

Work continues on new Lyon County Emergency Communications Center

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners discussed ongoing progress and public interest regarding the new Lyon County Emergency Communications Center. During the meeting, the commission noted they have received inquiries regarding electrical work at the facility, signaling continued community attention on the infrastructure project.

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