Emporia local news summary
Week of October 9 2025
City Sets 90-Day Deadline for Carnegie Library Proposals
State Review Looms Over Potential Library Demolition
Commission Seeks “Compassionate” Overhaul of Mowing Ordinance
Traffic Safety Committee Restructured to Include Citizen Voice
City Recognizes Long‑Serving Police Chief, Acknowledges Community Service
County Committee Receives Tools to Combat Youth Radicalization
County Developing Improvement Plan After Newman Regional Health Alarm
City Sets 90-Day Deadline for Carnegie Library Proposals
EMPORIA - The Emporia City Commission has set a December 31st deadline for any interested parties to submit viable proposals for the historic Carnegie Library building, which has sat vacant for nearly a decade. During a study session, commissioners debated the fate of the deteriorating structure, with options ranging from demolition to a costly renovation now estimated at close to $2 million. Staff noted significant issues with air quality and moisture within the building. If no financially sound plan from a private or public entity is presented by the end of the year, the commission will be forced to make a “tough choice,” which could include razing the 1905 building and returning the plot to green space.
State Review Looms Over Potential Library Demolition
EMPORIA - A significant hurdle has emerged in the city’s consideration of demolishing the old Carnegie Library. City staff reported that the State Historic Preservation Office views the building as historically significant enough that a demolition decision would trigger preservation review. Under KSA 75‑2724, if the State Historic Preservation Officer determines demolition would damage a registered historic property, the project cannot proceed unless the governing body finds there is “no feasible and prudent alternative” and plans to minimize harm; any aggrieved party may seek judicial review, and the state can seek enforcement in district court.
Commission Seeks “Compassionate” Overhaul of Mowing Ordinance
EMPORIA - A lengthy debate over the city’s process for enforcing mowing violations highlighted a desire among commissioners for a more “human” and less punitive approach. The current complaint-driven system, which relies on certified mail and posted signs without personal contact, was criticized for failing to account for residents’ personal or financial hardships. The commission directed staff to research alternatives, including a tiered system of fees for owner-occupied properties versus vacant or commercial lots, improving communication efforts before issuing fines, and exploring the creation of a citizen-led “beautification committee” to review cases and work with residents.
Traffic Safety Committee Restructured to Include Citizen Voice
EMPORIA - In a joint action with the county, the city approved an ordinance to restructure the Joint Traffic Safety Committee. The most significant change adds two resident representatives—one appointed by the city and one by the county—who are not required to have technical expertise. The move was praised by commissioners as a response to constituent requests to include a “lay voice” in discussions about traffic and parking matters, ensuring community perspectives are represented alongside those of professional staff.
City Recognizes Long‑Serving Police Chief, Acknowledges Community Service
EMPORIA - The commission took a moment to recognize two dedicated public servants. Police Chief Ed Owens was honored for his 35 years of service with the City of Emporia, with staff noting he has been with the city for roughly 20% of its entire history. Commissioners also recognized community volunteer Larry Bucklinger for his service on numerous city committees, including the Planning Commission.
County Committee Receives Tools to Combat Youth Radicalization
LYON COUNTY, Kan. – The Lyon County Community Preparedness Committee has received tool kits from the Southern Poverty Law Center designed to help combat the online radicalization of young people, an official said. During a report to county commissioners, Public Information Officer Vici Smith confirmed that committee members were given two SPLC tool kits. The guides, developed with American University’s PERIL lab, provide parents, caregivers, and community mentors with checklists of warning signs and strategies for intervention. The materials are expected to be used for training and public outreach, and no formal county action or funding was requested.
County Developing Improvement Plan After Newman Regional Health Alarm
LYON COUNTY, Kan. – Lyon County is developing an improvement plan after an Aug. 28 active-shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health triggered a multi-agency response before being traced to a malfunctioning emergency switch. Public Relation Manager Vici Smith told commissioners that the plan incorporates feedback from an after-action review. According to previous reports from Emporia Police, the incident response, which involved officers clearing the hospital, revealed no threat. Officials said updates will focus on refining communications and inter-agency coordination for future emergency alerts. No specific policy changes were presented to the commission.
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