Emporia local news summary
Week of October 16 2025
City backs pursuit of nuclear power plant for Lyon County
City partners with Main Street for EPA brownfield grant
Commission updated on major road and infrastructure projects
Water main breaks drop sharply, saving city over $440,000
Road project sparks debate on bike lanes, city plan adherence
‘The Wall That Heals’ organizers recognized by city
Lyon county indefinitely postpones shooting range plans
City backs pursuit of nuclear power plant for Lyon County
EMPORIA, Kan. - The Emporia City Commission unanimously authorized the mayor to sign a letter of support Wednesday for siting a new nuclear reactor in Lyon County. The move follows a recent announcement that TerraPower, an energy company founded by Bill Gates, signed a memorandum of understanding with Evergy and the State of Kansas to explore siting its next-generation Natrium reactor within Evergy’s service territory. State Rep. Mark Schreiber, R-Emporia, presented the request, highlighting the region’s history with energy projects like the Wolf Creek Generating Station and local wind farms. Schreiber argued that a unified letter from the city, county, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College would strengthen the county’s position. Commissioners cited the potential for significant economic development and the growing need for reliable power generation.
City partners with Main Street for EPA brownfield grant
EMPORIA, Kan. - The city is partnering with Emporia Main Street to apply for a federal Brownfield grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. City Manager Trey Cocking announced that the grant would fund a community-wide assessment to identify and create remediation plans for properties with potential environmental contamination. Cocking specifically mentioned a former dry-cleaning facility on North Commercial Street as one of the sites that could be addressed. The grant does not require any matching funds from the city and would help put underutilized or abandoned properties back into productive service.
Commission updated on major road and infrastructure projects
EMPORIA, Kan. - City Engineer Jim Ubert provided the commission with a comprehensive update on numerous ongoing construction projects across Emporia. The Overlander Road improvements are set to begin soon. Meanwhile, the 2025 Street Resurfacing project is 80 percent complete, with mainline paving on Prairie Street expected to be finished this week. The update also covered the recently completed concrete street repairs, the Southeast Transmission water main project and the Flint Hills Crossing development near the roundabout. Ubert said the city has received numerous complaints about property damage related to the ongoing IdeaTek fiber installation and will be meeting with the company to address the issues.
Water main breaks drop sharply, saving city over $440,000
EMPORIA, Kan. - Emporia is on pace for a record-low year for water main breaks, a success that staff said has saved the city more than $440,000 in maintenance and repair costs so far this year. Public Works Director Dean Grant reported year-to-date repair expenses are about $490,000, compared to roughly $935,000 at the same time last year. Officials credit major infrastructure projects, including a new 24-inch transmission line that has relieved pressure on older parts of the system. The reduction in breaks has improved the water fund’s cash balance, which staff said is now more than $1 million better than at this time in 2023.
Road project sparks debate on bike lanes, city plan adherence
EMPORIA, Kan. - A discussion about the resurfacing of 12th Avenue sparked a broader debate among commissioners about the city’s commitment to its comprehensive plan, particularly regarding bike lanes. Several commissioners noted that despite a comprehensive plan calling for improved cycling infrastructure, a dedicated bike lane was not added to 12th Avenue during the recent work. Multiple commissioners emphasized reviewing the comprehensive plan during road work before simply replacing what was there previously.
‘The Wall That Heals’ organizers recognized by city
EMPORIA, Kan. - Organizers of “The Wall That Heals” event were recognized Wednesday for bringing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica to Emporia. Mayor Erren Harter presented the honor, recognizing the committee for a record-setting event. Organizers reported that the escort for the wall included 178 vehicles and total attendance for the multi-day event was estimated at 10,200 people. “There was a lot of effort that went into this,” a representative for the group said. “It was a well-fought battle and I hope the community all enjoyed.”
Lyon county indefinitely postpones shooting range plans
LYON COUNTY, Kan. - The Lyon County Commission on Thursday unanimously voted to indefinitely postpone action on Phase 1 construction for a new shooting range and Emergency Communications facility near the Transfer Station on West South Avenue, citing a need for detailed cost breakdowns before moving forward. In two separate 3-0 votes, commissioners first removed the items from the table where they had been previously placed and then voted to delay any decision. The topic has drawn public interest, with Vice Chairman Chris Bartel noting he had received several calls from residents about the range. Commissioner Doug Peck, County Counselor Molly Priest and Controller Dan Williams also attended a meeting regarding the range earlier in the week.
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