Emporia local news summary

Emporia to postpone utility shutoffs amid SNAP delays

City accepts $100,000 grant for tree management

Zoo reports strong attendance, program growth in annual recap

Prairie Paws announces new vet, mobile spay/neuter clinic

City to consider paving deteriorating brick streets

Commission pledges over $312,000 in future funding for county transit

Road manager reports frustration over county road conditions

Unexpected rock formation prompts change order for bridge project

Future of county shooting range, 911 facility on planning agenda

Emporia to postpone utility shutoffs amid SNAP delays

EMPORIA, Kan. – The city of Emporia will temporarily postpone utility shutoffs and waive nonpayment fees for residents on individual accounts, staff announced at the Nov. 5 city commission meeting. The relief measure responds to delays affecting some federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. City staff said residents will receive approximately two weeks’ notice before normal collection procedures resume after benefits are restored.

City accepts $100,000 grant for tree management

EMPORIA, Kan. – The Emporia City Commission voted to accept a $100,000 reimbursement grant from the Kansas Forest Service for tree removal, planting and trimming projects, with work aimed at areas identified as “overburdened and underserved.” Staff said efforts will focus on parks such as Peter Pan Park, Eastside Memorial Park and Soden’s Grove Park, as well as along city green spaces and roads inside the specified zones. The grant requires no local match.

Zoo reports strong attendance, program growth in annual recap

EMPORIA, Kan. – The David Traylor Zoo reported tens of thousands of visits since a new electronic visitor counting system was installed in May, according to an annual recap to commissioners. Zoo Director Brenda Young highlighted a year of growth, including more than 1,000 participants at “Boo in the Zoo,” new animals—including five emus and a mini-Highland cow—and facility improvements near the King Vulture exhibit area. The zoo also secured funding to enhance accessible, bilingual exhibit graphics.

Prairie Paws announces new vet, mobile spay/neuter clinic

EMPORIA, Kan. – Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, which operates Emporia’s city shelter alongside locations in Ottawa and Manhattan, said it has hired a full-time veterinarian and will soon launch a mobile spay/neuter clinic to serve Emporia and surrounding rural communities. Vanessa Cowie, CEO of Prairie Paws, shared the updates while accepting a proclamation for Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. The new veterinarian will serve all three locations, and the custom-built mobile clinic is expected within weeks to offer low-cost services to the public. Work also continues on a new fenced exercise yard at the Emporia shelter.

City to consider paving deteriorating brick streets

EMPORIA, Kan. – The city will begin the process of considering whether to pave over deteriorating brick street sections on 13th Avenue from Highland to Exchange streets and Fifth Avenue from Market to Union streets. Following city policy, staff will schedule public meetings to gather input from residents along the corridors. The Fifth Avenue segment sits by the new fire station site and is expected to see increased emergency-vehicle traffic. A final decision will be made after public feedback is collected.

Commission pledges over $312,000 in future funding for county transit

LYON COUNTY, Kan. - The Lyon County Commission on Thursday committed over $312,000 in local matching funds for Lyon County Area Transportation to be used during the 2027 fiscal year. The funds, approved in a series of unanimous votes, will support grant applications for the public transit agency. The commitment includes $295,379 for operating and administrative funding from the General Fund and up to $20,000 for the purchase of a new ramp-accessible minivan, with the county match listed at $17,000 (not to exceed $20,000). Shane Brunner, director of LCAT, presented the requests.

Road manager reports frustration over county road conditions

LYON COUNTY, Kan. - Poor road conditions are a source of growing frustration for both residents and county crews, Lyon County Road Manager Seth Snyder told commissioners Thursday. Snyder appeared before the commission to discuss the challenges his department is facing in maintaining the county’s road and bridge network. The report was echoed by Commissioner Chris Bartel, who noted he had recently taken calls from residents regarding conditions on Road 70 and Road G. Bartel stated he drove the roads to observe the issues firsthand and reported them to the Road & Bridge department.

Unexpected rock formation prompts change order for bridge project

LYON COUNTY, Kan. — Crews working on the Rocky Ford (Road P) Bridge over the Cottonwood River encountered an unexpected rock formation, prompting a change order, Commissioner Chris Bartel reported Thursday. The discovery will require revisions to the project’s original plans; officials have not yet released details on potential cost or timeline impacts.

Future of county shooting range, 911 facility on planning agenda

LYON COUNTY, Kan. - The future use of county-owned property that houses a shooting range and 911 facility will be a topic at the Nov. 12 Planning and Appeals Board meeting, according to County Counselor Molly Priest. The discussion indicates that county officials are considering plans for the property, though specific proposals were not outlined during Thursday’s meeting.

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