Emporia local news summary

Commission joins national litigation over ‘forever chemicals’

Grease trap requirements delayed for grant research

Old school building to become apartments

City pivots to stock model fire truck to reduce wait time

City manager’s contract renewed for 2026

Commission tables Emporia annexation request following resident outcry

Commission certifies Nov. 4 general election results

Coin toss determines winner of Admire City Council seat

Commission joins national litigation over ‘forever chemicals’

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city commission voted unanimously to join a national multi-district litigation regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” in public water systems. Commissioners approved a retainer agreement with Perry and Trent LLC and Stag Liuzza LLC, which will allow the city to conduct cost-free eligibility testing to determine if local water sources qualify for potential settlement funds. While city staff emphasized that current testing shows local water levels are well below safety limits and the water remains safe, joining the lawsuit on a contingency basis ensures the city can access funds for future remediation or enhancements if necessary.

Grease trap requirements delayed for grant research

EMPORIA, Kan. - The public works director presented a proposed “Fats, Oils and Grease” program designed to prevent sewer backups by requiring restaurants to install interceptor systems. While the program is intended to protect city infrastructure, commissioners expressed concern over the financial burden on small businesses, noting that in-ground systems can cost upwards of $10,000. The commission directed staff to research grant options or financial incentives to help local business owners offset installation costs before the program is fully enforced, potentially in 2027.

Old school building to become apartments

EMPORIA, Kan. - Commissioners approved a request to rezone the former Kansas Avenue Grade School at a site on South Market Street from civic-public use to multifamily residential. A development company, which is under contract to purchase the property, plans to convert the historic building into approximately 10 to 11 apartment units. The planning and zoning administrator noted the developer has a proven track record with similar school redevelopment projects, citing a recent completion in Chase County.

City pivots to stock model fire truck to reduce wait time

EMPORIA, Kan.- The fire chief presented a plan to switch the city’s purchase of a new aerial fire truck from a custom build to a “stock” model. The change comes in response to significant manufacturing delays, with custom orders currently facing 48-month lead times compared to 14 months for the stock option. The switch is expected to cost approximately $2.1 million—slightly less than the budgeted $2.4 million—and will ensure the department has reliable aerial apparatus on both sides of the city sooner than anticipated.

City manager’s contract renewed for 2026

EMPORIA, Kan.- Following a 30-minute executive session for a performance evaluation, the city commission voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign the city manager’s contract for the 2026 fiscal year. The motion followed a review of non-elected city personnel performance. No changes to compensation or contract terms were discussed in the open session prior to the vote.

Commission tables Emporia annexation request following resident outcry

EMPORIA, Kan. - The Lyon County Commission voted unanimously to table a request from the City of Emporia to annex property at 800 Road 160 until on or before Jan. 22, 2026. The property, owned by a local industrial services company, is intended for a compost and open-air drying facility. Several neighboring residents and business owners voiced concerns during the meeting regarding potential odors, floodplain issues and increased water usage. While the business owner assured the commission that 90 percent of the work would occur indoors and that berms would prevent runoff, commissioners determined more information was needed regarding the "island annexation" and the project's impact before a decision could be made.

Commission certifies Nov. 4 general election results

EMPORIA, Kan. - The commission officially approved the minutes of the 2025 General Election Canvass, certifying the results of the Nov. 4 election. This procedural step finalizes the local vote counts following the review by the county clerk and election officer.

Coin toss determines winner of Admire City Council seat

EMPORIA, Kan. – A coin toss before the Lyon County Commission broke a tie between write-in candidates Rob Gore and Shannon Reed for the third seat on the Admire City Council.  After both candidates finished with three votes in the Nov. 4 election, commissioners used the flip of a coin to comply with state tiebreaking procedures. The toss came up heads, awarding the seat to Rob Gore and completing the three-member council lineup.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: