A new industry is coming to Cherryvale, Kansas as a grand opening takes place for the Bartlett Soybean Processing Plant. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is just one state official to attend the opening of the facility. She was joined by the likes of Sen. Roger Marshall and Lt. Gov. David Toland. The soybean plant is expected to process up to 49 million bushels of soybeans annually, creating products for foods, animal feed and renewable energy. The plant has already created more than 60 new jobs within the facility alone.
Source: KOAM News

The Fort Scott City Commission has approved the demolition of several rundown homes that have been a concern for the community. Earlier this month, they reviewed six homes that are either abandoned or need many repairs. “Honestly, some of these houses are places I wouldn’t want to see anyone living in, especially kids,” he said. He explained that these dilapidated homes hurt the property values in the area, making it harder for everyone” said Leroy Kruger, codes technician. If a house is found to be in bad shape and the city is considering demolition, the the city will send a letter to the owner, giving them a chance to fix things. If nothing changes, the city can move forward with the demolition. “A house in that condition can make people think twice about buying nearby,” said Kruger. City Commissioner Matthew Wells says many of the homes are considered unsafe. “The majority of these homes are unlivable and have become flop houses or houses where drugs or other illicit activities take place within those neighborhoods. Needles have been found on the porches, drug paraphernalia scattered across the yards of broken glass,” said Wells. One of the goals of this demolition plan is allow new businesses and safer homes in Fort Scott, especially since there’s a need for housing in the area.
Source: KOAM News

The city of Fredonia, Kansas announces a new City Administrator during its commission meeting. According to the city’s Facebook page, the new City Administrator is Evan Bolt. “Evan meets all of our preferred qualifications. He will arrive with a successful track record of managing infrastructure projects in municipalities in Colorado and Utah.” said Mayor Miller. “And Fredonia will also benefit from the practical research he conducted for the Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University while working on his graduate degree.” According to Mayor Miller, after extensive resume screening, candidate and reference interviews, department head consultation, and background checks, he and Commissioners agreed that Bolt was the most qualified to be Fredonia’s next City Administrator. He replaces Wesley Young who resigned in May to take a similar position in southeast Missouri.
Source: KOAM News