Saturday marked a day of celebration and reflection in parts of the county as residents gathered at Bushong City Park to mark the completion of the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial. While the reason for the celebration — a total of three additional stone plaques to be installed in order to honor hundreds more service members from the area — had, unfortunately, not yet arrived, the atmosphere was still jovial throughout. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests — many of whom had served in the arm forces in some capacity — were invited to partake in a complimentary fish fry [...]

Emporia Main Street combined two popular late summer events, Thursday evening, welcoming back college students to the community. Local businesses held special promotions and offers during the event and participants were encouraged to get a passport at the Emporia Main Street office on 727 Commercial St., or pick up a passport at participating businesses to be eligible to win prizes. L&L Pets “We’re going to be doing 15% off storewide and then we will be giving away a $20 certificate with Emporia Main Street,” said Jason Crumb, owner of L&L Pets. Source: Emporia Gazette

A few lucky people got the first chance to view a new video that emphasizes the beauty of Chase County, Wednesday evening. “Listen,” a promotional video created for the Chase County Chamber of Commerce by Hillsboro-based filmmaker Austin Calam, features the breathtaking landscapes, sunsets and sounds unique to the region. It came together with the help of a number of locals, including Warren and Susie Harshman who helped arrange for bison footage. Bruce Siebert and Colton Kenny appear in silhouette against the backdrop of a twilight sky. Source: Emporia Gazette

Kaman Simmons has an affinity for history, to say the least. The Emporia native and Lyon County History Center intern recently had the opportunity to take on a project that reshapes and tells a part of Lyon County history that was missing some pieces. It began with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office contacted the history center about collecting the history of the sheriff’s office. While the bones of the sheriff’s office history existed, much of the substance was still missing. History Center Deputy Director Lisa Soller called upon Simmons to take on the project. Source: Emporia Gazette

Emporia City Commissioners approved an incentive compliance agreement between the City of Emporia and S&S Quality Meats and Smoots Enterprises during a Wednesday afternoon action session. The agreement is related to plans to expand the Fanestil Meats facility at 4200 W. Highway 50. Owner Dan Smoots said the company plans to invest $8.42 million into the expansion, which will move all of its production from its current facility on S. Highway 99. “It’s been a long time getting here and we’re pretty excited about it,” he said, adding that once construction begins he was looking at a 12 month timeline. Mayor [...]

After postponing the event to September, the Emporia Main Street Board of Directors have officially canceled The Taste. The announcement was made Tuesday.  The event, originally scheduled for April 4, was postponed to Sept. 26 as the community grappled with the early stages of the novel coronavirus pandemic. "There was no way we felt like we could put the quality of people required to make that event work in an in-door location and make that safe for everyone involved," said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. "We went through in fine detail [of research] and just didn't think we [...]

The Madison City Council met in an online meeting Monday evening to discuss a new proposed ordinance that will affect property owners, as well as several bids for COVID-19 safety measures.  "What [the real estate covenant ordinance] does is stop a current property owner trying to tie up a piece of real estate in downtown Madison and not allow it to be used for commercial purposes in the future," said Paul Dean, Mayor of Madison. "It doesn't make anything illegal, it just voids those provisions. It allows people to use the property they bought the way they desire to use it."  [...]

Madison's City Council voted to close City Hall to the public once again during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The decision was part of the city's review of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. City Clerk Victoria Stewart had requested the council consider closing the doors due to increased traffic inside of the building. "There's nothing we can't do over the phone," Stewart said. "I don't see much of a point of putting ourselves at risk if we don't have to. We've been able to handle everything over the phone and email." (Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Main Street members are inviting the community back into their doors with the Emporia Main Street Grand Reopening event next week. Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz said community members are invited to pick up a Main Street Passport and visit any Main Street office or participating business, located anywhere in Emporia, Monday - Friday. Make a purchase or receive a service during your visit to the business and get your passport stamped throughout the week. "The idea is to encourage people to come out and shop safely, shop locally and let them know that Emporia is reopening back up," Buchholz said. [...]

Current and former Chase County residents know the historic elementary school in Cottonwood Falls as a place of fond memories. From “first day of school” pictures with moms and dads to “last day of school” tears, and everything in between, the old school has a story to tell. “We are saving Chase County history,” says Lee Anne Coester, Chairman of the Chase County Old School Development District board. “Too often, old schools such as ours become a blight; we are working hard to prevent that from happening. With the support of our community, the four square blocks — 7-plus acres — [...]