Emporia Fire Chief Brandon Beck was more than pleased to welcome the community to the fire department’s 150th anniversary celebration Saturday. And he was even happier to see how many people turned out for the event. “We’ve had a great turnout today. It’s been just kind of a steady flow of people since 8 a.m. this morning,” he said as the celebration began winding down Saturday afternoon. Battalion Chief Tony Fuller told The Gazette last week that EFD recognizes every 25-year milestone. Beck, who joined the fire department as a volunteer in 1993, said it was exciting to be on hand [...]

The Chase County Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee was presented with a flag flown over the United States Capitol this week, in honor of the Chase County Courthouse. Grace Greene, Director of District Operations for the Office of U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner (R-KS) presented the committee with the flag and a proclamation by LaTurner, highlighting the significance of the Chase County Courthouse as it reaches 150 years on continuous operation. Source: Emporia Gazette

As the City of Emporia continues to grapple with unprecedented water main issues, the well-being of city crews tasked with repairing and maintaining the city's water infrastructure remains a top priority. According to Communications Manager Christine Torrens, the city emphasized the importance of supporting workers as they dealt with upwards of 15 water main breaks throughout the week. "This week, the City of Emporia's Underground Utility crew has implemented shift rotations to prevent an increase in stress levels and emotional strain among their staff," she said. "We understand the toll this continuous work can have on them, so we are taking [...]

With nearly 180 vendors this year, Commercial Street was lined with goodies from the 600 - 1100 blocks. Visitors found everything from plants and handcrafted jewelry to collectibles and antiques, resin art, crochet and knitted items, jams and jellies, food trucks and more. Thousands of people turned out for the Great American Market, as hundreds of vendors drew crowds of visitors to downtown Emporia Saturday for a day of shopping. Source: Emporia Gazette

A busload of tourists converged on tiny Arvonia, Kansas, on Labor Day, ready to learn about the historic Welsh settlement and efforts to restore and preserve local heritage. More than 30 people participated in the tour, a supplemental excursion offered through the North American Festival of Wales, held in Lincoln, Nebraska, the previous week. Arvonia Historical Preservation Society board members and volunteers prepared the restored Township Hall for lunch with wooden tables and benches, decorated with daffodils and small Welsh flags. Displays of local maps and platts, correspondence, newspaper articles, school records and other documents and pictures were set up around [...]

With a number of economic initiatives propelling Kansas forward, Gov. Laura Kelly believes the State of Kansas is taking monumental steps to invigorate its economy and foster industry growth in the Emporia area. Kelly, who spoke to The Gazette this week, emphasized that this achievement is a direct outcome of the state’s strategic plan for economic development. This comprehensive plan, instated under her administration, provides a modern roadmap for growth — a departure from the outdated strategies that had hindered Kansas’ economic progress for decades. Source: Emporia Gazette

The Strong City Splash Pad opening will be delayed, amid a statewide water crisis putting strain on many communities’ water supply. Wednesday evening, the Strong City Council made the decision to postpone the opening of the new splash pad, which was tentatively set to open over the Labor Day weekend before supply chain issues delayed the final touches on the pad. With the severe drought conditions threatening the state’s water supply, the grand opening could be postponed until next year. “With so many struggling during these extremely dry days and delays in some equipment, we will more than likely save our [...]

A Kansas State University program that aims to improve the health of Kansans by increasing access to locally grown foods is giving the effort a big boost this fall. Over the next two years, the K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems team will offer 34 paid fellowships to Kansas communities interested in helping to build the state’s local food network. Program coordinator Amanda Lindahl said the 320-hour paid positions not only provide jobs for local residents, but also dedicated time and energy for a local foods system project. “We hope that this elevates the capacity of the system, facilitating access to [...]

Justice reigns at the Lyon County Law Enforcement Center. Justice, the new Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center companion and emotional support dog, that is. At around seven months old, the Labradoodle and Golden Retriever mix is quickly becoming a friend to all at the center. Her floppy ears and puppy personality are helping to spread cheer and reduce stress — for sheriff staff and inmates alike. “The jail actually purchased the puppy through the Inmate Welfare Fund as a support dog for staff and the inmates,” Captain Jay Whitney said. Source: Emporia Gazette

Travelers heading south of Emporia now have a sweet new option to try on the road. Dairy Queen is now open at the Kansas Turnpike's Matfield Green service plaza, the KTA announced Thursday. The plaza is located a mile marker 97 on I-35. Subway is expected to open by end of July. Restaurant changes were announced for both the Emporia Service Area located on I-335/KTA at mile marker 132, and the Matfield Green Service Area in March of this year. At the Emporia Service Area, Subway and Taco John’s were added, while Subway and Dairy Queen were announced for Matfield Green. Source: Emporia Gazette