southeast side of town, which is where our largest users are,” says Harter. A parallel commitment is evident in public safety, with $18-20 million allocated for new fire stations and a new county-owned 9-1-1 emergency call center with an integrated shooting range for law enforcement, underscoring that “safety is a top priority,” says Bartel. Furthermore, the county is a proven leader in digital infrastructure, a critical differentiator for modern business. It boasts redundant fiber optic access and is a participant in the multi-million dollar Free State Network project. Woods confirms this advanced This commitment extends to the county’s smaller towns, like Olpe, where new residential developments are enhancing their appeal for young families seeking excellent schools with low student-teacher ratios. Parallel to this is an equally sophisticated and proactive workforce development system.The area’s educational institutions, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, are not passive entities but active partners engaging directly with local employers to tailor their curriculum. “Both schools have revamped and strengthened their programs to specialize for the local workforce,” notes Bartel.“These two have done an excellent job going out, asking questions, listening to what the local employers need, and then going back and creating new programs…to me, that shows their commitment to providing a very positive impact on the county and the city.” This unique responsiveness ensures a pipeline of talent equipped with relevant skills, with synergy further strengthened by both institutions employing dedicated economic development officers. “Both of our higher educational institutions are very adaptive,” notes Woods. CORE INDUSTRIES AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE The Lyon County economy is powered by a diverse and resilient base of core industries. Its strategic location naturally fosters a strong distribution and logistics sector, while manufacturing, educational services, and healthcare represent other key pillars. A standout feature is its position within the “Animal Health Corridor,” hosting global leaders like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Simmons Pet Food, and Cargill.This cluster benefits from a business-friendly environment where, as Bartel puts it, “Communication is key. We will always listen to concerns and new ideas for growth.” Supporting this robust commercial activity is a continuous and significant investment in critical infrastructure. The City of Emporia has executed approximately $65 million in utility upgrades, including “putting in a 20-inch main from our water treatment plant… running all the way to the 71 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 LYON COUNTY, KS
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