The former Deer Trail building, 2632 W. Highway 50, has a new owner — Lyon County.
Lyon County Commission Chairman Marshall Miller said the building, which was used by Deer Trail Implement, has a new use that will benefit both the public and the county. Deer Trail moved to a new, larger location just outside of Emporia.
The building is being used as a bus barn for the L-Cat buses. The buses previously were kept outside, where they were exposed to the elements.
“They are warm and dry,” Miller said. “At least this winter, L-Cat buses are being kept there.”
Miller said the bus barn is the only use for the building at this time.
“That’ll be a good use for a while,” Miller said. “It might be permanent...”
Miller said using the building as a bus barn will save time and energy. It will not take as much time to warm a bus up and will not take the time it does now to clear the buses of snow and ice.
“The drivers are really happy about that,” he said. “This will save us energy.”
Ken Barrows, of L-Cat, said the buses previously were kept at county shops outside.
“It will save us about 30 minutes (on icy days),” Barrows said. “It takes about 30 minutes on an icy day and bad weather.”
Barrows said having the buses inside will be nice.
“It’s a big benefit,” he said. “They’re not out in all that weather.”
And another change is coming — L-Cat will have a new phone number after the first of the year, 343-4207.