After months of debate and discussions, Lyon County Commissioners will decide the fate of the four Quonset Huts that stand on the Lyon County Fairgrounds Thursday.
The agenda item is slated for 10:15 a.m. Thursday during the commissioners’ action session. The agenda item will be preceded by public comment at 9:45 a.m.
The controversy over the Quonset Huts’ future came after plans for a building that Emporia native Clint Bowyer unveiled in August. He proposed a new 6,000-square foot building during an annual charity event held in late August. The 79 Fund, through the Emporia Community Foundation, will donate $1 million to build the multipurpose building at the fairgrounds. The building will be multi-functional to hold 300 people. The use of the building will accommodate events such as weddings, concerts and catered events, along with a large variety of community events. Inside the building will be a catering kitchen, coat room, storage, bar and rest rooms. The building’s design will allow for outdoor events as well with overhead doors that will be able to open to the outside. Natural materials will be used to build the building, including materials that are local to this area. An outdoor amphitheater will be another feature of the building with a burm and grassy area for seating.
The Lyon County Fair board had already voted to take the Quonset Huts down. In their meeting on Nov. 8, fair board members said they stand behind their decision. During the commissioners’ action meeting last week, several people spoke during public comment time — some in favor of keeping the Quonsets and some in favor of demolishing them. Following discussion, County Commission Chairman Scott Briggs announced the decision would come this week.
Also on Thursday’s agenda:
• A&M Consulting will give a monthly financial update.
• Chip Woods, county engineer, will review weekly reports.
• Jerry Tempelmeyer, mayor of Olpe, will discuss the City of Olpe tax abatement for new business.
• Laurie Redeker, human relations director, will discuss the personnel handbook for Lyon County employees.
gg (anonymous) says...
Please, just tear them down!
November 16, 2010 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
Please just let them go. A nice new building to go with the new arches, the great garden...maybe down the road - a new grandstand?
November 16, 2010 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
If they had already decided to tear them down.......why the hell are we still talking about it.
Of course, it is always easier to get agin'ers out to a meeting than it is people that are in favor of something. So if you really think they should be removed, you should show up in force at the Thursday meeting......I am certain the agin'ers will be there.
November 16, 2010 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
Read today's letters to the editor and see how the opponents of progress in this community are thumbing their nose at Bowyer's gift in order to "preserve our heritage."
As the comedian Ron White says, "You can't fix stupid."
November 16, 2010 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...
Time to dump the huts.
November 16, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
I disagree that the people who are for keeping the huts are thumbing their nose at the Bowyer. I think they are just saying....why tear something down when it is unnecessary. I don't believe it has ever been said that Bowyer absolutely will not donate the money if he doesn't have that spot. I believe he said that he prefers that area. People in support of the huts are asking for a compromise. Doesn't hurt to ask right?
If Bowyer comes back and says its my way or the highway....then we all would have something to think about. Do we let one individual decide what is best for Emporia or do we say thanks but not thanks?
The commission has a decision to make and I hope they have all the information needed to make a good one.
November 17, 2010 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
"Do we let one individual decide what is best for Emporia or do we say thanks but not thanks?"
Are you talking about Mr Bowyer or Mr Anderson?
November 17, 2010 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Exactly my point biscuit!
November 17, 2010 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )