Now that the federal government shutdown is over — for now — the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is announcing it has resumed normal operations.
The park’s Visitors Center, Spring Hill Ranch Barn and House and restrooms all reopened yesterday (SUN). Those hours of operation are from 9 am to 4:30 pm every day, weather permitting. Park trails and other outdoor areas were open through the shutdown and remain open to the public on a 24-7 basis.
There are several federal offices in Emporia.
*USDA office at 3020 West 18th
*Social Security office at 3010 West 18th
*Army Reserve Center at 1412 East Sixth
*US Marines recruiting office inside Flinthills Mall.
During the shutdown, the USDA announced several Farm Service Agency would remain open to handle different transactions — and shortly before the shutdown ended, it announced all FSA offices would be reopened.
In addition, US Fish and Wildlife Services has an office in Hartford near the Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge. The Army Corps of Engineers also handles water flow issues along the Neosho River and maintains larger lakes including John Redmond Reservoir in Coffey County and Melvern Lake in Osage County.
