The following locations have been announced for Emporia and the KVOE listening area:
Cooling centers: Emporia
*Emporia Police Department lobby, 518 Mechanic. Pets allowed if they can be controlled.
*Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobby, 425 Mechanic. Pets allowed if they can be controlled.
*Raise Your Paws, 312 Commercial Street Monday through Friday from 8 am to noon. “Friendly leashed dogs welcome” inside of the business and water bottles, water and dog treats are available.
*Bloom House Youth Services, 301 West 11th, for teenagers and their family members. A teenager must be present for families to use Bloom House.
*First Congregational Church of Emporia, 326 W 12th Ave, will be open Thursday from 9 am to noon and Friday from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Pets are allowed if they can be controlled.
*Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church west campus, 2023 West 12th Avenue, 11 am to 5 pm both Thursday and Thursday, August 3. Pets will not be allowed.
The city of Emporia is asking businesses, churches and residents to email Communications Manager Christine Torrens at ctorrens@emporiaks.gov if they are offering a cooling center.
Cooling shelters: Chase County
*Chase County Community Building, Cottonwood Falls
*Flint Hills Community Church gymnasium, Cottonwood Falls. Available during Chase County Fair.
*Strong City Depot during business hours
Cooling shelters: Morris County
*Morris County Courthouse, Council Grove. Available 9 am top 4 pm Thursday and Friday.
Original KVOE News story: July 24, 2023
The City of Emporia is establishing local cooling centers for those who may not have shelter from the incoming oppressive heat.
The centers will be located at the Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobbies at 518 and 425 Mechanic Street. Pets are allowed so long as they can be controlled.
On KVOE’s 8:05 am newscast Tuesday, City Manager Trey Cocking said this resembles the local approach as part of extreme cold temperatures a few months ago.
Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell says the shelters — hot or cold — are meant to be for short-term use.
Hours will be “primarily” during the day but could be adjusted, depending on the traffic.
