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Lack of support cited as main cause for Lyon County Commission’s denial of conditional use permit for local event space

Emporia, KS, USA / KVOE
Tagan Trahoon
Mar 30, 2025 | 3:04 PM
Lack of support cited as main cause for Lyon County Commission's denial of conditional use permit for local event space

Lyon County Commission: Pictured left to right: District 3 Commissioner Chris Bartel, Chairman and District 1 Commissioner Ken Duft and District 2 Commissioner Doug Peck



Lyon County Commissioners say a lack of support was a main contributing factor to their recent denial of a conditional use permit for an event space in Olpe.

The owners of the property at 1027 Road 70 were looking to gain the permit to operate a renovated barn as an event space venue for all occasions, according to Lyon County Zoning and Floodplain Manager Sam Seeley.

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Commissioners would deny the request unanimously, with District 3 Commissioner Chris Bartel, who declined a recorded interview with KVOE News, saying he had received numerous calls from constituents expressing opposition to the event space. Bartel says nearly every landowner within a one-mile radius had filed a protest petition against the venue, adding he received virtually no correspondence or communication with individuals in favor of the space thus making it an easy decision in his mind.

The item came before commissioners as part of their regular action meeting Thursday morning with a unanimous reccomendation for approval from the Lyon County Zoning Board, however, Bartel says the positive recommendation came with a long list of conditions for landscaping, noise control, hours of operation, parking accomodations, “extensive” alcohol regulations and the need for hired security among others.

In separate business Thursday, commissioners approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford Escape via a state contract in an amount not to exceed $29,000 for Community Corrections. An invoice from Longbine Autoplace for the purchase of three 2025 Chevy Silverados totaling more than $151,000 for the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, a low bid of $55,009.05 from Foley Caterpillar for 350 grader blades for the Lyon County Highway Department and a payment to Hayden Tower of $5,700 for light repairs to the county’s North-Allen Radio tower were all approved unanimously.

Commissioners also convened three executive sessions for non-elected personnel matters with no action taken. The Lyon County Commission will next convene at 9 am Thursday inside of the Lyon County Courthouse Commission chambers.