The people have spoken. In this case, it means the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas is manufactured in Lyon County.
Pivot Sign Device, made by Bess Machining LLC, was named as the 2025 champion during the Kansas Manufacturing Summit this week. The road sign straightening equipment was created and patented by Hartford native John O’Connor, a former road grader for the Lyon County Highway Department, and was initially made by Freedom Innovations before Bess Machining took over operations three years ago.
The device lets road signs return to upright positions if they are knocked over. It is now being used in 15 states.
The device was among 10 finalists this year.
This is the third area win in the contest. EMP Shield of Burlington won in 2020. Hometown Pie Company of New Strawn won in 2021. Fanestil Party Time Ham made it to the round of 16 in 2022.
Bess Machining owner Nick Bess will join KVOE’s Newsmaker 3 segment at 8:40 am Tuesday.
