News of layoffs at Iola’s Gates Corporation plant hit hard last week. After learning that 80 employees will soon lose their jobs, local leaders immediately went to work attempting to turn crisis into opportunity. Within hours, Thrive Allen County’s Camille Lavon was on the phone with company officials and state partners, mapping out a plan to keep the 80 soon-to-be-displaced employees working close to home.
“It’s disappointing, yes,” Lavon told county commissioners Tuesday, “but it’s also a moment to show how this community pulls together when people need it most.”
Lavon, Thrive’s Director of Economic Development, noted that while the layoffs are a setback, they don’t need to translate to a loss of local talent. Instead, there lies an opportunity to strengthen the county’s workforce in new ways.
Lavon told commissioners that she has been in contact with Gates’ company headquarters and confirmed that about 70 employees will leave Dec. 1, with the remaining 10 departing Jan. 1. Initial reports of 110 layoffs were incorrect, Lavon said, noting that both Kansas Commerce and Gates officials verified the smaller number.
GATES IS working alongside local efforts to help displaced employees transition to new jobs by allowing an on-site job fair within the next four weeks, Lavon noted. Thrive Allen County and KansasWorks are leading the response, and Lavon said several major area employers — including Russell Stover, Monarch Cement, and the City of Humboldt — plan to participate.
“This is an unfortunate piece of news and development, but by no means defines that we’re going to be losing this talented workforce from the region,” Lavon said. “Many of those being released are seasoned employees with valuable technical skills, and we’re going to be intentional about helping them stay right here in Allen County.”
Russell Stover alone is hiring for about 30 positions, Lavon noted, and local companies continue to express a need for skilled labor. “Honestly, this is a really great opportunity to get that talent plugged into our other employers that are growing and thriving in Iola and Allen County,” she said.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels agreed that local industries appear ready to absorb many of the affected workers. “Between Russell Stover, B&W and Peerless, we probably have 80 openings,” he said.
Lavon said the community response has been strong, with local institutions like Allen Community College reaching out to offer support. “It’s going really well so far,” she said. “It’s a great community — everyone is reaching out.”
IN OTHER NEWS, Public Works Director Mitch Garner presented bids for a new weed truck. Only one bid was received — $65,320 from Twin Motors of Iola. With Commissioner John Brocker absent, Daniels and Commissioner David Lee decided to delay action until next week.
Road and Bridge Director Jeremy Hopkins discussed options for replacing the county’s aging asphalt compaction equipment. He recommended purchasing a larger CB-15 model for $116,600 but agreed to wait a week for a final decision. Commissioners also approved an $85,863 bid for an asphalt overlay project from the Neosho County line to U.S. 169 south of Humboldt.
Hopkins reported that two miles of work on 600 Road have been completed and are in good condition.
Commissioners also approved a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Allen County.
Alondra Exiga, bilingual advocate for Hope Unlimited, presented the request and noted that more than 10 million Americans experience domestic violence each year. “By recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re taking a stand as a community,” Exiga said. “Survivors deserve support, and prevention is possible.”
Marcia Davis, Thrive Allen County’s Director of Community Engagement, invited commissioners to attend the upcoming Mildred Community Conversation on Oct. 14 at the Mildred Store. She also reported that Savonburg residents recently met to discuss local improvements, including infrastructure upgrades funded by a $700,000 grant to replace the town’s electrical grid.
