Hailey
A water main break in Emporia, Kansas, has disrupted daily operations at the Friendship Center, forcing the cancellation of Thursday’s Friendship Meals and other essential services for local seniors.
City utility crews will resume repair work early Thursday morning, impacting the facility’s ability to provide regular meals and commodity pickups. This situation affects not only the center but also several residents in the surrounding area.
Friendship Center Operations Impacted
The Friendship Center, located at 221 West Logan, is home to the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and is responsible for preparing and delivering meals to seniors in Lyon County.
However, due to the nearby water main break, the center has announced:
- No Friendship Meals will be served on Thursday.
- Commodity pickup will be unavailable on Thursday but will resume Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Other Thursday activities are still under review.
Manager Gwen Burenheide confirmed that while the center managed to finish meal preparation for Wednesday lunch, they had to halt operations shortly afterward when the water supply was lost.
Repair Work Details
The Emporia Underground Utilities Department identified the break in the 10 block of West Logan, just two blocks away from the Friendship Center. Crews began repairs around 10 AM Wednesday and will resume work between 7 AM and 4 PM Thursday.
Key repair details:
- Location affected: West Logan from South Commercial to South Congress (Thursday closure).
- Wednesday closure: West Logan from South Merchant to South Commercial.
- Repairs expected to restore full service after Thursday’s work.
Impact on the Community
The Friendship Meals program is a vital service for many elderly residents in Lyon County, providing both nutrition and social interaction. The cancellation for Thursday means that seniors who rely on daily hot meals will have to make alternate arrangements.
Important to note:
- The water main break also affects nearby residential customers.
- City crews are prioritizing repairs to restore service quickly.
Timeline of Events
| Time/Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 10 AM Wednesday | Crews respond to water main break on West Logan |
| Noon Wednesday | Repairs underway; street closure from South Merchant to South Commercial |
| 1 PM Wednesday | Friendship Center loses water supply after lunch meal deliveries |
| 7 AM Thursday | Repairs resume between South Commercial and South Congress |
| All Day Thursday | No Friendship Meals or commodity pickup at Friendship Center |
| Friday 9 AM – 4 PM | Commodity pickup available again |
Why Water Main Breaks Are Disruptive
A water main break can cause significant issues, especially for community facilities like the Friendship Center.
Without water, kitchens cannot operate safely, cleaning becomes impossible, and essential services must be paused. For seniors depending on Friendship Meals, such breaks can lead to food insecurity and inconvenience.
City’s Response and Safety Measures
The city’s Underground Utilities crews are working to ensure the repair is completed within Thursday’s schedule. Barriers and road closures are in place to protect both workers and the public. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes during the repair window.
Looking Ahead
Once repairs are completed, the Friendship Center plans to resume normal services as soon as water supply is restored. Residents are encouraged to stay updated via local news outlets and the Friendship Center’s announcements.
The Emporia water main break serves as a reminder of how vital infrastructure is to daily life — especially for community services like the Friendship Meals program.
Thursday’s disruptions are temporary, as city crews work hard to restore water service quickly. This will allow seniors and residents to resume their normal routines.
For many in the community, Friday’s scheduled commodity pickup will signal a welcome return to normalcy, ensuring essential services are once again available after the water main break repairs.