TONGANOXIE, Kan. — People living in Tonganoxie, Kansas have started a petition in opposition to a Tyson Foods plant being built on the edge of town.
After hearing an announcement of 1,600 jobs coming to a rural county you'd think that would be something that's celebrated.
In Tonganoxie — it wasn't. Travis McGraw is a third generation farmer who rented part of the property where the facility will be built.
“They kept this quiet from everybody until this was a done deal. They did it intentionally to make sure that the voices didn't get out quick enough to stop it,” said McGraw.
On Tuesday, city and county leaders announced Tyson Foods is building a facility on the edge of Tonganoxie. After that announcement, some leaders got an earful.
“My phone has been lit up til five in the morning. I think I've slept a half hour,” said Councilman Curtis Oroke.
One reason why people are so upset; leaders signed a non-disclosure form. Preventing anyone from knowing that a proposal from Tyson was on the table.
The subject came up in an August 28 commission meeting but because of the disclosure Tyson was not mentioned.
What was mentioned was the city building a new sewer system for the proposed project.
“I wish we could have said something. Do I regret anything? I wish we could have said something and gave more positive feedback to the community instead of a big surprise,” said Oroke.
Oroke said his mission is to bring more jobs to the area. The city currently is working on an industrial park that already has tenant.
Tonganoxie also has a new armory that will bring new people to the area.
“That is something that this city needs is economic development to help bring in some revenue for our community so we don’t keep taxing people,” said Oroke.
Oroke wants the community to work with them and help make Tonganoxie a better place to live and work.
We talked with Tyson Foods about the backlash. A spokesperson said they want to hear peoples' concerns.
“This ain't a done deal. There are a lot of hoops. We have to vote on the sewer, they asked if we can do that. The states gotta be involved," said Oroke.
The county commission will have a meeting Thursday at 9 a.m.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story attributed a quote about the status of the Tyson plant and future votes on the sewer to a Tyson Food spokesperson. The story has been updated to show the quote is from Councilman Curtis Oroke.
