GARNETT, Kan. — The coalition seeking safety improvements along US 169 is gaining traction. Garnett Economic Development Director Jessica Mills gave the Garnett City Commission an update at Tuesday’s meeting, and so far she’s met with representatives from Montgomery, Neosho, Allen and Franklin counties and they have expressed interest.
One person she’s especially glad to have on board is Allen County Commissioner John Brocker, based on his many contacts both on a state and federal level, and he will be assisting with communication.
Mills is working on organizing meetings of all interested parties, which she hopes to have on a quarterly basis. These would be to make sure everyone is on the same page as they work with state and federal representatives to get traction for expansion of US 169 to enhance safety for the entire state for the region in general.
She also gave updates on a recent county-wide community meeting with representatives from several cities along with Anderson County Commissioner Les McGee, during which they met with a representative from the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility on ways to address animal issues in the county.
At the commission meeting, Mills also shared that a new shopping mall in Garnett located at 130 E. 5th Avenue called 130 Collective is having a grand opening on Thursday, June 26. Inside the mall are three businesses: Monroe 816, 3 Monkeys Bakery and The Beloved Book Co.
