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🌱 What will Emporia State’s new president change on campus?

Hi Emporia! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will Emporia State’s new president change on campus?
  • How ESU’s new wellness center and $150K grant could impact students
  • How will Emporia’s west-side road work change your 2026 commute?

Also on today's calendar: Flint Hills Country Jam and 5 more events.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Emporia? Post it to Emporia photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 54 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Thursday: Very windy; mostly sunny, temps: high: 53, low: 22.
  • Friday: Windy with clouds and sun, with a high of 50 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Headlines for Monday, December 15, 2025 (kansaspublicradio.org) — Emporia residents should know Emporia State University has a new president: Matthew Baker, who promises to guide ESU through big changes in higher education. Emporia is also among Kansas communities vying for a next-generation nuclear plant, while other statewide stories range from tribal contract disputes to health policy votes in the U.S. Senate.
   

2. Drummond: ESU Foundation seeks to build on 2025's momentum next year; Patterson Family grants $150K for Nursing + Student Wellness Center (kvoe.com) — Emporia residents are seeing major investment at Emporia State University, including a new Nursing + Student Wellness Center opening next month and a $150,000 grant to equip advanced simulation labs. ESU Foundation leaders say strong enrollment and donor support are fueling over $11 million in student-focused reinvestment, and they’re encouraging year-end gifts online or at the Sauder Alumni Center.
   

3. Overlander Road work leading into 2026 resurfacing, geometric projects along K-99, US-50 (kvoe.com) — Major road and utility upgrades are underway on Emporia’s west side, with Overlander Road, Industrial Park II, and key water lines all targeted for completion by summer 2026. Additional resurfacing along K-99 and US-50 plus routine sidewalk and street rehab projects are also planned, meaning residents should expect ongoing construction but long-term improvements in traffic flow and services.
   

4. Emporia State turns to Mo. higher education administrator to lead university (salinapost.com) — Emporia State University is getting a new leader, as longtime Northwest Missouri State administrator Matthew Baker has been chosen as ESU’s 19th president and will start in March. His appointment follows Ken Hush’s controversial tenure marked by faculty cuts, lawsuits, and special state funding, and Baker promises data-driven decisions, shared governance, and a listening tour to understand Emporia State’s needs.
   

5. 🏈 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl Coaching Staff Announced (salinapost.com) — Emporia will host the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl at Welch Stadium on Emporia State’s campus on June 27, 2026, bringing top high school football coaches and players from across Kansas to town. The all-star game supports Shriners Children’s, with rosters to be revealed during a January 2026 selection show.
   

📸 Around Emporia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Overnight Baker in Emporia. Apply here.
  • Healthcare Services Group posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Emporia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Emporia here.

Ok Emporia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Emporia

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Emporia

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.