Opposition to proposed Tyson complex brewing in Kansas

The announcement of a new $320 million Tyson Foods Inc. poultry complex in Leavenworth County, Kan., was the focus of protests by local residents, according to regional reports. Several residents of nearby Tonganoxie, Kan., shouted their objections to the plant, hatchery and feed mill during the official announcement, despite the 1,600 jobs expected to be created when production launches in mid-2019. The protesters expressed concerns about several issues, including potential air and water pollution, animal cruelty and the potentially disruptive influx of schoolchildren to the district when new workers move into the area. Some residents also objected to what they felt was secrecy about the plans among city, county and state officials before the announcement, the report added.