(AP) — Squabbling board members and founders of a business that is the lifeblood of an eastern Kansas community say they’ve started mending fences after a long battle that’s raised concerns about the company’s future.

MGP Ingredients Inc., founded in 1941 by Cloud Cray Sr., is one of the Atchison area’s largest employers. It is the only business based in the Missouri River community that trades on Wall Street. The company produces high-grade alcohol and food ingredients.

A contentious public battle between Cray’s descendants and six members of MGP’s board of directors has Atchison residents concerned for the company, which is big source of local philanthropy.

Both camps now say they’re working to settle their differences and put the focus on business.