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McPherson – Week of January 22 2025

MCCF CEO retiring; Record holiday lights turnout; Debate team wins state; District judge selected; Youth sports score network;

1. MCCF CEO Goss Announces 2025 Retirement After 24 Years of Growth
2. Lights from the Heartland Display Sets New Attendance Record
3. MHS Debate Teams Shine at State Competition
4. Faber Selected as McPherson County District Magistrate Judge by 9th District Commission
5. 🏀 Introducing the McPherson Citizen Journal Score Network!
McPherson Bullpups Sports Report (1/15–1/21)

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1. MCCF CEO Goss Announces 2025 Retirement After 24 Years of Growth

The McPherson County Community Foundation has announced the upcoming retirement of founding President and CEO Becky Goss at the end of 2025. Goss has led the organization since its establishment in 2001, growing it from zero assets to managing over $53.5 million and 375 funds today, with more than $32 million distributed in grants. Her key accomplishments include establishing the Shoes and Coats for Kids fund, launching the Steps to Eliminate Poverty initiative, creating the Philanthropist of the Year award, securing a $7.4 million estate gift for Lindsborg, and initiating the Mastermind of McPherson County program. Goss, who served as the inaugural chair of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations (KACF) and received the 2022 Chamber of Commerce's President's Award, will continue serving on the KACF board through 2026. Succession plans will be announced in the coming months. Becky and her husband, Todd, have lived and worked in McPherson County for more than 30 years. Together, they have raised two children, Ty, 26, and Kade, 23.

Article Source: Hutch Post

2. Lights from the Heartland Display Sets New Attendance Record

The City of McPherson's sixth annual Lights from the Heartland holiday display at Lakeside Park drew record attendance during its 2024-2025 season. The event, organized by the McPherson Park Department, ran from November 27 to January 1, operating nightly from 5:00 PM to midnight. This year's displays attracted 10,579 vehicles throughout its 36-day run, averaging 293 vehicles and an estimated 881 visitors daily. Christmas Eve proved to be the most popular evening, with 518 vehicles touring the light displays. As of January 21, winter weather conditions have delayed the removal of the displays, which typically occurs shortly after the new year. The event has established itself as a significant holiday tradition for McPherson and surrounding communities, consistently drawing visitors throughout the holiday season.

Article Source: City of McPherson

3. MHS Debate Teams Shine at State Competition

McPherson High School's debate program achieved great success at the 4A state competition this past week. The two-speaker team of Bo Barkley and Hendrix Nelson secured the 4A state championship, earning the school a new banner for the Roundhouse. Meanwhile, the four-speaker team finished second in their division, behind Bishop Miege.

Article Source: City of McPherson, @MHSBullpups

4. Faber Selected as McPherson County District Magistrate Judge by 9th District Commission

Amanda Faber has been selected by the 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission as district magistrate judge in McPherson County, Kansas, where she previously served in the same role. The position requires county residency, a high school diploma, and either Kansas law license or passing a Supreme Court exam within 18 months. After one year, she must win a retention vote to secure a four-year term. The 9th District comprises Harvey and McPherson counties, with a Nominating Commission chaired by Justice Melissa Standridge (nonvoting) and members Brian Bina, Ann Elliott, David O'Dell, Glen Snell (McPherson); Thomas Adrian, Jana Mckinney, John Robb, George "Chip" Westfall (Newton).

Article Source: Ad Astra Radio

5. 🏀 Introducing the McPherson Citizen Journal Score Network!

We're expanding our local sports coverage beyond varsity athletics to include middle school, JV, and other youth sports programs. To make this possible, we're launching a community-driven reporting system where parents, relatives, coaches, and team supporters can easily submit game scores and tournament results.

Submit your scores:

· Game results

· Tournaments

Both forms are mobile-friendly and can be shared via email. Help us build a comprehensive network of local sports coverage by becoming a score submitter today!

Questions? Contact Greg Loving at gregloving@protonmail.com

McPherson Bullpups Sports Report (1/15–1/21)

Boys Basketball

McPherson Invitational  - Don’t miss our coverage of the McPherson Invitational TOMORROW through Saturday.

Boys Swimming (1/17–1/18 @ Andover High Invitational)

The Bullpups placed 9th overall with 120 points.

Notable Finishes

50 Free: Beckett Schuckman (25.17, 16th), Gabe House (25.21)

100 Free: Schuckman (55.78, 15th), House (1:03.46)

200 Free: House (2:03.24, 8th)

500 Free: Cooper Bohme (5:47.19, 7th), House (6:02.86, 8th)

200 IM: Bohme (2:37.49, 13th)

100 Fly: Ethan Elder (1:14.82, 13th)

For a full list of results, visit SwimCloud.

Wrestling (1/17–1/18 @ Newton Tournament of Champions)

Boys (29th Overall)

• Jase Fitzmorris (175) placed 7th and was the lone Bullpup medalist.

Other point contributors: Parker Hulvey (106), Noah Garcia (113), John Robben (120), Brock Richardson (190), Catch DeLaney (215), Carter Leathers (285).

Girls (13th Overall)

• Ciara Rawson (235) finished 2nd.

• Lexi Patterson placed 4th.

Additional point contributors included Alix Wilson, Mercedes Ladwig, Tylee Wilson, Amara Dossett, Molly Owen, Sydney Cummins, Temperynce Bruner, and Riley Sanchez-Fogarty.

Full Recap