mcj

McPherson – Week of June 11 2025

New Crime Analyst?; Rising Jail Costs; Co Public Works Budget; Step MC Success; Indigenous History Exhibit

Greg Loving

11 Jun 2025 • 4 min read

City Considers New Crime Analyst Position Amid Report of Rising Drug Offenses

County Faces Rising Jail Costs and a Future "Major Project" for Aging Facility

Public Works Director Outlines $7.9M Budget, Focus on Roads and Bridges

Anti-Poverty Group Reports Success, Requests Continued County Funding

Museum to Launch Exhibit on Region's Indigenous History

1. City Considers New Crime Analyst Position Amid Report of Rising Drug Offenses

MCPHERSON - The McPherson City Commission heard a detailed presentation revealing an upward trend in drug offenses over the past few years, leading to a recommendation to create a new, full-time crime analyst position to support the police department. The report was the capstone project of Capt. Victoria Curtis, an intern from the U.S. Air Force who built the city's first crime analysis capability from the ground up over the last five months. Her analysis of five years of data showed that while theft remains the city's highest-volume crime, drug offenses have notably increased. The analysis has already aided 18 active investigations, including one overdose case that uncovered links to Wichita drug suppliers and a separate, emerging child exploitation threat. The presentation recommended making the analyst role permanent to continue tracking trends, supporting investigations, and maintaining public transparency through quarterly reports.

2. County Faces Rising Jail Costs and a Future "Major Project" for Aging Facility

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson County Commission's 2026 budget discussion highlighted significant financial pressures at the county jail, including rising costs for inmate medical care and a dramatic increase in juvenile placement fees. Captain Arlo Blevins noted that the jail is seeing more inmates with complex medical needs, increasing pharmaceutical costs. A more significant concern is the 178% projected rise in the juvenile placement budget, with daily rates at placement facilities reaching as high as $165/day per juvenile. Furthermore, officials acknowledged the jail's aging infrastructure, particularly its plumbing, will require a "major project someday" to address.

3. Public Works Director Outlines $7.9M Budget, Focus on Roads and Bridges

MCPHERSON COUNTY - In his first budget presentation after five months on the job, McPherson County Director of Public Works David Bohnenblust outlined a proposed $7.9 million budget for 2026, representing a 1.9% increase over the previous year. The plan for 2026 includes paving approximately 20 miles of asphalt and chip sealing another 20 miles. Key projects being considered include work on Fifth Avenue, 21st Avenue through Galva, and County Road 319 south of Highway 56. Bohnenblust also highlighted a critical need to shift more focus toward bridge maintenance, which he suggested has been falling behind roadwork in priority. He noted that his department is extremely short-staffed but is actively working to hire and train new employees.

4. Anti-Poverty Group Reports Success, Requests Continued County Funding

MCPHERSON COUNTY - Step MC, a local organization dedicated to helping families out of poverty, reported significant achievements over the past year and requested a continuation of its $35,000 in annual funding from McPherson County. Director Angela Brunk stated that in 2024, the program helped 101 adults and 73 children rise to over 200% of the federal poverty guideline. The organization has launched new programs, including financial literacy classes and a "Getting Ahead While Just Getting Out" curriculum at the county jail. The funding request remains the same as previous years, despite an increased budget due to the loss of a federally funded AmeriCorps Vista position and plans to explore a potential new site in Inman.

5. Museum to Launch Exhibit on Region's Indigenous History

MCPHERSON - A new exhibit titled “Welcome to The Real Quivira” is set to open, focusing on the indigenous people of the McPherson region and the ancestors of the Wichita tribe. The exhibit features a large collection of artifacts from the years 1300 to 1600 and was curated by Dr. Donald Blakeslee of Wichita State, a leading expert on the subject who volunteered his time. The project was a collaborative effort, receiving support from local donors, the city, a Kansas Travel grant, and the Wichita tribe itself, which reviewed and approved all informational panels. An opening event is scheduled for Friday, with a talk from Dr. Blakeslee.