McPherson – Week of June 18 2025
Rains Flood County; Fatal Intersection Reviewed; Ransomware Threat; County Hikes Permit Fees; New Online System
Torrential Rains Flood Mcpherson County
Officials Review Fatal Intersection After Double Tragedy
Facing Ransomware Threats, County Approves Pricey IT Security Upgrade
County Hikes Fees, Penalties For Building and Fireworks Permits
County To Launch New “Get In Line Online” System For Public Services
Torrential Rains Flood Mcpherson County
MCPHERSON COUNTY — McPherson County remains under a flood warning until 11 a.m. today after torrential rains dumped more than 4 inches of water across the area in the past 36 hours, submerging roads, flooding residential properties and turning normally dry creek beds into raging waterways. The deluge, which began Monday evening and intensified early Tuesday morning when winds gusted to 100 mph around 3:30 a.m., has left widespread flooding throughout central Kansas, with the editor's rain gauge recording 4.04 inches. Turkey Creek golf course's first fairway, typically dry, sits completely underwater.
The National Weather Service warns that an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall before the system moves out, with flooding expected to impact McPherson, Lindsborg, Moundridge, Inman, Galva, Canton, Marquette, Windom, McPherson Airport and Roxbury through Wednesday morning.
Greg Loving
Officials Review Fatal Intersection After Double Tragedy
MCPHERSON COUNTY — A fatal vehicle accident that claimed two lives on Thursday near Moundridge was a topic of discussion in two different reports to the commission. Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported on the fatality, which is currently under investigation. Later in the meeting, Public Works Director David Bohnenblust provided more detail, noting the accident occurred at Arrowhead Road, an intersection that sits at an angle. Bohnenblust informed the commission that the county had previously installed larger stop signs, flashing red lights, and reduced the speed limit to 45 mph at the location. According to a review of the accident report, the driver of the car came to a complete stop before pulling out in front of a truck. While noting some issues may be related to driver error, Bohnenblust stated his department would review the intersection and that a long-term fix, such as a road realignment or a roundabout, might be considered in the future.
Facing Ransomware Threats, County Approves Pricey IT Security Upgrade
MCPHERSON COUNTY — Commissioners approved a substantial security enhancement for the county’s data backup and disaster recovery system, more than doubling the current monthly cost. The new services from Eagle Technologies will add three modules to the existing plan at an additional monthly cost not to exceed $1,393.52. IT Coordinator Jeff Butler explained the upgrade is necessary to protect the county’s backups from being encrypted in a ransomware attack, a situation that could force the county into paying an average ransom of $250,000 or more. The new features include a “double protection” approval system to prevent unauthorized changes to backups and a threat-scanning tool that inspects files for malware before they are restored to the network. Butler stated that while no system is 100 percent guaranteed, this is the most efficient way to protect taxpayer data and funds.
County Hikes Fees, Penalties For Building and Fireworks Permits
MCPHERSON COUNTY — The County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2025-10, which establishes a new fee schedule for the planning, zoning, and environmental departments effective July 1. In a notable change, the fee for starting construction on a residential or accessory structure without a permit will now be immediately doubled. This reverses a previously discussed 90-day grace period, a move commissioners felt was necessary to ensure proper oversight on setbacks and construction from day one. The resolution also significantly increases the fee for a fireworks stand permit from $150 to $500, aligning it with city charges to cover overhead and inspection costs. However, a provision within the new rules allows the governing body to waive fees for non-profit organizations, who can apply to the commission for an exemption.
County To Launch New “Get In Line Online” System For Public Services
MCPHERSON COUNTY — Residents will soon have a new way to interact with county services. The commission approved a three-year, $16,470 contract with QLess for a new queuing and calendaring software system. The system is intended to be used in the new county building but will be implemented within the next 30 to 45 days so the public can get used to it before the move. The software, also used by Reno County, will allow citizens to use a smartphone app to get in a virtual line for services like tag renewal, receiving updates on their wait time before they arrive. For those without a smartphone, a kiosk and large screen will be available on-site to enter the queue and track their position in line. The system also has calendaring capabilities that departments can use to schedule appointments.
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Sources
- https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
- https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
- https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
- https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
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Contact: greg@loql.ai
