McPherson – Week of June 3 2025

Public Works Director Jeff Woodward Resigns Amid Executive Session Drama

City Purchases Land for Grant Sports Complex Parking Solution

McPherson County Learning Center Doubles Graduation

Fire Department Joins State Hazmat Response Team

Jim Loving Sole Candidate for Mayor in McPherson

1. Public Works Director Jeff Woodward Resigns Amid Executive Session Drama

In an unusual turn of events marked by multiple executive session extensions and recesses, the McPherson City Commission accepted the resignation of Public Works Director Jeff Woodward. The commission spent nearly an hour in executive sessions discussing personnel matters before ultimately approving a severance agreement that includes a release of all claims. The city will immediately begin the hiring process for a new public works director.

City of McPherson

2. City Purchases Land for Grant Sports Complex Parking Solution

The commission approved the purchase of two acres north of New Hope Church for $65,000 to address long-standing parking issues at Grant Sports Complex's north fields. The city will split the cost 50-50 with the recreation commission, with each paying $32,500. Mayor Tom Brown emphasized that land acquisition is just the first step, noting that constructing an access road and parking lot will require additional funding. The city plans to lay a base this fall to reduce future paving costs.

City of McPherson

3. McPherson County Learning Center Doubles Graduation

The McPherson County Learning Center reported success, graduating 25 students in the 2024-25 school year—double the previous year's total. Site Director Renee Martin told commissioners about the alternative education program that serves students ranging from age 17 to 87. The youngest graduate finished a year early at 17, while a 48-year-old earned their diploma to qualify for better employment. The center is now seeking larger, ADA-compliant facilities to accommodate its growing enrollment and expand programming.

City of McPherson

4. Fire Department Joins State Hazmat Response Team

The McPherson Fire Department expanded its emergency response capabilities by joining the Kansas State Fire Marshal's hazardous materials regional response system. The agreement, similar to mutual aid pacts, allows the department to opt out if local resources are stretched thin. When responding to state emergencies, the city will be reimbursed for personnel and equipment costs. The fire department has participated in the state's search and rescue program for several years.

City of McPherson

5. Jim Loving Sole Candidate for Mayor in Mcpherson

Jim Loving is the only registered candidate for McPherson's upcoming mayoral election. Loving previously served 20 years as CEO of NCRA (now part of CHS) and holds a civil engineering degree. Current Mayor Tom Brown announced the commission would begin work to ensure a smooth transition.

Elsewhere in the county, competitive contests are shaping up in several municipalities. The Moundridge, Lindsborg, and Marquette mayoral races have two candidates each. In Inman, Dennan Schroeder stands as the sole mayoral candidate, while Canton, Galva, and Windom won't hold mayoral elections this year. City council races across the county show robust competition, with Moundridge’s Ward 2 drawing seven candidates, while Lindsborg’s council race attracted nine candidates across all wards. Several races throughout the county will require primary elections.

All candidates

City of McPherson

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Sources

1. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1415709473086039
2. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1415709473086039
3. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1415709473086039
4. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1415709473086039
5. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1415709473086039

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