Commission approves financing for $2.25 million fire truck

Board of Public Utilities secures $2 million in federal funding

McPherson water system earns high marks in federal EPA inspection

Turkey Creek Golf Course to seek liquor license

City greenlights 113th All Schools Day and concert beer garden

Commission allocates $108,000 for 2026 waterpark season

Commission approves financing for $2.25 million fire truck

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city commission authorized the issuance of four-year general obligation temporary notes to finance a $2.25 million aerial platform ladder truck for the fire department. Fire Chief Chad Mayberry noted that the current 2009 truck has suffered frequent electronic and mechanical failures, resulting in four months of downtime over the past year. By issuing $1.78 million in temporary notes to Peoples Bank and Trust and purchasing through a cooperative purchasing program, the city locks in a discounted rate. The new apparatus has a 37-month build time and is expected to arrive in 2029.

Board of Public Utilities secures $2 million in federal funding

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Board of Public Utilities has secured $2 million in congressionally directed spending through the 2026 Environmental Protection Agency appropriations budget. According to BPU General Manager Josh Bedel, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was instrumental in securing the funds, which have been in the works for four years. The grant will offset major inflation-related cost overruns at the South Well Field project, bringing the utility back to its original bond budget after previously facing a $6 million shortfall.

McPherson water system earns high marks in federal EPA inspection

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city's water system recently passed a rare federal inspection by the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office with flying colors. The federal inspector called McPherson's infrastructure "one of the best looking systems he's seen," leaving the city with only three minor maintenance recommendations. The Board of Public Utilities also announced it has successfully completed its lead and copper inventory for the city-owned side of local water meters. [EDITOR'S FLAG: The inspector is unnamed. Can we get a name, or attribute the quote to a specific source? As written, the quote is unverifiable.]

Turkey Creek Golf Course to seek liquor license

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission approved a $2,100 payment to the Kansas Department of Revenue to apply for a drinking establishment license at Turkey Creek Golf Course. The biannual permit will allow the course to sell liquor and wine in addition to cereal malt beverages. City staff reported that local zoning reviews raised no concerns, and a local homeowners association expressed support for the transition. [EDITOR'S FLAG: "A local homeowners association" — if this was stated in a public meeting, the HOA name should be identifiable from meeting minutes. Please confirm and name specifically.]

City greenlights 113th All Schools Day and concert beer garden

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The 113th McPherson County All Schools Day events received unanimous approval to take place May 7-9. In a related action, the commission approved an alcohol permit and an 11 p.m. noise ordinance extension for the "After Dark" community concert at Wall Park on May 8. The free concert will include live music, a beer garden operated by Whiskey Wagon, food trucks and a fireworks display.

Commission allocates $108,000 for 2026 waterpark season

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission authorized $108,038 for the startup and annual operations of McPherson Water Park. The approved budget covers essential seasonal requirements, including facility maintenance, concession inventory, contracted services and employee drug testing. The funding ensures the parks department can complete all necessary safety and operational preparations ahead of opening day.

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