Police department reports decrease in annual service calls and traffic citations

Aggravated assault cases rise due to increase in domestic disputes

Public works completes curb and entrance replacements on North Main Street

City demos 'asphalt zipper' equipment for future street maintenance

Crosswalk repairs at Hartup and Euclid streets completed

Five-phase Hickory Street drainage and road project set to begin in August

McPherson welcomes new assistant city clerk

Commission schedules on-site meeting with water park consultant

Police department reports decrease in annual service calls and traffic citations

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Police Department experienced a drop in overall service calls and traffic citations over the last year, according to the annual Kansas Bureau of Investigation statistics presented to the city commission. Total calls for service fell by 327, and officers issued 90 fewer traffic citations, a decrease Police Chief Mikel Golden attributed to better driver compliance. Overall arrests remained steady at 408 for the year, and the city recorded zero murders and zero arsons.

Aggravated assault cases rise due to increase in domestic disputes

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Despite a general decrease in police service calls, McPherson saw a rise in violent index crimes over the past year, highlighted by a jump in aggravated assaults. The city recorded 47 aggravated assaults or batteries, which police officials stated was an increase of 31 incidents from the previous reporting period. Officials informed the city commission that a portion of this increase correlated with domestic dispute calls, which can elevate to battery or aggravated assault depending on the circumstances.

Public works completes curb and entrance replacements on North Main Street

MCPHERSON, Kan. — City crews recently finished replacing the deteriorated curb and entryway at the Subway restaurant at 616 N. Main St. The public works department noted that the commercial entryway up to the property line falls under city ownership, necessitating the municipal repairs. The completed project is part of ongoing routine maintenance efforts to improve commercial driveways and pedestrian access along the North Main corridor.

City demos 'asphalt zipper' equipment for future street maintenance

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Public Works Department recently tested an "asphalt zipper" on Fisher Street, a specialized attachment that mounts to the front of a loader or excavator to grind up deteriorated asphalt for easier replacement. While crews successfully demonstrated the equipment's ability to mill the street to a desired depth, the city is not currently looking to purchase the machine due to its high price tag. Officials stated they will instead focus on improving current street repair processes before investing heavily in the new technology.

Crosswalk repairs at Hartup and Euclid streets completed

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Concrete pouring and crosswalk repairs at the intersection of Hartup and Euclid streets wrapped up last week. The public works department strategically delayed the tear-out phase of the project by a week to avoid interfering with the United Way of McPherson County Triathlon. The completed work resolves significantly deteriorating pavement conditions at the intersection's pedestrian crosswalks.

Five-phase Hickory Street drainage and road project set to begin in August

MCPHERSON, Kan. — A major infrastructure improvement project spanning two blocks of Hickory Street and a block and a half of Hays Street is scheduled to begin in mid-August. Prairie Landworks will lead the five-phase project, which includes extensive storm sewer improvements, new concrete for the west half-block and an asphalt overlay on the east side of Hickory Street. Following a recent public meeting with neighborhood residents, the city is now awaiting the delivery of storm sewer structures and expects construction to continue through February, weather permitting.

McPherson welcomes new assistant city clerk

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city officially introduced Julianna Kaufman as the new assistant city clerk during the administrative report at the city commission meeting. Kaufman began her duties the previous week, taking over administrative responsibilities and learning the operational procedures of the clerk's office.

Commission schedules on-site meeting with water park consultant

MCPHERSON, Kan. — City commissioners will hold a special public meeting at the McPherson Water Park on Aug. 18 to tour the facility alongside an external consultant. The on-site walkthrough, scheduled immediately following the city commission's regular study session, will provide an overview of the water park's current operational standing and infrastructure needs. The gathering was officially designated as a public meeting to comply with the Kansas Open Meetings Act, as multiple commissioners plan to attend.

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