McPherson City Digest

Holiday trolley tours sell out quickly — The annual holiday light tours aboard the McPherson trolley have sold out for the 2025 season, according to the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau. The tours, which begin Dec. 4, run on select dates through Dec. 10 and offer residents a guided view of local decorations, including the "Lights from the Heartland" display at Lakeside Park. Participants on the trolley will also have the opportunity to cast votes in the ongoing first-responder decorating competition.

Public hearing set for budget amendments — The McPherson City Commission will hold a public hearing on Dec. 16, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments to the city's budget. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave., where taxpayers may voice objections regarding the proposed use of funds. Details of the amendments are currently available for public review at the Office of the City Clerk.

City transitions to new emergency alert system — The City of McPherson has adopted Everbridge as its new emergency notification provider, replacing the previous CivicReady system. The move integrates McPherson into a regional network spanning 14 counties in South Central Kansas, allowing residents to receive critical alerts via phone, email, or text. City officials are encouraging residents to register for the service to ensure they receive timely community news and emergency information.

Volunteers prepare for annual Community Dinner — The McPherson Community Dinners organization will once again host a free Christmas meal for residents at the McPherson Community Building. The City has donated the use of the facility for the event, which is driven by volunteer efforts to provide a holiday gathering for those without plans. Residents seeking more information or wishing to attend can contact the organization directly.

Parade of Lights moves to new downtown route — The annual McPherson Parade of Lights will follow a new route this year, starting at Mulberry and Woodside Streets before traveling east on First Street and south down Main Street. Organizers advise spectators to view the procession from Hospital Drive or along the Main Street corridor. Following the parade, food trucks will be available at the Main Street Plaza to continue the festivities.

Northview sidewalk project nears completion — Construction on the third phase of the Northview sidewalk project is progressing, with crews completing grading over new underground drainage systems on the south side of the road. On the north side, a new 10-foot sidewalk now extends from Main Street to Veranda, connecting to previous work that links to the Meadowlark Trail. The project, primarily funded by a Transportation Alternatives Grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, will see workers pouring ramps and street approaches soon, weather permitting.

Street maintenance continues despite winter weather — The McPherson Street Department recently completed concrete pours in the 800 block of North Myers Street before winter weather paused some local projects. Crews have also performed maintenance and added asphalt millings to the 1100 block, where two sections of the street will remain as millings until the next mill and overlay cycle scheduled for 2026. Workers are currently focused on backfilling and hydroseeding the completed areas.

Trolley to host caroling and cocoa event — The McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a "Caroling, Cookies and Cocoa" event aboard the city trolley on Dec. 22, 2025. Two sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., departing from the McPherson Museum. Residents wishing to participate must pick up free tickets in advance at the CVB office on East Kansas Avenue.

Loving to be sworn in as McPherson mayor — Jim Loving has been elected as the next mayor of McPherson following an unopposed run in the Nov. 4 general election. Loving, a retired energy industry executive with 40 years of experience, including a tenure as president of NCRA, will be sworn in on Jan. 13, 2026. He will succeed current Mayor Tom Brown, whose final meeting is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2026, concluding a 16-year term in office.

Brought to you by

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: