McPherson City Digest
McPherson Water Park to open for the season
Leadership McPherson class of 2026 graduates, announces free laundry project
Seventeen local professionals graduated from the McPherson Chamber's Leadership McPherson program on May 5 and announced their class project, Suds & Smiles, which will provide free laundry opportunities for McPherson youth and families. The first event will take place Aug. 15 at the McPherson Express Laundry Center. Members of the 2026 graduating class are Colton Arnold, Amy Bennett, Brian Bowman, Dara Dix, Addison Haiden, Kelsi Hilger, Suzie Hill, Jamie Hubin, Evan Kelsey, Carlynn Lemon, Christin McHenry, Beth Odell, Lauren Przymus, Austin Russell, Emily Sanner, Jenny Schroeder and Bonnie Smith.
Plastics Extrusion Machinery LLC continues expansion and downstream manufacturing in Kansas
Plastics Extrusion Machinery LLC, founded in 1979 and purchased by CEO Nathan Spearman in 2017, continues to serve as a major hub for the plastics industry, growing its workforce to more than 100 employees since moving into its current facility in September 2021. According to Director of Operations Nick Ward, the privately held company specializes in downstream equipment used after PVC pipe and vinyl siding are formed, manufacturing machines that pull, cool, cut, bend, and stack products ranging from half-inch to 60 inches in diameter. The Kansas manufacturing facility handles precision milling, welding, fabrication, and painting, producing massive custom machine frames that can weigh up to 35,000 pounds and shipping out units weighing up to 43,000 pounds on flatbeds and semis across the country. To learn more about PEM's services and products, visit pemusa.com or call the office at 620-241-3873.
Deluge to perform at Music on the Plaza
The City of McPherson Public Lands and Facilities Department will host Music on the Plaza featuring a musical performance by Deluge at noon on May 13. The community event will be held at the McPherson Plaza, located at Marlin and Main.
McPherson Senior Center to host History of the Harvey Girls presentation
Dr. Michaeline Chance-Reay will present "The History of the Harvey Girls" at 1 p.m. on May 13 at the McPherson Senior Center, located at 112 E. Euclid. The talk will explore the stories of the famous Harvey girls and the company's founder, Fred Harvey of Leavenworth, detailing the significant role these women played in the economic and cultural history of Kansas and the American Southwest.
McPherson County Extension Office to host free Teach & Taste class
The McPherson County Extension Office will host a free Teach & Taste class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 13 at 600 W. Woodside. Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize while learning to make this month's featured recipe, Southwestern Enchiladas. Participants must RSVP and register for the free class by visiting the McPherson County Extension Office Facebook page or by calling the office at 620-241-1523.
Summer Kick Off Party scheduled at McPherson Public Library
The Summer Kick Off Party will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 15 at the McPherson Public Library and Memorial Park, located at 214 W. Marlin. Presented in partnership with the McPherson County Health Department, the event will feature interactive booths, local food, and the "Things That Go Show," while also offering families the opportunity to register for the "Unearth A Story" summer reading program.
K-State Research and Extension to host annual wheat plot tour
The K-State Research and Extension McPherson County Annual Wheat Plot Tour will take place on May 15, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the MKC Learning Center, located at 221 W. Hirschler St. in Moundridge. MKC will provide a lunch featuring speakers Romulo Lolloto, Tina Sullivan, and Dr. Kelsey Anderson Onofre. Following lunch, attendees will tour the Galle Plot near Moundridge, located a quarter-mile north of the intersection of 23rd and Cheyenne, at 1 p.m., followed by a 3:30 p.m. tour of the Schroeder Plot near Inman, located a quarter-mile east of 4th and Cheyenne.
Good Beginnings Preschool to host Stuffy Sleepover Adventure fundraiser
Good Beginnings Preschool, located at 200 N. Carrie, will host a Stuffy Sleepover Adventure fundraiser on May 15, allowing children to drop off their stuffed animals between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Participants can pick up their toys at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, and enjoy a donut breakfast, story time, and photos of their toy's overnight adventures. The cost is $10 for the first stuffed animal and $5 for each additional toy.
McPherson Public Library offers Crafts With Cara workshop
The McPherson Public Library, located at 214 W. Marlin, will host a "Crafts With Cara: Framed Pocket Workshop" from 10:30 a.m. to noon on May 20. The "Bring Your Own Trinkets" event encourages participants ages 12 and older to bring items such as photos, ticket stubs, pins, notes, and dried flowers to turn into framed art, with frames, supplies, and good vibes provided. Registration is required for the workshop.
Kashi to perform at Music on the Plaza
The City of McPherson Public Lands and Facilities Department will host Music on the Plaza featuring a performance by Kashi at noon on May 20. The musical event will take place at the McPherson Plaza, located at the intersection of Marlin and Main streets.
Memorial Day service scheduled at McPherson Cemetery
A Memorial Day service will take place on May 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the McPherson Cemetery, located at 1601 Cemetery Drive.
McPherson Water Park to open for the season
The McPherson Water Park, located at 511 N. Lakeside, will open for the 2026 season around Memorial Day weekend, with the exact opening date dependent on weather. The park features a 500-foot lazy river, a 188-foot water slide, a diving well, an eight-lane 50-meter pool, a splash pad, a zero-entry pool and the Bullpup slide. Daily operation requires an air temperature of 72 degrees on clear days, 75 degrees on cloudy days, and a water temperature of 70 degrees. Additional information is available at mcphersonwaterpark.com or by calling 620-504-5757.
Winners announced for the 2026 All Schools Day Parade
The winners of the 2026 All Schools Day Parade on Main Street have been announced, with Sonshine taking the Preschool category and Canton-Galva winning the Kindergarten and Royalty category. Canton-Galva also earned the Best Use of Theme award for the automated eagle on its Royalty float, while Pfizer secured the Best Commercial Entry and St. Joseph Catholic School's lighthouse float won the People's Choice award.
McPherson College names founding director and chair of new engineering program
McPherson College, located at 1600 E. Euclid, has appointed Dr. Michael Stichter as the founding director and chair of its new engineering program set to launch this fall. Stichter, an alumnus and licensed professional engineer who holds a mechanical engineering doctorate and previously directed engineering and failure analysis at ARCCA, will lead curriculum development, facilities planning, faculty recruitment and industry partnerships.
Tara Williams receives Excellence in Service Award from KAMSS
Tara Williams, executive assistant to the chief of provider and clinic operations at McPherson Center for Health, located at 1000 Hospital Drive, has received the Excellence in Service Award from the Kansas Association of Medical Staff Services. Chosen from four nominees statewide during the annual KAMSS Conference, Williams was recognized for exemplifying exceptional professionalism, advocacy, leadership, education and dedication to elevating standards within the medical staff services field.
McPherson College announces expansion plans for automotive restoration building
During the 50th anniversary of the automotive restoration program at McPherson College, located at 1600 E. Euclid, officials announced plans to renovate and expand Templeton Hall to better support modern learning, add space for advanced equipment, expand labs and classrooms, and accommodate growing student interest. The project is partially funded by a multimillion-dollar gift from the Lucas Trust.
Pine Village announces 2026 car show winners
Pine Village, located at 86 22nd Ave. in Moundridge, has announced the winners of its 2026 car show, including Don Bland, who took home the Participants Choice Award with his 1967 Mustang. Additional winners included Joe Smiley with a 1957 Chevrolet, Wayne Fisher with a 1940 Chevy Special Deluxe, Calvin Startzman with a 1964 C10 and Aaron Slife with a 1967 Chevy Camaro.
Shoe Sensation adds Nike to inventory and announces giveaway
Shoe Sensation, located at 2210 E. Kansas, is now carrying the Nike brand and inviting customers to stop by the store to enter the Gear Up Giveaway. One winner per store will receive a Nike gear set that includes a pair of shoes, socks and a gym bag, with winners set to be notified on June 1.
Source: McPherson Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
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