McPherson City Digest

Public Works director reflects on one-year anniversary, praises community

Nearing his one-year work anniversary with the City of McPherson, Director of Public Works Eric Duerksen used the June 2026 eNewsletter to express amazement at the breadth of city services and the dedication of local staff, organizations, businesses and residents. Duerksen praised the community's commitment to the motto "Serving McPherson Today for a Better Tomorrow" and thanked those willing to have hard conversations to create lasting solutions, noting optimism that the best times are ahead for the city.

McPherson Fire Department provides mutual aid for 120,000-acre Western Kansas wildfires

The City of McPherson Fire Department spent several days in May providing mutual aid to fight large wildfires that burned upwards of 120,000 acres through Clark and Meade counties in Western Kansas. Following a service availability request from the State Fire Marshal's Office on Thursday, May 14, the MFD offered a command vehicle, one of its new brush trucks, a 3,000-gallon pumper/tender and four to six personnel at a time. The state's Emergency Operations Center officially requested the MFD's assistance the following Friday, prompting the first crew to deploy to Bucklin as part of the South Central Kansas Region's ongoing mutual aid efforts.

Arriving Friday afternoon, MFD personnel were initially assigned to a Clark County task force west of Ashland until 10 a.m. Saturday, when a partial crew switch sent the day crew and brush truck to Meade County. Maintaining four to six personnel at any given time to avoid exhaustion, the crews rotated through shift changes Saturday evening and Sunday morning, returning to McPherson to send fresh firefighters west. The MFD deployed 13 firefighters in all and, alongside approximately 200 firefighters mobilized from departments across the state, continued fighting the blazes through Monday and into Tuesday afternoon before all crews and apparatus returned by 9 p.m. Tuesday. At one point, 11 task forces were deployed statewide in support, while several other MFD personnel worked overtime to cover the local stations.

City departments participate in McPherson Public Library's Summer Kickoff

Several City of McPherson departments participated in the McPherson Public Library's Summer Kickoff in May. Held on the last day of school for area children, the second straight "Things that Go" event allowed kids to climb aboard various municipal trucks and equipment. The City Street Department brought a loader and a dump truck, while the McPherson Fire Department, Police Department and Convention & Visitors Bureau provided vehicles and representation. Staff from the McPherson Water Park also attended the event, which was the first of many scheduled for the summer of 2026. For more information on upcoming summer events, visit the library's website.

City contracts goats to clear brush at Turkey Creek Golf Course

The City of McPherson and Turkey Creek Golf Course contracted with Valley Center-based Restoration Grazing in May to release approximately 200 goats on an outer section between the course and Avenue A, including along the walking bridge. The goats spent about four days clearing brush and leaves surrounding the creek bed to give course staff an easier opportunity to further clean the area for aesthetic purposes and to improve water flow during heavy rain events.

City dedicates new shade structure at Downtown Plaza

The City of McPherson Public Lands & Facilities Department hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 20, 2026, at the Downtown Plaza at Marlin and Main streets to dedicate a new stage shade structure to Sid and Wendy Johnson, who donated $23,000 toward the project. Additional funding was provided by McPherson Main Street, and the addition is part of ongoing plaza improvements that also include permanent canopies funded by the McPherson Rotary Club. The dedication preceded a lunchtime concert, part of a weekly series organized by the department that wraps up its spring run on June 3 before resuming performances on the first Wednesday in September.

City of McPherson street sweeper receives maintenance ahead of All Schools Day

The City of McPherson street sweeper received a new pair of shoes and brushes this spring to get the machine back out on the roadways. The sweeper was out in full force ahead of the city's annual All Schools Day event, fulfilling a deeper purpose beyond the by-product of simply improving the aesthetic look of the streets.

Nearly 40 buffalo calves born at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

By early May, nearly 40 buffalo calves were born to the herd at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.

McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsors free tram rides for National Travel & Tourism Week

To celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsored 25 free tickets per day for visitors to experience a tram adventure at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. The guided tram rides took participants into the field for an up-close look at the refuge's buffalo herd, featuring historical commentary and educational information about the historic mammals. Following the tram rides, which served as a kickoff for NTTW, the CVB hosted additional activities throughout the week to celebrate the occasion.

Abandoned puppies rescued from WalMart parking lot reunited with mother

Six 1-week-old abandoned puppies found in a WalMart parking lot late in the day on May 22, 2026, have been reunited with their mother following a collaborative rescue effort. The McPherson Animal Shelter, Police Department and McPherson County Sheriff's Office worked in shifts over the holiday weekend, alongside volunteers, to provide round-the-clock care and feeding for the motherless litter. Six days after the initial call, the police department reported the mother had been found and reunited with the puppies following an investigation. The McPherson Animal Shelter will house the canine family until the puppies can be safely adopted out, and the case has been forwarded to the county prosecutor for pending charges and restitution.

McPherson Police Department hosts spring D.A.R.E. graduations at local elementary schools

McPherson Police Department Sgt. Blane Janssen visited Eisenhower Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary on May 14 to lead their Fifth Grade Recognitions and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) graduations. Founded in 1983, the national D.A.R.E. program uses police officer-led classroom lessons to teach children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive, drug- and violence-free lives. The police department partners with local schools year-round, with Janssen running the spring program at Eisenhower and Roosevelt elementaries and the fall program at Washington, Lincoln and St. Joseph elementaries, as well as McPherson Middle School.

City joins South Central Kansas regional emergency notification system

The City of McPherson has integrated its Everbridge emergency alert notification system with the South Central Kansas regional notification system in an effort to collaborate with local and area agencies. Residents in 14 counties, including McPherson, can sign up to receive critical emergency alerts and community news. The system allows users to choose how and where they receive notifications, with options including home, mobile or business phones, email or text messages.

McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau Board approves three community grants

The McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau Board approved three grants in May. The Great Plains Nature Photographers received $1,000 for their annual meeting, scheduled to take place in McPherson in October. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge received $250 to support its Party on the Prairie event, held in May. The McPherson Police Department received $500 for its annual First Responders Night, a community event slated for Sept. 22, 2026.

City employees graduate from Leadership McPherson class

Three City of McPherson representatives — Park Department Supervisor Lauren Przymus, McPherson Police Department Assistant Administrative Support Bethany Odell and Animal Control Officer Emily Sanner — have completed the McPherson Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Class of 2026. The graduates were recognized for completing the course during a ceremony held in early May at the McPherson Opera House.

City awards contract to APAC-Kansas, Inc. for 2026 street projects

The City of McPherson Public Works Department has scheduled $482,592.60 in mill and overlay projects for 2026 following a May vote by the City Commission to award the seasonal contract to APAC-Kansas, Inc. The upcoming street improvements include finishing two blocks of Myers Street and the 1100 block of Elm Street. Additional overlays are slated for Janasu Road from Briarwood Lane east, as well as on Heritage Place from Janasu north to the cul-de-sac.

Hickory Street reconstruction set to begin this summer

Road reconstruction work is scheduled to begin this summer and fall in the area of Hickory and Hayes streets. The City of McPherson Public Works Department has completed the project design, and utility relocations are currently underway. Officials hosted an April 21 public meeting to discuss the project's goals, scope and phasing with affected residents. The Hickory Street project is the final priority area out of eight identified by a citizens survey during the 2017 renewal of a half-cent sales tax, which is 100% dedicated to street maintenance and repairs. The first seven priority projects were completed by the end of last year.

City submits grant application for Northview Trail project

The City of McPherson Public Works Department has submitted an application for continued grant funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives program. After adopting Resolution No. 26-09 in support of the application, the city is awaiting word on the award. If funded, the city will move forward with the proposed Northview Trail project, which will extend the trail east to Maxwell Street and add a new 5-foot walking path stretching south on Maxwell Street from Northview.

Former McPherson Mayor Tom Brown and wife Kathy inducted into CCCK Academe of Achievers

Former City of McPherson Mayor Tom Brown and his wife, Kathy, were inducted into the Central Christian College of Kansas Academe of Achievers during the college's May 2026 commencement ceremonies. The recognition, announced by the college, is reserved for individuals whose lives reflect extraordinary leadership, service and faith. The couple was honored for their decades of commitment to family and community, highlighting Tom's service in the U.S. Marine Corps and his 16 years as mayor, as well as Kathy's work as a speech therapist and dedicated volunteer. Their legacy extends across generations, including daughter Tina, a Central graduate, along with a growing family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

19th annual Youth Fishing Derby set for June 20

The 19th annual Youth Fishing Derby will begin with its first cast at 8 a.m. on June 20, 2026, at Lakeside Park as part of Father's Day weekend in McPherson. Youth anglers will compete in various age groups with limited help from their parents or guardians. The annual event has continued to grow in popularity, with nearly all competitors returning to the park to close out the competition following a downpour during last year's event.

Convention & Visitors Bureau to host free summer movie series

The McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the first of four free summer movies on June 12, 2026, at the McPherson Opera House. The kickoff event will feature a sing-along to the movie "Frozen." Supported by various sponsorships, the free movie series will run until July 3, and McPherson Pizza Ranch will donate snacks for each screening.

Convention & Visitors Bureau to deliver free donuts during Fidelity Days

As part of the City of McPherson's Fidelity Days, the Convention & Visitors Bureau will deliver free donuts for the third consecutive year on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Participants are encouraged to invite as many neighbors as possible to share in the free treats delivered by CVB staff.

City highlights checklist of summer activities in McPherson

The City of McPherson is encouraging residents and visitors to explore a checklist of must-do activities throughout the summer. Highlighted recreational opportunities include going for a swim at the McPherson Water Park or playing a round of golf at Turkey Creek Golf Course, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

McPherson Fire Department sets $5,000 fundraising goal for safety education

The McPherson Fire Department has relaunched its Fire Safety and Education efforts with a goal to raise $5,000 in 2026 to expand community educational materials. Funded annually by donations, the program provides children with coloring books, workbooks, plastic fire helmets, stickers and other materials to promote fire safety and risk reduction during school visits and department tours. Community members can donate via the department's Venmo account, call 620-245-2505 for more information, or follow the MFD on Facebook.

City of McPherson to host Chamber Coffee at wastewater facility

The City of McPherson will host the Chamber of Commerce's weekly Chamber Coffee gathering at 9:30 a.m. on June 18, 2026, at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, located at 1401 Treatment Plant Road. The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about different Chamber members and services, as well as discover the city's vital wastewater infrastructure, its purpose and its capability for future growth.

Source: City of McPherson Newsletter

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