McPherson City Digest

News and civic life

County Commission Candidate Forum Set for July 30

The McPherson Chamber of Commerce Civic Awareness Committee will hold a nonpartisan candidate forum for two open McPherson County Commission seats from 7 to 8 p.m. July 30 at the American Legion, 401 N. Main St. District 1 candidates Keith Becker and Stephen Gray and unopposed District 2 candidate Tom Keuser have been invited. Each candidate will give a three-minute opening statement, and audience members may submit written questions; candidates will have one minute to answer each selected question.

Free Cybersecurity Workshop to Include Business Consultations

The McPherson Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Small Business Administration will offer a free Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Owners workshop at noon July 21, followed by complimentary one-on-one business consultations. SBA Economic Development Specialist Michael Aumack will discuss common cyberattack and data-breach risks, system vulnerabilities and ways to protect digital assets and employee, vendor and customer information. Attendance at the workshop is not required for a consultation; reservations are available through the Chamber at chamber@mcphersonks.org or 620-241-3303.

Shoe Sensation Plans Summer Sale and Teacher Event

Shoe Sensation, 2210 E. Kansas Ave., will hold a Big Tent Event from 1 to 3 p.m. July 11 with sidewalk sales, an ice cream truck and baked goods. A teacher event will follow from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 8, featuring breakfast, discounts and a drawing for $200 in classroom support. Store manager Brenda Grant and assistant managers Keeshia Naerebout and Michelle King previewed the events during a Chamber Connections gathering. The store also supports the McPherson Optimist Club's Kicks for Kids program and collects new socks for the McPherson Housing Coalition.

Community calendar

Library Class to Cover Printing and Libby Basics

McPherson Public Library staff will lead a free Tech Savvy Seniors class at 10:30 a.m. July 7 at the library, 214 W. Marlin, covering printing basics and use of the Libby app for e-books and audiobooks. The beginner-friendly series offers step-by-step instruction and time for questions. Registration is available online or by calling 620-245-2570.

Free Naan Flatbread Class Set for July 8

The McPherson County Extension Office will host a free Teach & Taste class on naan flatbread from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 8 at 600 W. Woodside. Participants may attend with friends or meet other cooks while preparing the month's recipe. Registration is available through the office at 620-241-1523.

McPherson Opera House to Screen 'Jaws'

The McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main St., will screen the 1975 thriller "Jaws" at 2 and 7 p.m. July 9. The film follows a police chief, marine biologist and shark hunter trying to stop a great white shark terrorizing a beach town. Tickets, sold at the door, are $6 for adults and $4 for children.

Peoples Bank & Trust Plans Customer Limeade Event

Peoples Bank & Trust will serve free cherry limeades to customers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10 at all of its locations. The event is planned as a summer customer-appreciation gathering.

Rock the Block to Bring Sales and Contests Downtown

Downtown McPherson businesses will hold Shop the Night Away - Rock the Block from 4 to 8 p.m. July 10, with all-day sales, games, special deals and entry into a $500 shopping-spree drawing. A Flower Power costume contest will run through the evening, and the second annual Air Guitar Contest will begin at 7 p.m. at the Plaza. McPherson Main Street is organizing the promotion.

Broadway Theme Set for Water Park Family Night

McPherson Water Park, 511 N. Lakeside Drive, will host a Broadway-themed Family Night from 5 to 8 p.m. July 10, and families are invited to attend.

Poverty Training to Focus on Understanding and Support

STEPMC will offer Bridges Out of Poverty training from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 11 at First United Methodist Church, 1200 E. Kansas Ave. The class will examine poverty through the experiences of families facing it and offer practical approaches to community support through understanding and relationships. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and advance registration is required.

Ark Antiques Plans Christmas in July Pop-Up

The Ark Antiques & Flea Market, 301 S. Main St., will turn its parking lot into a holiday-themed market from 8 a.m. to noon July 11 for a Christmas in July pop-up sale. The event will feature seasonal merchandise and a special guest. Admission is $3, with tickets available online or in the store.

Grief Camp Opens Registration for Youth

Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County will host Space to Grieve Kids Kamp on July 11 at 1318 N. Main St. for children and teenagers ages 6 to 17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Registration is open, but space is limited. Families may call 620-665-2473 for information or to register.

Tech Class to Explain City Website Tools

A free Tech Savvy Seniors class at 10:30 a.m. July 14 at McPherson Public Library, 214 W. Marlin, will show participants how to use mpcity.com to report issues and receive community information. The beginner-friendly session will include guided practice and time for questions. Registration is available online or at 620-245-2570.

Legion Meal to Benefit McPherson Gymnastics

The McPherson American Legion, 401 N. Main St., will serve a public Family Night Meal from 5 to 6:30 p.m. July 16 to benefit McPherson Gymnastics. The $6 meal includes four selections from hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, drinks and dessert, with a limit of two meat items. Proceeds will support the local gymnastics program.

Turkey Creek Plans Parent-Junior Scramble

Turkey Creek Golf Course, 1000 Fox Run Road, will hold its second Parent/Junior Scramble Night of the summer with a 5:45 p.m. shotgun start July 17. Adult and junior teams are invited for an evening round followed by treats. Registration is available through the clubhouse at 620-241-8530.

MTC to Sponsor Water Park Family Night

McPherson Water Park, 511 N. Lakeside Drive, will hold Family Night from 5 to 8 p.m. July 17 with sponsorship from MTC, and families are invited to attend.

Sports Card Show to Benefit STEPMC

The McPherson Sports Card & Memorabilia Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 18 at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin, with more than 25 vendors and over 50 tables of sports cards, memorabilia, collectibles and game cards. Admission is free for children and $1 for adults, with all admission revenue donated to STEPMC. Concessions and a door-prize drawing also are planned.

Drink Sales to Support Shop With a Sheriff

The Locker Room Nutrition & Energy, 101 N. Main St., will donate proceeds from drink purchases during a Christmas in July fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 18. The event will support Shop With a Sheriff, which provides Christmas gifts for children in need in McPherson County, in partnership with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office and Disability Supports of the Great Plains.

YMCA Bowl-a-Thon to Raise Scholarship Funds

The McPherson YMCA will hold a Bowl-a-Thon from noon to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 18 at The Alley, 1221 E. 23rd Ave. in Hutchinson. Each session will accommodate six teams, and proceeds will benefit the McPherson Strong Community Campaign, which provides YMCA membership and program scholarships to local residents. Sponsorship information is available from YMCA Director David Foster.

Community Safety Day Planned at Linnea Park

United Way of McPherson County, Heart to Heart and the National Children's Alliance will present Community Safety Day from 2 to 4 p.m. July 18 at Linnea Park, 301 E. Kansas Ave. The community gathering will feature youth activities, local resources, business information and opportunities for families to connect.

Ballet Wichita to Bring Original 'Alice' Production to McPherson

Ballet Wichita will present an original production of "Alice in Wonderland" at 2 and 7:30 p.m. July 18 at the McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main St. Company Director Katie Andrusak created new choreography blending classical ballet, neoclassical technique and tap, with comic moments woven through the performance.

Business, schools and local initiatives

Cullinane and Pressnall Join Be Wealth Team

Michael Cullinane has joined Be Wealth's McPherson office as senior wealth manager, and Ayda Pressnall has joined as wealth associate. The firm said the additions strengthen its relationship-based financial planning work in retirement preparedness, legacy planning and ongoing financial goals. Be Wealth will mark the expansion with a happy hour at 4:30 p.m. July 29 at the McPherson Opera House; reservations are requested by July 22.

Central Christian College Seeks Vendors for Welcome Fair

Central Christian College of Kansas will hold a free Vendor/Lunch Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 north of Science Hall, with food trucks in the Maple Street circle drive. Local businesses and organizations may meet returning students, welcome new students and families, and offer demonstrations, giveaways, products or activities. Tables and chairs will be provided, and donated drawing prizes are welcome. Registrations are due Aug. 1 through Julie at 620-241-0723, Ext. 105.

Simpson Construction Selected for USD 418 Bond Project

McPherson Public Schools selected Wichita-based Simpson Construction as construction manager at risk for the bond project approved by voters in 2026. The district evaluated candidate firms on experience, project approach, financial stewardship and collaboration. Simpson will work with incite Design Studio and district staff to carry out the project while managing the community's investment.

Main Street Gala Scheduled for April 2027

McPherson Main Street will hold its first Hearts of Main Street Gala on April 3, 2027, to celebrate downtown McPherson, recognize community leaders and support continued revitalization. Organizers described the event as an evening focused on community connections and investment in the future of Main Street; additional details are expected later.

Citizen Journal Launches Founders Club Subscription

Citizen Journal has introduced a paid cj+ tier for in-depth reporting and high school sports coverage while keeping civic news free. The McPherson-based publication is offering a Founders Club rate of $5 a month or $50 a year, with the price fixed for members who enroll before the offer closes in August. The program follows the outlet's first year in business and expansion to more than 20 cities.

McPherson College Adds Computer Science Degree

McPherson College will begin offering a Bachelor of Science in computer science in August 2026 after receiving approval from the Higher Learning Commission. The four-year program will combine in-person, online and hybrid courses and is designed to prepare students for careers in growing technology fields.

Mac Bloom Hunt Invites Residents to Explore City Parks

The McPherson Park Department has launched the Mac Bloom Hunt for National Park and Recreation Month. Each Monday, the department will post a clue identifying a plant species growing in a city park; participants can find the plant, photograph themselves with it and email the image for entry in a prize drawing. The first clue was released July 6.

Source: McPherson Chamber of Commerce Newsletter, July 6, 2026.

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