Commissioners approve $40,550 contract for courthouse relocation

Emergency AC repair for 911 dispatch approved

County approves gating section of 7th Avenue

County awards $106,000 in traffic striping contracts

Additional costs approved for Groveland Bridge replacement

StepMC requests $35,000 to continue poverty eradication efforts

Safe Hope details impact on domestic violence victims

Extension office highlights 4-H growth in budget presentation

County fair prepares for schedule changes and new bleachers

Commissioners approve $40,550 contract for courthouse relocation

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The relocation of county departments to the new administrative facility took a major step forward with the approval of a $40,550 moving contract. The bid was unanimously awarded to McPherson Movers, a company previously utilized to relocate the county attorney's office. The final contract includes a $750 contingency fee to cover potential overtime or stair-related fees, with the moving process slated to begin after the new building's upcoming open house.

Emergency AC repair for 911 dispatch approved

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - A $4,251 invoice was approved for an emergency compressor replacement on the 911 dispatch center's rooftop air conditioning unit. Director of Emergency Management Emily Yates explained the urgent repair was necessary to keep critical systems running. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of advance notification and absence of multiple bids, and a request was made that, moving forward, the county be notified before unapproved emergency repair work commences.

County approves gating section of 7th Avenue

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - A county resolution was unanimously approved to fence and gate a rural section of 7th Avenue to eliminate severe mudding and reduce maintenance costs for the township. Elizabeth Hopp, public works project engineer, confirmed that adjacent landowners and emergency management officials have signed off on the plan. The township will bear the cost of the fence and any future repairs, while fire departments and local property owners will maintain keys for continued access.

County awards $106,000 in traffic striping contracts

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The McPherson County Public Works Department secured traffic striping materials for the upcoming season, awarding $65,900 for paint to Allstate Coatings and $40,920 for reflective glass beads. Sourcing the beads proved challenging due to supply chain issues and an initial lack of bids, prompting the county to solicit quotes directly from manufacturers. An additional $880 was ultimately approved to secure the standard Kansas Department of Transportation-approved bead size, avoiding potential equipment jams and winter snowplow damage associated with larger beads.

Additional costs approved for Groveland Bridge replacement

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - A $254,832 pay voucher and a $4,310 change order were unanimously approved for ongoing construction at the Groveland Bridge, located at Comanche Road and 10th Avenue. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust noted the change order covers unexpected expenses for pile splicing and extra rock removal by L&M Contractors. The county is currently exploring options to repurpose the excavated rock as riprap to help offset overall project costs.

StepMC requests $35,000 to continue poverty eradication efforts

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - Steps to End Poverty of McPherson County requested its standard $35,000 annual allocation to fund programs that assist local residents in escaping poverty. Executive Director Angela Brunk reported the organization has successfully transitioned 118 adults and 85 children out of poverty over its 15-year history. The director also announced plans to launch a new financial literacy class this fall for McPherson College students struggling with debt and banking issues.

Safe Hope details impact on domestic violence victims

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - Safe Hope co-executive directors Angela Schepmann and Dean Kegley updated the commission on the organization's efforts to support domestic violence and sexual assault victims, reporting that they served 125 local residents last year. The directors highlighted the agency's 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter and legal advocacy, which included assisting 22 victims in securing court protection orders. Safe Hope, which relies heavily on state and federal grants, is currently expanding its funding requests to neighboring counties to maintain its free counseling and support services.

Extension office highlights 4-H growth in budget presentation

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - McPherson County Extension officials presented their 2027 budget request, asking for increased funding to reduce the agency's reliance on cash reserves by $8,000. County Extension official Chuck Laughlin highlighted significant departmental successes, including a 70 percent growth in the 4-H youth development program and a grant-writing education class that secured nearly $1 million for the county. The agency's accomplishments were praised, though it was noted that granting the requested increase could be challenging in the current fiscal climate.

County fair prepares for schedule changes and new bleachers

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The McPherson County Fair Association presented its updated budget and strategic plans to the commission, highlighting a shift toward running the fairgrounds more like a self-sustaining business. Association representatives, including Presidents April Torske and Travis Regehr, reported the dates for this year's fair are set for July 15-18, featuring schedule adjustments to the rodeo and demolition derby designed to increase attendance and profitability. Officials also noted that a volunteer-driven installation of new bleachers, aided by a $15,000 county advance, is underway and will be completed prior to the fair.

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