Commissioners extend moratoriums on renewable energy and crypto mining

New zoning regulations approved for commercial racetracks

Sale of 'Kids Building' to Prairie View finalized

County approves $49,000 in tech upgrades for administration building

HVAC replacement ordered for county building penthouse

Funding approved for high-priority guardrail repairs

Noxious Weed Department acquires new UTV for spraying

Sheriff's Office standardizes weaponry for reserve deputies

Commissioners extend moratoriums on renewable energy and crypto mining

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission voted unanimously to extend temporary moratoriums on commercial battery energy storage systems, data centers involving cryptocurrency mining, and hydrogen energy facilities. Despite a request from the McPherson Industrial Development Company to delay action until after an upcoming public meeting, the board proceeded with the extensions to ensure regulations are in place before development occurs. The moratoriums for battery storage and hydrogen facilities were extended to Sept. 1, 2026, while the moratorium on data centers was extended to Dec. 1, 2026; a public meeting to discuss these technologies is scheduled for Feb. 12 at the Cedars.

New zoning regulations approved for commercial racetracks

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The board adopted a zoning amendment establishing regulations for commercial racetracks in unincorporated areas of the county. The new rules require a special use permit and stipulate that tracks cannot be located within one mile of homes, schools, hospitals, or platted residential subdivisions. Additional requirements include a maximum daytime noise limit of 65 decibels at the nearest residential property line, a $5 million liability insurance policy naming the county as an additional insured, and an emergency response plan.

Sale of McKIDS Building to Prairie View finalized

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission formally approved the sale of the McKIDS property to Prairie View, a regional behavioral health provider. The resolution corrects a previous legal description of the property and sets a closing date no later than March 15, though officials expect to close by late February.

County approves $49,000 in tech upgrades for administration building

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The board approved a proposal from Fuqua Construction to install data cabling and security equipment at the McPherson County Building renovation project. The $49,250 contract includes the installation of security cameras, data switches, a ceiling-mounted projector, wireless internet repeaters, and data connections for exterior signs. The work also covers cabling for a new maintenance office and voting room.

HVAC replacement ordered for county building penthouse

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission voted to replace the heating and cooling system in the penthouse of the McPherson County Building rather than repairing the existing unit. A previous approval for $6,000 in repairs was rescinded after contractors discovered necessary parts for the older system were unavailable. The board approved a new quote of $9,217 for a Mitsubishi system, citing the benefits of a new warranty and equipment reliability.

Funding approved for high-priority guardrail repairs

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The board authorized $13,000 for immediate guardrail repairs through J&J Contractors, Inc. The funding targets four high-priority locations that have sustained damage. Project Engineer Elizabeth Hopp explained that bundling these repairs with an existing insurance-claim project helps save on shipping costs for materials.

Noxious Weed Department acquires new UTV for spraying

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved the purchase of a Can-Am utility task vehicle from Agri Center for the Noxious Weed Department at a cost of $22,222. Director Dan Schrag noted the new unit will replace a 1995 boom truck. The vehicle will be used for weed spraying in the summer and equipped with a plow and salt spreader for snow removal on county grounds during the winter.

Sheriff's Office standardizes weaponry for reserve deputies

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Sheriff Jerry Montagne received approval to purchase seven Glock 9mm handguns and associated accessories for the department's reserve deputies. The purchase, totaling approximately $7,600, aims to reduce liability by ensuring all reserve officers carry county-issued weapons rather than personal firearms. The Sheriff's Office noted that standardizing the weapons ensures compatibility with full-time deputies, and funds will be drawn from the department's donation account.

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