McPherson County Commission Summary
Week of July 7, 2026
New state law mandates disclosure for landowners near Class C dams
Sheriff's office reports fatal crash following busy holiday weekend
Elevated blood lead levels drive county disease reports
Rare tularemia case in cat investigated by health officials
New state law mandates disclosure for landowners near Class C dams
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Under House Bill 2114, which took effect July 1, McPherson County landowners whose properties lie within the inundation zones of three Class C dams must file a notice with the register of deeds before transferring or subdividing their land. Failure to file the notice leaves the landowner responsible for inspection costs of approximately $1,000. Planning, Zoning and Environment Director Jon Kinsey told commissioners the highest-risk dams — which could cause extensive damage or loss of life if breached — include the McPherson State Fishing Lake and two others. The county will notify affected property owners and title agencies and post guidance maps on the county website to aid with compliance.
Sheriff's office reports fatal crash following busy holiday weekend
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Sheriff's Office reported an exceptionally busy Independence Day weekend, responding to five separate vehicle crashes, including one fatality in the 900 block of 14th Avenue, between Dakota and Eisenhower roads. Deputies also responded to what the sheriff's office categorized as two "code black" calls — death investigations involving suspected medical issues — on Pawnee and Buckskin roads, with names similarly withheld pending family notification. The weekend caseload included a high volume of driving complaints and firework-triggered building alarms, while a county patrol vehicle slated for trade-in sustained heavy passenger-side damage after being struck by a deer on 5th Avenue.
Elevated blood lead levels drive county disease reports
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Health Department processed 72 reportable disease cases in the second quarter of 2026, with the many stemming from elevated blood lead levels. Health Department Director Shalei Shea noted the high number of adult cases is tied to residents employed at the Stryten Energy battery plant in neighboring Saline County, where workers undergo frequent workplace blood exposure testing. The county primarily launches public health investigations when cases involve children, working with families to identify and mitigate household exposures such as lead-based paint and toys.
Rare tularemia case in cat investigated by health officials
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County health officials investigated a rare case of animal tularemia last quarter involving a cat that was ultimately euthanized. Health Department Director Shalei Shea reported no human symptoms were detected, but the case required extensive cross-county contact tracing between veterinary offices in McPherson and Sedgwick counties. Tularemia is a highly infectious disease that is typically spread to pets through contact with infected dead rabbits.
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