McPherson County Commission Summary
Week of August 11, 2026
Commission changes official county newspaper to save taxpayer dollars
Planning board to review zoning regulations for data centers and battery storage
County bridge project crosses halfway mark
McPherson County jail outsources inmates as population reaches 56
Commission changes official county newspaper to save taxpayer dollars
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved a resolution changing the official county newspaper to the Haven-based Rural Messenger. The move shifts the county's legal publications — such as budgets and public hearing notices — away from the McPherson Sentinel. Officials cited a significantly cheaper publishing quote for taxpayers as the primary reason for the switch, noting the Rural Messenger meets all state guidelines for official designation.
Planning board to review zoning regulations for data centers and battery storage
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Planning Board is gearing up to review proposed zoning regulation changes concerning the potential development of data centers and battery storage facilities in unincorporated areas of the county. Officials noted that the board's upcoming public hearings are not to determine if these industries are inherently good or bad, but rather to collect public comment and measure specific proposals against land-use compatibility, public health, safety and Kansas law before making formal recommendations to the county commission.
County bridge project crosses halfway mark
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $470,333 payment to L&M Contractors Inc. for ongoing work on a county bridge replacement project at Comanche Road and 10th Avenue. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust reported that the $974,000 infrastructure project is more than halfway complete following a recent concrete deck pour. The heavily traveled Comanche Road bridge is on schedule to reopen by the end of September, with asphalt approach work slated for mid-September.
McPherson County jail outsources inmates as population reaches 56
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Jail is currently housing 56 inmates, prompting Sheriff Jerry Montagne to outsource several individuals to outside facilities to manage capacity. The current local inmate population consists of 50 men, six women and one juvenile, who under Kansas law must be kept completely separated from adult inmates in all spatial areas and program activities. According to the weekly jail report, 52 of the inmates are being held for district court and four are being held for municipal court, following 21 new arrests over the previous week.
Click here for local obituaries
Click here for local jail logs
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
