> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # McPherson County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/mcpherson-county-commission-summary-26/ - Published: 2026-08-25T12:00:01.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-25T12:04:39.000Z - Description: Week of August 25, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: mcj, #summary, dnn # MCKIDS program faces deficit, seeks county support # McPherson County Jail exceeds capacity limits # Register of Deeds and Health Department fill key vacancies # Commissioners to weigh material options for courthouse roof replacement # USD 418 to launch state's first SME Prime manufacturing program # MIDC reports strong economic growth and Viega groundbreaking # County seeks to revamp talent attraction incentive program # KDOT plans diamond grinding to smooth rough highway patches --- ### MCKIDS program faces deficit, seeks county support MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Special Education Cooperative presented a funding plea for the MCKIDS infant-toddler system, which operated at a $106,000 deficit last year on a $515,000 budget. Special education director Katherine Herrman explained that the program, which provides in-home early intervention services to families at no cost, relies heavily on state grants and Medicaid billing that have not kept pace with costs. Without additional county or community funding, the program's administration could default to the state, potentially reducing local control and resulting in cutbacks to staffing and services. Commissioners took the request for county financial support under consideration. --- ### McPherson County Jail exceeds capacity limits MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Jail is currently "busting at the seams," housing 57 inmates despite its facility limitations, according to a weekly report presented to the commission. To manage the overflow, the county is currently boarding 10 inmates in Rice County and one in Marion County. In a positive development for the sheriff's office, the recent hiring of a new correctional officer has officially brought the jail staff back up to full capacity. --- ### Register of Deeds and Health Department fill key vacancies MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County's Register of Deeds and Health Department are returning to full staffing levels following the approval of two new administrative hires. A new employee will join the Register of Deeds office on Sept. 8, bringing highly anticipated bilingual skills to a department that has been struggling with short-staffing. A new clerk will also start Sept. 8 at the Health Department, filling a vacancy left by a recent retirement ahead of the busy back-to-school and flu shot seasons. --- ### Commissioners to weigh material options for courthouse roof replacement MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners will soon decide on materials for the courthouse roof replacement, a critical first step before any interior improvements can proceed for the local courts. Insurance adjusters have suggested using long-lasting composite materials, which could save the county 35 to 40 percent compared to traditional slate. Commissioners will review the material options and any potential structural impacts during next week's work session. --- ### USD 418 to launch state's first SME Prime manufacturing program MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson will become the first community in Kansas to implement the SME Prime manufacturing education program following a successful $500,000 fundraising effort led by the McPherson Industrial Development Company. The program will provide USD 418 with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and industry-aligned curriculum at no cost to the school district, bridging the gap between students and local industry. Initial teacher training will begin in the spring of 2027, with a full program launch slated for the fall of 2027. --- ### MIDC reports strong economic growth and Viega groundbreaking MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson Industrial Development Company (MIDC) reported robust regional employment during its quarterly update, noting that McPherson County currently ranks sixth out of the state's 105 counties for the highest average weekly wage. MIDC executive director Kasi Morales also announced that ground has been broken on a new expansion project for Viega LLC, a global manufacturer of pipe fittings and plumbing systems. The project, which recently received a 10-year property tax abatement from the county, is projected to bring 40 new jobs to the area upon completion and represents an estimated $57 million investment. --- ### County seeks to revamp talent attraction incentive program MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson Industrial Development Company (MIDC) plans to restructure its talent attraction efforts. According to MIDC executive director Kasi Morales, 70 percent of a previous state grant meant to incentivize workforce relocation went to platform and administrative fees through MakeMyMove. Morales announced the organization will reapply for the state grant but aims to manage the funds internally to maximize the direct financial incentives. Previously, the program provided up to $6,000 to families who relocated to McPherson County to help fill local job openings. --- ### KDOT plans diamond grinding to smooth rough highway patches MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to use diamond grinding to smooth recent concrete patching between McPherson and Newton following local complaints about rough road conditions. Additionally, Public Works reported that the KDOT bridge over the interstate at Moccasin Road, which was recently damaged after being struck, will undergo temporary shoring and pier replacement. The bridge is expected to remain closed to the public until mid-to-late October. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/mcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/mcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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