Commission tables controversial infrasound resolution following BPU backlash

Jail population remains high, county outsourcing inmates

Commission approves 2027 county holiday schedule

Wilson and Company selected for $700,000 Safe Streets for All program

Fifth Avenue paving and Groveland Bridge projects near completion

County bans 4-foot concrete box sections after installation issues

Public Works halts unauthorized rubble dumping at county asphalt plant

Commission tables controversial infrasound resolution following BPU backlash

McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission tabled a proposed resolution aimed at regulating infrasound and low-frequency noise after receiving sharp criticism from the McPherson Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

During public comment, BPU general manager Josh Bedel called the resolution highly concerning, arguing it lacked scientific backing and would effectively sabotage the BPU's Power Plant 3 expansion, thereby raising electric rates for 9,000 customers.

McPherson County Planning, Zoning and Environment Director Jon Kinsey presented the resolution as an initiative meant to protect rural residents' property values from low-amplitude noises generated by future industrial sites or wind turbines.

Commissioners ultimately agreed to delay any action until they could consult with acoustic experts and collaborate with the BPU and local industry leaders.

Jail population remains high, county outsourcing inmates

McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County jail population remains high, with 57 total inmates currently in custody, according to a weekly report provided to the commission. The facility is housing 51 men and six women, with 53 held for district court. Sheriff Jerry Montagne noted that the county continues to house an unspecified number of inmates in neighboring Rice County in order to keep at least five local cells open for emergency situations.

Commission approves 2027 county holiday schedule

McPHERSON, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-24, officially setting the county's holiday schedule for the 2027 calendar year. The schedule was approved early to allow the local courts adequate time to set their dockets. The approved calendar mirrors past years, including a provision that grants county employees a half-day off on Christmas Eve.

Wilson and Company selected for $700,000 Safe Streets for All program

McPHERSON, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Wilson and Company to serve as the consultant for the McPherson County Safe Streets for All program. A selection committee ranked Wilson and Company as the most qualified out of three submitted proposals. The firm will oversee studies and demonstration projects across all cities within the county, funded by a $700,000 federal grant. The firm previously assisted the county in securing the federal funds.

Fifth Avenue paving and Groveland Bridge projects near completion

McPHERSON, Kan. — The county's major asphalt work for the season is wrapping up, with nine to 10 miles of paving remaining on Fifth Avenue. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust estimated the paving will be finished in two to three weeks, followed by crack sealing and striping. Additionally, construction on the Groveland Bridge is expected to be completed next week, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony currently being planned.

County bans 4-foot concrete box sections after installation issues

McPHERSON, Kan. — The Public Works department has banned the use of 4-foot concrete sections in its box culvert designs following recent installation failures on a northern county bridge. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust reported that the 4-foot sections supplied for the project did not fit properly, forcing the supplier to remake the components. The faulty sections have since been replaced and the bridge is now open. The county is currently pouring the foundation for its final 2026 program box culvert at Ninth Street and Comanche Road.

Public Works halts unauthorized rubble dumping at county asphalt plant

McPHERSON, Kan. — Public Works Director David Bohnenblust announced that the county has officially shut down unauthorized dumping of rubble at the county asphalt plant yard. Bohnenblust said unapproved contractors and municipalities had been dumping materials containing excessive dirt and debris without contacting county staff. The county has erected gates and signage to enforce the new restriction as it prepares to purchase a new millings crusher to improve the quality of its asphalt mix.

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