Provisional ballots processing approved amid high turnout

Jail capacity increased to reduce out-of-county housing costs

County to conduct live test of wireless emergency alerts

Comanche Road bridge expected to reopen soon

Provisional ballots processing approved amid high turnout

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Clerk Hollie Melroy reported a 59.1 percent voter turnout and an unusually high number of walk-in voters during the recent election, noting 2,796 walk-ins compared to roughly 2,000 in 2022. Melroy noted she is currently processing 255 provisional ballots and waiting for Kansas Secretary of State approval to conduct a special 10 percent precinct audit, an increase from the usual 1 percent, due to three closely contested races. Permission was unanimously granted to open the approved provisional ballots once authorization is received, ensuring final numbers are verified by the Nov. 16 canvass.

Jail capacity increased to reduce out-of-county housing costs

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — To alleviate the ongoing expense of housing inmates outside the county, a $14,390 project was approved to add eight bunk beds to one pod at the McPherson County Jail. Undersheriff James Bergstrom reported the county is currently paying Rice County $50 per day per inmate — totaling roughly $15,000 a month — to house 10 inmates. The county will purchase the bunks and meal tables from Oklahoma Correctional Industries for $6,540, utilizing county staff to transport the items to save on shipping, and will pay Fuqua Construction Inc. up to $7,850 for installation.

County to conduct live test of wireless emergency alerts

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County residents should expect a test alert on their cellphones next Monday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. as the county tests its newly certified Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. Assistant Emergency Management Director Tim Hawkinson said the system will send wireless alerts, similar to AMBER Alerts, to any cellphone connected to a McPherson County tower. The new system will allow local officials to issue immediate warnings for evacuations, hazardous material incidents or shelter-in-place orders, with the capability to target specific areas or the entire county.

Comanche Road bridge expected to reopen soon

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Public Works Director David Bohnenblust announced that paving at the Comanche Road bridge near Groveland is nearly complete, with a grand reopening tentatively scheduled for Nov. 23. Following the completion of paving, public works crews will stripe the bridge and a contractor will install the guardrails. Bohnenblust said the bridge could open to single-lane traffic as soon as next week, even if the final guardrail installation and dirt work require a slight delay.

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