County jail reaches maximum capacity, forces inmate transfers

Commissioners approve new zoning fee schedule, penalties for unpermitted structures

Spring flood damage costs county $150,000, delays planned bridge projects

County approves $58,000 material purchase for bridge replacement

KDOT Still Weighing All Options for Highway 56 Improvements Near Galva

Commission approves security camera upgrades for Noxious Weed Department building

Commissioners finalize interior branding for new county facilities

Federal lawmakers urge local oversight on data center water and power usage

County jail reaches maximum capacity, forces inmate transfers

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Jail is currently operating at maximum capacity, forcing officials to transfer inmates to Rice County at an additional cost to taxpayers. Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported an inmate count of 60 during the meeting, noting that the facility is completely maxed out. Officials said some inmates have been held for up to seven months waiting for transfer to Larned State Hospital, though the county is still processing transfers faster than neighboring jurisdictions.

Commissioners approve new zoning fee schedule, penalties for unpermitted structures

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The board of county commissioners unanimously approved a resolution establishing an updated fee schedule for zoning, subdivision and sanitation regulations. The new rules institute a double permit fee penalty for property owners with unpermitted structures over 200 square feet built after Jan. 1, 2023, or April 7, 2007, depending on ownership history. However, Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey noted that the county will issue administrative permits at no cost for non-compliant structures that are already listed on the county appraiser's tax rolls.

Spring flood damage costs county $150,000, delays planned bridge projects

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County has spent approximately $150,000 in unbudgeted funds to repair rural bridges washed out during spring flooding. Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust informed commissioners that the unexpected expenses will be covered by the department's capital outlay fund. However, the financial diversion means that up to three planned bridge replacement projects scheduled for this year will likely be delayed to accommodate the emergency repairs.

County approves $58,000 material purchase for bridge replacement

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $58,459 purchase of reinforced concrete boxes and materials from McPherson Concrete to replace a washed-out bridge on Pueblo Road east of 23rd Road. The public works department recently received the necessary permits and design approvals for the project. Construction is expected to begin in approximately 90 days once the concrete materials are manufactured.

KDOT Still Weighing All Options for Highway 56 Improvements Near Galva

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation is still evaluating all improvement options along U.S. 56 near Galva, including a potential bypass, following multiple rounds of public engagement. Public works officials briefed the county commission on a recent KDOT meeting regarding the corridor, noting that public opposition to a bypass had been expressed during the process. A decision has not been made — KDOT will present findings to executive staff in April, who will then determine how to move forward based on engineering criteria, maintenance considerations, available funding and public input.

The public may continue submitting feedback through March 31 at ksdot.gov/US56-McPherson-Marion. Those who comment will receive a written response from KDOT in April.

Correction: A prior version of this summary stated that KDOT had dropped the bypass option due to public opposition. That was incorrect. KDOT confirmed that all options remain under consideration and that no final decision has been made.

Commission approves security camera upgrades for Noxious Weed Department building

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Noxious Weed Department will receive a $9,427 security upgrade, making it the final county building to be integrated into the county's central surveillance network. Commissioners approved an $8,667 contract with CDW-G for four AI-tracking security cameras, alongside a $760 installation bid from Hopp's Sound. The cameras will monitor chemical storage areas and building entrances, recording 24-hour footage directly to cloud storage.

Commissioners finalize interior branding for new county facilities

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Design options for displaying the county seal in newly renovated county facilities were reviewed, with a prominent placement above a fifth-floor vault door ultimately selected. Lori Bower of BowerComm presented various mockups, including vinyl and aluminum designs for the reception desk and commission room. The large seals will be limited to one per floor to maintain a clean aesthetic and avoid cluttering the newly finished spaces.

Federal lawmakers urge local oversight on data center water and power usage

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Following a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust shared insights regarding federal attitudes toward the rapid development of data centers. Bohnenblust, who reported meeting with Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran and Congressman Tracey Mann, said the general feeling in Washington supports maintaining local control and encouraging the industry to compete globally with China. He noted the prevailing sentiment in the capital also favors requiring data centers to provide their own power and monitor their water usage, ensuring corporate utility use does not heavily impact local resources.

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