McPherson local news summary
Week of October 29 2025
McPherson County enacts moratorium on nuclear power projects
Commission greenlights Lakeside Park performance venue
Wall Park tennis courts to be resurfaced
City approves land sale for industrial park expansion
Water rates to increase in 2026 to fund system upgrades
Commission adopts 20-year comprehensive plan
KDOT adds $11 million K-4/Bethany Drive project at Lindsborg to pipeline
Future of K-61 spur near refinery under discussion
Vandalism plagues rural intersection, costs taxpayers
McPherson County enacts moratorium on nuclear power projects
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved a moratorium Tuesday on the development of nuclear power systems within the county. The action, formalized by a county resolution, halts acceptance of new applications for nuclear power facilities until at least Jan. 1, 2028. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey requested the measure to allow time to study the issue and develop appropriate zoning regulations for public health, safety and welfare. Kinsey noted that a proactive approach is needed to consider environmental factors like the Equus Beds aquifer, especially as neighboring counties pursue such projects.
Commission greenlights Lakeside Park performance venue
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a contract with a regional contractor for construction of a new performance venue at Lakeside Park. The project, awarded at a cost of $711,100, is funded through a combination of a private donation and the city’s special parks and recreation fund. Construction is expected to begin soon, marking a major step forward in the park’s long-term development plan.
Wall Park tennis courts to be resurfaced
McPHERSON, Kan. — The tennis courts at Wall Park are set for resurfacing after the commission awarded a $117,040 contract to Mid-American Courtworks LLC. The project addresses cracking and wear and will be paid for from the special parks and recreation fund. The decision follows a recommendation from the city’s park board.
City approves land sale for industrial park expansion
McPHERSON, Kan. — The commission approved the sale of approximately 2.8 acres in the city’s industrial park to an undisclosed buyer. The sale, priced at $20,000 per acre, is contingent on construction of a facility and the creation of new jobs in the community.
Water rates to increase in 2026 to fund system upgrades
McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson residents will see an increase in their water bills next year after the City Commission approved a new rate ordinance. The measure, which passed unanimously, will raise rates by 7.5 percent starting in January 2026. City officials said the revenue is necessary to fund critical infrastructure projects, including the replacement of aging water mains and improvements at the water treatment plant to ensure long-term service reliability.
Commission adopts 20-year comprehensive plan
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The commission formally adopted the McPherson County Comprehensive Plan for 2025–2045, updating the county’s prior 2004 plan. It incorporates new population data and accounts for new infrastructure, including the county building set to open next year. Commissioner Tom Kueser, who served on the plan’s steering committee, praised the collaborative process. Per state statute, the plan will be reviewed annually.
KDOT adds $11 million K-4/Bethany Drive project at Lindsborg to pipeline
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Kansas Department of Transportation added an $11 million project to reconstruct K-4 and Bethany Drive at the north end of Lindsborg to its Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program construction pipeline. The project will remove an aging bridge and connect roadway movements to Bethany Drive, with construction letting targeted for state fiscal year 2029. It was the only McPherson County-area project in the latest round of nine new IKE projects statewide totaling about $442 million.
Greg Loving
Future of K-61 spur near refinery under discussion
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - State, city and refinery-area stakeholders are evaluating a proposal to remove—and not replace—a spur connection near K-61 that directs traffic to northbound I-135/US-81. Transportation officials said the concept would redirect traffic through an existing spur if removal proceeds, though questions remain about efficient northbound movements. The county plans to stay engaged as discussions continue.
Vandalism plagues rural intersection, costs taxpayers
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - Repeated vandalism at the intersection of 27th Avenue and Arrowhead Road is creating a public safety hazard and a financial burden, according to a report from the public works department. Officials said stop signs and flashing red lights have been shot out on at least two occasions. Replacement flashing lights are estimated at $1,000 to $1,500 each. The commission will discuss keeping a replacement light in inventory to expedite repairs at a future work session. The sheriff’s office is aware of the incidents.
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