McPherson local news summary

City approves license plate reader cameras to combat crime

Police department, Central Christian College partner on training simulator

First Street repair project delayed until next year

Advisory committee formed to guide BPU transfer funds

City warns residents against sweeping leaves into streets

County to push back on proposed closure of Limestone Road entrance in U.S. 56 plan

Commission approves $395,720 for county courthouse exterior overhaul

Commission approves hail damage insurance claim

City approves license plate reader cameras to combat crime

McPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson Police Department will soon deploy six new license plate reader cameras after the city commission approved the $18,000 purchase Tuesday. The Flock LPR cameras will be placed at strategic locations to capture images of license plates on vehicles entering and leaving the city. Police Chief Golden said the technology is a critical tool for solving crimes. “That’s how they’re able to… have the suspect within 24 hours,” Golden said, referencing the use of similar cameras by the Wichita Police Department. He assured the commission the cameras would be used strictly for criminal investigations and not for general surveillance of the public.

Police department, Central Christian College partner on training simulator

McPHERSON, Kan. – A new partnership between the McPherson Police Department and Central Christian College of Kansas will bring a state-of-the-art training simulator to the community. The commission learned Tuesday that the college was awarded a $100,000 grant, which it will use to purchase a $95,395 Operator XR simulator. The system will be housed at the college and used for its criminal justice program and for officer training. Police Chief Gus Golden said the simulator will instruct students and officers on de-escalation, high-stress calls and "shoot, don't shoot" scenarios.

First Street repair project delayed until next year

McPHERSON, Kan. – Residents will have to wait until after the new year for the First Street repair project to be completed. The Public Works director announced at Tuesday’s commission meeting that the contractor must pull off the job for at least six weeks to address other commitments. The patchwork on the street has extended well beyond the original scope, causing the delay. The director said the contractor has about three weeks of work remaining and is expected to return in early 2026. He assured commissioners that traffic control devices will be removed to fully reopen the road and that the city will perform any needed temporary maintenance in the interim.

Advisory committee formed to guide BPU transfer funds

McPHERSON, Kan. – The city commission on Tuesday formally established a new committee to recommend how to spend transferred revenue from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). By approving Resolution 25-14, the commission created the BPU Transfer Advisory Committee. The group will consist of two representatives from the City of McPherson, three from the BPU and two from the McPherson Industrial Development Company (MIDC). The committee, which will meet at least twice a year, was formed after the commission passed a transfer ordinance Nov. 4.

City warns residents against sweeping leaves into streets

McPHERSON, Kan. – With autumn in full swing, city officials issued a public plea Tuesday for residents to properly dispose of leaves. During the public input session, commissioners urged citizens to bag their leaves or take them to the landfill’s compost pile instead of sweeping them into the street. Officials warned that leaves washed into storm drains can cause severe clogs in the city’s sewer system, leading to costly repairs. "Don't sweep them into the street... they're going right down into the storm sewer," a commissioner stated.

County to push back on proposed closure of Limestone Road entrance in U.S. 56 plan

McPHERSON, Kan. - County officials are preparing to oppose a Kansas Department of Transportation proposal to close the entrance to Limestone Road as part of a safety corridor study for U.S. Highway 56. The county’s public works director informed commissioners that a preliminary KDOT plan includes expanding U.S. 56 to four lanes near Interstate 135 but would permanently close the intersection of U.S. 56 at Limestone Road, also known as First Street. The director noted that Limestone is one of the county’s most heavily traveled roads, providing a key connection for residents in Canton and Galva to McPherson schools, the hospital and retail centers. The county plans to request drawings from KDOT and voice its opposition at an upcoming open house.

Commission approves $395,720 for county courthouse exterior overhaul

McPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson County Commission on Monday approved a nearly $400,000 contract amendment for extensive exterior renovations to the county courthouse and parking garage. The commission voted unanimously to approve the $401,720 proposal, minus a $6,000 deduction for having the county’s public works department haul away demolition debris. The approved work includes a complete courtyard renovation with new turf and sidewalks, power washing and crack sealing on the five-story main building and parking garage, installation of new architectural metal panels and three new lighted “McPherson County Building” signs. The project aims to seal and modernize the building’s exterior for the first time in many years.

Commission approves hail damage insurance claim

McPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners signed a memorandum of coverage and proof of loss for a significant insurance claim related to hail damage on county property. The claim covers damage to multiple county buildings and a list of county vehicles. According to the documents, the actual cash value of the claim for vehicles totaled over $206,000. An additional claim for buildings, including the County Extension office and courthouse, was valued at $36,000. The funds will be used to repair or replace the damaged assets.

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