McPherson local news summary
Week of December 10 2025
Fire chief details response to hydrochloric acid spill
Miller named 2025 police officer of the year
McFall honored as supervisor of the year
Police department welcomes honorary officer
Council approves hiring of crime intelligence analyst
Evidence custodian recognized for launching statewide association
City crews recover 11 tons of salt from accidental spill
Street projects and concrete recycling advance
Jail nears capacity; county to pay for off-site inmate housing
County approves installation of license plate reader camera
Public works director warns of potential road closure at U.S. 56
Fire chief details response to hydrochloric acid spill
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Fire Chief Chad Mayberry provided a detailed report regarding a hazardous materials incident that occurred last Tuesday at the intersection of the 81 Bypass and U.S. 56. A truck carrying 31,000 pounds of hydrochloric acid overturned, leaking approximately 320 gallons of product and causing a chemical reaction that released hydrogen gas. Emergency crews established evacuation zones and worked with an environmental contractor to remove contaminated soil. Mayberry reported that there were no injuries and the scene was cleared by late Tuesday night.
At the county meeting the prior day, the McPherson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation declaring a state of local disaster emergency following a hazardous material spill that occurred on Dec. 2. The county’s emergency management director reported that the incident, located at Kansas Avenue and the Highway 81 bypass, necessitated evacuations in the immediate area. The declaration, which cites potential environmental, road and property damage, will remain in effect for 14 days unless renewed or terminated by the board.
Greg Loving
Miller named 2025 police officer of the year
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Police Chief Golden announced that Patrol Officer Barton Miller has been selected as the department's 2025 Officer of the Year. Miller, a military veteran and member of the SWAT team, was recognized for motivation and involvement in the honor guard. During the recognition ceremony, it was noted that Miller also received a lifesaving award for his role in de-escalating a situation involving a suicidal subject and recently completed training to become a field training officer.
Greg Loving
McFall honored as supervisor of the year
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Lt. Aisha McFall was recognized as the Police Supervisor of the Year for 2025. Chief Golden praised McFall for leadership in the Investigations Bureau and for bringing Federal Bureau of Investigation internal investigations training to McPherson. This training provided updated protocols for staff, contributing to the successful resolution of several major cases worked by detectives throughout the year.
Police department welcomes honorary officer
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Chief Golden announced the induction of a new honorary police officer, a young girl currently battling cancer, who was welcomed into the ranks as a show of departmental support. The recognition was part of a broader awards banquet held on Dec. 20 to honor staff achievements and foster community connection.
Council approves hiring of crime intelligence analyst
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional job offer to a new hire for the dual position of administrative assistant and crime intelligence analyst. The successful candidate is scheduled to begin duties on Jan. 5. Chief Golden noted that while this fills a critical administrative gap, the department still has two open officer positions.
Evidence custodian recognized for launching statewide association
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The commission recognized Evidence Custodian Janey Crosthwaite for her initiative in creating a statewide property and evidence association, a new 501(c)(3) organization. Crosthwaite, a 20-year veteran of the department, established the association to standardize evidence collection and improve prosecution success rates across the state. Crosthwaite received the "Making a Difference" Chief's Commendation ribbon for her efforts in organizing a successful conference and uniting evidence custodians and Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents.
City crews recover 11 tons of salt from accidental spill
MCPHERSON, Kan. - During the Public Works report, officials described an unusual incident where a salt truck traveling through town failed to properly close its rear gate, spilling a significant amount of material on the roadway. City crews responded quickly to the hazard and were able to recover approximately 11 tons of road salt. The recovered material has been returned to the city’s stockpile for future use during winter weather events.
Street projects and concrete recycling advance
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Public Works crews are finalizing concrete work on Myers Street this week, connecting residential sidewalks to front doors before completing final grading. Additionally, a contractor has mobilized at the city waste yard to grind a large stockpile of concrete rubble. The project will convert the waste into crushed concrete, which the city intends to reuse for upcoming street maintenance and repair projects.
Jail nears capacity; county to pay for off-site inmate housing
McPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson County Jail is nearing its maximum capacity of 60 inmates, forcing the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office to transfer detainees to a neighboring county. A representative for the sheriff’s office reported a count of 58 inmates early in the week, noting that arrangements were being made to farm out five inmates at a cost of $45 per day. Officials noted that while arrests are high—23 in the past week—they hope to see the population numbers decrease soon to avoid continued outsourcing costs.
County approves installation of license plate reader camera
McPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners voted to allow the McPherson Police Department to install a "Flock" license plate reader camera on county right of way at the intersection of 14th Street and Mohawk Road. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and law enforcement officials explained that the solar-powered cameras alert police to stolen vehicles or suspects with warrants entering the area. While a resident expressed frustration during public comment regarding the efficacy of catching out-of-state suspects, police leadership emphasized that the system provides vital leads for solving property crimes.
Public works director warns of potential road closure at U.S. 56
McPHERSON, Kan. - Public Works Director David Bohnenblust alerted commissioners to a potential state proposal to close the intersection of Limestone Road and U.S. Highway 56 as part of future corridor improvements. Bohnenblust advised that county officials should attend an upcoming open house to voice opposition to the closure, noting that Limestone Road serves as a significant thoroughfare similar to First Street. The department intends to advocate for keeping the intersection open to ensure adequate traffic flow and access for agricultural equipment.
Molli Fawl
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