McPherson local news summary
Airport Gets $1M+ Upgrade With Minimal Local Cost
Commission approves major airport upgrades with federal funding
City inks $512,000 design contract for Kansas Avenue project
Street projects pause for winter season
Pole agreement approved for Flock camera installation
EMS agency ranks in top 10 percent statewide
Holiday light display draws 22,000 visitors
Remodeled county building reaches 80 percent completion
County approves $51,000 for rooftop HVAC shielding
Commission denies request for liquor sales inside county building
Public works director authorized for federal lobbying trip
Appraiser's office to replace hail-damaged fleet
Motor vehicle employees granted one-time stipend
Commission approves major airport upgrades with federal funding
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city commission approved agreements for three capital improvement projects at the McPherson Airport, including airfield lighting updates, pavement rehabilitation and a new fuel farm. While the total cost of the projects exceeds $1 million, Mayor Tom Brown noted that the city leveraged Federal Aviation Administration and state grants to reduce the local cost share to approximately $43,854. Officials emphasized that the improvements are necessary to maintain the airport's status as part of the national infrastructure and to ensure it remains accessible for medical transport flights during inclement weather.
City inks $512,000 design contract for Kansas Avenue project
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Commissioners voted to approve a $512,400 professional services agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for the design of the upcoming Kansas Avenue corridor improvement project. Public Works Director Eric Duerksen clarified that this contract covers 100 percent service fees for surveying and engineering to prepare for construction scheduled for 2027 or 2028. The board also approved a separate correction to a previous trail design agreement regarding Avenue A to properly list the contracting party.
Greg Loving
Street projects pause for winter season
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Public Works Director Eric Duerksen provided status updates on ongoing infrastructure repairs, noting that crews have demobilized for the holiday season and will return after the new year. The manhole raising project on Myers Street is complete until asphalt overlays begin next year, and the storm pipe installation on Northview Avenue is largely finished, pending final backfill and concrete curing. The Board of Public Utilities is scheduled to work on light poles in affected areas between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Pole agreement approved for Flock camera installation
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission authorized a pole attachment agreement with the Board of Public Utilities. City administration clarified that the primary purpose of the agreement is to facilitate the installation of new Flock Safety cameras on utility power poles. The agreement allows the city to attach the license plate reading technology to utility infrastructure to aid law enforcement.
EMS agency ranks in top 10 percent statewide
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson EMS was recognized for receiving a "zero deficiency" rating following a recent inspection by the Kansas Board of EMS. EMS Director Will Moore reported that this perfect score places the agency in the top 10 percent of all EMS services in Kansas. The inspection covered training records, patient care, equipment readiness and documentation, reflecting the staff's daily attention to operational detail.
Holiday light display draws 22,000 visitors
MCPHERSON, Kan. — City officials reported that the Lakeside light display attracted 7,646 vehicles and approximately 22,938 visitors over the last three and a half weeks. During the meeting, the winners of the "Great Light Fight" were also announced, with the residence at 726 E. Simpson taking the "Brightest Display" and "Best Overall" awards. The "Wow Factor" award went to 806 S. Elm, and the "Griswold Award" was presented to 817 N. Myers.
Remodeled county building reaches 80 percent completion
McPHERSON, Kan. - The renovation of the McPherson County Building is on schedule and 80 percent complete, with sheetrock installation finished and painting underway on the upper floors. Officials reported that the stonework on the west side is finished, exterior heated sidewalks are operational and furniture installation is expected to begin soon. The project is designed to serve the county's needs for the next 50 years.
County approves $51,000 for rooftop HVAC shielding
McPHERSON, Kan. - To improve the aesthetics of the renovated McPherson County Building, the board voted to approve a bid of $51,076 to install visual shielding around rooftop heating and air conditioning units. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust recommended a slanted, brown metal design intended to obscure the mechanical equipment from street-level view while maintaining necessary airflow for the 14 units located on the structure.
Commission denies request for liquor sales inside county building
McPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson County Commission voted to deny a request from a local vendor to sell liquor inside the 4-H Building for an upcoming fundraiser, though they did authorize a "Battle of the Bands" event at the same location. Commissioners cited concerns that selling alcohol inside the facility was a poor fit due to the building's frequent use for youth programs and Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The board noted they differentiate between indoor county offices and the outdoor rodeo arena, where alcohol sales are permitted.
Public works director authorized for federal lobbying trip
McPHERSON, Kan. - The board approved a request for Public Works Director David Bohnenblust to attend the American Society of Civil Engineers legislative fly-in in Washington, D.C. Bohnenblust said the trip is essential for lobbying federal legislators for bridge funding, noting that McPherson County ranks in the top five nationally for bridges over 20 feet and currently lacks a dedicated funding source to replace dozens of aging timber structures.
Appraiser's office to replace hail-damaged fleet
McPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners authorized the purchase of a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and a 2025 Ford Escape for the county appraiser's office, with a combined cost of approximately $62,600. County Appraiser Stacy Hubbard told the board the purchase was necessary to replace a 2014 Chevrolet Impala and a 2008 Ford Escape that were totaled in a recent hailstorm, with funding provided by insurance settlements and the capital equipment reserve.
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