McPherson local news summary
Planning board prepares for expiration of battery, data center moratoriums
Mayor Brown reflects on tenure as city prepares for leadership change
Commission approves 2026 strategic plan
Police chief reports decrease in calls for service
City leaders highlight strain of mental health crises
Animal shelter reports high release rate, need for new equipment
'Lights from the Heartland' reports record attendance
Commissioners announce reelection campaigns
Planning board prepares for expiration of battery, data center moratoriums
Board approves special use permit for 350-foot cell tower
County and city to oppose KDOT road closure plans
Asphalt plant offline, maintenance budget requested
Sheriff reports 54 inmates and recent high-speed pursuit
Mayor Brown reflects on tenure as city prepares for leadership change
MCPHERSON, Kan. - During his final remarks as the presiding officer, Mayor Tom Brown reflected on his 16 years and nine months of service, noting that his is the city's longest-serving mayor. Brown used the moment to honor former City Administrator and Mayor Bill Goering for his 24 years of combined service to McPherson. The commission scheduled a public transition event that afternoon to honor Brown and welcome the incoming mayor, Jim Loving, marking a significant shift in the city's administration.
Greg Loving
Commission approves 2026 strategic plan
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The city commission voted to adopt the 2026 strategic plan following six months of development by staff and commissioners. Key priorities for the coming year include enhancing emergency planning and communication, implementing leadership training for supervisors, conducting town hall meetings to gather public feedback and establishing a wayfinding committee to update city signage.
Police chief reports decrease in calls for service
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Police Chief Mikel Golden presented year-end statistics for 2025, reporting 13,534 calls for service, a figure that continues a downward trend observed since 2019. The department handled 1,875 cases and issued 1,398 tickets, while arrests remained steady at 408. The chief noted that while overall call volume is lower, the complexity of cases remains consistent.
City leaders highlight strain of mental health crises
MCPHERSON, Kan. - City officials discussed the growing impact of mental health crises on public safety resources. The police department responded to 42 specific mental health calls in 2025, resulting in 41 voluntary hospitalizations and one police protective custody action. Mayor Tom Brown noted that mental health response is becoming a "normal function" for police and fire departments, urging continued cooperation with emergency medical services and state boards to manage the increasing demand.
Animal shelter reports high release rate, need for new equipment
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Chief Golden reported that the city animal shelter achieved a 97 percent live release rate in 2025, adopting out 220 dogs. The facility also serves as a regional hub for pet cremation, performing 633 cremations last year. The chief advised the commission that the shelter's crematorium, in use since 2006, will require replacement in 2027 due to heavy volume.
'Lights from the Heartland' reports record attendance
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Public Lands and Facilities Director Wayne Burns presented the season wrap-up for the "Lights from the Heartland" display, reporting a total estimated attendance of 33,036 visitors during the 37-day season. The event saw 11,012 vehicles pass through the displays, an increase of 433 vehicles compared to the previous year. The busiest single day was Dec. 24, which saw 642 vehicles.
Commissioners announce reelection campaigns
McPHERSON, Kan. — Two commissioners used the public announcement portion of the meeting to declare their candidacy for future elections. District 1 Commissioner Keith Becker and Commissioner Tom Kueser both formally announced they have filed for reelection, with Becker stating a desire to continue the board's current momentum into the future.
Greg Loving
Planning board prepares for expiration of battery, data center moratoriums
McPHERSON, Kan. — Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey reported that county moratoriums on data centers, battery energy storage systems and hydrogen energy transfer are set to expire on March 1. The planning board has established subcommittees to draft regulations for these industries before the deadline. Kinsey noted if recommendations are not ready by February, the board may need to request an extension on the moratoriums.
Board approves special use permit for 350-foot cell tower
McPHERSON, Kan. — Commissioners adopted Resolution 2026-01, approving a special use permit for Tillman Infrastructure to construct a telecommunications tower northeast of Marquette. The structure, intended to host AT&T facilities, will stand 340 feet tall with a 10-foot lightning rod. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey confirmed the tower meets setback requirements, being positioned 387 feet from property lines to ensure safety in the event of a collapse.
County and city to oppose KDOT road closure plans
McPHERSON, Kan. — Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and commissioners discussed plans to formally oppose a Kansas Department of Transportation proposal to close access to Limestone Road and US 56. The board indicated it is waiting for preliminary drawings but intends to draft a letter of disagreement in collaboration with the city of McPherson and the McPherson Industrial Development Company once the state's plans are confirmed.
Greg Loving
Asphalt plant offline, maintenance budget requested
McPHERSON, Kan. — Public Works Director David Bohnenblust reported that the county asphalt plant is currently nonoperational. The department is developing a maintenance budget to perform repairs on the facility and plans to present a consulting contract for the plant's repair at the next commission meeting. In the interim, crews are conducting shoulder work and replacing a large culvert on First Avenue north of Windom.
Sheriff reports 54 inmates and recent high-speed pursuit
McPHERSON, Kan. — Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported a current jail population of 54 inmates, with some prisoners being housed in Dickinson County. The department noted a high-speed pursuit occurred the previous Thursday, resulting in the successful apprehension of the suspect without injury. Additionally, the sheriff announced the hiring of a new correctional officer, though the facility remains short one officer.
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