McPherson local news summary
Firefighters credited with saving museum from nearby blaze
Firefighters credited with saving museum from nearby blaze
City enters agreement with EPA regarding wastewater compliance
New snow and ice control policy adopted
Public works updates commission on sidewalk and street projects
Commission approves permits for spring and summer community events
Firefighters credited with saving museum from nearby blaze
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Fire Chief Chad Mayberry reported a rapid response to a fire at 5:23 a.m. Jan. 19 at the McPherson Museum Haunted House attraction adjacent to the McPherson Museum. The chief noted that the firefighters' brave entry into the burning structure prevented the blaze from spreading to the museum.
City enters agreement with EPA regarding wastewater compliance
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission authorized Mayor Jim Loving to sign an Administrative Order on Consent with the Environmental Protection Agency to resolve Clean Water Act violations identified during a 2024 audit of the city's wastewater pretreatment program. The order addresses several deficiencies, including the city's failure to monitor major industrial user Pfizer for solvents such as methylene chloride and ethyl acetate over a five-year period, as well as a lack of designated staffing for the pretreatment program and alleged failures to enforce necessary local limits. Public Works Director Eric Duerksen emphasized that these administrative, testing, and procedural issues have had no impact on current water quality, public safety, or the wastewater treatment facility's operations. The voluntary agreement, which requires no admission of liability, gives the city 120 days to complete the required corrective actions, though officials say updated sampling and staffing plans are already underway and many items are near completion.
New snow and ice control policy adopted
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Following challenges during severe winter weather last year, the commission voted to adopt a formal snow and ice control policy. The new protocols outline specific procedures for collaboration between the police, fire, Public Works, and Public Lands and Facilities departments to manage winter storm response and street clearing more effectively.
Public works updates commission on sidewalk and street projects
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Public Works staff reported that crews have resumed work on Northview Road sidewalks following a holiday break, including backfilling around bridge extensions. Additionally, design work is progressing for street improvements on Hickory Street and Tulip Street, as well as a Phase 3 trail project along Avenue A, which will extend the 10-foot sidewalk to Centennial Drive.
Commission approves permits for spring and summer community events
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission approved requests for several upcoming community gatherings, including an All Schools Day Skate Event on May 9 and a "Plaza Jam" on May 8. Officials also approved a permit for the "Rock the Block" event—formerly known as "Shop the Night Away"—scheduled for July 10.
Brought to you by
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
