Snow removal earns praise from residents

Fire department reports spike in calls following policy change

Commission authorizes purchase of new police vehicles

BPU reports shift in water sourcing due to wet year

Infrastructure upgrades approved for Lift Station No. 6

City renews sidewalk maintenance program for residents

New planning and zoning administrator appointed

Hail damage repairs approved for water park

Large-scale biblical exhibit approved for Wickersham Park

Zoning administrator defends department; commissioners uphold fee schedule

County extends moratorium on battery and hydrogen energy systems

Discovery of unregulated data centers prompts moratorium extension

Commission seeks joint summit on industrial growth

Contract approved for road milling project

Potential closure of Limestone Road discussed in U.S. 56 expansion plans

Public meeting set for study of fatal intersection

Snow removal earns praise from residents

McPHERSON, Kan. — Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive following last weekend's snow removal efforts in McPherson, the first storm since a new snow removal policy was adopted last week. City crews were able to get onto every street in McPherson, and Public Works Director Eric Duerksen and Mayor Jim Loving both reported positive responses from residents. Following the extensive cleanup, the commission approved purchasing 100 tons of road salt from Central Salt for $5,156, while crews continue managing slush and snow piles in the downtown area.

Fire department reports spike in calls following policy change

McPHERSON, Kan. - Fire Chief Chad Mayberry presented the department's 2025 annual report, revealing a significant increase in service calls to 1,767, up from approximately 1,300 the previous year. Mayberry attributed a large portion of this increase to a policy change implemented on July 1, requiring the department to respond to all medical emergencies rather than just major incidents. Despite the higher volume, the department is now fully staffed following the opening of Station 2 in April, with seven personnel per shift.

Commission authorizes purchase of new police vehicles

McPHERSON, Kan. - The city commission approved a request from the police department to purchase two 2026 Dodge Durangos from Midway Motors. The total cost for the vehicles is capped at $80,494, with an additional $27,050 allotted for emergency equipment installation. The department will trade in two older units, receiving a credit of $17,700, bringing the net cost of the vehicle upgrades to approximately $90,000.

BPU reports shift in water sourcing due to wet year

McPHERSON, Kan. - During the Board of Public Utilities report, General Manager Josh Bedel noted that 96 percent of the city's water usage in the past year was drawn from the South Well Field. This figure is significantly higher than the typical 75 to 76 percent, a shift attributed to an unusually wet year that lowered overall water sales and usage. The utility also reported that the water system is running efficiently as they near the completion of their lead and copper inventory analysis.

Infrastructure upgrades approved for Lift Station No. 6

McPHERSON, Kan. - To prevent potential sewage backups, the commission authorized the installation of an emergency bypass port at Lift Station No. 6. The $14,341 project, awarded to Utility Contractors Inc., will allow crews to utilize a six-inch pump to move waste into the force main if the station fails. Public works officials noted this is the final station in the city to receive this upgrade, bringing it in line with the capabilities of newer facilities.

City renews sidewalk maintenance program for residents

McPHERSON, Kan. - The commission approved the continuation of the Sidewalk Maintenance Program for 2026, allocating $15,000 to assist residents with repairs. The program pays for materials required to replace sidewalks that do not meet ADA standards or city codes. While only $4,500 was utilized last year due to staffing shortages, the public works department plans to promote the program this year in conjunction with increased code enforcement efforts.

New planning and zoning administrator appointed

McPHERSON, Kan. - Public Works Director Eric Duerksen introduced Alexis Dargiewicz as the new planning and zoning administrator during the meeting. The new administrator will oversee development regulations and zoning compliance for the municipality.

Hail damage repairs approved for water park

McPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners voted to proceed with repairs at the McPherson Water Park stemming from a hail storm on Sept. 3, 2025. The approved funding, not to exceed $31,377, covers the replacement of 11 surface-mount speakers from Hopp's Sound and the repair of 13 shade structures by USA Shade. Public Lands and Facilities Director Wayne Burns noted the repairs are necessary to maintain the facility's standards for the upcoming season.

Large-scale biblical exhibit approved for Wickersham Park

McPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners granted a request from the McPherson Seventh-day Adventist Church to host "Messiah's Mansion," a life-sized traveling exhibit of the Mosaic Sanctuary, in Wickersham Park. The event is scheduled for public tours from July 14 through July 19, 2026, with setup beginning July 10. Organizers stated the exhibit, which travels nationwide, will offer free tours explaining the historical and biblical significance of the structure.

Zoning administrator defends department; commissioners uphold fee schedule

MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey issued a statement defending the office against recent criticism, asserting that zoning regulations are essential for protecting property values, natural resources and public safety. Following the administrator's remarks, the Board of County Commissioners addressed complaints from local real estate agents regarding the county's fee schedule and the "stacking" of permit fees for historic farmsteads. The commission expressed support for the current fee structure, noting that fees have not increased in five years and are often lower than surrounding counties. The board declined to repeal the current resolution or offer amnesty for past unpermitted work, keeping the existing schedule in place.

County extends moratorium on battery and hydrogen energy systems

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission reached consensus to draft an extension of the county’s moratorium on battery energy storage systems and hydrogen energy transfers, which currently expires March 1, 2026, with the proposed extension running to Sept. 1, 2026 (and a related data-center moratorium to Dec. 1, 2026). Kinsey noted that the planning board requires more time and guidance to develop appropriate regulations for these technologies. The commission cited concerns regarding water usage, potential fire hazards and emergency response capabilities as primary reasons for the extension, emphasizing a desire to be proactive rather than reactive regarding industrial energy development.

Discovery of unregulated data centers prompts moratorium extension

MCPHERSON, Kan. — During a discussion on zoning regulations, county officials revealed that multiple data centers are currently operating within the county without specific permits, consuming significant amounts of electricity comparable to large industrial plants. Because these facilities are not currently required to register, the county lacks comprehensive data on their locations. Consequently, the commission agreed to extend the moratorium on new data centers until Dec. 1 to allow time to locate existing facilities and develop regulatory frameworks.

Commission seeks joint summit on industrial growth

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Citing the complex challenges posed by new technologies such as battery storage and data centers, the commission called for a joint public meeting with the city of McPherson, the McPherson Industrial Development Co. and township officials. The board expressed a desire to hold an open forum to discuss strategic planning, tax abatements and the balance between economic growth and resource protection. The meeting aims to align the entities on how to handle industrial expansion that affects both city and county infrastructure.

Contract approved for road milling project

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The board unanimously approved a bid from Weber Road Solutions for road milling services, not to exceed $300,643. Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust recommended the "Option 2" bid, which allows the work to be completed in three separate mobilizations. This phased approach is designed to prevent motorists from driving on rough, milled surfaces for extended periods while county crews catch up with asphalt overlay work. The milled material will be recycled into the asphalt mix to improve quality and reduce oil costs.

Potential closure of Limestone Road discussed in U.S. 56 expansion plans

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust updated the commission on the Kansas Department of Transportation's proposed expansion of U.S. Highway 56. KDOT is currently recommending the permanent closure of the intersection at Limestone Road for safety reasons. While the county has advocated for keeping the road open, Bohnenblust noted that the city of McPherson and McPherson Industrial Development Co. support the closure. The county has formally requested that if the closure proceeds, KDOT should fund improvements to 17th Avenue and the entrance to Love's Travel Stop to handle displaced traffic.

Public meeting set for study of fatal intersection

MCPHERSON, Kan. — A Traffic Engineering Assistance Program study meeting has been scheduled for 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 regarding the intersection of Arrowhead Road and Old Highway 81. The study was commissioned following a double fatality at the location last fall. Consultants from Kirkham Michael will present traffic analysis and crash data at the Moundridge Public Library. The study aims to identify safety improvements to prevent future accidents at the site.

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