McPherson local news summary

City Backs Tax Credit Application to Spur New Housing Development

Progress Reported on School's Damaged Roundhouse Floor

Major Road Projects Nearing Completion; Crews to Pivot to Pothole Repair

CVB Touts Successful Community Outreach at Kansas State Fair

County Employees to Receive 3% Cost-of-Living Raise

Recent Hailstorm Causes Widespread Damage to County Property

County Building Renovation Pushes Occupancy to Spring 2026

Public Works to Use Repurposed Rail Car for Bridge Repair

City Backs Tax Credit Application to Spur New Housing Development

MCPHERSON - The McPherson City Commission formally threw its support behind an effort to increase local housing by passing Resolution 25-10. The resolution authorizes the city to partner with Liberty Communities LLC in an application for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit program. If successful, the state-level tax credits would provide a financial incentive for the construction of new housing within the city, addressing a key community need.

Progress Reported on School's Damaged Roundhouse Floor

MCPHERSON - Mayor Tom Brown provided an update on the ongoing issues with the school’s roundhouse, reporting that a recent school board meeting outlined a clear path forward. To prevent future water damage, the facility's retention pond will be increased by 150%. The board is now coordinating with engineers and contractors to install either a permanent floor by the beginning of the year or a temporary floor, similar to one used by another school district, to allow for the resumption of physical education classes and games.

Major Road Projects Nearing Completion; Crews to Pivot to Pothole Repair

MCPHERSON - The Public Works Department reported significant progress on several key street projects. The 1100 block of North Elm is now complete, and work on Myers Street is in its final stages. While rain has slowed progress on Northview, crews are making proactive adjustments to the First Street project to ensure the road remains smooth through the winter, even if final asphalt work is delayed until spring. With these larger projects wrapping up, the street department will shift its focus to addressing potholes across town during the remaining warm weather.

CVB Touts Successful Community Outreach at Kansas State Fair

MCPHERSON - The McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) had a highly successful presence at the 2025 Kansas State Fair, according to a report from director Joni Regnier. The CVB booth engaged thousands of fairgoers with a "spin-the-wheel" trivia game, giving away over 1,200 prizes and promoting local attractions like the McPherson Museum, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, and All Schools Day. Regnier extended thanks to the community volunteers who helped staff the booth throughout the ten-day event.

County Employees to Receive 3% Cost-of-Living Raise

MCPHERSON COUNTY - McPherson County Commissioners unanimously approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all county employees, effective October 26th. The decision was made in conjunction with the approval of a new health insurance plan, with commissioners noting the raise would help offset the increase in employee insurance premiums. The adjustment comes ahead of a broader county wage study, which is expected to be completed in January and may result in further pay scale modifications.

Recent Hailstorm Causes Widespread Damage to County Property

MCPHERSON COUNTY - A recent hailstorm caused extensive damage across McPherson County, impacting more than 30 county vehicles and several government buildings. Public works and law enforcement vehicles made up the bulk of the damaged fleet. While an initial inspection of the law enforcement center showed no damage, significant damage was reported on the courthouse roof. KCAMP, the county's insurance carrier, will be conducting a full assessment of all buildings, including the health department, to determine the total cost of repairs and replacements.

County Building Renovation Pushes Occupancy to Spring 2026

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The ongoing renovation of the McPherson County Building is progressing, but the final certificate of occupancy has been pushed back to late March or early April 2026. According to a report from the building committee, sheetrock installation is nearly complete on all floors, with painting underway on the upper levels. The delay was attributed in part to additional, necessary IT infrastructure work.

Public Works to Use Repurposed Rail Car for Bridge Repair

MCPHERSON COUNTY - In an innovative infrastructure solution, the Public Works department received approval to purchase a repurposed railroad tank car for $25,000 to be used in the Marquette bridge repair. The 10-foot diameter, 55-foot-long car will be cut in half, with one half being installed as a large culvert for the bridge and the other half kept in inventory for future projects. The commission also approved an additional $5,000 for the purchase of steel plates that county crews will weld onto the structure.

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