McPherson local news summary

City Secures $178k Through Federal Fund Exchange Strategy

Earl Street Converted to One-Way Near Lincoln Elementary

Rain Causes Significant Delays to Infrastructure Projects

Police Chief Highlights Upcoming Community and Veteran Events

County Revives Stagnant Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant

Commission Explores Artificial Turf for County Building Courtyard

County to Launch Mobile App for Payments and Renewals

1. City Secures $178k Through Federal Fund Exchange Strategy

MCPHERSON - The City Council unanimously approved participation in the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) federal aid fund exchange program, a strategy utilized by the city to maximize infrastructure funding. This agreement allows the city to exchange its federal fund allocations for state funds at a rate of 90 cents on the dollar. Officials explained that accepting the full federal allocation would trigger costly federal construction requirements, noting the city can “actually get more done with 90 cents on the dollar” by maintaining local control and avoiding administrative overhead. The exchange will provide $178,926.05, which will be used to reimburse the city for recently completed street or bridge projects.

2. Earl Street Converted to One-Way Near Lincoln Elementary

MCPHERSON - To enhance safety and alleviate significant traffic congestion, the City Council voted to convert the 200 block of Earl Street to a one-way, westbound street. The block, located on the south side of Lincoln Elementary School, experiences heavy congestion during the school’s twice-daily Pre-K drop-offs. The new traffic pattern is intended to streamline the flow and increase safety for students. Public Works will coordinate with the school to communicate the changes and install necessary signage before the conversion takes effect.

3. Rain Causes Significant Delays to Infrastructure Projects

MCPHERSON - Recent wet weather has hampered progress on several public works projects, reported Public Works Director Eric Duerksen. The Myers Street project faced a rough week due to rain, though crews were able to lay rock and pour curb/driveway in spots, preparing for asphalt millings. The Northview 10-foot sidewalk project stalled last week due to flooded ditches, and crews are navigating utility conflicts (including AT&T lines). Work continues on First Street, with concrete patching in the westbound lane about halfway complete, and several weeks remaining before shifting to the eastbound lane.

4. Police Chief Highlights Upcoming Community and Veteran Events

MCPHERSON - Police Chief Mikel T. Golden announced several upcoming events focused on community engagement and support for veterans and first responders. A First Responders Night is scheduled for Thursday evening at Lakeside Park from 5:00–7:00 PM, featuring equipment tours and hot dogs cooked by Assistant Chief Todd Martens. On Saturday, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance will host a fundraiser for Kansas C.O.P.S. at the police department range. Additionally, the fall gala for Wild Valor, an organization supporting combat veterans, will be held on November 8 at the 365 Sports Complex in Inman.

5. County Revives Stagnant Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant

MCPHERSON COUNTY - McPherson County is restarting work on its $750,000 SS4A grant first awarded two years ago. Public Works engineer Elizabeth Hopp and Public Works Director David Bohnenblust outlined plans to finalize the federal agreement and re-engage communities to update project priorities; a consultant will develop the county’s comprehensive action/safety plan (planning dollars—no construction).

6. Commission Explores Artificial Turf for County Building Courtyard

MCPHERSON COUNTY - Commissioners asked the contractor to price artificial turf for the southeast courtyard of the County Building as part of ongoing renovations. Matt Roots of Fuqua Construction, Inc. reviewed the concept; the vendor projects a 6–10 year payback and a 15-year life (likely longer given low foot-traffic). Any approval would be a change order outside the original building budget.

7. County to Launch Mobile App for Payments and Renewals

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The Commission authorized IT Coordinator Jeff Butler to execute Apple developer agreements for a county-branded app tied to the county’s PayIt payment program, enabling residents to pay taxes and fees on mobile. (Scope/features beyond taxes/fees were not specified in open session.)

Editors note: Apple takes a 30% fee on any payment made within an app, the County should look into this.

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