McPherson local news summary
Week of October 1 2025
New Butterfly Garden Approved for Challenger Park
Police Chief Golden to Lead State Association
Public Works Provides Updates on Major Road and Infrastructure Projects
County Reviews Major Overhaul of Floodplain Maps
County Approves Over $54,000 for Culvert Pipes
Vandalism Strikes Courthouse; Window Replaced
New Butterfly Garden Approved for Challenger Park
MCPHERSON - A new butterfly garden will be developed at Challenger Park after the commission approved the project with a budget not to exceed $55,550. The Public Lands and Facilities Department will transform a 9,000-square-foot area into an accessible and educational garden. According to officials, the project is an ideal use for the space, which has a sewer line running through it, as the garden can be easily repaired if utility work is needed. The city plans to launch a partnership program for residents and organizations to contribute to the new community feature.
Police Chief Golden to Lead State Association
MCPHERSON - City Administrator Austin Regier formally recognized Police Chief Mikel Golden, who was recently named President of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Golden is the first police chief from McPherson to hold the leadership role. In his remarks, the chief explained that the association works with state legislators on law-enforcement-related bills, provides support to departments, and serves as a mentoring and leadership organization for police chiefs across Kansas.
Public Works Provides Updates on Major Road and Infrastructure Projects
MCPHERSON - Eric Duerksen, Director of Public Works, updated the commission on several ongoing projects. On Myers Street, all concrete for driveways has been poured, with crews now backfilling and preparing for sidewalk replacement. Progress on the Northview project has resumed after weather delays, with crews laying pipe and beginning sidewalk work near Main Street. Finally, patching continues on First Street, with crews working their way toward Highway 81 before shifting to the eastbound lanes.
County Reviews Major Overhaul of Floodplain Maps
MCPHERSON COUNTY - The county is undertaking a comprehensive review of newly consolidated floodplain maps that will combine three separate regional maps into a single, county-wide plan. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey reported that the new maps, which are part of a state-led initiative, are currently in an initial comment period for local officials until October 24. Public input is expected to begin in February, with the new maps anticipated to take effect in the summer of 2028. During a recent planning meeting, officials identified several areas of concern, including a potentially undersized culvert under Highway 56 in Galva that could impact water flow. Other areas noted for review include drainage near the industrial parks and a section near the McPherson roundhouse that is slated to be removed from the floodplain.
County Approves Over $54,000 for Culvert Pipes
MCPHERSON COUNTY - Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of culvert pipes totaling $54,598.80 for the Crossroad Pipe Replacement Program. The purchase includes concrete pipes from McPherson Concrete ($19,176.88) and steel pipes from J&J Drainage ($35,421.92). Public Works officials noted that rising material costs have impacted the budget, with concrete pipes increasing 8-10%. These pipes will be used for projects scheduled for 2025 and extending into 2026 due to an increased workload from recent washouts and sinkhole repairs.
Vandalism Strikes Courthouse; Window Replaced
MCPHERSON COUNTY - A second-floor window at the county courthouse was recently replaced at a cost of $2,009.25 after being shot out by what appeared to be a BB gun or a rock. The repair, conducted by Sturgeon Glass, required a lift and was scheduled to coincide with a period when court was not in session to minimize disruption.
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