McPherson local news summary
Week of November 14 2025
Commission approves just over $403,000 change for First Street project
Public works crews make headway on major city projects
City encourages use of app to report potholes
Future of Veterans Day parade discussed after 2025 cancellation
Annual Christmas Parade of Lights approved, will use All Schools Day route
McPherson County Toy Run set for Nov. 29
Commission approves $175,000 for concrete bridge structures
Vandalism prompts purchase of new flashing stop lights
County sheriff reports full staffing, increase in car-deer collisions
Commission approves just over $403,000 change for First Street project
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The City Commission on Thursday approved a change order totaling just over $403,000 for the West First Street improvement project. The additional funds shift the plan from a temporary asphalt overlay to more extensive and durable concrete patching. Public Works Director Eric Duerksen said the larger upfront investment should result in a longer-lasting surface. A separate approval for sealing the new concrete joints will come later.
Public works crews make headway on major city projects
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Public works crews continue work on several projects, the commission heard. On Myers Street, sidewalk installation has advanced from the 1100 block and is moving through additional blocks. On Northview, the pipe crew is nearing the end of its work pending coordination with utilities, while other crews continue on the box culvert and sidewalks. Work on First Street is roughly at the halfway point, with a late-November target for patching, weather permitting.
City encourages use of app to report potholes
MCPHERSON, Kan. - As street crews continue pothole patching around the city, residents are encouraged to report problem areas using the SeeClickFix application. The online tool allows citizens to post photos and precise locations, which adds issues directly to the department’s work list to ensure efficient tracking and response.
Future of Veterans Day parade discussed after 2025 cancellation
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Following the cancellation of this year’s Veterans Day parade, Mayor Thomas A. Brown said he is working with local veterans organizations—including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion—and has discussed engaging a local veterans nonprofit to take responsibility for the parade next year. He said bringing in younger veterans and reintroducing a trolley for older participants could reinvigorate the event, which he noted is an important presence for local elementary school students.
Annual Christmas Parade of Lights approved, will use All Schools Day route
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners approved the 2025 Christmas Parade of Lights for Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6:30pm. This year, the parade will utilize the popular All Schools Day parade route, staging on Hickory, then traveling east on First to Main and south on Main to the area of Kansas and Maple. Mayor Thomas A. Brown noted holiday parades are often a community’s largest annual event and said he hopes McPherson’s celebration continues to grow.
McPherson County Toy Run set for Nov. 29
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The City Commission approved the annual McPherson County Toy Run for Saturday, Nov. 29. The charity motorcycle ride will begin at 1pm at Walmart and follow its traditional route around the city before ending at the American Legion. The approval includes a request to block off parking spaces at the Legion to accommodate the event’s conclusion.
Commission approves $175,000 for concrete bridge structures
McPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson County Commission on Monday approved a major infrastructure purchase, authorizing about $175,000 for four sets of reinforced concrete box structures from McPherson Concrete Companies. The structures will be used to replace aging timber bridges on the county’s top 10 replacement list, located on Pioneer, Cimarron, Rainbow and Comanche roads. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust noted the bridges are on moderate-volume roads and were budgeted for replacement. The new structures are expected to be installed in the spring of 2026.
Vandalism prompts purchase of new flashing stop lights
McPHERSON, Kan. - The Public Works Department will spend $5,430 on two new flashing red-light beacons after several existing units were shot out by vandals. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust reported that repeated destruction of the lights created an immediate safety concern. One of the new units will replace a recently damaged light at Arrowhead Road and 27th Avenue, while the second will be kept in inventory as a spare for faster future replacement. Commissioners discussed the expense and the need to investigate the ongoing vandalism.
County sheriff reports full staffing, increase in car-deer collisions
McPHERSON, Kan. - Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office is now fully staffed on both the law enforcement and corrections sides. The department made 20 arrests in the past week and noted a seasonal increase in vehicle collisions involving deer. A new officer has been selected for the court-security transport position, which will create a vacancy to be filled after the first of the year.
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