McPherson Voters Elect New Mayor, School Board Members, and Approve EMS Funding

McPherson, KS – McPherson County voters reshaped local leadership and approved a significant change to emergency services funding in Tuesday's general election, with unofficial results showing decisive outcomes in key races. Businessman Jim Loving will become McPherson's next mayor, bringing his experience as a former refinery president and citizen journal co-founder to city leadership. Meanwhile, the USD 418 Board of Education will welcome at least one new member in January following a competitive race for three at-large seats.

Based on unofficial tallies, incumbent Dr. Lara Vanderhoof, the current board president serving her second term, secured the top position among ballot candidates. She will be joined by newcomer Blane Janssen, who finished second.

Perry McCabe finished in third and vies for the remaining seat with 1,311 write-in votes cast Tuesday. Three candidates waged write-in campaigns, and those ballots will be officially counted at the vote canvass scheduled for November 17, which will determine the final seat. Sherrie Sparks finished fourth in the race.

Janssen, a McPherson native and 2014 McPherson High School graduate who serves as an officer with the McPherson Police Department, identified the "lowering of standards" and the overwhelming of teachers as top challenges facing the district. Vanderhoof, who has served on the board for four years, believes rebuilding trust within the community is the district's primary challenge, followed by addressing facility needs. McCabe brings 50 years of education experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and previously worked in McPherson as assistant superintendent for finance from 1989 to 2001. Like his fellow board members, McCabe views regaining community trust as a top priority.

In the most consequential ballot measure of the night, McPherson County voters overwhelmingly approved a proposal to fund Emergency Medical Services through a half-cent county-wide sales tax, with 3,039 residents voting yes. The measure, which takes effect April 1, 2026, and runs for five years, shifts EMS funding from property taxes to a sales tax, broadening the funding base to include anyone making taxable purchases in McPherson County, including visitors. This change will give county officials the opportunity to lower property taxes beginning in 2027, providing relief to property owners while ensuring stable funding for emergency services across McPherson, Lindsborg, Moundridge, and rural fire districts. Final official results for all races will be approved at the county canvass on November 17, with winning candidates taking office in January 2026.

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