McPherson – Week of December 11 2024
Health department security debate; City holiday bonuses approved; Police honor guard open Chiefs game; McPherson STEM camp scholarships; Sentinel named official newspaper; Sports
1. Health Department Reassesses Security Measures Post-Pandemic Amid Debate Over Accessibility
2. City Approves Holiday Bonuses and Reports Euclid Street Drainage Progress
3. McPherson Police Honor Guard Opens Dec. 8 Chiefs Game
4. McPherson Students Offered Fully Funded STEM Camp Scholarships
5. McPherson Sentinel Designated as Official Newspaper Amid Industry Decline
Bullpup Sports
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McPherson County Obituaries: December 5-11
Column: The North American Drug War
1. Health Department Reassesses Security Measures Post-Pandemic Amid Debate Over Accessibility
The McPherson County Health Department faced heightened tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including two death threats against its director and ongoing verbal harassment of staff. In response, the department implemented a restricted access policy requiring visitors to buzz in before entering, supported by a new electronic security system. While these measures enhanced safety, they have also introduced operational challenges, such as malfunctioning door locks and maintenance issues exacerbated by weather.
At a recent county commission meeting, debate arose over whether the restricted access policy remains necessary. Commissioner Tom questioned if the level of security is still justified, suggesting the department could explore less restrictive options now that pandemic tensions have subsided. The discussion coincided with the approval of bids to replace aging doors and frames, totaling $30,250, aimed at resolving ongoing maintenance issues and improving compatibility with the security system. Health Department Director Shalein defended the system’s benefits but expressed willingness to consider more open access policies once the new doors are installed and operational.
Article Source: McPherson County
2. City Approves Holiday Bonuses and Reports Euclid Street Drainage Progress
At the December 10 McPherson City Commission meeting, updates were provided on the Euclid Street drainage project. East and west streets, as well as Main Street at Euclid, are now open, with work shifting to the south side following near-completion of removals on the north side. Despite a minor issue, contractors remain on track to meet the project timeline. In other business, the commission approved a $125 holiday bonus for all full-time and part-time city employees, totaling $15,000, as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions throughout the year.
Article Source: City of McPherson
3. McPherson Police Honor Guard Opens Dec. 8 Chiefs Game
The McPherson Police Honor Guard presented the colors to open the Kansas City Chiefs game on December 8 at Arrowhead Stadium. Their performance was featured on KSN and shared widely on social media, earning praise for their professionalism and precision. One of the stadium’s producers noted that their presentation will now influence future training standards for the Honor Guard at the venue. The Chiefs went on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 in a thrilling game, sealed with a last-second field goal.
Article Source: City of McPherson
4. McPherson Students Offered Fully Funded STEM Camp Scholarships
High school sophomores and juniors in McPherson County can apply for a fully funded opportunity to attend a STEM summer camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, sponsored by the McPherson County Community Foundation through the Jill Larson STEM Educational Fund. The scholarships, open to both male and female students, will cover registration fees, including accommodation, for two participants. The camps, hosted at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus, offer immersive experiences in fields like aeronautics, data science, forensics, video game design, air traffic control, and drone technology, with instruction from university faculty and staff. McPherson County Community Foundation President Becky Goss highlights the program’s potential to broaden horizons for local students. Applications are due February 15, 2025, with final submissions accepted by March 1. For details, visit the Embry-Riddle Summer Camps website.
Article Source: McPherson Sentinel
5. McPherson Sentinel Designated as Official Newspaper Amid Industry Decline
The McPherson County Commission has approved the McPherson Sentinel as the official county newspaper. The designation ensures public notices will continue to be published in a paper meeting state circulation requirements. Commissioners briefly considered alternatives, including free-distribution publications, but noted the Sentinel remains the most reliable option for reaching county residents. This decision comes as local newspapers face a steep decline nationwide. The commissioners acknowledged the importance of preserving local journalism, which plays a vital role in community cohesion and government accountability. Discussions also touched on the potential for future legislative changes to allow online platforms for legal notices.
Article Source: McPherson County
Bullpup Sports
Boys Basketball
Mac v Derby 71-72
The Kansas high school basketball season is officially underway and The Eagle has you covered with a list of some of the top boys basketball players in the Wichita area for the 2024-25 season. Below a list of 25 of the top players in the Wichita area, ranging from Class 1A to Class 6A, can be found with 75 more top players recognized for a top-100 list.
Gabe Pyle, McPherson senior
Ian Razak, McPherson senior
Girls Basketball
Mac v Derby 32-72
The Kansas high school basketball season is officially underway and The Eagle has you covered with a list of some of the top girls basketball players in the Wichita area for the 2024-25 season. Below a list of 25 of the top players in the Wichita area, ranging from Class 1A to Class 6A, can be found with 75 more top players recognized for a top-100 list.
Brooke Doile, McPherson junior
Piper Alvord, McPherson sophomore
Boys swimming
12/7 - 10th @ Maize
Girls wrestling
12/5 - McPherson 64, Mulvane 18
12/7 - Kretzer Klassic (Home)
McPherson’s top performance of the day came from Lexi Patterson in the 110-pound weight class. The senior won by fall (1:20) over Southeast of Saline’s Alea Barnaby in the quarterfinals, won by fall (1:40) over Junction City’s Jordis Serrano in the semifinals and won by fall (3:52) over Smoky Valley’s Jaycie Falcon in the championship match.
The Lady Pups also sent four wrestlers to the third-place match in the 105, 125, 135 and 155-pound weight classes. Mercedes Ladwig lost by fall (2:02) to Bluestem’s Reagan Neal in the 105-pound third-place match, Amara Dossett lost by fall (4:56) to Salina Central’s Valerie VanZant in the 125-pound third-place match, Brooklyn Kutina lost by fall (2:18) to Abilene’s Kaylee Weibert in the 135-pound third-place match and Heidi Fairchild lost by fall (2:32) to Salina South’s Mia Dara in the 155-pound third-place match.
Other McPherson wrestlers that made it to placement matches includes Alix Wilson who lost by fall (4:19) to Newton’s Madyson Gomez in the 100-pound fifth- place match, Emily Reno who lost by fall (2:42) to Newton’s Madelyn Crawford in the 110-pound fifth-place match, Molly Owen who won by major decision (11- 3) over Smoky Valley’s Brylie Ricketts in the 130-pound fifth-place match, Sydney Cummins who lost by decision (8-6) to Hutchinson’s Baleigh Cousins in the 140-pound fifth-place match, Nahla Sechler who won by decision (7- 4) over McPherson’s Clarea Williams in the 145-pound fifth-place match and Clarea Williams who lost by decision (7- 4) to McPherson’s Nahla Sechler in the 145-pound fifth-place match. Both the girls and boys wrestling teams will be back in action on Thursday, December 12 when the Bullpups travel 30 minutes north to compete in a dual against Salina South. The duals for both the boys and girls begin at 5:00 P.M.
Boys wrestling
12/5 - McPherson 51, Mulvane 29
Sports Sources: Wichita Eagle, McPherson Sentinel, Ad Astra Radio
Sources
1. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
2. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/905780328200461
3. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/905780328200461
4. print
5. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
6. various