McPherson – Week of July 2

City Hires New Public Works Director

McPherson County to Bill Corrections Grant for Administrative Costs, Citing Lack of Harvey County Contribution

Community Corrections Spends Surprise Surplus on Vehicles, Tech

Police Department Partners with Beyond Barriers for Shelter Intern

Two Local Aviators Receive Prestigious National Awards

1. City Hires New Public Works Director

MCPHERSON - The City of McPherson has hired Eric Duerksen as its new Public Works Director. Duerksen, who will begin July 21, 2025, brings 25 years of experience in the construction industry, including 18 years in construction engineering and project management. Currently employed as a Project Manager with Hutton, Duerksen will fill the critical vacancy responsible for overseeing the city's streets, water, wastewater, and other essential infrastructure departments.

A McPherson native who returned to the community in 2013 with his wife Cora and their two children, Duerksen has been actively involved in local organizations since moving back. He has served on leadership teams at his church, worked as a Chamber Ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce, joined the Board of Directors for the McPherson County Community Foundation, and both coached and served on the board for the local soccer club MCFC. "What excites me the most about this role is the potential for growth that is in front of our community," Duerksen said in correspondence with city officials. He cited recent infrastructure improvements including BPU's south well field, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, the new Mohawk substation, and major street replacement projects as evidence of the groundwork already laid for future community growth. His parents, John and Sarita Duerksen, still reside in McPherson, along with his sister-in-law Candra Shaft and her family.

2. McPherson County to Bill Corrections Grant for Administrative Costs, Citing Lack of Harvey County Contribution

MCPHERSON COUNTY - In a policy shift, the McPherson County Commission voted to bill the Community Corrections grant program $30,000 for administrative costs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The decision arose during a discussion about the department’s budget surplus, where it was highlighted that McPherson County serves as the administrative county for the joint judicial district but receives no financial contribution from Harvey County for services provided. Commissioners expressed frustration that McPherson County handles all the financial and administrative work for the program without compensation from its partner. Director Sunny Milleson plans to discuss the funding situation with a Harvey County commissioner who is new to the advisory board.

3. Community Corrections Spends Surprise Surplus on Vehicles, Tech

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson County Commission approved more than $81,000 in spending for Harvey-McPherson County Community Corrections after the department found itself with an unexpected budget surplus. The purchases include $70,200 for two new agency vehicles and up to $11,000 for a new server. Community Corrections Director Sunny Milleson explained that the estimated $115,000 surplus resulted from unique circumstances, including delays in receiving state funds and significant salary savings achieved by combining three staff positions into two. The funds needed to be spent before the end of the fiscal year, prompting the urgent request.

4. Police Department Partners with Beyond Barriers for Shelter Intern

MCPHERSON - The McPherson Police Department is launching a new partnership with Beyond Barriers to create an internship at the city’s animal shelter. The commission approved a conditional job offer for Malia Smith to serve as an animal shelter intern, where she will work a few hours per day, a few days a week. The Beyond Barriers program supports individuals with disabilities in the job market. Through the partnership, all of the intern’s wages and workman’s compensation are paid for by the state, providing a valuable work opportunity at no cost to the city. The intern hopes to gain experience before attending veterinary school.

5. Two Local Aviators Receive Prestigious National Awards

MCPHERSON - Two McPherson pilots, Gary Roper and David Ward, were recognized for their long and distinguished careers in aviation. Both men received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for having 50 or more years of piloting experience. They also each received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, named for the Wright Brothers’ own mechanic. The mechanic award is exceptionally rare; according to the presentation, only 28 people in Kansas have ever received it. Both Roper and Ward have extensive flight histories, including time with NCRA, and have also served as flight instructors.

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Sources

1. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1847591972467717
2. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
3. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
4. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1847591972467717
5. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1847591972467717

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Contact: greg@loql.ai