McPherson introduces HCAP incentive
In a continued effort to draw more people to move to McPherson, the City of McPherson Commission in October authorized the Homebuyer Cash Assistance Program. The new program offers $5,000 to help new residents with closing costs and is a modified version of the relocation program. That started as an employer-match program, but is now open to any individual.
New homeowners either within the community or moving from out of town have the opportunity to apply for the assistance if they meet certain criteria. The City set aside $50,000 annually to start the program.
One of the main criteria is the applicant cannot have owned a home in the City limits for at least 36 months prior to applying.
The following criteria also are outlined in Ordinance No. 3450 that authorized the program.
• The property is located in a platted development, within the City’s corporate limits, and all special assessment and general tax obligations on all buildable lots (meaning platted lots currently served by existing street, utility and drainage infrastructure sufficient to support residential structures that could be constructed thereon) within such development are paid current;
• All special assessment and general tax obligations on the property for which application is made must have been paid current as of the date the applicant home owner closed the purchase of the property, and must still be current as of the date of application;
• The property must not be located within a tax increment finance district or receive any other City incentive whether existing now or in the future or be participating in the New Construction Homebuyer Incentive Program, Rural Housing Incentive District or have received any Relocation Cash Assistance Payments (RCAP) or HCAP assistance from the City previously;
• The Homebuyer does not currently own a residence in the City of McPherson and must not have owned a home within the McPherson City Limits for at least thirty of the thirty-six months prior to applying for HCAP or the homebuyer is relocating from another location not within the City of McPherson and has not owned a home in McPherson City Limits for at least thirty of the thirty-six months prior to applying for HCAP. City staff shall develop policy for acceptable proof of prior residency;
• As part of the application process, the applicant(s) must furnish a properly completed Form W-9 and must enter into an Agreement to be developed by City staff, which will provide evidence satisfactory to the City of HCAP eligibility; and
• The original builder/developer of an otherwise qualified house or any “related party” to such original builder/developer shall not be eligible to receive any benefits under this program. For purposes of this Program, “related party” shall include any entity in which an applicant has a ten percent (10%) or greater ownership interest or any family member of the original builder/developer, or owner thereof, if related as spouse, parent or child.
The program is one of several incentives and offers to those willing to build in or move to McPherson for housing. Find out more about these programs by visiting here.
PD cuts ribbon on substation
In conjunction with the McPherson Chamber of Commerce, The McPherson Police Department in October celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new substation at 218 E. Kansas Ave.
The new facility is an immediate step in alleviating overcrowded offices in the law enforcement center on West Woodside, a facility shared by the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, the McPherson PD and the county jail. A new PD facility near Fire Station 2 is part of the City's long-term strategic plan.
The facility not only will improve operational efficiency, but also increase the department’s visibility in the downtown area. Patrol and investigation divisions are housed at the new location, allowing for enhanced engagement and quicker response times.
Pictured is McPherson Mayor Tom Brown and McPherson Police Chief Mikel Golden cutting the ribbon on the new substation, along with the McPherson City Commission and members of the PD. Photos from the McPherson Chamber of Commerce.
The current investment in the property is just over $700K, with some parking and security measures yet to be in place.
Turkey Creek available for rent
Get ready to tee up your next event in style. The Turkey Creek Golf Course Clubhouse is planning to be open for event rentals during the offseason.
Whether you are planning a corporate gathering or maybe a birthday bash, the clubhouse might be what you are looking for, in addition to several other facilities available throughout the City.
Pending approval by the McPherson City Commission, the following costs will be associated with rentals available seven days a week with an additional $25 cleaning fee.
• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — up to 4 hours $75
• 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. — up to 2 hours, $100; 3-5 hours, $225.
For more information, see the Turkey Creek Golf Course Facebook page, go to golfturkeycreek.com or call the clubhouse at 620-241-8530.
Depending on the size of your gathering, other event spaces that might fit your needs are the McPherson Community Building or the Lakeside Cabin.
Ready to eat? Or volunteer?
Join the McPherson community in celebrating Thanksgiving with a traditional feast. The McPherson Community Dinners organization will host its annual dinner at the McPherson Community Building from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2025.
The annual event put on by numerous volunteers and feeds roughly 1,000 people on an annual basis between dine-in, carry-out and home delivery options. The City of McPherson donates the use of the Community Building, while a bevy of volunteers flock in for setup, serving and then clean-up over a three-day span surrounding the holiday.
For those wishing to volunteer, call 620-755-0752. For other questions or to schedule a delivery or pickup, call 620-747-2760.
This is a great opportunity to come together with your community, share a meal and make a difference.
Get out and vote
On Nov. 4, voters in McPherson County will head to the polls with a sales tax question on the general election.
The proposal from McPherson County is a half-percent sales tax that would provide funding for McPherson, Lindsborg and Moundridge Emergency Medical Services — along with Rural Fire District 1 at Canton and Rural Fire District 2 at Marquette. Both of the latter provide ambulance services for those communities.
If approved, this tax will take effect April 1, 2026, with a five-year sunset.
While it is not guaranteed, if the tax were adopted by voters in the county, it presents an opportunity for a potential decrease in levied funds through Ad Valorem tax for the communities affected, as well as the county budget.
You can see a list of commonly-asked questions by visiting here.
Odds/Ends
First KAPE conference
The McPherson Community Building and the McPherson Police Department was the host for the first Kansas Association of Property and Evedience training conference in early October.
MPD Evidence Technician Janey Crosthwaite (pictured in Citizens Hall) is the president of the KAPE and helped organize the event.
Veterans' Day ahead
The annual Veterans' Day event will be held Nov. 11, 2025, at the McPherson Park Department (former Armory), 607 W. First Street. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and last approximately one hour. Event organizers are skipping the parade portion of the event this year.
Passing the test
The McPherson Police Department welcomed its newest certified officer in October. Officer William Patterson completed his training with the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and is now on full time with the PD. Welcome officer. In addition, new hire Ian Bartlett is set to begin his 14 weeks with the KLETC in November.
New opening for fire department
The McPherson Fire Department has opened up the application process for a new firefighter/EMT position. This position will fill out three shifts with seven personnel.
With the opening of Fire Station 2, the minimum staffing level has been six per shift. This allows each station to have a minimum operating crew of three personnel per truck. This is the minimum crew size that meets industry safety standards. With six personnel per shift, whenever a member is on vacation, sick leave, injury leave, or training, overtime coverage is required to meet staffing minimum. This has led to extensive overtime costs. Having each shift staffed with seven personnel will help reduce overtime costs. Those wishing to apply for the new spot should go to ksgovjobs.com.
Drug take back
The McPherson Police Department teamed up with the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office to participate in Drug Take-Back Day, an event designed to safely collect unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs. Together, the departments collected nearly 30 pounds of prescriptions.
Restrooms are closed
The City of McPherson Park Department began closing outdoor restroom facilities for seasonal maintenance and winterization in late October.
Memorial Park and Lakeside Park close for the season. Wall Park at the tennis complex and sports complex; and Challenger Park have capabilities to remain open.
The goal was to have all outdoor restrooms closed by Oct. 31. The City of McPherson encourages park visitors to plan accordingly and appreciate your understanding as facilities are prepared for colder weather.
Shade in store
Thanks to a generous donation from Sid & Wendy Johnson, work is set for improvements to the McPherson Plaza at Main & Marlin Streets. The McPherson City Commission voted to accept a donation of $23,000 to put toward building a shade structure over the stage area. Payments will be made in two installments to the McPherson County Community Foundation. The shade structure will make a nice addition for the downtown venue, filling a need for future events to take place.
Water Park updates
The McPherson City Commission recently approved funding to go toward repairs that interrupted operations of several amenities during the summer at the McPherson Water Park. A total of $63,000 now will be put toward repairs of plumbing that operates the water slide, lazy river and splash pad. With repairs, staff will work to make the amenities available for next season. More updates will be available at a later date.
New HR intern
The City of McPherson Human Resources team would like to welcome Ella Schrag as an intern. Building on the internship program started in 2025, Schrag will be the third intern in the Municipal Center to learn the day-to-day operations of the City Administration team. During the summer, the City Finance team welcomed two interns.
Now a one way
The 200 block of East Earl Street was transitioned to a one-way street from Elm to Ash. This change is designed to enhance safety and streamline traffic during pickup and drop-off times at Lincoln Elementary School, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Public Works Department and officials at Lincoln
Let’s light up McPherson!
The Lights from he Heartland display continues to grow – and so does the amount of effort it takes to make it happen. Each year, the contributing list of individuals and community groups grows. The McPherson Park Department is looking for community-minded people in the spirit to help put together this awesome display.
Beginning Nov. 3, those available in the next several weeks can sign up and let the park department know. Help spread the holiday cheer this season with Lights from the Heartland.
Those wishing to donate lights or displays also can reach out to Recreation Specialist Shawna Smith at shawnas@mcpcity.com with questions.
Adopt, don’t shop
Do you have plans to bring a new family member of the furry variety into your home this holiday season? Please adopt, don’t shop. The McPherson Animal Shelter is at full capacity with a building full of adoptable, lovable friends.
Just take a look at the list supplied by the shelter staff. You can apply to adopt an animal by visiting here.
• King – 102 days here. A Pit Bull/Mastiff mix with a big heart and a goofy smile. Strong, loyal, and so ready to be someone’s best friend.
• Benji – 63 days. A Black Mouth Cur mix full of charm and energy. He greets everyone with joy but still hasn’t found his person.
• Ruby – 37 days. A Shepherd mix with gentle eyes and a loving soul. She’s patient and kind — just waiting for someone to see her.
• Nebula – 37 days. A Lab mix who shines bright, playful and affectionate. She’s the definition of a good dog — she just needs a chance.
• Lana – 18 days. A sweet Shiba Inu who’s cautious at first but warms up quickly once she knows you care.
•Jynx – 13 days. A fun little Chihuahua/Pug/Shih Tzu mix who’s full of life and personality. She’s small but mighty in heart.
• Yuna – 13 days. A Chihuahua/Pug mix, loving, snuggly, and always happy to be near people.
• Sugar Plum – 5 days. A Deaf Pit Bull mix who doesn’t let anything hold her back. She’s gentle, affectionate, and incredibly special.
Trolley Light Tour Tickets
One of the most popular items for one of McPherson’s most popular events won’t last long. Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 3 for the annual Holiday Light Trolley Tours, hosted by the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau. Beginning December 4, the spruced up McPherson trolley will drive through various neighborhoods and the Lights from the Heartland display.
Tickets are $5 per seat and the trolley runs at two different times on Dec. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 & 10.
To reserve your spot, visit the CVB Office at 1111 E. Kansas Avenue or call 620-241-3340. All trolley tours will begin at the McPherson Museum Parking lot. All aboard.
Project updates
Hess Park
New grass was planted in Hess Park (pictured) in October, the first stage of a plan to revitalize the location. The 3-to-5-year plan aims to change the landscape and add to the overall aesthetics of the park and eventually will include new trees, plant life and flowers, and possibly a restroom facility.
Northview 10-foot sidewalk
Phase III of the Northview 10-foot sidewalk project advanced despite continued rain last month. The concrete started going on from Main Street working east on the north side of the road, while crews continued to pump water and lay pipe in the new underground drainage on the south side of the road.
This phase of the 10-foot sidewalk — matching what was done from Main Street to the west — will stretch just past Veranda Place. The project includes the drainage improvements on the south side of the road, along with a 5-foot sidewalk from Main Street to Grimes Street.
First Street
Crews now are working on concrete cutting in the south two lanes for West First Street. Once cutting is complete, work will include concrete removal and patching. Traffic continues to be condensed to two lanes in the area from Hospital Drive west to the Highway 81 Bypass.
Elm Street
The 1100 block of North Elm Street is complete for now. Millings were placed and yards were reseeded in October and the project is on hold until the overlay schedule of 2026.
Myers Street
Yards were reseeded in the 900 block of the Myers Street reconstruction while sidewalks are about halfway done in the 1000 block (the final block of this project). City of McPherson staff also will work with the Board of Public Utilities to relocate some water meters.
Credits:
Created with images by Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • tonktiti - "Small home model on woman hand." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • steheap - "Many voting stickers given to US voters in Presidential election for background to illustrate vote rights" • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves." • Acronym - "Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves."