An honor to serve
On July 29, the McPherson Fire Department had the honor to give fellow firefighter Jerry "Pete" Petersen one final ride on the department's 1928 American LaFrance. Peterson passed away July 22 2025, at the age of 77.
A few of his fellow retirees served as casketbearers for the service. Peterson was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #24 and V.F.W. Post #2715.
Peterson served his community with pride and commitment as a volunteer firefighter for both the Galva Fire Department and the McPherson Fire Department.
“We feel blessed to have the chance to use the beautifully restored American LaFrance for events such as this. The opportunity to recognize and honor a man who selflessly dedicated a large portion of his life to serving the community is an exceptional opportunity. Pete was one of the most consistent attendees at our monthly retiree breakfasts. Both current members and retirees will greatly miss him.” - McPherson Fire Department.
breaking down our taxes
The City of McPherson’s 2026 operating budget is nearing completion. The annual task starts anew each year, with the next budget cycle kicking off as soon as the current one wraps. This is a chance to get familiar with the budget, the process and the breakdown, ahead of the Aug. 26, 2025, budget hearing at 9 a.m. at the McPherson Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
The City of McPherson receives its money primarily from two local tax sources — property (ad valorem) as well as revenue generated from local sales tax. Property taxes are levied by a variety of publicly-funded services.
Break that down a little further.
And a little further yet to see how funds are divided among the departments through the City of McPherson.
During the budget process, it is determined whether or not the City of McPherson will stay revenue neutral or if it intends to bring in more tax dollars. The City of McPherson is not increasing the tax rate for 2026. However, the dollar amount will increase, requiring a notice of intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate. And thus, a hearing is required. This will coincide with the Aug. 26 budget hearing.
In addition, the City's budget receives a portion of the sales tax applied to local retail sales. This money generally is used for special projects like street construction, new facilities and other special projects.
Green spaces, happy Places
Butterfly garden
The area just to the east of the new pickleball complex near Fire Station No. 1 soon will be bursting with color. Perhaps more importantly, a bevy of pollinators will be making a stop.
The City of McPherson Park Department intends to turn that area into a pollinator garden.
Thanks to a generous donation of flower pots from local resident Troy Wiens, things are getting started.
The City already joined with the McPherson Recreation Commission to not only develop the courts, but also make some significant landscaping improvements in the area. This space to the east of the courts and to the south of the fire station will just go further in a continued effort to add beauty to our public spaces.
If anyone is interested in supporting this project—through donations, native seeds, garden materials, trees, fencing, or park amenities, get in touch with the Public Lands and Facilities Office at 620.245.2565.
Hess Park changes
The City of McPherson Park Department is beginning a new landscaping initiative at Hess Park, following the installation of a new irrigation system.
In the first phase, park staff will be spraying and eliminating sections of the existing grass to prepare the area for new growth later this year.
Signs have been posted and residents are asked to stay off the treated areas for safety and to ensure the success of the project.
This marks the beginning of a 3-to-5-year transformation plan aimed at enhancing the park’s look. Future improvements will include new trees, plant life and flowers to create an inviting and scenic space.
Odds/Ends
Thanks for a great summer
The City of McPherson finance team had the opportunity this summer to welcome two incredible interns (pictured) in the Finance Department. They did a great job as part of the finance and administration team, learning all they could about municipal finance. They had opportunity to work on several key tasks, working mainly alongside Finance Director Richard Miller and Assistant Finance Director Lisa Faust, as well as the City Clerk staff.
Courtney Delaney will be entering her second year at Oklahoma Christian University and is majoring in accounting.
Denton Whiteside will be heading to University of Missouri-Kansas City to finish up his master’s degree in finance.
Reunion time
On Friday, Aug. 1, roughly 200-300 people will be entering the McPherson Community Building to re-has memories and re-kindle friendships. The facility will play host to the annual McPherson High School All-Class Reunion where eight to 10 graduating classes back to 1965 will be gathering for their 5-year check-in. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m.
Safety a top priority
While the McPherson Water Park is a great place to cool off, being out in the heat doesn't come without its risks. Recently, staff and patrons at the water park were asked by KWCH News to talk about an initiative to keep not only swimmers, but also staff, safe. Watcht the report by clicking here.
Solid training
The McPherson Police Department invited other departments and City staff to participate in a two-day Public Information course taught by Bill Davis and Robert Tornabene with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
The training emphasized equipping personnel with skills to collect, verify, coordinate, and share information with the community. Key topics included ethics, legal considerations, policies, media relations and conducting news conferences. The course culminated in a simulated press conference where participants worked in teams.
In command
Recently, the McPherson Police Department took delivery of a new command trailer, courtesy of a successful application for a $100,000 COPS grant through U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran.
The trailer can serve as a command center in the event of emergencies or special response situations — or supply a support command center in assisting other agencies.
Police Chief Mikel Golden, Captain Ryan Bauer and Assistant Administrative Support Supervisor Beth Odell completed the proper paperwork to receive the grant.
#progress
MPD sub-station
The McPherson Police Department sub-station is nearing completion and should be ready to open in the coming weeks.
Carpet and other flooring has been installed along with new windows and a new front door. The networking cables also are in progress.
Furniture also has been delivered and assembly has begun. The MPD is planning an open house. Be sure and follow the department’s social media or go to mcpcity.com for details on that event.
Elm Street Update
Despite recent heavy rains, good progress has been made on the reconstruction of the 1100 block of North Elm Street.
The City of McPherson Street department has poured 250 feet of curb and gutter on the east side of the road and is working on driveway tie-ins.
The intersection at Loomis Street also is complete and earlier this week (pictured above), the department was pouring the intersection at Hulse Street.
The west side curb also has been formed and pouring on that should begin shortly.
Once that is complete the street will be ready for millings. These millings will provide the driving surface until it is packed down through one season. The overlay will be scheduled during the fall season in 2026 to complete the process.
Maxwell update
Rain also has slowed the progress on Maxwell Street. Kansas Paving is handling the mill & overlay efforts from First Street to Northview Avenue.
The contractor still is requesting no parking in that area of Maxwell between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to aide the progress.
Myers Street reconstruction
Contractor Vogts-Parga continues work on three blocks of Myers Street from First Street to Hulse Street.
The first block in that stretch is now complete with curb & gutter and driveway tie-ins. They also have begun backfilling curb & gutter in the second block with grading and compaction of the road way.
That process in the second block — weather permitting — is expected to be completed this week.
Once Vogts-Parga has completed its part of the process, the roadway will be driven on for one season before the overlay process in the fall of 2026.
Work is set to begin this week on the Northview Avenue Sidewalk Project, Phase II. Barkley Construction, LLC, will be installing the 10-foot sidewalk on the north side of the road from Main Street east. The project also includes filling the drainage ditch and installing a 5-foot sidewalk on the south side.
Welcome to the team
The City of McPherson welcomed three new full-time employees and numerous seasonal/temporary employees during the month of July. Welcome everyone and thank you for dedicating your professional lives to public service.
Michael Adams - Police Department Patrol Officer/McPherson Middle School SRO
Blake Nichols - Police Department Detective
Eric Duerksen - Public Works Director
D.A.R.E to get connected
The City of McPherson values making connections in our community. Events like the D.A.R.E swim night at the McPherson Water Park, the Sno-Cones with a Cop event, Fireworks with a Fireman and many others give staff that opportunity.
Here are some of the highlights from July.
On the horizon
Aug. 1 – McPherson High School All-Class Reunion, 5 to 10 p.m., at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin. Classes every five years dating back to 1965 are expected to gather for a night of memories.
Aug. 4 — Story-Time on the Trolley. Board the McPherson Trolley at the McPherson Museum and CVB office at 1111 E. Kansas. Storytimes are slated for 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3;30 p.m. with the last boarding at 4 p.m.
Aug. 5 — McPherson City Commission Meeting and Study Session, 8:30 a.m. at the Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
Aug. 5 — Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., at the McPherson Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
Aug. 7-8 — Global Leadership Summit at the McPherson Community Building hosted by the City of McPherson, with support from the Loyd Group.
Aug. 12 — McPherson City Commission Meeting and Study Session, 8:30 a.m. at the Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
Aug. 16 — First day of classes for McPherson Public Schools.
Aug. 16 — Annual “Pooch Plunge” at the McPherson Water Park.
Aug. 19 — McPherson City Commission Meeting and Study Session, 8:30 a.m. at the Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
Aug. 20 — First day of classes at McPherson College.
Aug. 20 — First day of classes at Central Christian College of Kansas.
Aug. 23 — United Way “Party in the Park”
Aug. 26 — McPherson City Commission Meeting and Study Session, 8:30 a.m. at the Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
Aug. 26 — City of McPherson Revenue Neutral Rate/Budget Hearing, 9 a.m. at the McPherson City Commission Room 400 E. Kansas Ave.
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