McPherson Matters

is it time to be outside, yet?

The weather in the month of February was, for lack of a better word, unseasonable.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing. While more moisture would be a great thing to have, the warmer temperatures did make for some good working conditions on several projects across City of McPherson Public Lands & Facilities.  First was new permanent shade structures installed at the Plaza downtown. The Plaza is growing in popularity for numerous outdoor downtown events. Most notably, the Plaza serves as hot spot during the annual All Schools Day celebration and parade. And don’t forget about the annual “Burnin’ Down Main” chili cook-off hosted by McPherson Main Street.  The McPherson Park Department also plans to bring back “Lunch & Music on the Plaza” this summer.  The new shades over the seating and stage area hope to make these things more comfortable.  This project would not have been done without great community support. Sid & Wendy Johnson donated the funds to complete the cover of the stage area, while the seating area shades were funded by a grant from the McPherson Rotary Club through McPherson Main Street.  The shades were installed in mid-February. 

Hess Park upgrades

After a new irrigation system was put in place for Hess Park last season, the Park Department went to work on seeding some new grass in the area. It was looking solid by mid-February. These changes are part of a phased process to make improvements in the park, located at Northview Ave. and Canterbury. The phased approach will eventually lead to a new shelter that matches the new structures in Lakeside and Wall Park as well as a restroom facility. New trees are expected to be planted this spring. 

New flooring for cabin

A much-needed upgrade, the Lakeside Cabin received a facelift with a new interlocking floating floor, along with some surface repairs. The fresh look replaces the laminate flooring through the main rooms and the kitchen area.  Lakeside Cabin sits in a gorgeous setting across from the walking bridge and is available to book for small events throughout the year.  Click here for more information.

Butterfly garden taking root

The latest enhancement for McPherson’s Challenger Park is a pollinator garden located east of the new pickleball courts and south of Fire Station 1.  This beautiful addition is well underway and on schedule to bloom this spring, promising a vibrant new habitat for local pollinators.  With structural work nearing completion — including electricity and plumbing for a fountain — park staff is anticipating a spectacular display of flowers and butterflies this will bring to the community.  It’s more than just a pretty space, though. The garden is a commitment to fostering local biodiversity and creating an even more engaging outdoor environment for everyone to enjoy.  Want to help this amazing project flourish? There are many opportunities to support. Learn more by clicking here.

#TreeCityUSA

The McPherson Public Library and The McPherson Park Department are teaming up with Neighborhood Forest to provide children in the community with an opportunity to plan a tree or plant at home during Earth Week and Arbor Day.  Families can sign up their children to receive a tree or plant through the MPL. To learn more or to sign up, visit the McPherson Public Library or click here. 

BPU receives $2M in direct spending

Below is a release from the Board of Public Utilities

The McPherson Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is pleased to announce it has successfully secured $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to help offset rising costs associated with the South Well Field Project (SWFP). The funding was approved through H.R. 6938, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on January 23, 2026. BPU extends its sincere appreciation to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran for his leadership and support in championing this request on behalf of McPherson and the surrounding communities. The South Well Field Project is a critical long-term water infrastructure investment designed to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for the City of McPherson, the City of Windom, and three rural water districts. The project includes development of three new public water supply wells in a sustainable portion of the Equus Beds Region of the High Plains Aquifer, construction of a 20-mile water transmission pipeline, and a new water treatment facility. The need for the project stems from the establishment of an Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area (IGUCA) around McPherson in 1980 due to declining aquifer levels. Current water demand has approached or exceeded the region's safe yield, and projections indicate continued growth through 2040. The South Well Field ensures long-term water reliability for residents, industry, and future economic development. Originally financed through $27.6 million in revenue bonds, the project experienced a $6 million cost increase due to inflation and supply chain disruptions shortly after project commencement. While BPU secured partial assistance through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, a significant funding gap remained. Without federal support, BPU would have been required to deplete its long-range reserve fund-delaying other critical infrastructure projects such as a new water tower and distribution system improvements. The $2 million in federal funding significantly reduces that financial burden and protects ratepayers while also allowing BPU to continue responsibly maintaining the community's water system. The South Well Field Project began in 2020, and construction was completed in 2024.

Odds/ends

Here fishy, fishy

Before the ice melted in mid-February, McPherson Park Department employees took advantage of the ice to get some fish habitats (pictured) in the middle of the waterways at Lakeside and Hess Parks. As the ice melted, these habitats sank to provide some nice fish cover in these areas.  New habitats should make for some good fishing when the department hosts its annual Youth Fishing Derby at Lakeside Park in June.

Happy Birthday USA

The McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau is on a mission to collect birthday cards from all 50 states in celebration of America's 250th birthday. Through the end of February, the CVB had collected cards from 18 states with more on the way. Want to send a card and don't live in Kansas? Send it to 1111 E. Kansas, McPherson, Kan., 67460.

Congratulations in order

McPherson Police Officer Ian Bartlett on Feb. 27 graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Class #353. He is set to begin his 14-week in-house field training with the department. Welcome Officer Bartlett to the force. 

Moving up the ranks

The McPherson Police Department announced the promotion of Officer Micheal Ottensmeier to Detective. The PD and City of McPherson celebrated this promotion with a pinning at the March 3, 2026, City Commission meeting. Ottensmeier joined the MPD in February of 2025 and has three decades of law enforcement experience. Congratulations Detective.

HCAP a popular choice

Showing a program in high demand, all funds for the 2026 round of the City of McPherson Homebuyer Cash Assistant Program have been expended.  At the beginning of 2026, The City set aside $50,000 for the program, which awards $5,000 to qualified home buyers in the City, and had 10 successful applicants by mid-February.  For more about the HCAP, click here

All under control

Last week, the McPherson Community Building served as the site for the annual Kansas Animal Control Association meeting. More than 60 animal control professionals joined up from across the state, hearing a wide range of speakers and learning from various other organizations. McPherson Police Department Administrative Support Supervisor Amber Bowlby serves as the president of the KACA, while the McPherson Animal Shelter staff also was able to attend. The conference covered three days — two in the Community Building, then a tactical training on the third day hosted at the MPD shooting range. 

The wheels on the trolley...

Each year, the Convention & Visitors Bureau puts on a free trolley tour to participating local third-grade classes in conjunction with Kansas Day festivities. Students hop aboard the McPherson trolley for a drive around town and learn about the community's history, attractions, and even test their knowledge with Kansas trivia along the way. The last of the participating classes is scheduled to take a ride March 6.

Stay alert

The City of McPherson recently switched to Everbridge as its emergency alert notification system.  In a continued effort to collaborate with local and area agencies, the City now will be a part of the South Central Kansas regional notification system.  Residents in 14 counties — including McPherson — can receive critical emergency alerts and community news by signing up. This system allows allows users to choose how and where they receive notifications, including home, mobile or business phones, email or text messages.  You can sign up for alerts by clicking here. 

Secure your spot

Homes in the Deerfield South Estates in Southeast McPherson continue to go up. These homes are available with significant price reductions with down-payment assistance available to those who qualify. Now is the perfect time for those thinking about purchasing a home in McPherson.  To read more about this project, click here. 

The local Sonic Drive-in, 910 E. Kansas Ave., again in 2026 donated drink tickets that are distributed throughout the year to City employees on their respective birthdays. The City of McPherson would like to extend a Thank You to the Sonic team for their delicious contribution.

Star Spangled Celebration

Congratulations to Kelsey Clark, who designed the button for this year's McPherson County All Schools Day celebration. The annual event will culminate a week's worth of activities with the downtown parade on May 8. Keep an eye on the event website for all the information as the date draws closer.