McPherson – Week of December 18 2024
Officiating class for students; Strategic planning focus groups; HVAC lease approved; ATS staffing expanded; $6.7M county renovation; Police substation planning phase; Euclid Street construction update; Sports and activities
1. McPherson USD 418 Launches Officiating Class to Address Ref Shortage, Strategic Planning Progresses
2. USD 418 Approves HVAC Financing and Staffing Contractors
3. $6.7M Renovation of McPherson County Building Begins
4. McPherson Police Substation Renovation Enters Planning Phase
5. Euclid Street Construction Update
GET THE APP - FREE!
See the new Ad Astra Podcast! Released on Apple and Spotify
Contact: gregloving@protonmail.com
Community Hub
McPherson County Obituaries: December 12-18
Column: American Immigration in the 2020s
1. McPherson USD 418 Launches Officiating Class to Address Ref Shortage, Strategic Planning Progresses
McPherson USD 418 is set to launch an officiating class for high school students in Fall 2025, using the “Ref Reps” program to combat a statewide officiating shortage. The course will allow students, primarily juniors and seniors, to earn certifications in up to three sports per semester, equipping them for paid officiating roles. With a cost of $45 per sport, the district is exploring funding options, including full district support or a reimbursement model.
Meanwhile, the district’s strategic planning process is proceeding. Invitations have already been sent for focus groups scheduled on January 16 and 27, to gather community input on long-term goals. Feedback will be analyzed in February and integrated with prior discussions to shape a strategic plan, with final board approval anticipated by Spring 2025.
Article Source: USD 418
2. USD 418 Approves HVAC Financing and Staffing Contractors
The USD 418 Board of Education approved a $700k HVAC improvement project, financed through a 10-year lease purchase agreement with an annual payment of $88k/year. The district opted for the lease to avoid the upfront cash expenditure, preserving liquidity for other priorities. The leasing will add financing costs over time.
Additionally, the board expanded its partnership with ATS to address staffing shortages in food service and custodial roles. ATS employees cost approximately $3000 more annually per position due to a $1.43/hour markup for full-time roles, but the flexibility helps fill critical gaps in understaffed departments. Board members weighed this against increasing pay for direct hires, a strategy previously attempted with limited success. The ATS model provides immediate relief but highlights the ongoing budgetary challenges.
Article Source: USD 418
3. $6.7M Renovation of McPherson County Building Begins
County Commissioners and representatives of Fuqua Construction kicked off a $6.7 million renovation project aimed at consolidating court operations in the Courthouse with a ceremonial “wall smashing” after Monday’s meeting. The project will relocate most county departments to the County Building at Maple and Marlin, with construction set to begin January 13 and expected to take a year. During the renovation, the County Attorney and Harvey-McPherson County Community Corrections will move to temporary quarters before returning to the Courthouse. County Commission and Planning and Zoning meetings will be temporarily relocated to the Public Works Facility on West Avenue A.
Article Source: McPherson County, Ad Astra Radio
4. McPherson Police Substation Renovation Enters Planning Phase
The City of McPherson has advanced its police substation renovation project to the planning and pre-construction phase, with architectural drawings completed and approved. While the initial design is finalized, the full project is not yet approved or budgeted for construction. The city plans to open the bidding process soon, with requests for bids to be posted on Drexel and the city website. Bid submissions are expected to be reviewed by mid-to-late January 2025, at which point officials will assess costs and available resources before making final decisions on funding and project approval.
Article Source: City of McPherson
5. Euclid Street Construction Update
The City of McPherson reports significant progress on construction along Euclid Street, with the alley between Ash and Main slated to reopen next week following the completion of inlets and pavement work. South of Euclid, crews are wrapping up pipe installations between the alley and Main Street, navigating challenging conditions with 12–15-foot excavations near large gas lines and extensive wiring. To ensure safety, gas companies have been on standby to prevent disruptions. Additionally, the Euclid Street water main replacement has been completed, complementing the storm sewer project. These coordinated efforts aim to improve the area's drainage and utility systems.
Article Source: City of McPherson
McPherson Bullpups Weekly Sports & Activities Report
Basketball
Bullpups split games vs Andover
Boys Swimming
12/17 Hutchinson Invitational
- 4th place overall: McPherson - 222 points (44.1 avg)
- Top Performers:
- Events: 1 first, 2 second places
Boys Wrestling
12/12-14 Eagle Invitational
- Pool A Results:
- Match 1: McPherson defeated Monarch 42-38
- Match 2: McPherson defeated Oakley 66-17
- Match 3: Colby defeated McPherson 62-18
- Match 4: Hays defeated McPherson 44-29
- Match 5: Brush defeated McPherson 41-36
10th-12th Place Duels
- McPherson 40, Liberal 36
- Hutchinson 68, Liberal 6
- Hutchinson 53, McPherson 30
Girls Wrestling
4th Annual Douglass Girls Goodwill Invitational
- Lexi Patterson (110): Placed 3rd, scored 18 team points
- Mercedes Ladwig (105): Quarterfinalist, 6 team points
- Sydney Cummins (140): Scored 10 team points
Scholars Bowl
12/12
- Varsity: 2nd place
- JV: 2nd place
Debate
12/14 @ Tonganoxie
Facebook
Robotics
12/14 @ Topeka
Facebook
Vocal
All State Team
Sources
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLh3u1bvgGg&t=2s
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLh3u1bvgGg&t=2s
3. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/mcpherson-county-commissioners-and-representatives-of-fuqua-construction-kick-off-6-7m-renovation-project-with-wall-smashing-ceremony
4. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1798914674208723
5. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1798914674208723