McPherson – Week of November 21 2024

FLASH…Main and Euclid intersection to be done by Thanksgiving…county voter turnout was 74% in election…

1. McPherson County Bans Commercial Solar and Wind Projects
2. Economic Development Efforts in McPherson County Focuses on Apprenticeships and Industrial Sites
3. Firefighter Injured in McPherson Commercial Building Fire
4. New Golf Cart Garage Approved for Turkey Creek
5. Magistrate Judge Vacancy in McPherson County
Updated city fee schedule

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FLASH…Main and Euclid intersection to be done by Thanksgiving…county voter turnout was 74% in the election…

1. McPherson County Bans Commercial Solar and Wind Projects

McPherson County has officially banned commercial-scale solar and wind energy projects, with County Commissioners approving the policy on Monday during the annual review of the comprehensive county plan. The new regulation prohibits the establishment of commercial solar and wind farms in the county's unincorporated areas, citing conflicts with the region's rural and agricultural objectives as well as potential unknown environmental risks. Additionally, the commissioners voiced their opposition to the federal "30 by 30" executive order issued by President Joe Biden in 2021, which aims to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 to combat climate change. This decision echoes widespread resistance in many Plains states, where critics argue that there is insufficient constitutional or statutory authority for federal agencies to implement the measures proposed in the executive order.

Article Source: McPherson County

2. Economic Development Efforts in McPherson County Focuses on Apprenticeships and Industrial Sites 

McPherson County is ramping up its economic development efforts with initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce retention and marketing industrial sites. The county is collaborating with local schools under the leadership of a newly appointed Career and Technical Education (CTE) director to establish apprenticeship programs. These programs, supported by state incentives, aim to equip students with practical skills and create a pipeline of local talent to meet industry demands. In addition, the county has secured a grant from the Mastermind Community Foundation to hire consultants who will evaluate the effectiveness of its current business retention, expansion, and recruitment strategies. This evaluation will include an analysis of how industrial sites are marketed to attract new businesses.

Article Source: McPherson County

3. Firefighter Injured in McPherson Commercial Building Fire

A McPherson firefighter was injured Friday afternoon while responding to a commercial building fire in the 1000 block of West Kansas. Fire Chief Chad Mayberry reported that crews arrived just before 4 PM to an automatic alarm and found smoke emanating from the building, where the engine compartment of a forklift had caught fire. During the search, two firefighters fell into a partially uncovered automotive repair pit, resulting in one being transported by McPherson EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with a lower leg injury. The injured firefighter was treated and released but will require follow-up care. The fire was extinguished, and smoke was cleared from the building. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the investigation, supported by McPherson Police, the Board of Public Utilities, and Kansas Gas Service.

Article Source: Ad Astra Radio

4. New Golf Cart Garage Approved for Turkey Creek

The McPherson City Commission approved a $24k down payment for the construction of a new golf cart garage at Turkey Creek Golf Course during its November 19 meeting. The garage, awarded to Hutchinson-based Sturdy Built, will cost a total of $100k and was officially approved earlier this month. The new facility is intended to enhance storage and maintenance capabilities for golf carts at the course. The down payment allows work to begin and materials to be ordered, moving the project into the construction phase. Further updates on the project’s progress are expected in the coming weeks.

Article Source: City of McPherson

5. Magistrate Judge Vacancy in McPherson County

The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in McPherson County, following the expiration of Judge Amanda Faber’s term. The district encompasses Harvey and McPherson counties. The commission will interview nominees, with sessions open to public observation, before selecting the appointee. Newly appointed judges must face a retention vote after one year and, if retained, serve a four-year term. The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission includes Justice Melissa Standridge as the nonvoting chair, along with Brian Bina, Ann Elliott, David O’Dell, and Glen Snell from McPherson, and Thomas Adrian, Jana McKinney, John Robb, and George “Chip” Westfall from Newton.

Article Source: Ad Astra Radio

Updated city fee schedule

Sources

1. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
https://www.adastraradio.com/mac-news/county-commissioners-ban-commercial-scale-solar-and-wind-energy-projects-in-mcpherson-county

2. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video

3. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/mcpherson-fireman-injured-in-thursday-afternoon-fire

4. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/867160262247349

5. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/9th-judicial-district-nominating-commission-meeting-set-for-nov-20-to-discuss-nomination-process-to-fill-district-magistrate-judge-vacancy-in-mcpherson-county