Week of October 23 2024
Pfizer layoffs; Briarwood Lane fire; McPherson Q3 finances; County strategic plan; Holman Fieldhouse; Bullpup Sports
1. Pfizer Lays Off 80 Salaried Workers at McPherson Plant
2. Fire Engulfs Home on Briarwood Lane
3. McPherson's Q3 Financial Report Shows $3 Million Spent, Largely on Infrastructure Projects
4. McPherson County Approves Contract with Foster & Associates for Strategic Growth Plan
5. McPherson College Renames Athletic Hub 'Holman Fieldhouse' After $1 Million Donation
INFO New Encore Room at the McPherson Opera House open
Bullpup Sports Report
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1. Pfizer Lays Off 80 Salaried Workers at McPherson Plant
Pfizer’s McPherson pharmaceutical facility has laid off 80 salaried employees, primarily from management and engineering, last week. Production personnel were not affected at the county’s largest employer. In response, Kansas WorkForce One is providing laid-off workers with resources through a Rapid Response Pack, which includes assistance with resumes, job training, and potential career changes. Local officials, including MIDC’s Kasi Morales, are working to help employees who wish to remain in the area. Despite the layoffs, the broader impact on the McPherson community is expected to be mitigated as many affected workers commute from outside the county.
Article Source: Ad Astra Radio
2. Fire Engulfs Home on Briarwood Lane
At 11:32 a.m. on Wednesday, the McPherson Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1400 block of Briarwood Lane. Fire Chief Chad Mayberry reported that upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames originating from a two-car garage connected to a residence. The fire had spread to an exterior wall of a neighboring home. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, confirming both structures were unoccupied at the time and no injuries occurred. The primary residence was extensively damaged and deemed a total loss. A combined effort from McPherson, Galva, and Inman Fire Departments, with 22 firefighters on-site, ensured the fire was fully extinguished by 3 p.m. Support also came from McPherson EMS, Police, and Emergency Management. The fire remains under investigation, but no foul play is suspected.
Article Source: Ad Astra Radio
3. McPherson's Q3 Financial Report Shows $3 Million Spent, Largely on Infrastructure Projects
McPherson's third-quarter financial report, presented by Finance Director Richard Miller, showed a net decrease of $3 million in the city's balance, leaving $35 million across all accounts. The bulk of this spending went toward key infrastructure projects aimed at improving city services and amenities. These investments include ongoing construction at Fire Station #2, progress on the Elm Street Drainage Project, upgrades to Turkey Creek Golf Course, and the Lakeside Park Bank Restoration Project.
Article Source: City of McPherson
4. McPherson County Approves Contract with Foster & Associates for Strategic Growth Plan
The McPherson County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Foster & Associates to develop a strategic plan during their October 21 meeting. The $27,500 agreement will guide future growth and development in the county. The planning process, set to begin in January 2025, will involve seven public meetings to gather input from community members and local officials. This strategic planning process aims to shape the county's long-term land use and development goals. The costs for the plan were already accounted for in the county's 2025 budget.
Article Source: McPherson County
5. McPherson College Renames Athletic Hub 'Holman Fieldhouse' After $1 Million Donation
McPherson College's athletic hub has been renamed Holman Fieldhouse, celebrating the completion of a major renovation and expansion of the former Sport Center. The renaming honors Craig and Karen Holman, whose seven-figure gift of over $1 million marked the largest ever donation to Bulldog Athletics. The renovation, finished in February, added more than 5,200 square feet and remodeled 5,000 square feet of existing space, including a new athletic training room, expanded weight room, and upgraded locker facilities. McPherson College President Michael Schneider expressed gratitude for the Holmans' support, noting the facility's importance in enhancing the student-athlete experience. Craig Holman, a McPherson College graduate, former tennis standout, and financial advisor, serves as a Board of Trustees member and volunteer assistant coach for the college tennis teams. The Holman family’s contributions also include funding the Holman Family Tennis Courts on campus. Athletic Director Josh Daume highlighted the facility’s impact on recruiting and the benefits for current athletes.
Article Source: Ad Astra Radio
INFO New Encore Room at the McPherson Opera House now open
Bullpup Sports Report
Football
McPherson Bullpups Dominate Augusta, Win 32-0 in Road Shutout
Wichita Eagle 4A high school football rankings:
1. Andover Central (6-1) 2. Wamego (6-1) 3. Louisburg (7-0) 4. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (5-2) 5. Wellington (5-2) 6. Bishop Miege (1-6) 7. Buhler (5-2) 8. Mulvane (6-1) 9. Tonganoxie (4-3) 10. Chanute (5-2)
Next five out: Eudora, Ottawa, McPherson, Winfield, Atchison.
Golf
The McPherson Bullpups finished third at the KSHSAA 4A Girls State Golf Tournament in Hesston. McPherson’s Brodie Kuhn took home a fifth-place medal with a score of 159, and Andi Buschbom tied for 12th. The team’s total score of 727 was only behind state champion Topeka-Hayden and Wellington.
Tennis
McPherson’s girls' tennis team earned the second-place trophy at the KSHSAA 4A State Tournament. In singles, Maryn Sandbo claimed third place after a strong tournament performance. In doubles, McPherson’s Avery Unruh and Quinn Liebl finished sixth, and Kennedy Tully and McKenna Paul secured eighth place.
Cross Country
At the AVCTL Division 3 & 4 League Meet in Clearwater, McPherson’s Caleb Muehler won the boys’ race with a time of 16:21.40, while teammate Ethan Elder finished second eight seconds later at 16:29.62. The McPherson boys’ team placed second overall, and the girls’ team took third place with Lexi Patterson finishing fourth with 20:29.85 and Eva Ramey in fifth with 20:37.78.
Soccer
10/17 - Hutchinson 1, McPherson 1 (OT)
10/22 - Andover Central 3, McPherson 0
Volleyball
In a home triangular on 10/17, the McPherson Bullpups swept both Augusta (25-11, 25-20) and Winfield (25-17, 25-13) to continue their strong season.
Article Source: Ad Astra Radio, X
Sources
1. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/pfizer-lays-off-80-salary-personnel-at-mcpherson-plant
2. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/structure-fire-at-1400-block-briarwood-lane
3. https://www.mcpcity.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/632
4. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
5. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/bulldog-athletic-facilities-get-new-name
7. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-sports/mcpherson-3rd-buhler-5th-in-4a-state-golf-multiple-individuals-medal
https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-sports/mcpherson-2nd-at-4a-state-tennis-buhlers-spies-takes-individual-silver
https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-sports/ad-astra-radio-thursday-high-school-scoreboard-10-17-24
@Bullpup_Soccer