Week of October 30 2024
Strong early voting turnout; New USD 418 vision; Elm Street drainage, other city projects update; County ARPA fund reallocation; Dacus, Brown honored
1. Strong Turnout in Early Voting: Nearly 3,000 McPherson County Voters Cast Ballots Ahead of November Election
2. USD 418 Board Begins Drafting New Vision: “Portrait of a Graduate 2037”
3. McPherson City Project Updates: Elm Street Drainage Progresses, Fire Station #2
4. McPherson County Approves ARPA Fund Reallocation, $6.7M County Building Renovation, and New Trail Project
5. Community Leaders Honored: Kena Dacus and Mayor Tom Brown Recognized at McPherson Chamber Banquet
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1. Strong Turnout in Early Voting: Nearly 3,000 McPherson County Voters Cast Ballots Ahead of November Election
Nearly 3,000 of McPherson County’s 18,000 registered voters—about 17%—have already cast ballots ahead of the November 5 general election, according to County Clerk Holly Melroy. As of late Tuesday morning, 2,576 voters had turned out in person at the clerk's office, and 378 of the 999 mailed ballots had been returned. Advanced voting will remain open through noon on Monday, November 4, at the McPherson County Courthouse. With a week remaining and turnout already approaching the 2020 election's total early votes, officials are expecting strong turnout in this election
Article Source: McPherson County
2. USD 418 Board Begins Drafting New Vision: “Portrait of a Graduate 2037”
The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education has begun drafting a new vision statement for the district. During a study session at McPherson Middle School, Superintendent Shiloh Vincent guided the 90-minute discussion, reflecting on the past five years and preparing for future needs. Facilitated by Dr. Britton Hart of the Kansas Association of School Boards, the session emphasized adapting education for future jobs, with Hart noting that 80% of jobs expected by 2030 don’t yet exist. Board President Laura Vanderhoof highlighted the need for adaptable workforce development, aiming to equip students with resilience, critical thinking, and a sense of identity. The current district vision, which aspires for USD 418 to be recognized as a top-performing district, may shift towards fostering an "effective learning environment" and empowering students. Community involvement will play a key role, beginning with a survey to gather input from various local stakeholders. The Board will further discuss these ideas at a study session in November during the Kansas Association of School Boards' annual meeting.
One area that will be looked at in this process is the visionary goal of USD 418, which currently states, “McPherson Public Schools will be recognized as a top performing school district in Kansas and across the nation.” In discussion on this point, one participant suggested deleting references to “top performing” and adding “effective learning environment,” with others suggesting empowering students to find their own greatness and meeting the needs of every student in reaching their greatness.
Article Source: Ad Astra Radio
3. McPherson City Project Updates: Elm Street Drainage Progresses, Fire Station #2
The City of McPherson provided updates on several key projects this week. The Elm Street Drainage Project is progressing steadily, with the water main lowering complete and storm sewer installation underway at the Euclid intersection, although no specific timeline for completion was given. Meanwhile, Fire Station #2 is nearing the finish line, with minor touch-ups and additional concrete work slated for completion. Officials anticipate a possible opening between Thanksgiving and mid-December 2024. Additionally, the fire department’s hazardous materials team received a $500 gift from Williams Energy.
Article Source: City of McPherson
4. McPherson County Approves ARPA Fund Reallocation, $6.7M County Building Renovation, and New Trail Project
The McPherson County Commission approved a strategic reallocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal relief initiative designed to support communities in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a deadline to spend ARPA funds by December 31, 2024, the county plans to use these dollars to cover specific payroll costs, freeing up other budgeted funds for local projects. This "benefit conversion" strategy enables reallocation to infrastructure projects, including $900k for a Harris L3 Communications Tower and $500k for a custom tower in Windham. The move maximizes ARPA funds while meeting federal compliance, positioning the county for a more flexible and resilient budget. In the same meeting, commissioners approved two projects to enhance McPherson County’s infrastructure. The county greenlit a $6.7 million renovation for the county building at 122 West Marlin, with Fuqua Construction managing the year-long project set to start February 1, 2025. The renovation will update the building to improve accessibility, safety, and operational efficiency for multiple county departments. Additionally, the commissioners endorsed an $800k grant-funded trail project by the Central Kansas Conservancy, which will extend the Sunflower Santa Fe Trail through Canton. This new 2.1-mile trail will feature a concrete path through town and a limestone extension past Kansas Avenue.
Article Source: McPherson County
5. Community Leaders Honored: Kena Dacus and Mayor Tom Brown Recognized at McPherson Chamber Banquet
The McPherson Chamber’s annual banquet on October 22 honored Kena Dacus and Mayor Tom Brown for their contributions to the community, awarding Kena the Emerging Leader Award and Tom the President’s Award. Kena, of Dacus Auto Body and co-founder of Dacus Towing and Recovery, has dedicated herself to both her industry and community. As a former President of the Kansas Auto Body Association and a SkillsUSA Kansas Co-Chair, Kena is involved at the state and local level, including actively supporting local organizations such as the YMCA, Meals on Wheels, and StepMC. Her commitment to McPherson’s growth and community earned her the praise of embodying McPherson’s core values. Meanwhile, Mayor Tom Brown was celebrated for his lifetime contributions to McPherson’s economic and community development. A Vietnam veteran and former Marine Corps officer, Tom later founded a consulting firm, Savant Services, guiding strategic initiatives for local organizations, including BPU and the county’s economic development plans. Since becoming Mayor in 2009, he has fostered partnerships that address housing and economic opportunities, with his influence extending across the state.
Article Source: Ad Astra Radio
Sports Update
Sources
1. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
2. https://www.adastraradio.com/mac-news/usd-418-begins-discussion-on-new-vision-initiative
3. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1588741878698099
4. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
5. https://www.adastraradio.com/mac-news/mcpherson-chamber-2024-emerging-leader-awarded-to-kena-dacus
https://www.adastraradio.com/mac-news/tom-brown-presented-with-2024-presidents-award-at-mcpherson-chamber-annual-banquet