Week of September 03 2024

1 McPherson BPU Completes South Well Field Project
2 MCCF Partners with Kansas Commerce for Student Loan Repayment Program
3 City Commission Updates: Concrete Purchase, Fire Truck Restoration, and Parking Changes
4 United Way Recognizes Local Businesses with 2023 Workplace Campaign Awards
5 COVID-19 Cluster Forces Temporary Closure of Hillsborough Senior Center
Sports

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1 McPherson BPU Completes South Well Field Project

On August 27, 2024, the McPherson Board of Public Utilities (BPU) celebrated the completion of the South Well Field Project (SWF) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new water treatment facility. Over seventy attendees, including Kansas Senator Rick Wilborn and a representative from US Senator Marshall’s office, joined the event. Speakers highlighted the project's significant impact on local and regional water sustainability and its role in supporting McPherson’s continued growth. The SWF Project addresses the long-standing challenge of declining water levels in the Equus Beds Aquifer by developing new water supply wells, installing 20 miles of transmission piping, and constructing a new treatment facility. The project, which began with land acquisition in 2011, was praised for its forward-thinking approach to ensuring McPherson’s future water needs. BPU General Manager Josh Bedel unveiled a plaque honoring former General Manager Tim Maier for his vision in initiating the project. With the new facility now operational, water from the South Well Field will begin flowing into McPherson’s distribution system.

Source: Ad Astra Radio

2 MCCF Partners with Kansas Commerce for Student Loan Repayment Program

The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) has partnered with the Kansas Department of Commerce to offer the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Assistance program to McPherson County residents. Established in 2021, the program provides up to $15,000 in student loan repayment over five years, supported by both the state and a local fiscal sponsor. MCCF will open the program to two individuals in 2024, with potential for expansion. The program, aimed at attracting new or returning talent to the county, offers $3,000 annually for up to five years to qualifying applicants who have recently established residency in McPherson County. Applications are due by September 30, 2024. For more information, contact Michelle Huddle at MCCF.

Source: Ad Astra Radio

3 City Commission Updates: Concrete Purchase, Fire Truck Restoration, and Parking Changes

The city commission held meetings on August 27 and September 3.  

The commission approved the purchase of $213k worth of concrete for the ongoing paving project at Fire Station 2, opting to handle the work in-house to reduce costs. The project, initially contracted with Hutton Construction, is now being managed by the city’s street department, which has already begun the paving work. Concrete will primarily be sourced from McPherson Concrete, with Ratliff Brothers as a backup supplier.  

The fire department reported that the restoration of a 1928 American LaFrance fire truck, funded entirely by community donations, is in its final stages with only accessory repairs remaining.  

A new parking restriction has been implemented on Hartup Street, prohibiting parking for the first 100 feet from First Street to ease congestion at the busy intersection. The move aims to enhance traffic flow and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians in the area.  

Treg Fawl, the General Manager of Turkey Creek Golf Course, has submitted his resignation effective October 25, 2024, after years of dedicated service that bolstered the course's success. The City Commission has approved the initiation of a hiring process to find his replacement.  

*Ad Astra Investigates*  

According to public works officials, the Elm Street drainage project remains on schedule despite setbacks, including a staking error and unforeseen issues with streetlight wiring and a sewer lateral. Phase 1A is complete and Phase 1B is nearing completion.

Source: City of McPherson

4 United Way Recognizes Local Businesses with 2023 Workplace Campaign Awards

United Way of McPherson County recognized five businesses with 2023 Workplace Campaign awards in August. The Legacy Award for the largest total amount raised went to Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance, while Dacus Auto Body received the Mega Match Award for the highest percentage employer match per employee. Farmers State Bank earned the Rising Impact Award for the largest increase from last year’s campaign, and CHS McPherson Refinery won the Inspired Giving Award for the most creative campaign, donating golf tournament entry fees. Emprise Bank received the Small But Mighty Award for raising the most per employee among businesses with 50 or fewer employees.

Source: Ad Astra Radio

5 COVID-19 Cluster Forces Temporary Closure of Hillsborough Senior Center

A cluster of COVID-19 cases has emerged at the Hillsborough Senior Center in Marion County, prompting the facility to close for the remainder of the week. Several staff members and others at the center have tested positive, with plans to reopen on Tuesday, September 3, following the Labor Day holiday. 

Source: Ad Astra Radio

Sports

McPherson High School fall sports has kicked off and McPherson Citizen Journal will be covering all the action. We have girls’ tennis, golf, and volleyball scores to report:  

Girls Varsity HS Golf  

In 2023, the team just missed out on state after a tough regionals bout, with the exception of Brodie Kuhn reaching state individually. Kuhn finished 5th in the state meet, naming her a First Team All-State honoree. Kuhn returns for her junior year on the team, as well as Reese Elliot, who was an All-State Honorable Mention in 2023 and Second-Team All-League honoree junior Andi Buschbom. “In year 3, our expectations and goals have changed,” head coach Treg Fawl said. “My goal for our team is to be at state, make the second day, and compete for the top 3 spots. From what I have seen this summer, we should have 3 of the top 20 players in 4A golf. The girls have been working hard to improve.”  

The McPherson High School varsity girls golf team secured 5th place out of 16 teams at the Hesston Invitational on August 29, 2024. Leading the charge for the Bullpups was Andi Buschbom, who finished 3rd overall with a score of +7. Teammate Brodie Kuhn also delivered a strong performance, finishing 9th with a score of +13. The competition was fierce, with Addison Douglass of Wamego taking 1st place at -2.  

Girls Varsity HS Tennis  

The team is coming off of a Regional Championship 2023, qualifying multiple players for the state tournament to close off the season. Following a 9th & 10th place singles finish and a 12th place and 2nd place finish in doubles, McPherson finished as the team runners-up, falling just behind Independence for the state title. The team lost four key seniors from last season, including All-State First Team honoree Riggs Kuhn, who was part of the runner-up doubles squad. However, the team returns state contenders Maryn Sandbo, Alexandria Rodriguez, and Avery Unruh, looking to avenge their runner-up finish from last season.  

Player Spotlight: MARYN SANDBO 

After helping McPherson finish second in Class 4A to Independence in 2023, Sandbo enters her junior season as the Bullpups’ seasoned veteran. She posted a 26-7 singles record a year ago, finishing 10th at state – one spot behind her older sister Kyndall, who edged her in their season finale. Kyndall graduated along with state doubles runner-up Riggs Kuhn. With Riggs’ sister and playing partner, Brodie, focusing on golf this fall, Sandbo’s role figures to be heightened. She has delivered so far with a 49-16 career singles mark and two state appearances.  

The McPherson High School varsity girls tennis team dominated at the Hesston Invitational on Thursday, August 29, 2024, securing 1st place out of eight teams. In individual performances, Dragon Rodriguez shone brightly, capturing 1st place in #2 singles. Maryn Sandbo added to the team’s success with a 3rd place finish in #1 singles. In doubles action, the duo of Olson and Eveland claimed 1st place in #2 doubles, while Unruh and Liebl secured 3rd place in #1 doubles.  

Girls Varsity HS Volleyball  

The McPherson High School varsity volleyball team put forth a solid effort at the AVCTL tournament held at home on August 31, 2024, finishing with an overall record of 2-3. The Bullpups earned victories against Newton (2-0) and Derby (2-0), showcasing their skill and teamwork. However, they faced losses to Andover (1-2) and Maize (1-2), and were defeated by Andale (0-2).  

In the future, McPherson Citizen Journal will be reporting crowd sourced scores submitted to us. This will allow us to cover more sports, including non-high school varsity. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT SCORES.

Article Source: Ad Astra Radio, KSHSAA Covered

Sources

1. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/mcpherson-board-of-public-utilities-breaks-ground-on-their-new-water-treatment-plant-2

2. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/mcpherson-county-community-foundation-to-offer-student-loan-repayment-program

3. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos

4. https://www.adastraradio.com/mac-news/united-way-of-mcpherson-county-2023-workplace-campaign-awards

5. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ad-astra-radio-daily/id1694025121?i=1000666772423

6. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-sports/2024-bullpup-fall-sports-preview-girls-golf; https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-sports/2024-bullpup-fall-sports-preview-girls-tennis; https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2024/7/15/womens-tennis-10-class-4a-girls-tennis-players-to-watch-in-2024.aspx