McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday adopted a moratorium on development of nuclear power projects in unincorporated areas of the county. Over the past couple of weeks there has been discussion about possible nuclear projects, one of which would be in Reno County where local officials are pursuing it. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey said the purpose of the moratorium is to allow study of local issues and development of regulations for it. The moratorium will run through Jan. 1, 2028, but could be shortened or extended as needed.
Commissioners approved an updated comprehensive plan for the county. This plan covers the 2025-2045 time period, with the major changes related to updating of data and other information within the document.
The McPherson County Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan at their meeting Oct. 13, during which according to unofficial minutes of the meeting it also approved removal of small tract subdivision regulations, and changes to rules related to historical farmstead splits.
McPherson County Public Works Director David Bohnenblust provided Commissioners with an update on current projects which are starting to wind down. Paving work on 27th Avenue between Canton and Roxbury has been completed, and he said shouldering and striping work could be finished in a couple of weeks. A paving project in the city of Galva has also been completed, along with the bridge replacement west of Marquette.
Bohnenblust reported two of the flashing lights on the stop signs at 27th and Arrowhead Road west of Moundridge have been shot out in the past couple of weeks. Each of those lights costs about $1,500 to replace, and this is going to be discussed in more detail at a study session next week.
Bohnenblust also discussed a KDOT local consult meeting last week in Salina, where one of the projects identified as a local priority is safety improvements to US 56 between McPherson and the Marion area, which informational meetings were conducted on earlier this year.
Commissioners approved the 2026 holiday schedule. This follows long-standing practice, and the county observes all federal holidays with the exception of Juneteenth and Columbus/Indigenous Persons Day but does observe All Schools Day as a county holiday.
Commissioners approved a number of personnel change orders, including the promotion of a Sheriff’s Department road deputy to sergeant, assigned to assist the investigative captain. Sheriff Jerry Montagne said they are at full staffing with one deputy currently at KLETC for basic training which he’ll complete in November.
At the request of Emergency Management Director Emily Yates Commissioners approved an end of introductory period for one communications officer and re-hiring of a former employee who stepped down about three years ago to start a family.
It also approved a letter of support on behalf of MCDS for a transportation grant it will be seeking from the Kansas Department of Transportation. A number of other such requests will be coming before the Commission over the next couple of weeks.
