McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday formally adopted a state of local disaster declaration connected with the December 2nd incident at US 56 and the Old 81 Bypass where a semi hauling hydrochloric acid overturned, prompting evacuations and road closures.
The declaration had been verbally approved at the time of the incident. This action formalizes the declaration which authorized the county to take any needed action as provided under the Kansas Emergency Management Act.
Commissioners approved updated subdivision regulations and a new zoning district map for the unincorporated areas of McPherson County. The McPherson County Board of Planning and Zoning Appeals approved both following public hearings Nov. 10. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey said changes in the subdivision regulations removes a small tract split provision that will, effective Jan. 1, 2026, require all such matters to go through the full subdivision process.
It also changes regulations connected with historic farmstead splits when the property is less than 40 acres, stating after such splits the remaining ground use will be limited to exclusively agricultural usage.
One change coming to zoning regulations is elimination of existing cell tower citing cases, which are now under state jurisdiction.
The Commission authorized Health Department Director Shalei Shea to move forward with replacement of the department’s 2016 Ford Escape. This was one of a number of county vehicles damaged in a September hail storm, and while it was not totaled out the cost for repairs will be about what the vehicle is worth. Shea will use insurance proceeds and money available after grants were received offsetting budgeted expenses.
Commissioners also approved the write off of uncollectible debt for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2025. Much of this involves debt of under $25 that can’t be submitted to the state set-off program, with the remainder debt that has been in set-off for more than the legal five year collection limit.
Commissioners authorized the McPherson Police Department to place one of the six flock cameras it recently purchased on county right of way at the intersection of the 81 Bypass, North Main and Mohawk Road just north of McPherson. Police Chief Mikel Golden said the data from this and the other five cameras it will be installing on roads coming into McPherson will be shared with the Sheriff’s Department, and Police will have access to data from the two cameras along I-135 maintained by the Sheriff’s Department.
In his weekly update, Public Works Director David Bohnenblust said shouldering work is currently begin done along 27th Avenue south of US 56, along with a few spots north of US 56, and along Arrowhead and Cherokee Roads that were overlaid earlier this year.
He also reported work is underway on culvert replacements along 18th Avenue Between Dakota and Eisenhower Roads, which will require closure of 18th through Thursday. This project is in connection with an overlay of that road planned for 2026.
Commissioners also approved a number of adds and abates from the tax roll, renewal of the cereal malt beverage license for Lindsborg Golf Course, and an updated agreement with Disability Planning Organization of Kansas in Salina for CDDO services involving funding oversight for organizations serving persons with developmental disabilities.
