McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — $22.6 million in construction activity was reported in McPherson County during 2025. Planning, Zoning and Environmental Administrator Jon Kinsey told County Commissioners Monday the department handled a total of 760 cases last year, with fee revenue coming to just over $44,000. Both construction valuation and fee revenue were slightly above 2024 figures.
December was a slow month for Planning and Zoning, with just $100,000 in valuation reflected in permits for the month.
Commissioners approved a re-plat of part of the Country Acres subdivision along 8th Avenue north of Chisholm Road north of Inman. The re-plat of what will be known as 8th Avenue Acres combines four of the existing lots in the six-lot subdivision into a single lot, to which will be added an additional tract to the west, where a home will be constructed.
Also approved was a special use permit to allow construction of a 350-foot communications tower for AT&T and possibly others at the northeast corner of K-4 and 6th Avenue northeast of Marquette.
In a brief report to Commissioners, Public Works Director David Bohnenblust said crews will undergo flagger training Tuesday morning. Crews this week will be doing shouldering work in the sinkhole area, and will be replacing a 60-foot box culvert on 1st Avenue north of Windom. He also reported a boom truck being used to remove debris from around bridges caused by various flood events in 2025 broke down
Bohnenblust also discussed with Commissioners the latest on a KDOT proposal to close the connection of Limestone Road to US 56 east of McPherson, which the county opposes, and timing of letters protesting that proposal that the city of McPherson and MIDC may also be involved with.
Sheriff Jerry Montagne told Commissioners they are currently housing some inmates in out of county jails. As of Monday, McPherson County’s jail was housing 54 people, seven females and six for municipal court, which is close to their capacity. 16 arrests were made during the prior week. Montagne also reported he has hired a new correctional deputy, who is slated to begin work this week, and still has one correctional officer position open.
Commissioners did their annual reorganization during Monday’s meeting, with Keith Becker to continue as Chairman and David O’Dell to again serve as vice-chairman. Becker and Commissioner Tom Kueser also announced during the meeting they will be seeking re-election this year.
As part of first of the year matters, commissioners approved designation of the McPherson Sentinel as official county newspaper and of official financial institutions for 2026.
Commissioners also approved sending a notice to New Gottland Township related to a cereal malt beverage license application from Rolling Acres Golf Club.
