McPherson News – Page 19 – Ad Astra Radio

McPherson County Commission Approves Cell Phone Purchases, Dump/Plow Truck Purchase

Monday, April 20

McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved purchase of four cell phones for Emergency Management and Communications. Currently, the county is paying a stipend to three department employees for use of their personal cell phones. Director Emily Yates said in the wake of very heavy usage... Read More.

KDOT Recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week

Monday, April 20

The Kansas Department Transportation and its safety partners are going orange during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24, to help raise awareness and reduce crashes in work zones. Safety is important for both the highway workers and motorists. About 9 out of 10... Read More.

Second Finalist Named for USD 418 Superintendent

Monday, April 20

The Second candidate for Superintendent of Schools in McPherson USD 418 has ties to the district and to McPherson County. Dr Cody Rierson is currently superintendent of Moundridge USD 423, where he's been since 2001. Before taking the Moundridge position Dr. Rierson, a... Read More.

Kansas February Unemployment Unchanged from January

Saturday, April 18

The Kansas Department of Labor reports the state's February unemployment rate of 3.9 % is unchanged from January and up a tenth of a point from a year ago. Due to the federal government shutdown last fall, employment numbers are catching up from the... Read More.

Kansas 4-H Foundation Exploring Ownership Transition of Rock Springs Ranch

Saturday, April 18

MANHATTAN, Kan. (April 18, 2026) — The Kansas 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees announced Saturday that it is actively exploring the potential transition of ownership of Rock Springs Ranch as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the financial position to support youth development... Read More.

Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Wins Environmental Education Award

Thursday, April 16

MANHATTAN, Kan. - April 16, 2026 – Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) has been named a recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Award by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE). Awardees are nominated by... Read More.

Kansas Judicial Nominees Face Questions on Marion County Record Raid

Thursday, April 16

TOPEKA — Two of three Kansans nominated to the U.S. District Court were questioned Wednesday during a joint U.S. Senate confirmation hearing about their role in the August 2023 raid by law enforcement officers of the Marion County Record that prompted international condemnation for... Read More.

Newton Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Announced

Wednesday, April 15

Newton City Commissioners recognized winners of the 2026 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge hosted by the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce during Tuesday's meeting. The Newton High School students who participated in the challenge developed business plans and presented them to a panel of judges. The First Place... Read More.

Rail Crossing Improvement Coming in Newton

Wednesday, April 15

Improvements are on the way for the 1st and Kansas K&O Railroad Crossing in Newton. Newton City Commissioners were updated Tuesday evening on a project that has been under development since last fall. Public Works Director Ed Bonham said WATCO staff indicated before the... Read More.

USD 418 to Interview First Superintendent Finalist Today

Tuesday, April 14

The first of three finalists to be the new Superintendent of Schools in McPherson USD 418 will be interviewed later today (Tuesday). Ty Rhodes is currently Assistant Superintendent of USD 418 and is in his second year with the district. Prior to that,... Read More.

USD 418 Board Authorizes Bond Sale, Hears Updates on Elementary Transition

Tuesday, April 14

Last night, the McPherson USD 418 Board of Education approved a resolution to authorize the sale of $89.5 million in bonds, which voters approved last month in a two-part election. Dustin Avey from Piper Sandler (the bond firm the district is working with), reviewed some... Read More.

McPherson Teacher Receives VFW’s Top Award

Monday, April 13

Gipson will receive $1,000 for professional development and $1,000 for her school KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 13, 2026) — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is pleased to announce Tammy M. Gipson, a middle school science, social studies and religion teacher at St. Joseph Catholic... Read More.