McPherson News

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.

McPherson County Receives Draft Report on Moundridge Area TEAP Study

Monday, April 13

McPherson County Public Works has received a draft report on a TEAP study by the Kansas Department of Transportation on two intersections near Moundridge including Arrowhead Road and Old 81 Highway just west of Moundridge where there was a double-fatality accident last summer. ... Read More.

Meeting on Updating Kansas Fire Codes Tuesday in McPherson

Sunday, April 12

Kansas State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm will be traveling across Kansas the new few weeks for public meetings where he will provide information about development of the 2026 Kansas Fire Prevention Code. Engholm says he will be listening to ideas about what should... Read More.

City, County, School Meeting Agendas for Monday

Saturday, April 11

County agendas Personnel items across multiple departments are on Monday's McPherson County Commission agenda at 9 at the Public Works office building. Commissioners will also consider approval of repair costs on a backhoe and hear public works project updates during the meeting, after which a... Read More.