75
Special Back To School Information on page 16.
Connecting our Community through Local News
Don't miss an issue!
Most subscriptions expire the first week of October. Special subscription offer on page 12. Or renew online at mcphersonweeklynews.com/subscribe and use code EARLY to save $10.
Vol: 2, Issue: 31 County Commission
County Approves Two Meteorological Towers
August 3, 2016 Sheriff's race too close to call, Melroy upsets Schmidt in County Clerk race
Is There a New Sheriff in Town?
3
Towers to be in place one year to test for wind farm viability
By William Snesrud McPherson News The McPherson County Board of Commissioners gave the approval for installation of two meteorological towers at Monday’s weekly board meeting. John Verssue, McPherson County Planning and Zoning Administrator, submitted the request for the two towers on behalf of Tower Associates, LLC with one tower to be placed in an area near 25th Avenue and Kiowa Road while the second tower is to be placed in an area near Kiowa Road and 30th Avenue near the Marion County line. Both towers are set to be placed in agricultural districts and have already had the required public hearings and approval of the owners of the property. Verssue noted that the towers are approximately 197 feet tall and will be balanced with guide wires. Sam Massey, a representative from Tower Associates, LLC explained to the Commissioners that the towers will be temporary structures and will have land leases with the property owners for a minimum of one year with an
Courtesy Photo
Police Captain Jerry Montagne holds a narrow lead over incumbent Sheriff Larry Powell in the McPherson County Sheriff race. Hollie Melroy also overcame her incumbent opponent Cathy Schmidt in the McPherson County Clerk race. By Anne Hassler Heidel Powell lead all vote counts McPherson News released throughout the night Jerry P. Montagne is leading by the County Clerk. At 8:35 by 16 votes over incumbent p.m. with 24 of 34 precincts Sheriff Larry Powell in the counted Powell lead 1,427 to McPherson County Sheriff's 1,242. Montagne was able to race. There are still 77 provi- pull ahead by 16 votes when sional ballots to count and the the clerk released results at 9:06 county clerk's office stated they p.m. for all 34 precincts. will not count them until Aug. There are still 77 provision3 or later. All votes must be can- al ballots which have not been vassed and certified by Aug. 11. counted. These ballots could be
for the Democratic ticket but an exact breakdown of Republican and Democrat ballots was not released by the county clerk 's office. According to literature from votekansas.org, the term “provisional voting” was introduced in Kansas in 1996 as a result of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). A provisional ballot is available if there is any question about your eligibility to vote. A provisional ballot is provided if, as a registered voter, you change your name or address within the county and See ELECTION, Page 2
Sales Tax, Mabee Grants, Private Donations help fund improvements
Hospital Plans for Building Expansion
ect for McPherson Hospital, the plan was to remodel the second floor of the hospital facility and create space for up to seven providers. Staffing has since increased due to the placement of new providers and hospital officials anticipate the addition of more physicians. It has become See TOWERS, Page 2 evident that the second floor of the hospital will not be large enough to adequately accommodate the vision for physicians and other providers both in the near and distant future. In consultation with Health Facilities Group of Wichita and Hutton Construction with an Courtesy Drawing The McPherson Hospital plans to add a Medical Office Building office in McPherson, compato its campus instead of renovating existing space as was originally nies with which the hospital has worked in the past and holds a planned. In the fall of 2014, the McPherson County voters ap- great deal of trust, McPherson McPherson Healthcare Founda- proved a 10 year, ½ percent sales Hospital administrators and tion launched a capital campaign tax increase to help support the associated boards have made a entitled Caring for the Future, to county hospitals with facilities decision to instead construct a raise funds to renovate facilities improvements, operational ex- separate medical office building and upgrade infrastructure at penses and community wellness on the hospital grounds to house physician clinics. operations. McPherson Hospital. In Phase 1 of the capital projAt about the same time, See HOSPITAL, Page 7
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID MCPHERSON, KS PERMIT NO. 11 McPherson News, PO Box 549 McPherson, KS 67460
Total voter turnout: 5,961 out of 15,900 registered voters. That's a 37% voter turnout, up slightly from 36% at the 2014 primary.
City Commission
City Approves 2017 Budget
The McPherson City Commission held its budget hearing for the 2017 City Budget at Monday's meeting. The proposed 2017 budget authority is $43,627,339 (this includes reserves). City commissioners will work to restrict 2017 expenditures to a level similar to 2016. The 2017 budget will be funded by an estimated mill levy of 51.608, which is slightly higher than the eight-year average of 51.266. Speaking during the public input portion of the hearing, Fred Bohnenblust asked if the budget included repairs for the tennis courts at Wall Park. Mayor Tom Brown indicated it did not but the city was looking at alternative ways to raise funds for the repairs which he estimates at $400,000. In other business at the commission meeting: Brian Hopp, Hopp Sound and Hopp Sno Shack owner, received permission to hold a street dance on Aug. 20 as a back-to-school bash. The 200 block of E. Euclid St. will be closed from 6-11 p.m. Aug. 20. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in conjunction with the McPherson Fire Department's Fill the Boot event. McPherson Housing Coalition (MHC) Director Alana Murphy presented an Emergency Services Grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The city has an agreement with MHC to administer this grant which includes $30K for homeless prevention, $50K for the rapid rehousing program, $3K for HMIS and $2,243 for administration that is given to MHC. Police Chief Rob McClarty received approval to hire crossing guards for the upcoming school year. CVB Director Joni Regnier received approval to spend $1,076 to travel to Olathe for the 2016 Kansas Tourism Conference. Be sure to tune in Mondays at 8:30 a.m. for our Facebook Live broadcast of the city commission meeting.