Senior Center bus won't operate today, Friday

Due to COVID quarantines, the McPherson Senior Center General Transportation bus will not operate the remaining week. (Jan 14th and 15th).

Beginning Monday, January 18, our General Transportation Bus will have reduced hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.  We ask that you follow our request of advance notice for any rides needed by calling our dispatch at 241-1848. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

McPherson County has remained at COVID Phase 2 restrictions. Following these guidelines the center itself will be closed to the general public at this time. We hope to be open for you soon.

Commodities are to be distributed Tuesday, Jan 26, but no delivery will be available.  

Good news is Friendship Meals are still available for pickup and delivery by letting Connie know a day in advance at 241-0160.

Museum to have display starting today

McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation is one of six Kansas hosts of “The Art of Voting” a pop-up exhibition. Based on an original exhibition created by the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence, “The Art of Voting” is designed to inform Kansans about the history of electoral engagement and the right to vote.

“The Art of Voting” will be on display inside the museum January 14 through February 28 at 1111 E. Kansas Ave. “The Art of Voting” is presented by Humanities Kansas as part of the “Why It Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation” initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

“The Art of Voting” looks at the last 150 years of the American vote, beginning with the ratification of the 15thAmendment in 1870 that made it illegal to deny US citizens the right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” A companion brochure to the exhibition explores the landmarks of voting legislation, including the 19thAmendment, the Indian Citizenship Act, and the Voting Rights Act. 

Free admission to the museum is offered for the duration of the exhibit, beginning January 14 through Febraury 28. 

McPherson Museum is one of six Kansas hosts of “The Art of Voting.” The pop-up exhibition will also be on display at the following locations: Abilene Public Library, Dodge City Community College Resource Center /Library, Coronado-Quivira Museum in Lyons, Sharon Springs Public Library, and the Wyandotte County Museum in Kansas City.

For more information about “The Art of Voting” in McPherson contact the McPherson Museum at 620-241-8464 or visit mcphersonmuseum.com

Inman City Council minutes released

INMAN -- Inman City Council met in regular session Monday, January 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. at the Community Building. In attendance were Don Froese, Mike Gilzinger, Scott Schriner, Dennis Schroeder, Dave Thiessen, and Jim Toews, mayor, with a quorum present. Toews called the meeting to order following the Pledge of Allegiance. Others in attendance: Rod Boerger; Bobby Herron; Diane Miller; Jim Strawn; Steve Carty; Nick Reinecker; Neal Schierling and Barbara Tuxhorn. 

PublicInput - A) Strawn advised that if he builds a house using the city's $14,500 incentive money, the cost of a home like the current homes would cost $180-$190,000 due to cost increases and special assessments on the lots. He does not want to build a spec home. B) Neal Schierling, volunteer fire chief, asked if the city: 1) is interested in buying the fire department building if they build a new one; 2) could build a fire department and sell it to them as a 10-year lease/purchase; 3) would replace some hydrants and flow test all fire hydrants at least every two years to help reduce commercial insurance rates; and 4) would allow storage of their steel cargo containers at Elm & Morgan. The council expressed interest in purchasing their building as a police department and for equipment storage. 

Additions to Agenda- 1) Schriner asked when meetings can return to the city office. The current McPherson County Health Dept. recommendation is a limit of 15 people where social distancing is not possible. 2) Toews asked to discuss increasing trash charges due to losing 1% in the trash fund in 2020. Added under the “Utilities” section. 

Minutes-Schroeder motioned to approve the minutes of the 12/14/2020 meeting. Schriner seconded. Passed 5-0. 

Payment of Bills- After questions were answered, Froese motioned to approve the corrected Appropriation Ordinance 2020-12 for Dec. checks 16598 to 16619 and Appropriation Ordinance 2021-01 for Jan. checks 16620 to 16646. Thiessen seconded. Passed 5-0. The governing body received copies of various Dec. cash and budgetary reports and the reconciled bank statement. 

Interfund Transfer- Thiessen motioned to approve the interfund transfer presented. Schroeder seconded. Passed 5-0. 

Police - Froese motioned to recess into executive session at 7:59 pm to converse with Stan Juhnke for 15 minutes regarding a privileged attorney-client issue per KSA 75-4319(b)(2) with staff present. Schriner seconded. Passed 5-0. Regular session resumed at 8:14 pm with no action taken. Herron supports purchasing the fire department for the police department and shop storage. 

Utilities/Streets/Parks- Boerger reported on utility and maintenance work. The two generators were serviced. Inspection reports on the water towers recommended several improvements on the south tower. Discussed raising trash rates as we lost 1% in the trash fund in 2020. 

Zoning- No zoning permits were issued in December, for a total of 49 permits in 2020 (three new houses). Schroeder motioned to reappoint Michael Brunk and Jeff Regehr to 3-year terms on the Planning Commission, ending 12/31/2023. Gilzinger seconded. Passed 5-0. 

Clerk- Froese motioned to approve Resolution 2021-01, waiving the GAAP requirement of KSA 75-1120a(a) as it applies to the city's financial statements ending 12/31/2020. Schroeder seconded. Passed 5-0. Thiessen motioned to appoint Tuxhorn as the designated 101-3 non-attest person capable to prepare the 2020 financial statements. Schriner seconded. Passed 5-0. Froese motioned to appoint Schriner to review the financial statements. Schroeder seconded. Passed 5-0. Froese motioned to accept the 12/31/2020 fixed asset lists with one correction on the PD list. Thiessen seconded. Passed 5-0. Thiessen motioned to provide a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment and $1  per hour raise to all full-time employees effective 01/04/2021. Froese seconded. Passed 5-0. Schriner motioned to provide a 3% COLA and $0.50 per hour raise for part-time employees beginning 

01/04/2021. Gilzinger seconded. Passed 5-0. Discussed considering an annual COLA and possibly changing the personnel policy to eliminate the first annual 2% raises. Schroeder motioned to approve the 3/01/2021 Blue Cross/Blue Shield health and dental insurance policy. Gilzinger seconded. Passed 5-0. Schroeder motioned to extend Green's 51 hours vacation carryover until 8/1/2021. Thiessen seconded. Passed 5-0. Department head evaluations will be done on 2/8/21 from 5:30 to 7 pm. in executive session. Froese motioned to increase Boerger's phone stipend to $50 per month effective 8/5/2019. Thiessen seconded. Passed 5-0. Thiessen motioned to approve the 2021 government software contract with Custom Micro Works for $3,400. Schroeder seconded. Passed 5-0. 

Unfinished Business- Mill and dilapidated structures- The city attorney will set a special meeting and invite a property owner. The council will meet January 20 at 7 a.m. to discuss a nuisance issue. 

The next regular meeting will be Feb. 8, 2020 at 7p.m. with the council meeting in executive session at 5:30 pm to conduct department heads evaluations, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Schriner motioned to adjourn at 10:03 p.m. Froese seconded. Passed 5-0. 

Inman's Neufeld picked to fill judge vacancy

TOPEKA—The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Ellen Neufeld to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in McPherson County.

The commission conducted public interviews of nominees by videoconference January 12.

Neufeld's new position will be effective on her swearing in. She is an Inman attorney.

The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties. The vacancy was created by Judge Steve Hilgers' January 8 retirement. Four people had applied for the opening.

Eligibility requirements

Kansas law requires that this district magistrate judge be:

-a resident of McPherson County at the time of taking office and while holding office;

-a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and

-either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.

Term of office

After serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

Nominating commission

The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Evelyn Wilson as the interim, nonvoting chair; Amie Bauer, Lindsborg; Michael Androes, Ann Elliott and Harris Terry, McPherson; and Thomas Adrian, Jana McKinney, John Robb and George "Chip" Westfall, Newton.

County reports 44 deaths now from coronavirus

McPherson County Health Department recommends McPherson County remains in Phase 2 re-opening plans through January 25, 2021. Delaying moving to Phase 3 comes after careful consideration of hospitalization rates and while the testing positivity rate has decreased, it still remains high. These plans can be found on the McPherson County website,  mcphersoncountyks.us. 

COVID-19 Vaccine distribution is regulated at the federal and state level. There is little-to-no warning of when doses may be received at local health  departments at this time.

There is a statewide COVID-19 vaccination plan available on the KDHE COVID-19 website,  coronavirus.kdheks.gov.  There is also a graphic available that explains the anticipated vaccination availability schedule for Kansas on the KDHE COVID-19 website, under “Kansas  COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.”

MCHD will reach out to providers and entities as more information becomes available and as Kansas progresses through the vaccination phases. We do not know at this time if it will be readily available for the general public at MCHD, hospitals or doctor offices. Please continue to have patience with us as more information is passed down through the state. We do not have any control of when doses arrive or who they are prioritized for at this time and as soon as information is available, MCHD will make it public. 

KDHE and MCHD continue to mandate a 10-day quarantine for Kansans if you have done any of the following: 

• Attended/traveled to a mass gathering event out-of-state of 500 people or greater where individuals did not 6-foot distance and wear masks

• Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise 

MCHD reports 2,730 total cases of COVID-19 in McPherson County. 1524 of the total cases have now met recovery guidelines or have passed away.  There are 18 current hospitalizations and 44 deaths. 

• New cases since last public release: 113 

• Asymptomatic: 61 

• Unknown exposure: 1,266 

• Cases 60 years old and above: 861 

• Cases 50-59 years old: 374 

• Cases 40-49 years old: 347 

• Cases 30-39 years old: 338 

• Cases 18-29 years old: 551 

• Cases under 18 years old: 259 

• Female cases: 1441 

• Male cases: 1289 

• Total hospitalizations: 107 

• Total ventilated cases: 13 

• Deaths: 44 

- Male: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85, 77, 89, 82, 78, 64, 85, 86, 48, 87, 92, 61, 85, 80

 - Female: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82, 91, 84, 90, 89, 81, 62, 83, 62, 98

Update on 2021 All Schools Day

The All Schools Day committee has announced on its Facebook page that this year’s event is going to happen, but it’s going to look different.

Here is the post:

“After much consideration, All Schools Day will be a "scaled-down" version this year.

We are still finalizing the events that will take place, but we do know we will NOT have a parade, concession area or carnival. We are eager to bring back these events next year.

We understand this is disappointing, but we will still have some of the events you have enjoyed in previous years. Please keep an eye on our page, for this year's theme.

Traffic Tip Tuesday: Pull over for sirens

What do you do when you see a police vehicle, fire engine or ambulance in your rear-view mirror with flashing lights and sirens? We will tell you!

When immediately approached by an authorized emergency vehicle making use of an audible signal and visual signal or a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the driver of all other vehicles shall do the following unless otherwise directed by a police officer:

1. Yield to the right-of-way

2. Immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection

3. Stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

To help our First Responders avoid traffic accidents and delays as they are responding to an emergency, please move over and stop. Think if the emergency was you or a family member. We want our First Responders to get there as soon as possible without delay.

 For more information:

2020-STO-COMBINED (mcpcity.com) Article 10. Sec. 61. (a)

Library to offer virtual storytime

Each Wednesday, beginning January 13, the McPherson Public Library will host a virtual storytime for its youngest patrons. Families can join Miss Jennifer and Miss Liz on zoom for stories, songs and fun, all from their own home. This virtual event is expected to continue throughout the spring.

“We have missed seeing our library friends,” said Jennifer McCulley, Youth Services Coordinator. “We are excited to be able to offer a virtual storytime for all of our families and we cannot wait to see everyone’s faces on the screen.”

Families wishing to participate must sign up through the library’s online calendar at macpl.libcal.com.   A link will then be emailed about an hour before the program begins.  For more information this program, or other library services, visit the library’s website at www.macpl.org or call 620-245-2570.

CCCK offering two new courses

 CCCK is excited to announce the offering of two Free Methodist  Credentialing Courses, slated to launch on February 15, 2021.  

These courses, Free Methodist History & Polity and Introduction to Wesleyan Thought are key  classes for those seeking ordination as well as individuals who want to expand their  understanding of Free Methodist history and theology.  

Leveraging the College’s extensive experience in online learning and robust technology, these  classes are designed to meet the learning needs of the modern individual. Courses are  asynchronous, providing 24/7 accessibility, allowing learners to engage at their own pace and  as time allows. At the same time, the courses are designed in such a way that the College is  able to maintain its commitment to a personalized educational experience, which includes  guidance from experienced facilitators, ordained in the Free Methodist Church.  

To ensure accessibility, the courses are designed to be completed in six-weeks and are being  offered at a significant tuition reduction rate of only id="mce_marker"50 per class.  

Central, founded and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church (FMC-USA.), has a rich and  longstanding history of training and equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and  experience to become active members of their churches as pastors and lay members. In 1991,  under the guidance of Dr. Bruce C. Johnson, the College began offering its first four-year  program, the Bachelor of Science in Ministry. Its emergence was inspired by Dr. Johnson’s  vision to equip individuals for active service in the cause of Christ. 

Now, thirty years later, the department continues to remain focused on its mission to prepare  individuals for effective ministry. This time, recognizing the unique needs and resources of the  21stCentury, the department is focused on providing flexible, low-cost, Christ-Centered  options for those who may find attending residential classes impractical, especially those  seeking ordination or credentialing. 

1200 S. Main St | McPherson, KS 67460 | www.centralchristian.edu ;

Dr. Mindi Cromwell, the Chair of the Ministry and Theology Department and Chaney Lecturer,  shared, “Women and men preparing for ministry in the Free Methodist Church now have a  unique opportunity to study the history, polity, and theology of our Wesleyan roots with  trained scholars who are also dedicated FM ministers and trained scholars—all from the  comfort of home!” 

Academic Dean, Dr. Jacob Kaufman shared this about Dr. Cromwell and this new program, “Dr.  Mindi Cromwell’s experience within the Free Methodist denomination and her role as Ministry  and Theology Chair is a perfect fit for this new initiative. We here at CCCK are thrilled to  leverage our online education platform to come alongside individuals seeking to advance their  theological and ministerial competence.” 

The program will launch in February 2021, with Free Methodist History & Polity. For more  information about the Credentialing Courses go to centralchristian.edu/fmcc.

CKC awarded grant money

In October 2020, Board Members from the Central Kansas Conservancy announced that they were accepted as participants in the “A Community Thrives Challenge.”

A Community Thrives is a program funded by the Gannett Foundation and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, which invests in community-building initiatives across the country.  

To receive the grant, the organization had to demonstrate community support through donations through a four-week fundraiser campaign that started in September and ended in the second week of October. Being a competitive grant, the organization had to compete in a tier of 350 other organizations. The CKC’s goal was $7,000; however, they surpassed that goal by $9,300, bringing the total amount raised to $16,300. Since the CKC demonstrated a considerable amount of community support, the Gannett Foundation awarded the CKC a grant of $7,500. The grant money, along with the generous donations from the trail’s supporters, totals $23,800 and will be put toward the completion of the remaining four mile stretch between the two sections of Meadowlark Trail, establishing a continuous corridor between the McPherson and Lindsborg communities.

 The CKC sincerely appreciates the Gannett Corporation for the opportunity to participate in the A Community Thrives Challenge and especially the CKC supporters…the trail would not be possible without their overwhelming support through volunteerism and monetary donations. If you would like to get involved or learn more about our organization and our trails, please visit our website at www.centralkansastrails.org.