McPherson College launches program to reduce student debt

 A new program at McPherson College aims at helping students graduate with no student loan debt. The Student Debt Project focuses on making college a possibility by addressing families’ biggest challenge. 

“Most schools are talking about cost and others boast large scholarship programs,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “Our data is clear. Students and parents are focused on debt. We want to meet them there.”

It’s hard to miss the news coverage of the amount of student loan debt in the United States. Last year nationwide, the average student loan debt was $37,000 with 44.2 million borrowers owing $1.31 trillion. The Washington Post reported, 11 percent of the nation’s college graduates with student loan debt were either delinquent or in default, according to the Department of Education. 

The student debt project is part of McPherson College’s commitment to its strategic plan “Community by Design.” The project was tested during the last academic year with success and officially launched this fall with 24 students. 

It focuses on three areas: employment, mentorship, and financial literacy. Each student completes a financial planning workshop where they create a budget, and works with a mentor to navigate their continually changing financial challenges as college students. Each student has a unique financial situation, requiring individual plans. However, a component of each plan includes students’ agreement to work throughout their time at college, and McPherson College will match earnings applied to a student account at 25 cents per dollar. 

“In last year’s pilot cohort, we saw students make significant progress on reducing their student loan debt,” President Schneider said. “We hope that any student who will make the commitment can graduate with no student loan debt.”

Junior Kylee Martin participated in the pilot program because she was interested in graduating with as little debt as possible. She took the financial literacy training seriously and has worked in various internships to reduce her student loan debt.

“Once you see it start to add up it’s exciting and you see that you can do this,” she said. “I’ve been able to cut my tuition debt in half. It’s nice knowing that I don’t have to ask my parents for money. I even have some money saved for emergencies, and I’ve learned things that I will use the rest of my life.”

The Student Debt Reduction Project was sparked by the fact that many students take out excess student loans. “At McPherson College we found that in some years nearly forty percent of the total student debt is refunded back to them,” President Schneider said. “We started to think about ways we could educate students on how to better manage and budget their refunds in order to reduce their loan debt .”

McPherson College is hopeful that the project will make it possible for a significant number of its students to afford a college education, and to change the paradigm of what is really at issue in paying for a college education. 

“We are encouraging any student, including our first-year students, who are serious about reducing their expected student loan debt to apply for the program,” Christi Hopkins, vice president of enrollment management, said. “Our goal is that this project will not only make coming to college possible for many, but also lead to sustainable, brighter start to our student’s careers. You pair no student loans with a job out of college and it is a big win.”

Students interested in learning more about the project can go to the college website at: www.mcpherson.edu/debtproject/.

No more fines on teen materials at Public Library

After one year of eliminating fines on children’s materials, the McPherson Public Library is now extending the policy to include all teen (young adult) items.  As with the children’s policy, patrons must return overdue items before they can check out other items, and the library will continue charging for costs associated with damaged or lost items.

Patrons are responsible for paying library fines which have already accrued on teen materials checked out before February 6.  The library will continue sending out overdue reminders and encourages patrons to return their materials on time.

Jennifer McCulley, Youth Services Coordinator, is excited about the addition to the  policy. “Late fines have occasionally been an obstacle for those unable to pay them and we are glad to see them go," she commented.  "We hope we will see more teenagers and families coming in to check out books without worrying about the charges should they be a few days late getting items back to us.”

For additional information call the library at 245-2570 or email them [email protected]  

Historical Society to present 'Brooms of McPherson County'

The McPherson County Historical Society will present “Brooms of McPherson County” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 at the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation. Justin Burton is the broom maker at Bethany College and previous fellow of the city of Berea’s Art Accelerator Program. Justin will be discussing the history of broomcorn and broom production in McPherson County and its roots in the Swedish Immigrants.

The Bethany College Swedish Crafts Program provides students with an opportunity to learn how to make hand-crafted objects that celebrate the Lindsborg community’s rich history in the arts and Swedish culture. Students learn the value of hand skills, the potentials of collaboration, and the necessity of servant leadership. This program prepares students to contribute on a larger scale to the local community and to the world.

For more information please visit: www.bethanylb.edu/product-category/ swedish-crafts/

All historical society programs are open to the public and are free of charge. 

Public Works Report February 11

Street Department: Curb and Street Patch at 541 Tulip

Motion to approve the replacement of 105 feet of curb, two driveway approaches, and a street patch near 541 Tulip Street for a cost of materials not to exceed $2,823.54.

A repair is needed near 541 Tulip Street.  There is a large pothole at that location, and a section of curb is rotating.  The Street Superintendent has put together an estimate to replace 105 feet of curb, two driveway approaches, and a 105 foot x 3 foot street patch in the amount of $2,823.54, for materials only.

Street Department: Concrete Pothole Patch (Crafco)

Motion to approve the purchase of one pallet (56 bags) of Crafco concrete pothole patch from Crafco, Wichita, for a cost not to exceed $1,596.00.

We need to re-order Crafco concrete pothole patch.  We received a quote from Crafco (formerly PMSI), Wichita, for one pallet (56 bags) of Crafco concrete pothole patch in the amount of $1,596.00.

This request is $57.00 more than we discussed in study session.  We were quoted 54 bags and the invoice is for 56  bags.

Street Department: Disposal of 2008 Century Topper

Motion to approve disposal of the 2008 Century topper through Purple Wave.

With the transfer of the 2008 Ford 250 to the Street Department, they have no use for the topper.  The topper is a 2008 Century topper. (74" wide x 81" long).  We have offered it to other departments and no one has a use for it.  We would like to dispose of it through Purple Wave.

Street Department: Air Compressor Repairs (Central Power Systems & Service)

Motion to approve repairs to the Street Department air compressor by Central Power Systems & Service, Wichita, KS, for an amount not to exceed $6,853.90.

On December 17, 2018, the Commission approved repairs to the Street Department Air Compressor for an amount not to exceed $7,800.  When the invoice was received the credit for the core was not included.  We now have the corrected invoice and need to have it approved in 2019.  The amount of the actual invoice from Central Power Systems & Service, Wichita, KS is $6,853.90.  

WWTP: HVAC Unit for WWTF Administration Building (Ace Plumbing and Heating Supply, LLC)

Motion to approve replacement of the heat exchanger in the Heil rooftop unit on the administration building at the WWTF by Ace Plumbing and Heating Supply, LLC for a cost not to exceed $1,100.00.

The heat exchanger on one of the three roof top units of the WWTF Administration building is cracked and needs to be replaced.  The unit is a Heil Unit.  We received a quote from Ace Plumbing and Heating Supply, LLC to replace the heat exchanger in the amount of $1,100.00.

WWTP: Replacement Pumps and a spare pump for Lift Station #4 (Environmental & Process Systems, Inc.)

Motion to approve payment to Environmental & Process Systems, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $25,237.15 for two replacement pumps and one spare pump for Lift Station #4, of which $14,700.00 has been reimbursed by Alfred Benesch and Company.

On October 22, 2018 the Commission approved the purchase of two replacement pumps for Lift Station #4.  At that time the pumps had been in service approximately one year.  During a  rain event the Wastewater Superintendent noticed that two pumps were running at the same time more than they should.  After running through the design parameters and  pump curves, it was discovered that an error was made in the original design.   We need 10 hp pumps and 6.4 hp pumps were installed.  

Alfred Benesch, the design engineer, has paid all additional expenses incurred by the City due to the error.  Alfred Benesch & Company paid the City $14,700.  The difference of $3,581.15 is the cost difference between two new 6.5 hp pumps and two new 10 hp pumps.  We will install the new pumps and Environmental & Process Systems, Inc. will upgrade the heavier wiring needed.

Additionally, on November 11, 2018, the Commission approved $7,500 for a spare pump and estimated shipping.  We keep at least one of each of the lift station pumps in inventory for emergencies.  

There was nearly a four-month lead time to receive the pumps.   We have now received all three pumps and the invoice including actual shipping.  We need Commission approval in 2019.  The invoice for the three pumps for lift station #4 and shipping is $25,237.15.

ROW Access for Monitoring Wells: Braun Intertec

Motion to approve the Access to Property Agreement for Braun Intertec to install 4 monitoring wells, at the direction of KDHE, in the ROW along Woodside and Cedar Street near 1015 W. Woodside Street.

I received a request from Franky Arnwine, Braun Intertec, to install 4 monitoring wells within the City ROW at the direction of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment near 1015 Woodside.  This will allow ground water to be monitored for up to 18 months.   The monitoring wells are along W. Woodside Street and Cedar Street. 

Eagle's Wings Unit Two (Phase II) Construction Contracts (Vogts-Parga Construction)

Motion to approve the construction contracts with Vogts-Parga Construction for the Eagle's Wings Unit Two (Phase II) for a cost not to exceed $613,728.26 and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract.

We have received signed petitions and the 50% upfront costs from West First Investments, LLC for Eagle's Wings Unit Two Phase II and are ready to move forward with the construction.  The developer negotiated costs with Vogts-Parga Construction.   We received a cost estimate for the construction of the street and storm water portion of these projects (CIP 23 Eagle's Wings Unit Two Phase II) in the amount of $564,390.26 and a cost estimate of the sanitary sewer items (SSD #166 C) in the amount of $49,338.00.  Total estimated construction costs of Eagle's Wings Unit Two Phase II is $613,728.26.

Eagle's Wings Unit Two (Phase II) Inspection Contracts (Earles Engineering)

Motion to approve inspection contracts for Eagle's Wings Unit Two (Phase II) with Earles Engineering for a cost not to exceed $151,231.32 and authorize the Mayor to sign the contracts.

We have received signed petitions and the 50% upfront costs from West First Investments, LLC for Eagle's Wings Unit Two Phase II and are ready to move forward with the construction.  I have contacted Earles Engineering for an estimate of inspection costs.   We received a cost estimate for the inspection of the street and storm water portion of these projects (CIP 23-03 Eagle's Wings Unit Two Phase II) in the amount of $107,817.30, and a cost estimate of the sanitary sewer items (SSD #166 C) in the amount of $43,414.02.  Total estimated costs of inspection of Eagle's Wings Unit Two Phase II is $151,231.32.

New traffic signal reminder at Marlin and Main

Reminder that the Street Department is upgrading traffic signals at the intersection of Main Street and Marlin Street.  The signals were taken out of service to allow for the installation of new signals.  Northbound and southbound traffic will not be required to stop at the intersection.  Temporary stop signs have been placed on Marlin Street.  Eastbound and westbound traffic will have to stop.  

Traffic light improvements are in response to citizen concerns about safety at the designated intersection. The new signals will be more visible due to the increased height and will have 12" LED lights. The work is expected to be completed in the next week, but is contingent upon weather.   

Construction Update February 11

Update on Barnstormers-Premier Subdivisions Project

Again, nothing new to report on the Barnstormers/Premier Subdivisions.  No work due to unfavorable weather conditions.  We are hopeful that the work can be accomplished in the next couple of weeks.

City to host two public meetings on March 4

There will be two public meetings on Monday, March 4, 2019, one at 3:00 pm and one at 6:30 pm, both in the Commission Room at the Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas, to discuss drainage issues.

The City of McPherson contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company to conduct a drainage study of the Dry Turkey Creek Watershed.  The purpose and focus of this meeting will be to discuss drainage issues within the Dry Turkey Creek basin.  We encourage all residents, regardless of where you live, to attend.

After the completion of this study, we will start a second study of the Bull Creek Watershed.  We will have another public meeting for that study.

Questionnaires can be obtained here at the Municipal Center or by logging onto our website at mcpcity.com.  

Completed questionnaires can be dropped off at the City office, brought to the meeting, or submitted through the webs.

United Way surpasses annual goal

The United Way of McPherson County’s annual campaign has gone over the top. United Way not only reached its $250,000 goal, it surpassed it. United Way Campaign Chair Kipp Cordell announced the final total was $261,088.37. That’s a new record for United Way of McPherson County, passing the previous high mark of $251,950 set in 2001.

 “Achieving our campaign goal is a testament to the people and businesses of the county, and their desire and willingness to help our neighbors in need,” Cordell said. “We can’t thank them enough. This is a day that all of us, along with our partner agencies whom we help fund, can celebrate. Our campaign theme was, ‘United We Fight’. Today we can say, ‘United We Won.”

The money raised will help United Way fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in McPherson County through the work of 17 local partner agencies. 

Cemetery requests decoration removal

The McPherson City Cemetery requests the removal of all Christmas wreaths, vases, containers and other holiday items placed on graves before Friday, March 15. Cemetery staff members will also collect and dispose of any faded or broken decorations placed in the ground. Flowers and decorations placed in permanent vases or flowerpots will not be removed. Decoration removal is important as the mowing season approaches. Questions or comments should be directed to the cemetery office at 620-245-2568. For a complete list of cemetery rules and regulations, visit mcpcity.com/183/McPherson-Cemetery or stop by the cemetery office at 1601 Cemetery Drive.

Ricky Nelson Remembered still happening tonight at Opera House

The “Rickey Nelson Remembered” show, hosted by the McPherson Opera House tonight at 7:30, will still happen as scheduled. The show features Ricky Nelson's twin sons, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, performing the songs of their father, a 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee best known for hits like "Hello Mary Lou" and "Garden Party."

The show’s performers are on their way to McPherson and plan to perform, regardless of the snow/ice.

The show also includes never before seen big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson, who is known as the original ‘Teen Idol.’ With their rock band NELSON, Matthew and Gunnar have five Top 40 Billboard hits, four #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide. The show is a complete celebration of family and the extraordinary career of an American music legend.