Kansas motorists are being urged to exercise extra caution on roadways as the state enters peak season for vehicle-deer collisions, with multiple state agencies launching a coordinated awareness campaign.
The warning comes as alarming statistics reveal the scope of the problem: deer-related crashes accounted for 39% of all single-vehicle accidents across Kansas in 2024, resulting in five fatalities and 674 injuries, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
"These crashes greatly increase from now until the end of the year because of deer breeding season, with November typically the peak time," officials said.
The Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, AAA Kansas, and the Kansas Turnpike Authority have joined forces to help decrease the number of deer-vehicle crashes during this critical period.
Stay in Your Lane
Lt. Chad Crittenden of the Kansas Highway Patrol emphasized that attempting to avoid deer can be more dangerous than the collision itself.
"Serious crashes are more likely to occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer, as this can lead to loss of vehicle control, departure from the roadway or collisions with oncoming traffic," Crittenden said. "It is often safer to brake firmly and stay in your lane."
Rising Repair Costs
Beyond the safety concerns, the financial impact of deer collisions has skyrocketed. Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas, noted that repair costs have more than doubled in recent years.
"AAA insurance statistics show the average claim in Kansas for an animal strike in 2024 was $8,430 – up 103% in just five years," Steward said. "This is largely due to advanced vehicle technology such as cameras and sensors, driving up the cost of repairs."
Steward also warned that comprehensive auto insurance coverage is necessary to cover such damage.
Seasonal Behavior Increases Risk
Levi Jaster, Big Game Program Coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, explained that while the agency prioritizes reducing deer-vehicle collisions through population management, seasonal factors create unavoidable hazards.
"Even in areas with fewer deer, seasonal habitat changes and mating can bring deer onto roads at any time of day or night," Jaster said. "Drivers should be especially cautious at dawn and dusk and stay attentive in areas with good deer habitat. Slowing down and remaining alert are the best ways to avoid a collision."
What Drivers Should Do
Safety officials recommend the following precautions:
Watch for deer especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. Deer rarely travel alone, so if you see one, expect more.Reduce speeds near wooded areas and water sources where deer are more likely to cross.Pay attention to deer crossing signs, which mark areas with historically high collision rates.Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic, as deer's eyes often reflect light.Never swerve to avoid a deer, as this can cause you to hit oncoming traffic, run off the road, or overturn.If a collision occurs, move the vehicle to the shoulder if possible, turn on hazard lights, keep seat belts fastened, and call law enforcement — KHP dispatch at *47, turnpike users at *KTA, or local law enforcement at 911.
State law requires anyone involved in a collision with a deer or other animal to immediately report the incident to law enforcement if it results in personal injury or property damage totaling $1,000 or more.
Drivers should also contact their insurance company to report any damage.
Officials stressed that vehicle-deer collisions can occur on any Kansas roadway, whether rural or urban, and urged motorists to stay alert, obey posted laws, eliminate distractions, and always wear seat belts throughout the fall season and year-round.
A single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 135 early Friday morning resulted in the death of a 19-year-old Hutchinson man, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:40 a.m. on southbound I-135, roughly one mile north of Quivera Road in McPherson County.
According to the crash report, a 2003 Ford Ranger traveling southbound departed the roadway to the left. The driver overcorrected while attempting to return to the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll multiple times. The pickup came to rest in the southbound lanes facing southwest.
Joel R. Guffey, 19, of Hutchinson, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, Bentley D. Eckhoff, 20, also of Hutchinson, sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment.
Park and Recreation
The commission will approve additional funding of $156.64 for freight costs related to the annual purchase of grass seed and fertilizer, bringing the total to nearly $16,000. The materials will be used to reseed Hess Park and repair flood-damaged areas, plus fertilize downtown facilities.
Two temporary workers will be hired at the golf course for $12/hour through the remainder of the season.
Traffic Changes
Earl Street Conversion: Commissioners will vote to make the 200 block of Earl Street a one-way westbound street to address safety concerns at Lincoln Elementary School. The change aims to reduce congestion during Pre-K drop-off and pick-up times, as parents currently park along both sides of the street creating dangerous conditions.
Infrastructure Projects
The commission will approve $2,842.75 for continued erosion control work at Deerfield Estates South and $7,380 to renew technical support for critical wastewater treatment plant software.
Staff will provide updates on several major road projects including Myers Street reconstruction, North Elm reconstruction, and the completed Sycamore neighborhood asphalt overlay.
Administrative Business
The city will renew its insurance consulting agreements, including a new five-year contract with Iron Insurance Partners starting at $23,500 annually with 2.5% yearly increases.
The annual Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for November 11, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion and proceeding to a ceremony at the Park Department building at 11:00 a.m.
A study session will follow the regular meeting for preliminary discussions on policy matters and expenditures over $3,000.
Bridge engineering services and courthouse maintenance highlight facility management priorities
The McPherson County Commission will consider significant infrastructure investments Monday while addressing personnel matters and facility improvements at their Public Works location.
Major Bridge Engineering Project
Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and Project Manager Elizabeth Hopp will seek approval for engineering services related to Bridge on Pueblo Road. This represents a substantial infrastructure investment requiring professional engineering analysis and design work.
The commission will also receive updates on the "Safe Roads for All" grant, a federal initiative supporting transportation safety improvements in rural communities. This grant could provide significant funding for county road and bridge safety enhancements.
Courthouse Facility Improvements
Maintenance Supervisor Joshua Pimentel will present courthouse cleaning bids as the county evaluates contracted custodial services. This discussion reflects ongoing efforts to maintain county facilities efficiently while managing operational costs.
Matt Roots from Fuqua Manufacturing Business Development will present turf options for the McPherson County Building at 200 N. Maple Street, indicating landscaping improvements to enhance the facility's appearance and functionality.
Technology Infrastructure Advancement
IT Coordinator Jeff Butler will request authorization to establish an Apple Developer Account, enabling the county to develop custom applications for mobile devices used by county departments. This technology initiative could improve field operations and internal communication systems.
The move toward in-house app development reflects modernization efforts as counties increasingly rely on mobile technology for inspections, reporting, and field operations.
Personnel and Administrative Matters
Several department heads will address staffing needs:
County Appraiser Stacy Hubbard will discuss non-elected personnel matters, potentially addressing assessment department staffing during the busy property valuation season.
Captain Blevins from Corrections will request approval to purchase a replacement kitchen range/oven for the jail facility, addressing essential food service equipment needs for the detention center.
Planning and Development
Planning/Zoning/Environment Administrator Jon Kinsey will request approval to waive an application fee, likely supporting development projects that benefit county interests or meet specific criteria for fee reduction.
Environmental Compliance
The agenda includes discussion of a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) letter requesting inspection access to county property at 1177 West Woodside Street. This indicates potential environmental monitoring or compliance requirements for county-owned facilities.
Routine County Business
Commissioners will handle standard administrative functions including:
- Agenda and minutes approval
- Check, claims, and payroll authorization
- Property tax assessment additions and abatements
- General correspondence review
Public input is scheduled for 9 a.m., providing residents opportunity to address commissioners on matters not specifically listed on the agenda.
The 9 a.m. meeting continues at the Public Works facility at 1115 W. Avenue A, where commissioners have operated since relocating from the county building earlier this year.
Monday's agenda demonstrates McPherson County's focus on infrastructure investment through the bridge engineering project and federal grant opportunities, while addressing immediate facility needs including courthouse cleaning and jail equipment replacement.
The Apple Developer Account request represents forward-thinking technology adoption that could improve county operations efficiency and service delivery. The turf discussion and KDHE compliance matter show attention to both facility aesthetics and environmental responsibilities.
These items collectively reflect comprehensive county management addressing infrastructure, technology, personnel, and regulatory compliance needs across multiple departments and facilities.
City Attorney Anne Elliott reported to the McPherson City Commission that her investigation of two North Myers Court properties found no violations of city code, according to statements made during Monday's commission meeting.
Elliott told commissioners she personally inspected 1339 North Myers Court and 1333 North Myers Court on Friday, September 12, 2025, following a request from the commission to investigate potential code violations.
"There were, in my opinion, no violations of the code," Elliott said. "Both chapters 18 and chapter 50 of the city code I reviewed in-depthly and there aren't any violations currently."
Elliott specifically addressed 1339 North Myers Court, noting that while there are yard art and signs present, not all are on that particular property. She confirmed that none infringe on any neighbor's property, and she found no trash, weeds, or inoperable vehicles during her inspection.
"You could pass through the street, walk by the home, and there weren't any other obvious issues with the neighboring homes either," Elliott stated.
This marks the second time a city attorney has examined the properties and reached the same conclusion, according to Mayor Thomas A. Brown.
Elliott advised that if the neighbors continue to have issues, they should address them through civil court rather than involving the city.
"Unless there is an obvious code violation, particularly with chapter 50 of the city, there's nothing that the city can do other than encourage the neighbors to get along," Elliott said.
The city attorney recommended that the neighbors attempt to resolve their differences through communication and move forward, adding that the city "cannot get involved and will not get involved" in the absence of code violations.
The McPherson County Commission received a comprehensive update on bridge infrastructure during their August 25 meeting, revealing that the county is looking at approximately $9 million in bridge projects over the next couple of years.
David Bohnenblust, Public Works Director, presented commissioners with a detailed tracking report of current and upcoming bridge projects throughout the county. The report outlined multiple categories of bridge work, ranging from major structures to smaller culvert replacements.
"Page three, just let you know, in the next couple of years, we're looking at $9 million on bridges," Bohnenblust told commissioners. "We won't be able to do that every year, because a million of that is coming out of kind of reserve funds."
The county's bridge program includes three major bridge projects described as "multi-million dollar big bridges on high traffic areas." These include a project southwest of Inman being designed by Earls Engineering, the Grover Bridge, and what officials called the "Car Valley" bridge on 27th Avenue. Bohnenblust noted that these three large projects are in various stages of design and funding.
In addition, four concrete box culverts are being designed for construction by Concrete Products, with some scheduled for this year and others planned for 2026. Bohnenblust emphasized that much of the current design work is for next year's construction projects.
"You can't just say, 'Hey, put me in a new bridge next week.' It takes a little bit longer than that," Bohnenblust explained.
The county is also pursuing state funding for three additional large bridge structures. One significant project is the Smokey Hill Bridge near Marquette and Lindsborg, estimated at $3 million. Bohnenblust indicated this crossing is particularly important as there are only three or four bridges crossing the Smoky Hill River in the county.
The presentation also included information about recently completed bridges, current projects, and seven pipe installations scheduled to prepare roads for next year's paving work.
The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges of infrastructure maintenance, particularly after recent flood damage to several bridges in the county. One bridge, described as the second oldest in the county, was damaged during heavy rains and is currently closed while officials determine whether to repair, replace, or pursue alternative solutions.
Bohnenblust noted that the tracking report was compiled to help monitor progress on the numerous bridge projects across the county.
The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved the purchase of a used 2016 Ram 2500 pickup truck during their regular meeting on Monday, as the Public Works Department moves to replace an aging vehicle in their fleet.
Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and another department representative presented the request, seeking approval for the purchase of the truck from McPherson Car Connection at a cost of $26,995. The dealer reportedly removed their administration fee of approximately $375 from the initial price.
The Ram has only 53,000 miles on it and is reportedly in excellent condition.
"It's very clean," they told commissioners. "I've driven it. It's a very nice truck. Tires are brand new, and it just had brakes done all the way around."
They added that the vehicle's Carfax report indicated all services had been "done pretty religiously" by previous owners.
The new truck will replace a 2004 Trailblazer that has developed significant engine problems.
"The engine has got bad compression in number two cylinder, so it needs a new engine," they explained.
When asked about plans for the old vehicle, they indicated the department would likely sell it "as is" in October, noting it wasn't worth the expense of installing a new engine.
The Public Works Department currently operates with two Explorer vehicles previously acquired from the Sheriff's Department, a 1999 van, and the problematic Trailblazer that will be replaced.
All commissioners voted in favor.
Work has begun on a portion of west First Street (from Hospital Drive to the HWY 81 bypass). Kansas Paving is under contact for repairs and mill & overlay efforts in the area. They have started on the north side. Traffic will be condensed to two lanes in this area for an undetermined amount of time.
Public Works director to discuss vehicle purchases and staffing during brief morning session
The McPherson County Commission will hold a streamlined meeting Monday morning, focusing primarily on departmental operations and personnel matters after relocating to their temporary meeting space at Public Works.
Meeting Location Change
Following the January relocation, the 9 a.m. meeting will be held at the Public Works facility at 1115 W. Avenue A, rather than the traditional County Building location. The commission has been conducting meetings at the Public Works site since January 13, 2025.
Weed Control Chemical Contracts
Noxious Weed Department Director Mike Benda will present bids for the annual purchase of fall weed control chemicals at 9:10 a.m. The seasonal chemical procurement is essential for the county's ongoing efforts to manage invasive plant species across rural areas and right-of-ways.
County weed control programs are mandated by state law and represent a significant annual expense for maintaining agricultural productivity and preventing the spread of designated noxious weeds.
Public Works Updates
Public Works Director David Bohnenblust will address several operational items at 9:15 a.m., including:
- Personnel Matters: Discussion of non-elected personnel issues, likely conducted in executive session
- Vehicle Procurement: Review of pickup truck purchase proposals for department fleet needs
- General Updates: Routine departmental operational reports
The vehicle purchase discussion comes as county departments regularly update aging fleet vehicles to maintain operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Routine Administrative Business
The commission will handle standard weekly business items including:
- Agenda approval
- Minutes from previous meetings
- Authorization of checks, claims, and payroll
- Property tax assessment additions and abatements
- General personnel matters
- Review of correspondence
Public Input Opportunity
A public input session is scheduled for 9 a.m., allowing county residents to address commissioners on matters not specifically listed on the agenda.
The meeting represents typical county operations, focusing on departmental needs and administrative functions rather than major policy initiatives. The commission's temporary relocation to Public Works continues as they operate from the alternative venue established earlier this year.
County meetings are open to the public, with the brief agenda suggesting a relatively quick session focused on operational matters rather than lengthy policy discussions.
Budget maintains same mill levy as 2025 while adding new fire station costs and debt service
The McPherson City Commission will hold public hearings and vote on its 2026 budget Tuesday evening, with a proposed mill levy that exceeds the revenue neutral rate and a major highway reconstruction project worth nearly $6.6 million.
Tax Increase Required for 2026 Budget
The commission will conduct a Revenue Neutral Rate hearing before voting on Resolution 25-08, which would authorize exceeding the state-mandated revenue neutral rate of 52.051 mills. The proposed 2026 mill levy of 53.238 mills would generate approximately $8.287 million in property tax revenue—a 3.49% increase over the current year's $8.007 million.
"The 2026 Budget preparation was an exercise in prioritizing the most essential needs within the City organization," according to budget documents. The increase accounts for a fully staffed police department, operational costs for the new North Fire Station, increased debt service for recent infrastructure projects, and rising insurance costs.
Despite the mill levy increase, city officials note they maintained the same rate established during last year's budget process by "closely examining budget requests and minimizing expenditures where possible."
$6.6 Million Highway Project Approved
In a major infrastructure win, KDOT has selected McPherson's application to reconstruct US Highway 56 from the 81-Bypass to Maple Street. The $6.595 million project will replace pavement, curb and gutter, and valley gutters along the crucial east-west corridor.
KDOT will contribute $4.5 million total, including $3 million for the City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) award and an additional $1.5 million for detour costs during bridge re-decking work on two railroad overpasses. The city's non-participation costs for design and inspection are estimated at $1.189 million.
The commission is expected to approve the project and authorize officials to sign the required KDOT programming form, with a September 1 deadline.
Fire Station Equipment Needs
Commissioners will also address immediate infrastructure needs, including a failed HVAC unit at Fire Station #1. The 27-year-old rooftop unit that serves the bunk room can no longer be repaired due to parts availability. The commission will vote on spending $10,709 for a replacement unit from McPherson Quality Air, the lowest of three bids received.
Routine Business Items
Other items on Tuesday's agenda include:
- Zoning Changes: Three ordinances addressing street renaming and residential zoning modifications, all recommended for approval by the Planning Commission
- Park Maintenance: Annual purchase of grass seed and fertilizer totaling $15,800, with increased quantities needed due to recent flooding at Hess Park
- Wastewater Equipment: Replacement brushes and components for sewage screening equipment at the treatment plant, costing approximately $8,000
- Community Events: Approvals for First Responders' Night, a Suicide Prevention Walk, and a Fit4Mom grand opening
Project Updates
Public Works Director will provide updates on several ongoing construction projects, including the Myers Street reconstruction, Maxwell Street overlay completion, and progress on the Northview sidewalk installation and First Street mill-and-overlay work.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City Commission Meeting Room at McPherson Municipal Center. Following standard business, the commission will hold an executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning to a public study session.
The budget and tax levy decisions come as McPherson continues managing growth-related infrastructure needs while balancing taxpayer concerns about rising municipal costs.
