The Linn Valley City Council held its bimonthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.
The meeting began with the installation of the newest appointed member of the Linn Valley Planning & Zoning Commission. Linn Valley resident Eric Groce was sworn in by City Clerk Karen Siffring as a member of the commission joining members Monte Chayer, Danny Davies, Greg Ahnemann and Commission Chairman Eric Victor.
Smith presented to the council a list of city priorities for 2023 which included the following:
1. Continued oversight and focus on completion of the city’s water project.
2. Continued oversight and focus on completion of the city’s wastewater treatment project.
3. The review and updating of staffing requirements in both the short and long term.
4. The review and updating of the city’s employee handbook.
5. A comprehensive update of the city’s website, potentially by an outside firm.
Consideration of compensation for first responders in the volunteer fire department, including possible incentives for training.
Determination of the cost, availability and financing options for the purchase of a fire truck.
Achieving the goal of taking on no additional debt for the city.
A review and update of zoning ordinances by the Planning & Zoning Commission, as well as an update of the commission’s comprehensive plan.
Review and update of both short- and long-term rental of property by the city, including a long-term plan for City Hall. This will entail an evaluation of whether to continue renting the current building addition, purchasing it or building a new permanent structure.
Smith noted that the above is a working list of priorities and is subject to change.
Council Member Robert Suppenbach spoke on behalf of the council in congratulating Public Safety Director Corey Murrison on the Police Department’s successful “sting” operation which resulted in the break-up of a local theft ring. On Jan. 21, 2023, officers from the Linn Valley Police Department set up an operation to purchase stolen items from an individual on Facebook Marketplace. It was believed the items had been taken from a residence in Linn Valley.
From Murrison’s report: “Officers posed as potential buyers and set up a meeting with the suspects in Louisburg. With the assistance of the Louisburg Police Department, two suspects were arrested when the items were positively identified as stolen.
“The suspects were transported to the Linn Valley Police Department where they confessed to the theft of items in the initial burglary report. During further questioning, both suspects admitted to breaking into several trailers in the RV storage area west of City Hall. While investigating those crimes, which had not yet been reported, it was discovered that a camper had been stolen. The suspects admitted to stealing the camper and agreed to show the officers where it was. They located the camper in Kansas City, MO, and with the assistance of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, it was eventually recovered.”
Murrison noted that his department is still working on contacting additional victims and working with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department to recover additional property. Both suspects apprehended were lodged in the Linn County Jail and are awaiting formal charges.
MEETINGS
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023
The Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 23, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $272,818.97. Linn County Rural Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented... [More]
LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.... [More]
LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 23, 2023
The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present. Following approval of the October 9th and October 14th meeting minutes, Mayor Smith opened the floor... [More]
More Meetings
- USD 362 SCHOOL BOARD - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 2, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- BLUE MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, August 28, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 28, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Commissioners hear engineer on Hell’s Bend Bridge
Motion to accept grant funds fails for lack of second Linn County Public Works Administrator Shawn West spoke to Commissioners again this week on the Hell’s Bend bridge project, northwest of La Cygne, noting that a decision needed to be made that day as it was... [More]
Pleasanton pound pups get new kennels
After a warning from the state concerning the condition of Pleasanton’s animal shelter, the city and STARS faculty and students joined forces to create a safer, cleaner environment for dogs held by the city. The new kennels were constructed by STARS welding, construction... [More]
Pleasanton discusses Kansas Police & Fire Pension membership
While trying to hire more police officers, the Pleasanton Council met with KPERS representative Paige Ashley to discuss enrolling the city in Kansas Police and Fire Pension System (KP&F). Ashley explained that the KP&F system is two-tiered as police officers and firemen... [More]
More News
- Commissioners hear reports on Hell’s Bend Bridge
- La Cygne Fire Station ribbon cutting held
- Evergy reps speak about bridges at commissioners’ meeting
- Special: U.S. 69 resurfacing project starts this week
- Special: Governor issues State of Disaster Emergency proclamation for approaching severe weather
- Commissioners hear damage report, declare county as state, local disaster site
- Mayor vetoes vacating 7th Street off of Main
- USD 362 to wait on admin addition
SPORTS
Jayhawk Linn track wins Three Rivers League meet
The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Northeast Arma on May 9 to compete in the Three Rivers League meet. The Hawks were the class of the Three Rivers as both the boys and girls placed first at the meet. The girls placed first with a score of 121 while the boys placed first... [More]
Pleasanton baseball falls in Regional semifinal
The Pleasanton baseball team entered the Central Heights 2-1A Regional tournament as a three seed. The Jays hosted the six seed Jayhawk Linn in their first game on May 8 and won 7-5. The next game was at Central Heights on May 13 where they faced the two seed Crest. This is where... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk and Pleasanton baseball split in double header
- Prairie View softball goes 4-0 against Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk track has a strong performance at home invitational
- Prairie View track takes top two places at Jayhawk
- Pleasanton track has a school record mark set at Jayhawk Invitational
- Prairie View softball goes 4-2 in busy week
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and Oswego
- Jayhawk baseball splits against Southeast Cherokee