Council members for the city of Blue Mound met on Monday, Aug. 1, for their annual budget hearing. Council reviewed the 2023 projected budget and noted changes from the current year, with a rise in utility budget and a cut in street improvement. However, the city will remain revenue neutral. With their being no public comments, the council closed the budget hearing and opened their regular monthly meeting.
It was noted that the audit contract for 2021 had not been signed; after brief discussion, the council voted and approved the signing of the contract.
The council then discussed further the budget as presented at the budget hearing. Mayor Russell Beth stated that the county wants entities to remain revenue neutral. Due to Blue Mound not receiving the same money the county has given them the past several years, numbers changed in different categories, as mentioned above. However, the city will be able to remain revenue neutral. After more discussion, the council voted and approved the budget as presented.
It was noted that there had been recent issues on the generator at the lift station. Beth informed the council he had talked with Federal Surplus, and looked at different models of generators. Council discussed the pros and cons of the different models; approved the potential purchase of a new generator.
In conjunction with the generator, city clerk and head of maintenance, Max Krull, shared with the council the prospect of putting a three-walled carport over the lift station, so that a generator could be left out, and not worry about the elements. He would like to have the carport placed in a way that the structure could be rolled back, if necessary. Council members discussed the idea, and decided to wait until the engineer comes back about other sewer/water projects in the works.
Beth noted the tires on the road grader need replaced. He and council member Christopher Bownes will both check on prices for the tires.
The council discussed utility bills on two homes that have had no electricity hooked up since last year’s wind storm. The owner has paid the minimum fees on both in hopes of hooking power back up soon. Council members agreed to pause service to the individual until he is able to move back into the homes and restore power.
The council approved the following: minutes of the previous meeting; payment of bills in the amount of $39,037.56; and approval of the audit for the current budget.
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
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State