In addition to awarding a new fire station construction bid and setting a flat fee for damaged water meters, two reports located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne city leaders waived $36.92 in late water fees for a local property owner.
At the regular council meeting last Wednesday, May 3, April Ryan, North Kansas City, Mo., told of a property purchase at 410 Walnut last September, with water turned on there two months later to wash the structure and repair of a leak.
Since then, Ryan said she recently received a “surprise” cumulative billing of $472 and surmised that the bill had been sent to the property address rather than the billing address.
Mayor Debra Wilson indicated that Connie Gore, city treasurer, had reported that none of the bills had been returned. The mayor admitted “a bit of a glitch on our end” but said Gore had indicated “some water use had shown up. I want to remedy this, but I want to be comfortable with the remedy.”
Councilman Jerome Mitzner agreed that “on our end we want to do what we can to remedy.” He noted that he had not received a water bill last month.
“I know there are issues out there,” Mitzner said. “But water went through your meter. We can’t compensate that, but we can waive penalties because of the glitch.”
Ryan, who is inquiring about other city property, said she wants “to do more to make the city nice, but this isn’t a pleasant experience.” She asked that the water be turned off at the Walnut address for now.
Another local property owner, Brad Snodgrass, reported on the eventual demolition of old houses and inquired about a discounted dump fee.
Wilson said his request is possible “but tricky” if wanting to bypass the technicality of a condemnation process and will include application to the county for approval.
On another 3-0 vote, with David Brenneman and Danny Curtis not present, the council empowered Jodi Wade, city clerk, and Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, to list city property at 602 N. Fifth St. through a local realtor. Nasalroad indicated that a realtor agreement should be ready by the 7 p.m. regular council meeting next Wednesday, May 17.
On Wilson’s urging, a related 3-0 vote allows the city, pending attorney review, to enter into a joint service agreement on the North Fifth property with Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) for professional planning and zoning services.
Wade said no monetary commitment is due to IBTS “until you utilize their services.”
Another council action authorizes Wilson to sign a substantial completion certificate for the water treatment plant settling ponds project. The certificate sets last Nov. 15 as the effective warranty date.
About the project, Nasalroad said changing of some bolts will occur in August, and fencing supplies are in stock and awaiting drier weather for installation.
In other business before the council:
--In her mayor’s comments, Wilson noted the June 1 noon deadline to file for mayor and two council positions (Curtis and Mitzner) for this fall’s general election. Wilson, who said she had filed for reelection earlier that day at the county clerk’s office, also urged voter registration.
--Wade said the audit report for fiscal year 2022 “did very well, with no hiccups.”
--With the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program widening the intersection of Kansas Highway 152 and Industrial Boulevard completed and warranty past, Wilson indicated that cracks in the new poured sidewalks there will be the city’s responsibility.
--Following a five-minute executive session for non-elected personnel, the council approved advertising to fill a laborer-1 public works department position.
--The council set a workshop to review a draft of Article 18, factory-built home district including recreational vehicle storage, for 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
--No public action followed a five-minute executive session to discuss security measures regarding City Hall protocol nor a 10-minute closed session for legal attorney/client privilege to discuss potential litigation.
--Nasalroad anticipated completion of street-cut asphalting for the sewer rehabilitation project at the end of last week, and Wilson said residents can still add project punch list items by contacting City Hall. During his public forum time, Snodgrass reported a clogged sewer at one of his properties.
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
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship