In addition to water/sewer project items and a full dog pound, two reports located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne city leaders were informed of a Kansas Department of Commerce training video series that addresses eventual potential for a local grocery store.
At the regular council meeting last Wednesday, Nov. 2, Jodi Wade, city clerk, reported viewing the first video in the series that has municipal government involved in incentive programs to reestablish full groceries in their communities. She said one such model exists as nearby as Humboldt.
From the first video, Wade admitted that such a plan would most likely require revenue from city taxes. She said an option for La Cygne would be to involve the appointed Public Building Commission.
Pertaining to a concrete parking lot area at the new information board in Oak Lawn Cemetery, the consensus agreed to wait until the regular 7 p.m. meeting next Wednesday, Nov. 16, before acting on unsealed quotes.
Mayor Debra Wilson read that one quote had been received--Chas Epperson for $4,800. Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, said that three concrete contractors had been contacted, but only Epperson's was returned.
Wade said funds to pay for the concrete work include an available $3,941 in the cemetery capital improvement budget and $2,700 in a professional services line item.
David Bronfman, a member of the council's cemetery committee, said he still wanted to reach out for "a couple more quotes." Responded Councilman Thomas Capp, "The ones around here are pretty busy, so I'm good with this one, but waiting until Nov. 16 is okay."
Nasalroad said he recommends concrete for that area.
"We could put gravel there, but it won't stay unless you have a retaining wall, landscape timbers, or railroad ties," he said.
Unanimous council actions involved reassignment of a ground lease agreement for the communications tower at the Industrial Park and a monetary donation to support the community Thanksgiving dinner.
The ground lease reassignment for the 40-foot square at 419 S. Fifth St. will transfer from Alltel Corporation doing business as Verizon Wireless to Vertical Bridge Development LLC, a Delaware limited liability company headquartered at Boca Raton, Fla.
Capp said the city should seek restitution for funds paid for legal time, but Burton Harding, city attorney, pointed to the city's original contract that began July 6, 2021, that included language for transferrable along with a lump sum $90,000 rent over a 25-year period--"there's not anything we can do."
The city's community Thanksgiving donation of $500 matches one earlier pledged by the La Cygne Chamber of Commerce to help meet the $1,200 needed to secure turkeys for the 11 a.m.-2 p.m. event Nov. 19 at the La Cygne Christian Church, 406 N. Broadway.
On two other unanimous actions, one grants permission to advertise for a vacant public works department opening, the other approving a pay voucher of $9,532.36 to Cook, Flat & Strobe Engineers, P.A., Topeka, inspectors for the completed Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Project that widened East Market Street (Kansas Highway 152) at the intersection with Industrial. Those funds will be released from the city’s pre-paid deposit of $379,000 with KDOT.
Routine items comprised other business before the council:
--Wilson announced that City Hall and the trash compactor would be closed this Friday to observe Veteran's Day.
--After Fenoughty presented statistics showing prorated 2022 projected increases for actual case reports, status type calls and traffic stops only, Wilson told her and Jo LeStourgeon, full-time police officer also in attendance, that "you need time off too" and recommended that they have "some calls go to the Linn County Sheriff's Office" dispatch.
--As fire chief, Nasalroad reported on his department's annual Halloween chili and hot dog feed Oct. 31 at Thayer Park, saying partakers "came early and fast," with all food gone and cleanup done by 8 p.m.
--Wade reported that health/dental insurance premiums for city employees will rise by 13 percent next year.
--Wade suggested that a city proclamation and/or erected signage be considered to honor Bree Allen, Prairie View High sophomore who won the Class 3-A girls' cross country individual championship Oct. 29 near Lawrence. Wilson expressed support for the suggestion.
--Ironically, signage was the primary topic for unfinished policy review of factory-built home districts in a 35-minute block of time available prior to adjournment.
--No public follow-up action followed a 15-minute executive session for non-elected personnel individual employee's performance, a 15-minute closed session for legal attorney/client privilege to review a contract, a 5-minute executive session for preliminary acquisition of real property, nor a 10-minute closed session for discussion of data relating to trade secrets dealing with the engineering portion of the current sewer rehabilitation project.
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
Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case

A court case has been filed in the 6th Judicial District in Linn County by Parker resident Jan Longenecker and 26 other plaintiffs against the Board of Zoning Appeals of Linn County to revoke building permits issued by the acting Zoning Administrator Ben Souza. Souza... [More]
Pleasanton demos asphalt zipper for street repair

The Pleasanton City Council and street crew had the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of an asphalt zipper last Wednesday on 8th Street between Cedar and Sycamore – a street with heavily damaged asphalt. Dave Fokken, Asphalt Zipper Government Sales rep, said many... [More]
La Cygne awards lift station bid

Generator emphasis is the final step in the $6.261 million wastewater project La Cygne leaders awarded a bid to replace every diesel-powered generator at the city’s three sewer lift stations to a Kansas City, Mo., firm. At last Wednesday’s regular meeting,... [More]
More News
- Appraiser’s office announces completion of review
- SPECIAL: KBI conducts statewide marijuana enforcement operation
- Pleasanton council vetoed on fire volunteer appointments
- Kansas Policy Institute talks property taxes with legislature
- Pleasanton city candidate forum Oct. 6
- County logo sees little change
- Linn County P&Z Appeals Board denies subdivision appeal
- Commissioners discuss suggestion to leave EDA position vacant
SPORTS
Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown

The Pleasanton volleyball team had a busy week. First the team hosted a Three Rivers League triangular on Sept. 30 against Jayhawk Linn and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 4 the team traveled to Uniontown for the Uniontown Volleyball Invitational. To see the full article, check... [More]
Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week

The Jayhawk volleyball team was busy this past week as they had games on Sept. 30, Oct. 2, and Oct. 4. They traveled to Pleasanton on Sept. 30 to play a TRL triangular against Pleasanton and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 2 they hosted TRL foes Chetopa and Oswego. Then on Oct.... [More]
Jayhawk football wins thriller over Pleasanton on Homecoming

The Jayhawk Linn football team had a big game this past Friday on Oct. 3. Not only was it their Homecoming game but it was also a TRL/District game against their in-county rival the Pleasanton Blu-Jays. Both teams played hard and one could tell that both teams really wanted... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View football dominates Burlington on Homecoming
- Pleasanton volleyball travels to Arma and Prairie View
- Jayhawk volleyball goes 4-0 on the week
- Pleasanton volleyball competes at Yates Center and Humboldt
- Prairie View football picks up a big win against Wellsville
- Jayhawk volleyball has a solid week going 3-0
- Seasoned Olpe powers over young 'Hawks
- Wade and Schneider start impressive girls’ golf season for the Buffalos and Hawks