The commissioners met for their weekly meeting and approved bills in the amount of $371,889.70. They also approved a tax abatement that decreased taxes in the amount of $601.12.
Sheriff Kevin Friend sent his weekly report in that showed 15 prisoners total with 15 in-house.
AMR Operations Manager Galen Anderson reported a very busy July with 91 transports, higher than normal. He said they are still down by two paramedics on staff, but did hire one EMT full-time.
Linn County Health Nurse Missy Lancaster was approved to seek bids for an awning on the front of the Health Department to keep staff out of the weather for curbside covid tests and assist patients during weather events.
The first bid she requested was to cover two parking spots with a stand-alone awning; the second was for the full front of the Health Department, including the handicap parking spot.
Lancaster said the awning price would be covered by a grant they received, up to $131,000 that has to be used by Dec. 1. The commissioners gave a consensus to her to go out for bids.
Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported five incidents last week and 320 year-to-date.
He was approved to purchase 10 sets of fire turnout gear from Feld Fire for $29,317.70 with Jerry Ingram Fire bidding $30,180.70 and MES bidding $33,419.30.
Hegwald reported annual pump testing is completed with all trucks passing.
Chris Martin, IT Director, was approved to take a tree down near Food Fair in Mound City to improve reception between the tower on the hill east of Mound City and the road shop at Kansas 7 and 52 Hwy.
After Public Works Director Shaun West reported that District Court was moving to the Justice Center Wednesday, County Counselor Gary Thompson told him they could not move as another VFD (variable frequency drive) in the exhaust system fan blew out. Thompson said one was just changed and replaced, but another blew out forcing contractors to figure out why they are losing VFD fans.
The commissioners then discussed what renovation needs are for the old court building as the County Appraiser and Mapping are moving in there.
Commissioner Rick James suggested they also look at two other projects including what to do with the current Sheriff’s Office and upgrading the Commissioner’s Annex to more closely match the Justice Center.
West reported fuel was delivered to the airport last Friday and will cost $6.25 per gallon.
He said that the Noxious Weed Department sprayed the Fairgrounds for ticks and mosquitoes last week.
A discussion was held that had Thompson clarify that statute prohibits the depositing of anything in county right-of-ways that didn’t originate there. West said ditching was progressing but gates, fencing, trees, etc. that were in the right-of-ways was inhibiting quick movement of county personnel.
The commissioners approved a one-time payment to Chris Martin of $5,000 for “work well done.”
James said Martin saved the county $132,000 from the time he took on the Justice Center project, plus other work he does for the elections, etc.
“He has done a great service to the county,” said James.
MEETINGS
LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 27, 2023

The Linn Valley City Council met Monday and heard from City Clerk Karen Siffring concerning meeting dates. She said the Kansas League of Municipalities (KLM) said governing bodies can’t cancel meetings prior to the meeting date, as in the case of a lack of a quorum; she... [More]
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 27, 2023

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, March 27, and began their meeting with the approval of the minutes of last week’s meeting followed by the approval of the payment of claims in the amount of $372,248.40. County Clerk David Lamb then presented adds and abates... [More]
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 20, 2023

Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 20, and began their meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $208,590.69. The commissioners then approved adds and abates 2021-178 and 2022-878-... [More]
More Meetings
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 20, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, March 20, 2023
- LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, March 15, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 13, 2023
- MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Tuesday, March 7, 2023
- PRESCOTT CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 13, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 13, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 6, 2023
NEWS
Special: Governor issues declaration of disaster emergency due to threat of wildland fires

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency this morning, March 31, due to the potential for wildland fires and severe storms in the state. The declaration will allow the state to preposition assets for a quicker response to any fires... [More]
Commissioners discuss Pleasanton meal site options

During the latter part of the meeting on Monday, March 27, Linn County Commissioners discussed the walk-through on Wednesday, March 22 at the former Memaw’s Kitchen located at 6th and Main Streets in Pleasanton. Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower read notes... [More]
Linn Valley moves forward with water, sewer project

“Positive ramifications” for the city Following a 15-minute legal session called by Linn Valley Mayor Cindy Smith at their Monday meeting, the mayor announced a preliminary agreement with Rural Water District #1 for water rights in Linn Valley. Smith... [More]
More News
- USD 362 leader asks to broaden policy
- SPECIAL: National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th
- SPECIAL: Drug operation ends with six arrests in Miami and Linn counties
- Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission says no to windmills
- Heartland REC introduces possible Linn County solar field
- County appraiser reports on valuation increases
- One-cent sales tax coming on Pleasanton ballot
- SPECIAL: Pleasanton One-Cent Sales Tax Questions
SPORTS
Prairie View competes at State Powerlifting meet

The Prairie View Buffalos competed in the State Powerlifting meet on March 25. The meet had 285 total lifters and the Buffalos took 16 boys and nine girls to the event. Prairie View had two lifters place second in their respective weight divisions at the meet. Rhett Jackman,... [More]
Jayhawk softball and baseball open season against Southeast Cherokee

The Jayhawk baseball and softball teams opened their 2023 season at home against Southeast Cherokee on March 27. Both softball and baseball teams played a double header and the boys split while the girls swept the Lancers. Baseball won their first game 3-0 but lost the second... [More]
More Sports
- 2022-23 All County Girls’ Basketball team
- Jayhawk Wrestling Club has five place at State
- Linn County Twisters takes 13 to State, 5 place
- Lady Buffs win 1, fall in semifinals
- Pleasanton basketball falls in the first round of Sub-State
- White places sixth for Jayhawk wrestling at State
- Kline and Cox-Halliburton represent Prairie View at State
- Prairie View basketball splits against Anderson County