The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Feb. 27, with Commission Chair Danny McCullough absent. Commissioner Jason Hightower as Vice Chair conducted the meeting.
Commissioners began by approving the minutes of the last meeting followed by approval of claims in the amount of $366,524.42. That action was quickly followed by approval of adds and abates 2022-828 through 2022-853 totaling $16,3373.16.
Operations Manager Galen Anderson with AMR then reported on transport numbers for the last week, adding they have an EMT celebrating his one-year anniversary and one celebrating his ten-year anniversary.
Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend reported on his numbers for the week noting inmate numbers are up slightly.
Linn County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator gave his weekly report and requested the hiring of Alyssa Coyer for the Parker fire station. Commissioners approved the hiring pending screening and with a six month probationary period.
Hegwald further reported he is currently collecting bids to replace the aluminum tanks on the rangers which are currently corroding. He added severe weather preparedness is set for next week.
Jessica Hightower reported on mowing bids compared to 2022 and 2021. EDA Hightower noted in 2021 the mowing was done in-house and in 2022 two-thirds of the year was handled by Scarecrow Farm with the total bid being $905. The cost is $55 more per mow than the county paid last year. Commissioner Jim Johnson moved to accept the mowing bid from Scarecrow Farm and it carried on a 2-0 vote.
EDA Hightower requested approval of the Summer Youth Employment grant at 10 spots with taxing entities not eligible for the grant this year. The grant maximum is $1,200 with the grant paying $4 per hour of the required $8 per hour wages up to the cap. Commissioners approved the program.
EDA Hightower then requested approval of the community development grant of $250 for events headed by communities at a total of four at $250 each.
EDA Hightower noted the Linn County Economic Development is hosting a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in early May that will be open to the public. Judges are needed for the event.
Public Works Administrator Shaun West provided a three to five year equipment plan as requested by commissioners. West noted that Public Works is planning to replace the Planning and Zoning truck due to the needs of Darin Wilson and his department. Wilson’s current truck will then replace a 1996 truck in the south shop with over 277,000 miles on it. West presented a bid from Victory Motors for a 2022 Chevy, which saved $2,500 on the bid. West added it is equipped at a higher level than the current truck because fleet vehicles are currently not available. Following a brief discussion, commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the purchase in the amount of $40,614.
West noted he had a request for a letter of recommendation for a grant for an elderly assisted living facility in Prescott. County Counselor Gary Thompson noted it would need to be signed today but he cannot write it until he receives something from Willard showing what they are doing. West noted he can get that to Thompson shortly.
West requested a five-minute executive session for legal matters, which commissioners entered into shortly thereafter on a 2-0 vote.
Upon resuming regular session, Commissioner Hightower noted no action was taken and with no further business a motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting.
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