The Linn County Commissioners began their meeting on Monday, July 10, with the approval of the minutes of the regular and special meetings held last week. Commissioners then approved claims in the amount of $239,829.59.
Commissioners entered in an executive session with Public Works Administrator Shaun West as previously requested with 15 minutes set aside for personnel and five minutes for legal matters.
Following the executive session, West reported the new track hoes were delivered on Friday and training on them had begun that day.
At the request of West, commissioners voted 2-0 to hire Dennis Hardy, Jr. as South Shop Foreman at $22.2187 and Donnie Snyder as assistant foreman at $20.3890.
West then presented a contract with BNSF Railroad for a permit and easement for work on the Hell’s Bend Bridge. Commissioners gave West permission to sign those documents.
Linn County Attorney Burton Harding presented the budget for his department noting an increase in payroll as previously approved. He noted that capital outlay which is increasing and a notation that their copier is in need of replacement. Harding noted that his assistant attorney, Justin Meeks, coming on full-time has helped tremendously with the caseload which has increased with the addition of judges. Following a brief discussion on the budget as presented, the commissioners voted for tentative approval of the budget in the amount of $378,409.97.
Harding reported that, to his knowledge, all cases in relation to the Tanglewood Lakes gate incident are filed and cases are moving forward. He noted that as incidents continue and new cases are being filed, bonds are being revoked in an effort to curb those actions and stated he plans to meet with the Tanglewood board regularly to keep them apprised of the judicial process.
Commissioners then looked at bids from realtors on the current Pleasanton meals site. Commissioner Danny McCullough opened the bid noting it is from Clinch Realty for a six month listing at a proposed purchase price of $76,000, with six percent commission. County Counselor Gary Thompson reviewed the proposal and commissioners voted 2-0 to enter into the sales contract with Clinch Realty for that property and to allow McCullough to sign the agreement.
West then presented the budget for the Noxious Weed Department. He explained that the proposed budget includes expected increases in payroll and commodities with the budget increasing from $175,500 for this year to $188,850. Commissioners gave tentative approval of the budget.
West then presented the Elderly Fund budget for senior sites and the transportation program. West noted this year’s budget is set at $245,161 decreasing to $237,000 for 2024. McCullough asked if it includes the payment on food and West stated it does include the payment to East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging for meals.
Joyce Hall spoke about the van ordered for transportation and the fact that the cost was slightly higher than anticipated; as a result the state is picking up another 10 percent of the cost. Commissioner Jason Hightower moved to tentatively approve the Elderly budget as presented.
Park Manager Sherri Loveland presented the proposed budget for the Linn County Park and Marina and began with a synopsis of her department, including the number of employees and profit amounts for the last two years. Loveland then spoke on various projects as planned, including the work on the lagoon, the docks and other areas. She added that the lake will be purchasing their own portable restrooms for the lake area rather than rent them by the month. She then gave an overview of the Ventek machine and cabin rentals for the last couple years Commissioner Jim Johnson joined the meeting by telephone at this time and commissioners gave tentative approval of the budget with a total of $404,000.
Ali Hamilton with the Trading Post Museum spoke to the commissioners regarding the budget for her museum, requesting the county provide a budget for her of $49,000.
Commissioner Johnson’s call was dropped, Lamb called Johnson back, but the call soon dropped again.
McCullough noted there should be a Historical Society committee representing each museum or historical society for accountability. Commissioner Hightower asked for clarification asking if she was requesting a budget of $49,000. He further noted that the budget was previously approved several weeks ago. McCullough moved to deny Hamilton’s request. Commissioner Hightower seconded the motion and it carried on a 2-0 vote.
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
Commissioners discuss various budgets

SEKMHC in mix At the end of a meeting attended by two of the three commissioners, a discussion was held regarding several of the proposed budgets for next year. Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson first discussed the proposed budget for Southeast Kansas Mental Health.... [More]
City learns of fire gear condition

Pleasanton Fire Department ISO inspection July 16 Following the appointment of new Fire Chief Jimmy Watts as Pleasanton Fire Chief, the Pleasanton Council heard of the condition of bunker gear Monday night at their bi-weekly meeting. Watts reported the truck ran with the... [More]
La Cygne leaders discuss food truck follow-up

Police chief to draft updated clarifying ordinance La Cygne leaders anticipate considering a draft ordinance soon on transient food trucks following discussion at last Wednesday’s regular council meeting precipitated by a local business owner’s complaint last month.... [More]
More News
- special: SCOTUS agrees to hear Women's Sports Case
- SPECIA;: Schmidt Votes to Cancel Massive Tax Hike, Secure Border, and Lower Federal Spending
- NOTICE:
- Pleasanton awarded $617,000 KDOT street grant
- Commissioners discuss development zoning appeals
- Questions on employee emails leads to lengthy discussion
- NOTICE:
- Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners
SPORTS
Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament

The team called Nobodys wins the Blue Mound 4th of July co-ed softball tournament on July 5. This year the tournament consisted of eight teams. The Nobodys is Keith Morrell’s team and has been a part of the softball tournament since it started three years ago.
Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship

The Pleasanton 12-14 baseball team wins their league tournament on June 30 to July 1. Pleasanton hosted the tournament and won in the championship against La Cygne 11-7.
More Sports
- 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
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track