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 effects of city disbandment of fire department

During the Public Works report at the May 5 meeting Linn County Commissioners heard a brief report on mutual aid agreements for the Linn County Rural Fire Department and what effect the possible disbandment of the Pleasanton Fire Department will have on the county. District... [More]
Blue Mound discusses financing options for water tower project

Members of the Blue Mound City Council heard from Tom Fingers of Midwest Assistance Program and Joey McLiney from McLiney and Company concerning options for financing the water tower on Monday, May 5, for their regular monthly meeting. The city has received a grant... [More]
La Cygne leaders contemplate sales tax adjustment

After bond defeasance, election would be required to alter stated fund focus By all appearances, La Cygne voters may not be far away from seeing a ballot proposal to alter the stated focus for one of its two 1-cent city sales taxes. Information at the two regular... [More]
More News
- Fire department public hearing nets crowd
- County counselor issues statement on Tanglewood roads
- Linn Valley City Council ends discussion with SEKMHC on building
- SPECIAL: Legislative Update
- 16 criminal cases from Tanglewood Lake incident dismissed
- Tanglewood seeks clarification, aid from county
- Commission workshop hears of justification for SEKMHC CEO $600,000 salary
- La Cygne police get automatic plate readers
SPORTS
Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational

The Prairie View track team hosted their home invitational on May 1. The Buffalos did very well as the girls won the meet with a score of 142 and the boys placed second with a score of 92. Central Heights won the meet for the boys with a score of 103. Once again, the Buffalos... [More]
Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Prairie View on May 1 to compete in the Prairie View Invitational. The Hawks did well at the event as the girls placed second overall with 124 points while the boys placed third overall with 89 points. Here are the individual... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk hosts home track invitational
- Prairie View track competes at Jayhawk Invitational
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and falls to Uniontown
- Jayhawk track wins the Pleasanton Invitational
- Pleasanton track places in top three at home invitational
- Prairie View track has multiple gold winners at Anderson County, top athletes compete at KU Relays
- Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season
- Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational