The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, July 17, 2023, and began with approval of the minutes of the last meeting.
Commissioners approved claims in the amount of $468,632.71 on a 3-0 vote.
Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Hegwald reported his department responded to 11 incidents in the last week. He added a company from Texas is coming to give a class on extrication from vehicles.
Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend reported the jail has 58 inmates with 38 of them farm-ins from Wyandotte County and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West told commissioners that dust control started last Friday, finished last Monday, and the project is closed.
West then spoke on the issue with State Line Road and noted that water crossing the road, due to damaged and clogged tubes, is damaging the roadway. He added that Bates County, Mo., who owns half the road, did a project last year that clogged the tubes and has agreed to take responsibility for the issue. Bates County will open the tubes and make repairs.
Later in the meeting, West provided commissioners with a copy of the memorandum of understanding between Linn County and Bates County, Mo., for them to repair and replace the damaged tubes and commissioners approved it.
According to West, two containers have been repaired for Solid Waste and he noted that the cost is coming in at approximately $5,000 each.
West stated he would like permission to move forward with compactor sites and stated he has reached a path of turning over ownership to the lakes and municipalities and providing them with site plans to provide the state. Commissioners agreed with the thought process and asked West to move forward and open discussions along those lines with the lakes and cities.
Linn County Economic Development Administrator Jessica Hightower told commissioners she had spoken with Scarecrow Mowing regarding the missed mowing at the Prescott Fire Station. Scarecrow has offered a credit of $315 back on the August billing of $945. Commissioner Jim Johnson stated he thought it was too low and Commissioner Hightower agreed. Counselor Thompson will reach out to the company to discuss it further.
EDA Hightower then requested an extension on burial permit 2022-20 for Evergy due to hold ups with the railroad. Commissioners agreed to the extension with a motion that carried on a 3-0 vote.
Linn County Planning and Zoning Director Darin Wilson presented two persons to replace people on the Planning Commission whose terms are up. Commissioner Jason Hightower recommended Dave Fisher for his district and Commissioner Danny McCullough recommended Daniel Earnest for his district. Commissioners approved both replacements.
Wilson presented a zoning change for 5820 Ungeheuer Road in Prescott, requesting a zoning change from Ag to ag-residential for a lot split. The proposed rezoning is recommended by the commission and staff and commissioners approved resolution 2023-32 adopting the findings of the Planning Commission and approving the rezoning on a 3-0 vote.
Wilson presented a second rezoning on Young Road south 1750 Road for another lot split, which would change the zoning from ag to ag-residential. The Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Commissioners approved resolution 2023-33 adopting the findings of the Planning Commission and approving the rezoning.
Wilson then presented a CUP renewal for CUP-18-005 and CUP-18-006, with a physical address of 11832 Kansas Highway 7, for a rock quarry with one point of ingress/egress for both properties. This is a renewal of previously approved CUPS and the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. County Counselor Gary Thompson asked if any complaints had been lodged about the business and Wilson stated there had not been. Commissioners approved Resolutions 2023-30 and 2023-31 for the renewal.
Chris Martin, IT Director then spoke with commissioners regarding the radio expansion project.
Commissioners discussed building projects with Shaun West. (See related article in this edition.)
Pam Cannon, Linn County Mapping/GIS, presented her budget and explained to commissioners the scope of her department and what they do and all the different areas it affects. Following Cannon’s detailed presentation, the commissioner voted 3-0 to give tentative approval for the budget in the amount of $165,137.78.
Lamb presented three budgets to the commissioners for their consideration, explaining the purpose of each.
The first budget was for the EMS training fund budgeted at $12,000 for next year, same as it was for this year. Lamb noted the fund is strictly for training first responders such as the firefighters and deputies.
The second budget was for the line item for the ambulance service to include the increase they had requested at a total of $1,119,000 showing a $204,500 increase. Following a brief discussion with Lamb on everything the budget covers, which Lamb noted is only what the county is paying to have the service in the county. Lamb noted that running the program in-house leaves the county liable for medical issues while with this contract AMR is liable. Commissioners gave tentative approval of the budget.
The third and final budget was for the fair association fund, with Lamb noting it’s their money, levied for the fair, and handled by the county. Commissioner gave approval of the fair association fund. Lamb noted other budgets he is holding awaiting directives on spending this year versus next on building projects.
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