The first order of business at the Linn County Commissioners meeting on July 25 was the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by approval of bills in the amount of $226,147.46.
County Clerk David Lamb then presented adds and abates 2022-169 through 171 for a total change of -$59, which were approved on a 3-0 vote.
Commissioner Jim Johnson then read the reports from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and AMR.
Randy Hegwald, Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, presented a report detailing calls for Rural Fire for the last week and also for the last year.
Shawn West, Public Works Administrator, reported that they are beginning to move the County Attorney and staff into the new Justice Center and asked commissioners how they wanted him to dispose of furniture and items that would be left behind. Consensus was to offer it to other departments and then auction all not taken.
West then noted he needed permission to request bids on tires needed for road equipment; which was approved.
West then stated that Linn County Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower was unable to attend the meeting but had asked him to request permission to order 4,000 gallons of fuel for the airport. West stated the cost would be just under $23,000 and Hightower plans to raise the price to cover the increase in cost. Commissioners approved the purchase.
West reported that the Noxious Weed Department is currently spraying for Johnson grass and had completed spraying around the lights at the airport.
County Counselor Gary Thompson told commissioners he had a request from the city of La Cygne for reduced dumping fees and the commissioners approved.
Thompson then provided information regarding the county’s involvement with the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center and how their yearly cost is determined. (See related article in this edition.)
Commissioners entered into a 40-minute executive session with 10 minutes for legal matters requested by Commissioner Danny McCullough; 10 minutes for personnel matters requested by Commissioner Rick James; and 20 minutes for legal matters requested by West. Upon resuming regular session no action was taken.
County resident and Planning and Zoning Commission member David Berglund then spoke to commissioners asking questions regarding the choice to contract a per need engineer rather than hire one. Thompson explained the reasoning behind it noting it saves the county money that would be paid out on a regular salary, as well as, the cost of benefits.
Berglund stated he thought the county should be looking at expanding to a five-person commission, which would allow for better input and representation for the county.
“As we get bigger and the population grows, I think it’s a need,” Berglund stated.
Commissioners then approved the signing of the contract with Diehl, Banwart and Bolton for the audit.
After a review of the final budget as presented, with Lamb noting the county is currently revenue neutral, the commissioners approved the budget for publication.
Burton Harding, County Attorney, made a request to put diversions into his fund rather than into the general fund as they are currently budgeted, so that he could use the funds for training and other expenses.
Linn County Fire Board representative Eddie Andersen told commissioners they had been looking into the possibility of a memorial for fallen firefighters but had decided it should be for all first responders.
Andersen then asked permission to place the memorial in front of the courthouse and consensus of the commissioners was agreement to allow the project. Andersen stated they are still lining out details and discussing possibilities.
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
Souza resigns county clerk post

Linn County’s county clerk is resigning. At the weekly Linn County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, delayed a day because of Monday’s governmental Columbus Day holiday, Danielle Souza spoke during the public comment agenda section of her intention to resign the... [More]
Farmers State Bank under new ownership

Time moves on and things change – and the banking world is not exempt from those changes. When Farmers State Bank owner Dale Sprague passed away in August of 2024, his wife Janice and family made those changes when they sold the three banks this fall to Citizen Bank owner’s... [More]
Linn Valley council updated on water, lagoon projects

Linn Valley city council held its first meeting of the month on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Lewis Donelson began the meeting by asking city employees present at the meeting to stand up front and introduce themselves and state their job title. The mayor continued by... [More]
More News
- Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case
- Pleasanton demos asphalt zipper for street repair
- La Cygne awards lift station bid
- Appraiser’s office announces completion of review
- SPECIAL: KBI conducts statewide marijuana enforcement operation
- Pleasanton council vetoed on fire volunteer appointments
- Kansas Policy Institute talks property taxes with legislature
- Pleasanton city candidate forum Oct. 6
SPORTS
Schneider makes State for Hawks in girls’ golf

Celeste Schneider made the 3-1A State golf tournament again this year for the Lady Hawks and will be looking to earn another State medal. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or check out the online version here.
Wade and Britz advance to State for the Buffalos

The Prairie View girls’ golf team is doing well. The girls won the Pioneer League championship at Deer Trace on Oct. 7 and then followed that up by placing fourth at 3-1A Sub-State tournament at Crestwood in Pittsburg on Oct. 13. The Lady Buffs won the league tournament... [More]
Blu-Jays convert takeaways into Homecoming win

Pleasanton converted two second-quarter fumble recoveries and a third-quarter interception into passing touchdowns to break a three-game losing skid and claim a 41-6 Homecoming win over Southeast-Cherokee Friday at Blu-Jay Nation Stadium. The victory moves the ‘Jays’... [More]
More Sports
- Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown
- Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week
- Jayhawk football wins thriller over Pleasanton on Homecoming
- Prairie View football dominates Burlington on Homecoming
- Pleasanton volleyball travels to Arma and Prairie View
- Jayhawk volleyball goes 4-0 on the week
- Pleasanton volleyball competes at Yates Center and Humboldt
- Prairie View football picks up a big win against Wellsville