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

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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

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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

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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]

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NEWS

Former Zoning Administrator explains KORA requests

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During the weekly meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, the Linn County Commissioners heard from former county employee Darin Wilson who served previously as the Planning and Zoning Administrator. Wilson told commissioners that the KORA (Kansas Open Records Act) requests he had made were... [More]

Pleasanton Council overrides mayor veto on firefighter appointments

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The Pleasanton Council met at their regularly scheduled meeting Monday and Councilman Aaron Portmann immediately read a prepared statement concerning Ordinance 2065 that Mayor Mathew Young vetoed that tried to take appointment of firefighters from the mayor and put it on the... [More]

Snyder appointed Linn County Register of Deeds

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Following the retirement of long-time Linn County Register of Deeds Kristy Schmitz, the Linn County Republican Central Committee held a convention Sunday to appoint a new Register of Deeds. Central Committee Chair Becky Johnson held the role call of committee people and 20... [More]

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SPORTS

Prairie View football stays on top of their district with big win over Girard

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The Prairie View Buffalos are in 3A District 2 and currently hold the number one seed in that district. The Buffalos 49-20 win over Girard gave them a great chance to be District champions. This week the Buffalos travel to Iola for their final district game and will seal the... [More]

Prairie View volleyball finishes season at Girard

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The Prairie View volleyball team finished their regular season games at Iola this past week as they had a Pioneer League triangular against Iola and Osawatomie. They were in the 3A Regional quad at Girard on Oct. 20 and finished their season there going 1-2. To see the full... [More]

Jays lock in league runner up spot at Uniontown

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Just as the week before, Pleasanton turned first-half takeaways into touchdowns and won at Uniontown last Friday night, 45-12, in a Three Rivers League and Class 1-A, District 1 matchup. The win assures the Blu-Jays of at least their third consecutive second-place finish in... [More]

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