The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, June 19, with the first order of business being the approval of the minutes of the last meeting.
The commissioners then approved two separate claims registers after County Clerk David Lamb explained that after payroll was ran with the new system another check came in. He added that they are working through the glitches. Commissioners approved one register in the amount of $475,901.96 and one in the amount of $794.84.
Galen Anderson with AMR reported they have done 17 transports in the last week and 50 so far this month.
Randy Hegwald, Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, reported the fire department had responded to five incidents in the last week. Hegwald noted there is an issue with mowing at the fire stations, Prescott in particular, was not mowed last year, the city mowed and this year it was brought to their attention and they mowed at the wrong address. Hegwald believes the payments, at $45 per mowing should not have been paid. County Counselor Gary Thompson noted that a total needed to be calculated and their next payment needs to be reduced by that amount.
Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower presented the department budget proposal for 2024 Commissioner Jason Hightower asked about a line item on her budget and the infrastructure for the industrial park. Commissioner Hightower asked what it takes to bring a business in and EDA Hightower responded there is a need for someplace for the businesses to go and a need for a workforce, which goes back to the need for affordable housing. Commissioner Hightower clarified that the industrial park for new businesses needs new infrastructure. Commissioner McCullough noted phase 3 is available across the road at the Pleasanton site and EDA Hightower stated an EPA study needs to be done and infrastructure needs to be on site so that the sites are shovel-ready.
Commissioners requested EDA Hightower obtain cost estimates on everything discussed and bring them back next week.
Commissioner McCullough stated he would like to see more explanations within the budget proposals so that the county residents are aware of what their tax dollars are being used for.
EDA Hightower then read off her budget and then answered several questions regarding her budget. Commissioners opted to hold approval of the proposed budget until the numbers they requested are in.
Amanda Snyder, Linn County Health Department, then spoke regarding upcoming events and the classroom project at the Health Department. Snyder said she anticipates using the new classroom several times a month at a minimum. Commissioners gave approval on the request for bids on the classroom project.
Snyder then presented the proposed budget for her department. Commissioners requested further detail on the grants portion of her proposed budget.
Commissioners then opened the one real estate bid that was received on current Senior Center in Pleasanton from Faithful Steward for $5. Commissioners rejected the bid and agreed to put out a notice that the county is inviting real estate agencies to provide the information requested.
Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented the budget for Rural Fire and after a review of the proposed budget commissioners gave tentative approval.
Hegwald then presented the proposed budget for Emergency Management with few changes from this year and commissioners approved that one as well.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Darin Wilson noted the Planning Commission will be holding a special meeting on the findings for the zoning and subdivision regulations on June 27 at 7:30 p.m., which requires commissioners to review them on July 5. Commissioners opted to keep their regular meeting on Monday, July 3, and set a special meeting on Wednesday, July 5, at 9 a.m. for the regulations only.
Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend then presented the proposed budget for his department. (See related article in this edition.) Commissioners gave tentative approval of the proposed $3.88 million budget.
Commissioners then entered into a 20-minute executive session with Shaun West with 15 set for legal matters and five for personnel matters. No action was taken.
Commissioners then entered into executive session for the purposes of interviewing for a new road foreman.
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