The Linn County Commissioners began their meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims totaling $186,338.45.
County Clerk David Lamb reported the canvass had resulted in a three-way tie for the position of Township Trustee for Scott Township. Commissioners would break the tie by drawing later in the meeting, resulting in Robert Burns being named to the position. Those on the board of canvassers then signed the abstract of the canvass.
Galen Anderson with AMR reported the holiday weekend was fairly quiet for them with only five transports in the last week.
Linn County Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported they had responded to seven incidents in the last week, one being a structure fire.
Chris Martin, IT, reported that the power outage in Linn County last Friday had brought to light an issue at the jail. Martin explained that the boiler system had not been wired into the generator so there was not heat in the pods or the facility for the duration of the outage. They also found that they can’t cook because the grills are gas with an electric start and they weren’t wired in either. Martin stated they are working with the electrician to get these issues handled as soon as possible.
Linn County Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower noted the two applications for ARPA funds from SEKMH and the City of La Cygne. City Clerk Jodi Wade spoke on behalf of the City of La Cygne on the need for the grant and what they intend to use the funds for. Commissioners took the requests under consideration.
Hightower noted there is a mayors meeting set in the commissioners room for 3 p.m. next Monday, Dec. 5.
Discussion then turned to the repairs on Zenor Road and 1175 Road and Public Works Administrator Shaun West stated the cost for that would be $638,000. He stated that federal entities are currently looking at grant possibilities because it is federally owned land on both sides of the road there. Commissioners asked about the possibility of changing it to a low water crossing or simply vacating the road in that area. West will talk with the landowners and bring it back to commissioners.
West then asked about the buyback program, noting he and the road area managers would rather use the funds elsewhere on older equipment.
Commissioners then approved a list of pricing increases for the Park and Marina on a 3-0 vote.
Discussions turned to grants available for work and replacements at the Centerville and Parker senior centers. The Centerville center grant would replace the HVAC unit and a refrigerator and would cover 40 percent of the $9,440 cost. The Parker grant would make necessary upgrades and cover 40 percent of the $9,552 cost. Commissioners opted to approve both options but noted they want a plan in place on the Pleasanton senior center meals site also.
Commissioner held a five minute executive session for personnel matters with West and asked Commissioner-elect Jason Hightower to sit in on it for learning purposes. The session was extended for ten minutes and no action was taken after the executive ended.
Commissioners then ordered a 10-minute recess.
Following the recess, Missy Lancaster with the Linn County Health Department reported on various grant opportunities available to them but commissioners asked her to speak with her advisory board and come back with recommendations.
Commissioners then heard from Al Doan regarding multiple issues with the Solid Waste Department.
Doan noted the county is currently under contract with Arcadia on what he called a rolling contract and notification of intent to end the contract would have to be made. Commissioners asked him to get the contract to County Counselor Gary Thompson.
Questions then arose about the dumping and hauling practices in regards to compactor sites and Doan explained they only pick up if they call. Commissioner James asked why they couldn’t pick up on a rotating schedule and West replied they’re currently doing a study to determine the cost analysis of that and other scenarios, adding that if the county has to redesign the tipping floor now it could be cost prohibitive. (See related article in this edition.)
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
Kansas to follow Trump’s No Tax on Tips initiative

TOPEKA – This morning, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall joined Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and Senator Caryn Tyson, who is Chair of the Senate Tax Committee, at a press conference announcing that Kansas will follow President Trump’s No Tax on Tips initiative.... [More]
Souza appointed new Linn County clerk

The Linn County Republican Central Committee held a nominating convention Sunday, Feb. 2 to replace Linn County Clerk David Lamb who resigned effective January 31. The convention was chaired by Becky Johnson with 19 precinct committee men and women present. Johnson read the... [More]
Commissioners hear from citizen on plat approval near Parker

During the weekly meeting on Monday, Feb. 3, Linn County resident Jan Longenecker spoke to commissioners regarding a plat change and construction on a property near his property that he had previously protested during its initial process for a subdivision plat. Longenecker... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Council allays fears of losing compactor
- Donations sought for families following accident
- Juveniles fall through ice, drown at Lake Chaparral
- Trash compactor negotiation continues with Pleasanton and county
- USD 362 gives ‘go-ahead’ on fire repairs
- Parker patron questions city spending
- La Cygne holds line on water rates
- County Clerk David Lamb tenders official resignation
SPORTS
Jayhawk girls’ basketball defeats Pleasanton and falls to Southeast and St. Paul

The Jayhawk Linn girls’ basketball team was busy last week as they faced Pleasanton, Southeast Cherokee and St. Paul. They traveled to Pleasanton on Jan. 28 and then Southeast on Jan. 30 before hosting St. Paul on Ja. 31. The game against Pleasanton saw the Lady Hawks... [More]
Pleasanton girls’ basketball falls to Jayhawk and Arma

The Pleasanton girls’ basketball team hosted Jayhawk Linn and Northeast Arma this past week. They faced Jayhawk on Jan. 28 and then Northeast on Jan. 31. The girls battled in each game but lost both, first to Jayhawk 11-44 and then to Arma 21-32. The Lady Jays faced Jayhawk... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View girls’ basketball are champions of the Kenny Holt Memorial tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball team placed seventh at Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball takes second at Uniontown
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling places sixth at Wellsville
- Prairie View girls’ basketball has a busy week against Pioneer League competition
- Prairie View boys’ varsity wrestling places seventh at Louisburg
- Jayhawk boys’ varsity wrestling competes at Louisburg
- Jayhawk basketball sweeps Northeast Arma