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

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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

Linn County News website gets new update

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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

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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

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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]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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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

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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

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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]

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