From last week’s commissioner’s meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 5, as a result of executive session, the commission voted to terminate Deputy Fire Chief Dee Horttor’s employment effective that day. It was an at-will termination with no reason given.

The commissioners met for their weekly meeting Monday and paid bills in the amount of $369,495.86. They also approved abatements that were a refund in the amount of $48.64.

Sheriff Kevin Friend reported 38 prisoners total with 19 of those farmed in from other counties.

Commissioner Jim Johnson was voted delegate to represent Linn County at the Kansas Association of Counties meeting Oct. 17-19 in Overland Park. Commissioner Danny McCullough and County Clerk David Lamb are alternates for the convention.

AMR Operations Manager Galen Anderson reported 35 transports month-to-date with 20 last week. He said the new paramedic and EMT are finishing up with introductory items and should be on duty soon. They also have a paramedic looking to transfer to Linn County for duty.

Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported 11 incidents week-to-date with 387 year-to-date. He is working on firefighter retention and looking to pass out pamphlets at area parades this month and next.

The commissioners approved the resignation of Don Proffitt from the Fire Board and thanked him for his service to the county over the years.

County Health Nurse Missy Lancaster reported the Health Department gave 11 covid tests last week. She said Friday, Sept. 16 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. is the Ladies Night Out at the Mound City First Baptist Church that is scheduled to promote women’s health.

Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower reported County Clerk’s Office employee Steven Sage requested student loan assistance with the Rural Opportunity Zone grant that will pay up to $15,000 over five years to pay back the student loan.

The commissioners approved adding $1,500 that is matched by the state’s $1,500 portion for five years.

Commissioner Rick James said the ROZ student loan program ‘is a way to get, and keep, good employees, now and down the road.’

Hightower said she rejoined the SEK Inc. program for housing and secondary education; with that a sub-committee of SEK Housing Coalition also asked for her to be a part of the committee. The commissioners approved her joining both housing groups as it goes with the new housing grant that the county is working on.

Planning Director Darin Wilson received two bids for proposals for the county’s comprehensive plan. Both proposals, one from IBTS (Institute for Building Technology and Safety) and the other from Kaup Law Office. The bid will be awarded Oct. 12 after County Counselor Gary Thompson, the commissioners and Wilson look at the proposals.

A bid for $18,000 plus $500 for incidental costs was approved for Olathe Ford, Commercial Division, to put a new engine in the county’s F550 work truck. Other bidders were Midway Ford for $21,295.22, A1 Auto for $19,500 and Oakes Ford for $19,907.56.

Public Works Director Shaun West reported the county received three invoices from Century Link for cable repair. West said one of the damaged lines was from the county, the other two the county was not in the area when the damage occurred. The $2,032.09 bill was turned in for insurance to look at with an accident report. West will visit with Century Link on the other two invoices.

James asked West about his request to standardize committee setup and term limits. Thompson said committees are all different and Commissioner Jim Johnson questioned obligation and authority of each committee.

James has a goal of publishing each committee’s members and when their terms are up so new people can serve their community.

Resolution 2022-29 was approved with two traffic control signs added; one at 1000 and Read Roads, the other at 950 Road and Osborn.

Reduction of dump fees for the CD landfill was approved for a house that has to be demolished at 109 N. 2nd St., La Cygne owned by Jackie Pribble. The house was built on city property.

Various change orders were discussed for the Justice Center. McCullough will visit with West, IT Director Chris Martin and River City Construction concerning why the change orders were issued, who created the damage, etc.

A pay request for $778,210.98 for request no. 24 was approved 3-0.

Following executive session with no action, the commissioners discussed possible renovation of the old courtroom, former County Attorney’s office and the courthouse for storage, election office use and more.

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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