The Linn County Commissioners met for a special meeting on Wednesday, July 5, with Commissioner Jason Hightower attending via telephone, for the purposes of reviewing departmental budgets and to hear detailed findings on the newly revised zoning and subdivision regulations as they had requested several weeks ago.

The meeting began with the presentation of the budget for the county Register of Deeds department and heard a detailed explanation on that budget from department head Kristy Schmitz.

Schmitz told commissioners that all books from her department are now available on computer and many of the visitors to her office have commented on the ease of use of the software they chose to use for this purpose. She added that the software is now completely paid for and the department is now only paying for maintenance of the software to keep it up to date. She noted that she currently has one full-time employee and one part-time employee in her department, but had budgeted for a second full-time employee in 2024. Commissioners then gave tentative approval of the budget on a 3-0 vote.

Commissioners then heard from Public Works Administrator Shaun West and those who report to him with regard to the budget for Road and Bridge. West gave a rundown on each area of the department and the number of employees in each one and how they are used in other areas when not busy in their own particular area.

Asphalt Foreman Tod Moeller explained to the commissioners what his area is responsible for. Moeller further noted that when he pulls road graders to work on asphalt projects he utilizes a rotation schedule so that he is not keeping any grader from their regular duties any longer than necessary.

Moeller then gave a rundown on the process of repairing and repaving roads compared to patching.

Traffic Control (Signage) Foreman Kevin Amer explained that his area follows the mandatory requirements of traffic safety laws; as well as, replacing and repairing signage in the county that may be damaged or in a state of disrepair.

South Shop Foreman Harry Wisdom and North Shop Foreman Mike Nation each spoke regarding their area within the department and the various equipment requirements and employees needed to complete their work.

Commissioners then gave tentative approval of the budget for Road and Bridge at $4,577,838.30, reduced by $51,670 from this year.

The commissioners reviewed County Counselor Gary Thompson’s budget and after several questions approved it. See separate story in this edition.

Lamb then explained to commissioners that he doesn’t feel he can have everything done on time and asked that he be allowed to file the notice that he plans to exceed revenue neutral which will give him time to finish the budget and still reach revenue neutral though at this time it does not appear that the county will. Commissioners agreed to allow Lamb to file the document.

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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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

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TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]

Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

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  On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]

Commissioners review departmental budgets

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SEKMHC budget cut   During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]

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SPORTS

Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

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Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]

Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

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The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.

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