The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.
Following approval of the July 24th, 2023, meeting minutes, Smith opened the floor for citizen participation, however, there were no citizens seeking to make comments or to share information with the council. Smith then signed a proclamation to commemorate Constitution Week and the two hundred thirty-sixth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention.
Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that 23 building permits were issued in July, including two for new residences. This compares with 42 building permits issued, including two for new residences last year at this time.
Public Safety Director Corey Murrison reported on Police Department activity in the city during the past month, including one DUI arrest and one Domestic Violence complaint. Officers responded to two non-injury vehicle accidents, two vehicle lockouts and three stray dog complaints.
The Fire Department responded to one motor vehicle accident and one smoke investigation, as well as seven medical calls in Linn Valley. The department also responded to two vehicle fires in Miami County.
City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the July 2023 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $31,721 and total expenses of $66,395. The council voted to approve the payment of expense vouchers totaling $161,853 for the month of July.
On a motion by Council Member Robert Suppenbach, the council voted to pass Ordinance #250 which incorporates by reference the “Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities” into the city’s code. This ordinance cancels and repeals Ordinance #241. Also, on a motion by Suppenbach, the council voted to pass Ordinance #251 which adopts by reference the “Uniform Public Offense Code” published by the League of Kansas Municipalities. In a unanimous vote, the council approved a motion by Council President Lou Donelson to approve Ordinance #248 which increases the city’s court cost for the Municipal Court from $55 to $78.50. Donelson noted that the city’s costs have gone up significantly and that the $55 court cost has been in effect since 2015.
In her report, Smith addressed several personnel matters before the council, including her intention to hire an Assistant City Clerk in 2024. Smith cited City Clerk Karen Siffring’s current workload, the critical nature of her duties and the amount of overtime she has had to work just to keep up. Smith expects to post the position and interview prospective candidates by the end of this year. Smith also made a recommendation to the council to consider merit raises for two employees. Council President Lou Donelson followed up with motions to approve a 6 percent salary increase for Public Safety Director Corey Murrison and to increase Siffring’s pay rate from $24.59/hr. to $26.59/hr. Both motions passed with a unanimous vote.
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
Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case

A court case has been filed in the 6th Judicial District in Linn County by Parker resident Jan Longenecker and 26 other plaintiffs against the Board of Zoning Appeals of Linn County to revoke building permits issued by the acting Zoning Administrator Ben Souza. Souza... [More]
Pleasanton demos asphalt zipper for street repair

The Pleasanton City Council and street crew had the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of an asphalt zipper last Wednesday on 8th Street between Cedar and Sycamore – a street with heavily damaged asphalt. Dave Fokken, Asphalt Zipper Government Sales rep, said many... [More]
La Cygne awards lift station bid

Generator emphasis is the final step in the $6.261 million wastewater project La Cygne leaders awarded a bid to replace every diesel-powered generator at the city’s three sewer lift stations to a Kansas City, Mo., firm. At last Wednesday’s regular meeting,... [More]
More News
- Appraiser’s office announces completion of review
- SPECIAL: KBI conducts statewide marijuana enforcement operation
- Pleasanton council vetoed on fire volunteer appointments
- Kansas Policy Institute talks property taxes with legislature
- Pleasanton city candidate forum Oct. 6
- County logo sees little change
- Linn County P&Z Appeals Board denies subdivision appeal
- Commissioners discuss suggestion to leave EDA position vacant
SPORTS
Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown

The Pleasanton volleyball team had a busy week. First the team hosted a Three Rivers League triangular on Sept. 30 against Jayhawk Linn and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 4 the team traveled to Uniontown for the Uniontown Volleyball Invitational. To see the full article, check... [More]
Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week

The Jayhawk volleyball team was busy this past week as they had games on Sept. 30, Oct. 2, and Oct. 4. They traveled to Pleasanton on Sept. 30 to play a TRL triangular against Pleasanton and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 2 they hosted TRL foes Chetopa and Oswego. Then on Oct.... [More]
Jayhawk football wins thriller over Pleasanton on Homecoming

The Jayhawk Linn football team had a big game this past Friday on Oct. 3. Not only was it their Homecoming game but it was also a TRL/District game against their in-county rival the Pleasanton Blu-Jays. Both teams played hard and one could tell that both teams really wanted... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View football dominates Burlington on Homecoming
- Pleasanton volleyball travels to Arma and Prairie View
- Jayhawk volleyball goes 4-0 on the week
- Pleasanton volleyball competes at Yates Center and Humboldt
- Prairie View football picks up a big win against Wellsville
- Jayhawk volleyball has a solid week going 3-0
- Seasoned Olpe powers over young 'Hawks
- Wade and Schneider start impressive girls’ golf season for the Buffalos and Hawks