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

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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

SPECIAL: Mound City resident killed in Allen County crash

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On Sept. 9, just after 5:30 p.m., emergency personnel were called to the scene of a two-car collision on U.S. Highway 169 just south of Humboldt, Kan., in Allen County. According to reports filed by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Morgan Wakefield of Mound City, was driving... [More]

Property taxes and how they work

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In Kansas, there is a definitive process for determining what the property taxes are on any given piece of property. Did you know that according to SmartAsset.com Linn County has the second lowest property tax average in the entire state? According to information available... [More]

Pleasanton Fire Department personnel hiring questioned

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What started out as a department update from Pleasanton Fire Chief Jeff Wisdom, turned into a showdown between councilmembers and the mayor in who was hired as volunteer firefighters in Pleasanton. Wisdom informed the council he was beginning training for new firefighters September... [More]

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SPORTS

Alvarez leads Pleasanton cross country

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The Pleasanton cross country team traveled to Garnett for their first meet of the year on Sept. 4 at the Annual Jerry Howarter Invitational. The Jays had runners in both the junior high and high school races.  Dominic Alvarez led the Hawks as he earned a medal and placed... [More]

Jayhawk football starts season with shutout over Central Heights

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The Jayhawk Linn football team traveled to Fort Scott on Sept. 5 to host the Central Heights Vikings for their first game of the season. This was supposed to be a home game for the Hawks but had to be played at Fort Scott because the field was not ready. The game began with... [More]

Spradling era kicks off with oohhs and 'Oz'

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Jason Spradling's head coaching era at Prairie View debuted with plenty of oohhs and 'Oz' Friday night. The oohhs came from an offensive running attack that amassed 612 rushing yards, all but 99 in the first half, and saw Buffalo four-year starters Parker Schwarz gain 287 yards... [More]

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