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
Notice

The Linn County News and Linn County Printing will be closed on Good Friday, April 18, in observance of the Easter holiday. We wish you all a blessed Easter!
Public comment results in allegations of unethical behavior

Following the approval of claims and adds and abates at the Monday meeting of the Linn County Commissioners, Jason Hightower, Commissioner for District 1, requested a 15-minute session to review the Code of Ethics to be added to the open agenda for the meeting directly ahead... [More]
Parker reinstates local policing

City seeks both chief and codes officer, hires law firm as legal counsel The city of Parker has begun its process of reinstating its police department. At their monthly meeting Thursday, the council voted unanimously to advertise for a police chief, but not before... [More]
More News
- Two charged following vehicular incident in Parker
- Pleasanton approves zoning request
- La Cygne leaders talk future street improvements
- Mound City council raises water rates
- Commissioners terminate public works administrator
- Parker may reconsider police presence
- PWWSD13 explains rate increase
- Pleasanton to hold town hall on eliminating city fire department
SPORTS
Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season

The Jayhawk baseball team earned their first victories of the season this past week. The Hawks hosted St. Paul on April 7 and hosted Marmaton Valley on April 10. Jayhawk swept St. Paul in their double-header, 16-6 and 18-0, while falling to Marmaton Valley in their double-header,... [More]
Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational

The Pleasanton track team traveled to Oswego on April 8 to compete in the Oswego Invitational. The Jays did very well as both the girls’ and boys’ teams placed first. Here are the individual results through the top six places in each event. Boys’ Events... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View softball drops close games against Santa Fe Trail
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee and Marmaton Valley
- Jayhawk softball splits against Central Heights
- Prairie View softball starts season 3-1
- Pleasanton baseball opens season 2-2 against Oswego and Crest
- Jayhawk softball starts season 3-3
- 2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team
- 2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team