The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.
Following approval of the June 26, 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. The council then went into an executive session for five minutes concerning a legal issue but returned to the meeting with no action taken.
Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that 31 building permits were issued in June, including three for new residences. This compares with 33 building permits issued including six 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 arrest for Aggravated Domestic Battery with Strangulation and one arrest for Driving While Suspended. Officers responded to an ATV accident and two motor vehicle accidents in the city, and assisted Miami County on a Domestic Violence report.
The Fire Department responded to one structure fire and one dumpster fire; as well as five medical calls including a jet ski accident, a four-wheeler accident, a fall, a lift assist, and a possible stroke in Linn Valley. The department also responded to four incidents in Miami County including one fire alarm, one medical alarm, a fall with injuries and an adult male struck by lightning. Murrison advised that the Fire Department’s annual July 4 Fireworks Sale Fundraiser was once again a huge success. The sale netted profits more than $18,000 on gross sales of about $31,000. He credited Robert and Darla Suppenbach for their many hours spent manning the fire house for the sale and noted that profits from the sale will go toward future equipment purchases.
City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the June 2023 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $205,203 and total expenses of $55,250. The council voted to approve the payment of expense vouchers totaling $915,724 for the month of June. The council reviewed a proposed budget and voted to submit it to Linn County. It will include the proposed mill levy of 40.262. The proposed levy amount will be forwarded to the county clerk, as required. In August, the county will provide details of how the city’s, townships, county, etc. mill levies effect each individual property taxpayer. It is anticipated that the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) will be exceeded by this budget. A budget hearing will be held in late August or early September. Based on Siffring’s recommendation, the council voted to award a prepay contract in the amount of $3,952 to MFA Oil Company for the city’s propane requirements. The contract price of $1.83 per gallon compares to last year’s price of $2.05 per gallon.
In her report, Smith reviewed progress on the council’s priorities which were set at the beginning of the year. Smith elaborated on the many milestones that have been met with the water project, including progress on the procurement of the water tower and securing of necessary easements for the project. It is notable, according to Smith, that the wastewater project will be completed without litigation, and that the council has maintained its priority to take on no additional significant debt.
Smith and Council Member Lew Donelson addressed the issue of the city hall complex, noting that the council must soon come to a decision on whether to build a new city hall. Donelson noted that the current lease on the city’s temporary building runs out in April 2026, just two and a half years from now. City property just north of the fire station on Ullery Road has been discussed as a site for the new city hall.
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