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
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
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- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship