The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.
In connection with the water project, Smith reported that negotiations between the city and Rural Water District #1 continue and that the parties are getting closer to an agreement.
Likewise, with the proposed new lagoons for the Wastewater Treatment Project, City Attorney James Brun noted that negotiations for the land purchase are going well and a final agreement is anticipated soon. Smith informed the council that a special council meeting will be scheduled as soon as the purchase is complete.
Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that 12 building permits were issued in February, including one permit issued for a new residence. A total of 39 building permits have been issued in 2023, as compared to 71 permits at this point in 2022.
On Council Member Lou Donelson’s recommendation, the council voted to approve the award of a mowing contract at $150 per occurrence to Mike Van Vlack of La Cygne. The award is subject to agreement on a final contract.
Public Safety Director Corey Murrison reported on Police Department activity in the city during the past month, including one arrest for Driving While Suspended, one arrest for Driving Under the Influence, one report of Credit Card Fraud. There were two noise complaints received, as well as four complaints of Dog at Large. There was also one arrest for Felony Fleeing and Eluding which involved a high-speed chase. Officers attempted to stop a U-Haul van for a traffic violation when it fled the area. After a long chase, the Miami County Sheriff’s Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in getting the vehicle stopped. The driver was apprehended on an outstanding federal arrest warrant for drug and weapons violations and was also charged with fleeing and drug possession. Murrison noted that a state inspection of the city’s dog pound was conducted and successfully passed.
The Fire Department responded to eight medical calls and two fire calls in Linn Valley. Under Mutual Aid, the department assisted Linn County Fire with two grass fires; as well as, one vehicle accident, two medical calls and two grass fires in Miami County.
City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the February 2023 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $21,933. Expenses for the month were $62,570, including annual lease/purchase payments totaling $16,032 for two police vehicles and the code enforcement vehicle. Per Council Member Robert Suppenbach’s motion, the council voted to approve the payment of expense vouchers totaling $236,908 for the month of February.
Siffring reported that the city’s insurance policy is up for renewal effective April 1, 2023. On Council Member John Weers’ motion, the council approved an award to Truly Insurance at $61,271, an approximate 8.5 percent increase over last year’s cost. Siffring noted that approximately $5,700 of this cost will be reimbursed to the city by the Property Owner’s Association.
Smith announced that the city is looking to hire a new full-time employee who will serve half-time as a police officer and half-time performing codes enforcement duties. This will allow the employee to qualify as a part-time police officer working 1,000 hours, or less, on an annual basis. Smith noted that she is developing a formal job description for the position.
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
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State