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
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
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- 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