In addition to considering a dedicated truck route, acting on spending measures, and considering elementary-school safety measures, all three reports located elsewhere in this issue, Parker city leaders have opted to try selling their old police car via sealed bid.
At its monthly meeting last Thursday, the council voted 4-0, with Jason Webber not present, to take sealed bids on the Crown Victoria up to next month’s 7 p.m. April 13 meeting as recommended by Councilman Jerry Summers. Summers said the city should have the right to reject any and all bids.
Mayor Ashley Balthazor said the vehicle’s Blue Book trade-in value is listed between $1,200-$1,900.
During his report, Craig Haley, police chief, noted numerous complaints at the city lake of off-road vehicles “doing damage and creating ruts to mow over.” He suggested consideration of an ordinance to disallow off-road vehicles to leave city lake roadways.
During his report, Chad Page, contracted water/sewer operator, will next month present an updated quote, estimated around $6,000, for a new pump at the sewer lift station.
“We’re starting to fight the old pumps,” said Page, noting that rebuilding one is possible. “But it has to be shipped out, and they can’t promise anything.”
He said both lift-station pumps are currently operating, but the older one purchased 15 years ago “is on its last leg.”
During her report, Kathy Harrison, city treasurer, noted February general fund revenue of $6,067.56 and expenses of $11,212.87, capital outlay revenue of $4,231.89 and expenses of $18,170.26, water fund revenue of $4,380.01 and expenses of $3,728.75, sewer fund revenue of $1,962.08 and expenses of $1,904.04, and street fund expenses of $275. The park/lake fund showed no February activity.
The council approved bill payments totaling $58,401.38.
Because the February monthly meeting was cancelled due to an anticipated lack of a quorum, Harrison also provided information showing January general fund revenue of $31,853.34 and expenses of $12,669.95, capital outlay revenue of $3,572.52, water fund revenue of $5,782.14 and expenses of $6,737.77, sewer fund revenue of $2,554.23 and expenses of $1,282.24, and street fund revenue of $1,645.61 and expenses of $372.20. The park/lake fund showed no January activity.
In other business before the council:
--The council elected Gary Earley as its pro tempore president on a 3-0 vote, with Earley abstaining. Balthazor said that Earley would preside over meetings in the rare event both she and Webber, the council president, would be absent.
--Carrie Sewell, city clerk, reported that several residents are needing culverts replaced. Asked by Balthazor of his interest, Page said he is interested but that “some may just need cleaning out.”
--Following up on an appearance at last November’s meeting, Albert Kerr asked about assisting the city by mowing at the sewer lagoon and the city lake. Balthazor said that the city will contact him if needed. “We don’t know yet if we need help or not,” the mayor said.
--As a step toward establishing a commercial auto shop in a current residential zone at 412 W. Kimball St. with Taylor Chapman, Julie Hurlock told the council that a conditional use permit application and fee have been submitted to the city. In response to the business being set back 15 feet from the center of the alley, Hurlock said their measurements indicate that “our door is exactly 15 feet away.”
--No public action followed a 20-minute executive session for non-elected personnel.
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