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
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
More News
- La Cygne executes pool bond defeasance
- CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman
- Parker mayor seeks affidavits to file charges
- USD 346 board learns of overpayments
- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State