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, March 20, 2023

Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 20, and began their meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $208,590.69. The commissioners then approved adds and abates 2021-178 and 2022-878-... [More]
PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 20, 2023

The Pleasanton Council met Monday night and heard from Tara Carpenter asking the council to waive the $75 water hook-up fee required for Carpenter Chiropractic. They purchased the Clinch Realty building located at 601 Holly Street from Brandon McGinnis and are set to move in... [More]
USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, March 20, 2023

The USD 346 School Board met in regular session on Monday, March 20, with the first order of business being the approval of the consent agenda which included the agenda for the meeting; the minutes of the previous meeting; and the payment of bills and payroll. The board then... [More]
More Meetings
- LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, March 15, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 13, 2023
- MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Tuesday, March 7, 2023
- PRESCOTT CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 13, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 13, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 6, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 6, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, March 6, 2023
NEWS
SPECIAL: National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th by inviting the public to come out and walk with a ranger for a preview of our new trail. The Visitor Center and new exhibits will be open form 4-6 PM and... [More]
SPECIAL: Drug operation ends with six arrests in Miami and Linn counties

MIAMI & LINN COUNTY – On Wednesday morning, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Osawatomie Police Department, and the Pleasanton Police Department arrested six individuals... [More]
Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission says no to windmills

After meetings discussing the Linn County Comprehensive Plan and where the county should be as to allowing wind turbines, the Linn County P&Z said no 5-3 to allowing any turbines in the county. P&Z Commission Chair Richard Morrell brought the subject up after several... [More]
More News
- Heartland REC introduces possible Linn County solar field
- County appraiser reports on valuation increases
- One-cent sales tax coming on Pleasanton ballot
- SPECIAL: Pleasanton One-Cent Sales Tax Questions
- Commissioner’s discussion on wage options gets heated
- County discusses options for Pleasanton meal site
- Parker leaders consider truck route
- Council approves land grant for riding academy
SPORTS
2022-23 All County Boys’ Basketball team

The season for the Linn County high school boys’ basketball teams is over and it’s time for this year’s All County Boys’ Basketball team. This year, there is a first and second team with five players on each team from the three local high schools, Prairie... [More]
2022-23 All County Girls’ Basketball team

The season for the Linn County high school girls’ basketball teams is over and it’s time for this year’s All County Girls’ Basketball team. This year, there is a first and second team with five players on each team from the three local high schools,... [More]
More Sports
- Linn County Twisters takes 13 to State, 5 place
- Lady Buffs win 1, fall in semifinals
- Pleasanton basketball falls in the first round of Sub-State
- White places sixth for Jayhawk wrestling at State
- Kline and Cox-Halliburton represent Prairie View at State
- Prairie View basketball splits against Anderson County
- Lady Hawks double up Altoona
- Pleasanton basketball defeats Bronaugh, falls to Cherokee