In addition to denying a conditional use permit request and retaining a law firm to continue an eminent domain condemnation process, both reports located elsewhere in this issue, Parker city leaders approved three separate police department actions at last Thursday’s monthly council meeting.
The actions, all on 4-0 votes with Kandice Higgins not present, include accepting a donated patrol car from the city of Pleasanton, allowing purchase of a radio for the car, and purchasing two patrol rifles at $500 each from Wicked Outfitters, La Cygne.
About the Pleasanton car, Craig Haley, police chief, said that “no strings are attached.” He said that Pleasanton referred to it as a “pay it forward” gesture. He said the patrol rifles for him and Cody Kiser, part-time police officer, replace shotguns.
On another 4-0 vote, the council approved a $6,500 quote estimate for a new pump at the sewer lift station. Chad Page, contracted water/sewer operator, said the pump to be replaced is 15 years old.
Another 4-0 vote will allow bids for construction of an access ramp off Main Street to a parking lot area east of the local library.
Jason Webber, council president, made the request and said the project would include whistle and concrete work.
Though Webber is president of the Linn County Library District No. 1 board, Burton Harding, city attorney, said Webber had no financial stake that would have disallowed him either to make a motion or to vote.
On the heels of Webber publicly praising Dever Scott, city maintenance, for recent work at City Lake--”it looks a whole lot better”--a 4-0 council vote will allow Scott to charge $80 hourly for personal tractor use until the city purchases one. Carrie Sewell, city clerk, said the $80 hourly charge is the same that Page charges for using his personal equipment.
Sewell will continue pricing tractors in the 50-55 horsepower range as recommended by Page. Among various dealers, Sewell reported pricing new Kubotas at Louisburg between $41,000-$43,000.
Tabled to allow for investigation until at least next month’s 7 p.m. June 8 regular meeting will be designation of a set city truck route. Webber said city leaders need to “figure out the easiest access with the least amount of distraction.” He also recommended revamping truck access from South Street to avoid alley access.
Mike Page, past county commissioner, said that most communities can use the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) binders in assigning which streets prohibit ‘through’ truck traffic, such as the prohibition in Parker between Woodward and Center using Railroad and Main.
He noted the difference between “no through trucks” and “no trucks,” saying that “no through” is set up for “point use” to allow commercial truck access for zoned commercial Parker properties along Railroad and Main, for instance.
Page’s reference to the MUTCD followed Haley’s request for a legal description of a ‘truck’ and Webber’s assessment of 10 wheels or more.
Along with reporting that Parker’s inclusion in the Linn County Sheriff’s Department Central Square records management operation is now “up and alive,” Haley also reported on individual grace-period discussions he is conducting with operators of all-terrain, side-by-side and utility task vehicles.
Mayor Ashley Balthazor said the city had received numerous complaints about their illegal operations, and Haley admitted that the issue “is difficult to get under control after years of neglect.”
As he said he did last summer--”but this is a new group”--Haley said he talks with the juvenile operators and their parents prior to issuing citation tickets.
During the treasurer’s report, Sewell read April general fund revenue of $4,462.74 and expenses of $13,098.60, capital outlay expenses of $11,833.50, water fund revenue of $3,654.60 and expenses of $5,735.83, sewer fund revenue of $2,339.66 and expenses of $786.05, and street fund revenue of $1,469.82. The park/lake fund showed no April activity.
As well, the council approved $25,022.23 in bill payments.
In other business before the council:
--Sewell relayed that council members are invited to the First Baptist Church of Parker’s 50th anniversary celebration on June 10.
--Sewell announced that the citywide garage sale is set for June 3.
--Sewell said the annual citywide cleanup is scheduled for June 10 but might be moved to June 17 to avoid conflict with the Baptist Church’s golden anniversary celebration. About the cleanup, she said any community assistance “would be greatly appreciated” and noted that City Hall has a list of pick-up items allowed during the cleanup.
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
Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case

A court case has been filed in the 6th Judicial District in Linn County by Parker resident Jan Longenecker and 26 other plaintiffs against the Board of Zoning Appeals of Linn County to revoke building permits issued by the acting Zoning Administrator Ben Souza. Souza... [More]
Pleasanton demos asphalt zipper for street repair

The Pleasanton City Council and street crew had the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of an asphalt zipper last Wednesday on 8th Street between Cedar and Sycamore – a street with heavily damaged asphalt. Dave Fokken, Asphalt Zipper Government Sales rep, said many... [More]
La Cygne awards lift station bid

Generator emphasis is the final step in the $6.261 million wastewater project La Cygne leaders awarded a bid to replace every diesel-powered generator at the city’s three sewer lift stations to a Kansas City, Mo., firm. At last Wednesday’s regular meeting,... [More]
More News
- Appraiser’s office announces completion of review
- SPECIAL: KBI conducts statewide marijuana enforcement operation
- Pleasanton council vetoed on fire volunteer appointments
- Kansas Policy Institute talks property taxes with legislature
- Pleasanton city candidate forum Oct. 6
- County logo sees little change
- Linn County P&Z Appeals Board denies subdivision appeal
- Commissioners discuss suggestion to leave EDA position vacant
SPORTS
Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown

The Pleasanton volleyball team had a busy week. First the team hosted a Three Rivers League triangular on Sept. 30 against Jayhawk Linn and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 4 the team traveled to Uniontown for the Uniontown Volleyball Invitational. To see the full article, check... [More]
Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week

The Jayhawk volleyball team was busy this past week as they had games on Sept. 30, Oct. 2, and Oct. 4. They traveled to Pleasanton on Sept. 30 to play a TRL triangular against Pleasanton and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 2 they hosted TRL foes Chetopa and Oswego. Then on Oct.... [More]
Jayhawk football wins thriller over Pleasanton on Homecoming

The Jayhawk Linn football team had a big game this past Friday on Oct. 3. Not only was it their Homecoming game but it was also a TRL/District game against their in-county rival the Pleasanton Blu-Jays. Both teams played hard and one could tell that both teams really wanted... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View football dominates Burlington on Homecoming
- Pleasanton volleyball travels to Arma and Prairie View
- Jayhawk volleyball goes 4-0 on the week
- Pleasanton volleyball competes at Yates Center and Humboldt
- Prairie View football picks up a big win against Wellsville
- Jayhawk volleyball has a solid week going 3-0
- Seasoned Olpe powers over young 'Hawks
- Wade and Schneider start impressive girls’ golf season for the Buffalos and Hawks