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
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