Linn County News

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A full council met Monday night to learn that councilman Aaron Portmann would be missing several meetings the rest of the year due to first, summer ball for his kids, and second, a new work schedule that had him working Monday nights. The council discussed allowing him to use Zoom during the meetings.

During public comment Virginia Haynes asked that Thunder on the Street incorporate all of Main Street businesses next year. She said where the barriers were located lessened sales at This & That by $300 last Saturday.

She next asked why City Administrator Teresa Whitaker was at the eviction of Always & Furever Pet Rescue when it was a private matter.

Whitaker and the council discussed that when Always & Furever called the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on gas tanks that had already been taken care of, that potentially involved the city.

The council heard from building owner Brandon McGinnis who explained why he evicted Always & Furever; see separate story in this edition.

Councilwoman Melanie Staton commented after McGinnis said he was done helping with projects in Pleasanton, “I have pure frustration with people who push back on that man; he does nothing but try to help Pleasanton and now he’s done.”

Councilman Jake Mattingley echoed the same sentiment stating that “I thought several houses needed to be torn down and Brandon rehabbed them. The lake community was a good idea. Now look at Pete’s – it’s the nicest building in town. He’s one of the few people that have tried to improve the town.”

Whitaker said that Fire Chief Rob Dent agreed to stay on the fireworks committee for three more years in order to train city employees John Harrington and possibly Dustin Ridenour. The two will apprentice with Dent.

The council approved paying $5,000 for the fireworks display, with Whitaker stating fireworks have gone up in price a lot, and approving to pay $1,000 to volunteers who light off the display.

The council discussed the Soldiers for Jesus Thunder on the Streets event at length and commented that the group has printed cards with three more years of dates on them, intimating they will stay in Pleasanton for the future.

Whitaker said by drone footage and other methods, it was estimated the crowd hit 4,500 to 5,000 on Saturday.

Public Works Director Joey Morrisey said the pool pump is not working. He said they turned it on, it worked for a while and then quit. He is reaching out to other pool experts to try to figure out why the 60 year old pump is apparently sucking air.

The council approved paying lifeguards for 25 hours per week to keep them employed during the down period.

Whitaker mentioned the Pleasanton Business Expo coming Saturday, June 18 that will give local businesses a chance to show some of their products to the community. The expo will go from noon to 4 p.m.

Street repair was briefly discussed with Mattingley questioning if they could pour a concrete base on portions of Ash Street then overlay it with asphalt. Councilman Joe Whitaker said that would be good, but concrete was very expensive at this point.

City Attorney Burton Harding said he found out that Kansas Department of Transportation owns U.S. 69 Hwy. and he is in contact with their attorneys concerning Pleasanton annexing the highway to patrol.

Police Chief Tristan Snyder reported several cases including five drug cases that resulted in four pounds of THC, marijuana and $8,200 in cash being confiscated. He said they are handling more calls this year than last.

The council questioned Snyder about school shootings and he said the procedure is to stop the shooter, then secure the premises.

The council approved several zoning changes including land in front of Cox Motor Company to CP2.

Dennis Clayborn won the hay bid at East and West lakes bidding $2,235; Umphenour Farms bid $1,518.

Diversion fees that were designated to go to Olive’s Hope were approved to go to the Angel Tree Toy Express project. Plus, $100 in the account will go to the same place.

The council thanked the city employees, volunteers, etc. for all of the hard work to make the Thunder on the Street event a success.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

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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

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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

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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]

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NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

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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

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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

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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]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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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

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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

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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]

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