The board met for their second meeting under new Superintendent Don Epps. They discussed bills and asked about a $300 charge from Dreamscape Solutions for the football field.
Epps, and Board member Tanner Ogden, said the field is now in much better shape for the upcoming football season. They both chimed in that the grass is now green, the correct height, and the field is safe to play on.
Principal Nathan Meik said he enjoyed his month off and said enrollment went well; the elementary has 188 students enrolled with a potential of three more students. He said pre-school has made a nice impact on enrollment.
To celebrate good math scores last year, Meik said the district is taking students to an Olathe water park to swim Oct. 13.
He mentioned he is excited about new paras Teresa Williams and Addie Mead working for the district.
Meik and the board then discussed class sizes and he said he will sit down with Epps to decide on a method they want to use to determine when a class is split into two classes. He said both pre-school and kindergarten have approximately 10 students each in them.
Epps complimented Meik and High School Principal Sarah Conley for their work bringing in good employees over the summer.
Conley then addressed the board and said they had 168 students enroll from 7th grade to 12th grade.
Epps spoke next and said the district wants to remember teacher Donna Crockett who recently passed away from cancer. He asked that teachers honor Crockett at her funeral Thursday in Butler by attending the service.
He continued that the budget hearing will be held next month.
Epps said STARS faculty is ready for students; and the facility is ready after a remodel. He said 52 students are enrolled, to date.
After going through a plan to determine where all students in the district are and how to reach them, he said he wants to focus on ‘Strategic Thinking’. With that the district will provide a safe environment where people love the kids. See separate story in this edition.
Epps gave three points with the first being how the district treats each other; second, how they take care of the school, and third, “how do we tell our story.”
Truly Insurance quoted insurance for the district at $116,797; see separate story in this edition.
Hiland Milk’s bid was accepted; it was the only bid.
Executive session was held with the following actions taken: the board hired Amanda Goddard as K-12 music instructor, Melinda Gee as bus driver, Becky Grant as SPED driver, Marc Ballinger as head High School Basketball Coach, Christy Cutshaw as Sophomore Class sponsor, Derek Brown as FCA Sponsor, Colleen Sweat as Asst. High School Cheer Coach, Wendy Conley as High School STUCO sponsor, and Ann Johnson as Junior Class sponsor.
They also accepted the resignation of Darick Chapman as Junior Class Sponsor and Cathy Sherman as SPED driver.
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 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Economic Development Director resigns

Cites lack of professionalism and respect in leadership During the public comment portion of the commissioners meeting on Aug. 18, Economic Development Director Chasity Ware took the podium and read a letter to the commissioners that began by noting that she had lived... [More]
Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan

The Pleasanton City Council met Monday night and listened to a presentation by Streets Supervisor Taylor Robinson who presented a plan on how to move forward to get all city streets redone next spring and summer. Robinson said she met with Linn County Public Works Superintendent... [More]
USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy

During the August meeting, which was moved to Tuesday, Aug. 12, the USD 344 Board of Education adopted a new cell phone policy as recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards and Kansas State Department of Education. The new policy prompted several questions from... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Fire Chief lays out short, long-term goals
- Commissioners hear from publisher in regards to special edition
- Parker again to seek officer apps
- La Cygne leaders discuss food truck issue
- Commissioners make statement in regards to grievance filed
- Prescott appoints Roberts interim mayor
- Former Osborne house destroyed in fire
- Commission hears from former employee regarding tower resolution
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