(From board notes.)
The USD 346 School Board met on Monday, Aug. 8, with the first order of business being the approval of the consent agenda which included:
- Approved the agenda
- Approved minutes of previous meeting(s)
- Approved paying bills and payroll
- Approved Staff Handbooks
Mark Proffitt, Elementary Principal, complimented the custodial staff and their hard work over the summer. He shared an update on enrollment numbers and with the addition of 20 new students; he projected that we should be in line or possibly up a few students although it’s too early to tell for sure.
Bob Beckham, Junior High and High School Principal, also complimented the custodial staff on their efforts this summer. He shared that Brett Kramer has worked very hard rearranging schedules to account for those students going to the STARS program in Pleasanton this fall. Mr. Beckham said that summer school went very well with 10 in attendance, nine of which set themselves up to get out of their credit deficit.
Superintendent Shawn Thomas began by discussing summer maintenance. While there are a few projects that weren’t able to be addressed, several of them were completed including:
- a new monitoring system for the credit recovery room/football concession stand
- fixed drainage issues along the JES car line
- new awning at JES
- concrete poured at JLHS to fix a large pothole.
Thomas complimented Wes and Malcolm Cox for their hard work.
Thomas gave an update on the budget and shared that it has been reviewed by Dale Dennis. While Thomas will recommend that the revenue neutral rate be exceeded at next month’s revenue neutral rate hearing, the total mill rate for all four funds will be 57.209.
Thomas invited the board to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the STARS Academy on Friday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. He also invited them to the employee kickoff meeting on Aug. 15 at 9 a.m at Jayhawk-Linn.
Thomas gave a brief update on KESA as it is the accreditation year. Since so many school districts are in their accreditation year, they are trying to get some schools to move their visit from the spring to the fall. The KESA team is talking with the outside visitation team/chairperson to decide when the best time to proceed with the visit would be.
Thomas closed by giving a brief update on enrollment noting that almost 400 students have fully completed the enrollment process, while several others are in the process and predicting our numbers to slightly go up.
The board then set a revenue neutral rate and budget hearing for 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 12.
The board then entered into an executive session for personnel matters. Following the executive session, the board approved the resignation of Lora Compton as JLHS cook and then approved the updated extra duty list.
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