March 31, 2023
Too many bills to mention Last week the Senate worked over 75 bills in three days. It was a grueling schedule. All of the bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.org Below are a few highlights from the marathon of legislation.
Property Tax was discussed in some detail on the Senate floor regarding a proposed constitutional amendment that I requested, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1610. It would limit property valuations to a maximum 3% increase each year. According the Revisors office (lawyers), this change must be made in the Constitution. It was modeled after Oklahoma and Oregon, states that use fair market value systems, similar to Kansas. A couple of Senators argued that it would take us out of compliance of fair market value and some owners would be paying more because they remodeled or sold their home. However, the more important argument in support of the 3% limit is why should you be paying higher property taxes if your neighbor sells or remodels their home? Oklahoma and Oregon have had valuation limits for over 25 years. It will not break the Kansas system, but it will keep property owners from these massive property tax valuation increases in one year. It does not stop local governments and schools from increasing your property taxes, via mil levy increases, but it does stop these super-inflated valuation increases and the burden of contesting them. The SCR must pass both chambers by 2/3 majority. It failed in the Senate on a vote of 26 to 14. If one Senator who voted no, will change their vote Monday 4/3/23, it would go to the House for a vote. It is a step in the right direction for limiting these massive property valuation increases.
Freedom from Government Competition is the intent of Senate Bill (SB) 252. Businesses should not have to compete against their government. There are government ran businesses in Kansas, creating an unfair advantage and SB 252 would help level the playing field. If the Department of Revenue decides that your business is competing against a government business in your city then sales and property tax for your business would be exempt. It passed the Senate 24 to 16. I voted Yes.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) is a rating system established to encourage politically charged investments, such as stopping investments in the oil and gas industry. The Kansas Senate took a major step in prohibiting state agencies and other political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria. I offered an amendment that would prohibit state investments in countries that are known foreign advisories to the U.S., such as China and others. All investments must be divested within 18 months. We should have never been invested in these countries. The amendment passed. The bill passed the Senate 29 to 11. I voted Yes.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
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
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- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
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- 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
COMMUNITY
Local family offers drawing lessons for kids in online broadcast
After he and his family relocated to the Pleasanton area from Denver, Colo., Eddie Nouri began working from home as a graphic artist. “I am blessed to be able to work from home,” said Eddie of his position, noting the many different things he has designed over the... [More]
First aid safety with Joe Stellwagon
I recently met one of Linn County’s EMS paramedics to talk about first aid and why it’s important. The paramedic’s name is Joe Stellwagon, and before we talked about first aid, I wanted to learn a little bit about him and why he became a paramedic. Joe works... [More]
Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe open in Mound City

Walking into Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe gives those who can’t wait to partake of old-fashioned ice cream a vision of what an old-time ice cream parlor would have been like. Now, that ice cream parlor is open at 510 W. Main in Mound City. Brady and Leslie Wolfe,... [More]
More Community
- USD 346 welcomes new staff members
- USD 344 welcomes new staff
- USD 362 welcomes 8 new licensed teachers
- John and Helen Barnes Community Grant now open
- USD 344 offering virtual school option for 2025-2026 academic year
- Cell phone use at school sees changes for upcoming year
- Filling out free/reduced lunch applications helps students and schools
- Miami County Museum to present one-woman play on Laura Ingalls Wilder