Applicant pulls out; Harding rescinds resignation
The Linn County Republican Central Committee held a required convention on the evening of March 2 for the purposes of appointing a new county attorney. The convention was set up following the announcement by current County Attorney Burton Harding of his intentions to resign his elected position effective the end of March and that his assistant attorney, Justin Meeks, would be leaving the office the first week of April.
Committee Chairperson Jackie Taylor convened the meeting at 6 p.m. and spoke briefly on the events that brought them to the point of holding a convention. Taylor explained that once Harding had tendered his resignation the Republican Central Committee was required by Kansas Attorney General Opinion 90-1 to hold a convention and appoint someone to that position within 21 days or the appointment would be made by the District Court Chief Judge. Taylor then turned the floor over to Harding so that he could better explain the reasons behind his decision to resign.
Harding again cited the more intense work schedule than when he had begun and a need to be available for his family. He went on to note that when he started after his election the job entailed two and half to three days a week of hearings, preparation and meetings and had escalated into a five to six day a week position due to there being more judges and another courtroom, a heavier workload, corresponding to more time required for the position.
Taylor then explained to the precinct people and a few onlookers gathered in the audience that following a request for applications, one person, Tiana McElroy, who is currently serving as appointed County Attorney for Bourbon County, Kan., had submitted her application only to rescind it on Thursday morning prior to the convention.
“She told me she felt that staying where she currently is was a better choice for her right now,” explained Taylor.
Taylor then explained that once that happened, Harding had agreed to rescind his resignation and remain in office, pending approval by the county commissioners to hire a new assistant, through the end of his term rather than leave the county in a lurch.
She then asked Harding to speak on that decision and Harding addressed the crowd, noting it was not his intention to leave the county in a vulnerable position and would agree to stay on for the remainder of his term and hire a new assistant attorney to work part-time to help cover the case load, again noting that that commissioners would need to approve the hiring of an assistant.
Senator Caryn Tyson then asked about the salary increase that commissioners had recently approved and Harding replied that he would stay at his current salary without the increase throughout his term.
“You keep saying ‘if commissioners approve;’ what happens if they don’t?” asked Robin Spencer on more part-time help.
Harding then explained he could be put in a position to sue, and explained that the commission has no legal right to obstruct his office’s ability to complete its duties. Harding further explained that the county already has a part-time assistant attorney and he would simply be adding another part-time person.
He said Miami County has four attorneys and Bourbon County three and he’s trying to run his department with one and one-half.
Following clarifications from Taylor and Harding, Taylor then opened the floor to nominations and Chris Martin nominated Harding to fill the county attorney position. That motion was seconded by Don George and carried on a unanimous vote.
Caryn Tyson then moved to suspend the rules on voting by written ballot and instead vote by acclamation or the raising of hands. Tysons’s motion was seconded by Robert Suppenbach and approved unanimously.
A motion was then made by Karl Kempinger to approve Harding as the candidate and seconded by Stacy Fromdahl and carried on a unanimous vote.
A motion was then made and carried to cease all nominations and the convention adjourned shortly thereafter.
Taylor will submit all proper forms to the governor of Kansas and Harding will remain in office throughout his term.
NEWS
Special: Governor issues declaration of disaster emergency due to threat of wildland fires

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency this morning, March 31, due to the potential for wildland fires and severe storms in the state. The declaration will allow the state to preposition assets for a quicker response to any fires... [More]
Commissioners discuss Pleasanton meal site options

During the latter part of the meeting on Monday, March 27, Linn County Commissioners discussed the walk-through on Wednesday, March 22 at the former Memaw’s Kitchen located at 6th and Main Streets in Pleasanton. Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower read notes... [More]
Linn Valley moves forward with water, sewer project

“Positive ramifications” for the city Following a 15-minute legal session called by Linn Valley Mayor Cindy Smith at their Monday meeting, the mayor announced a preliminary agreement with Rural Water District #1 for water rights in Linn Valley. Smith... [More]
More News
- USD 362 leader asks to broaden policy
- SPECIAL: National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th
- SPECIAL: Drug operation ends with six arrests in Miami and Linn counties
- Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission says no to windmills
- Heartland REC introduces possible Linn County solar field
- County appraiser reports on valuation increases
- One-cent sales tax coming on Pleasanton ballot
- SPECIAL: Pleasanton One-Cent Sales Tax Questions
SPORTS
Prairie View competes at State Powerlifting meet

The Prairie View Buffalos competed in the State Powerlifting meet on March 25. The meet had 285 total lifters and the Buffalos took 16 boys and nine girls to the event. Prairie View had two lifters place second in their respective weight divisions at the meet. Rhett Jackman,... [More]
Jayhawk softball and baseball open season against Southeast Cherokee

The Jayhawk baseball and softball teams opened their 2023 season at home against Southeast Cherokee on March 27. Both softball and baseball teams played a double header and the boys split while the girls swept the Lancers. Baseball won their first game 3-0 but lost the second... [More]
More Sports
- 2022-23 All County Girls’ Basketball team
- Jayhawk Wrestling Club has five place at State
- Linn County Twisters takes 13 to State, 5 place
- Lady Buffs win 1, fall in semifinals
- Pleasanton basketball falls in the first round of Sub-State
- White places sixth for Jayhawk wrestling at State
- Kline and Cox-Halliburton represent Prairie View at State
- Prairie View basketball splits against Anderson County
COMMUNITY
Mildred Store presented with national award

At the end of February, Regena and Loren Lance, owners of the Mildred Store in Mildred, Kan., just south of the Linn County’s southwestern corner, traveled to Las Vegas, Nev., to be presented with a national award by Progressive Grocer. The award was for being one of... [More]
Maynerd’s opens in Mound City

On Saturday, March 11, Raymond and Melayna Johnson, Mound City, opened their newest business venture, Maynerd’s, a food truck that will be located in the open area next door to their antique-flea market shop, 517 Vintage, on the south side of Main Street, that location... [More]
New Life Being Brought to Historical Park

Over the past few months, those traveling down Main Street in Mound City may have noticed new activity at the Mound City Historical Park. Last summer, the historical society was revived, and new efforts implemented in restoring all of the existing structures of the park. Work... [More]
More Community
- Pleasanton students compete in Kansas Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
- The Gym set to open March 4 in Pleasanton
- Adventure Packs from Audubon Society coming to Linn County libraries
- Rural Parker boy uses birthday to aid shelter dogs
- PVHS students to assist on honor flight
- Cookees Drive-In sports new look
- Seven Bridges Microgreens and virtual range opens in Pleasanton
- 115 year old steam engine tractor moved from Trading Post Museum