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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019
council had asked during 2017 that Hilton seek bid proposals to relocate the inside lines, Jodi Wade, city clerk, reported. According to her research, the bids for requested materials were to be secured and submitted to the city prior to going to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be included in loan/grant funding. Only recently, she said, was information received that USDA money would not cover any work inside a building. “He thought it was covered, maybe by CDBG (Community Development Block Grant),” Johnson said. “He didn’t know until recently that it couldn’t be.” In answer to Mayor Robert Sullivan, Johnson said the two buildings have not had water for the past month since switchover to the new system. “He’s been remodeling a basement, so it’s worked out,” said Johnson, who also related that bidder Mark Resendez has agreed to honor the proposal dated Sept. 28, 2017. Mitzner characterized the situation as “not normal,” with Stoker and Councilman Danny Curtis agreeing that “it’s on us.” Asked Stoker, who sec-
onded the motion prior to its 4-0 vote, “So our problem is now making them re-route their plumbing?” Added Curtis, “We changed our system, and they have to meet our system.” In answer to Mitzner’s inquiry, Johnson said the two buildings would have been the “only properties that the owner was out any money.” In answer to John Sutherland, city attorney, Johnson said the only outside work in the bid proposal is for 30 feet of trench to the new supply line. Councilwoman Esther Shields asked if “any cushion is left” from USDA funds. Mitzner said loan dollars have all already been used, with Sullivan confirming the city’s general fund as the funding source. Sutherland advised his consent, noting that having the supply line along the alley rather than beneath Broadway and eliminating inside meters are “a benefit to the city.” Not settled at last week’s meeting was a new issue that literally “popped up” during recent rains concerning reader/antennae assemblies inside some new meter pits. Johnson explained that water filling the new pits is “lifting the readers
and they float off.” Even though council members said they had been told that the new pits were waterproof, Johnson said the pits, maybe as many as 200, are “close to the water table and have always held water.” Added Sullivan, “We had that problem, even with the old pits.” Johnson said the lids should have the readers attached, with new ones running about $33 apiece. “I know this is not working now,” Johnson said. “This is going to be an aggravation from now on.” He said that Brett Waggoner, project manager for BG Consultants, Inc., Lawrence, had said the council in the past had “opted out on the lid” and retained cast-iron ring lids. If so, Curtis said, “it should be in our minutes,” with Sullivan requesting “to do some investigation.” Lamented Shields, “We’ve been told over and over that these lids would work perfectly” in alluding to assurances by Waggoner at both December regular meetings. “This should come back on someone but us,” Curtis said. “It scares me to death to hire them again if they’re going to cut corners.”
CDBG Program WITHDRAWAL: At- announces aptorney leaves Jester case plication for new community pool FROM PAGE A1
ing a written instrument; making false information; identity fraud, replicating personal ID documents with intent to deceive; giving a worthless check, value $1,000 to $25,000; possession of stolen property, value of $1,500 to $25,000; possession of marijuana; use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia to introduce a controlled substance into the human body. In court on Dec. 31, Johnson reviewed a motion to withdraw filed by Jester’s attorney, Craig Cole of Garnett, noting the reason for the motion
being that the defendant (Jester) had filed a complaint regarding Cole with the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator. Johnson granted the motion. Another attorney will be assigned to Jester for the purpose of this case. The case had been awaiting the results of a competency evaluation on Jester, and according to Linn County Attorney James Brun, the evaluation determined him competent to continue with court proceedings. The case was set over to 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.
BENEDICK: Gets 55 months in KDOC FROM PAGE A1
“I know what I did was wrong,” he told the court and those in attendance, crying, “I never meant to hurt anyone, and my family is hurt and I’m so sorry.” “I appreciate your honesty,” stated Johnson, and then she handed down a sentence of 55 months, or 4.58 years, with credit for time served, in the
custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections. She also stated that he would be required to have post-release supervision, pay court costs and provide a DNA sample. She then admonished Benedick to take advantage of every program available to him while in KDOC custody to help better himself.
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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announces its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program now enables communities to apply for funding that can be used to construct a swimming pool. There are many benefits SEE CDBG, A6
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LORI MASSEY | LINN COUNTY NEWS
The new sign for Community Health Center in Mound City lasted two days before it was hit. The clinic is gearing up for more action as the Mound City Council discussed that Dr. Jay Allen will be full-time at the clinic, plus they’re adding more nurse practitioners.
La Cygne council deems questioned dog ‘not vicious’ BY TONY FURSE LINN COUNTY NEWS NEWSPAPERSRME@YAHOO.COM
A pit-bull mix involved in a Nov. 28 bite incident has been deemed “not vicious” by the La Cygne City Council. During a public hearing as part of its regular meeting last Wednesday, Jan. 2, the council concurred 4-0 that the dog, owned by Phaedra Freeman, 626 N. Sixth St., would not be considered dangerous. Esther Shields, who made the motion, said that “not enough evidence” was otherwise provided and told Freeman “to go in peace.” Shields’ motion and Keith Stoker’s second followed the legal advice of John Sutherland, city attorney, that the council “has to find that the dog is vicious from the evidence. The council has to make a decision from what’s presented at the hearing. If the council finds not enough evidence, then it’s not vicious.” As presented by Tate West, police chief and animal control officer, an 11-year-old had
unchained the dog and brought it out “so others could pet it.” West said the leashed dog inflicted a single facial puncture – “what looked like eye (incisor) teeth” – to an 8-year-old. West noted the incident’s “unique situation” in which, for past similar circumstances, owners had chosen to “dispose of” their animals. He said another anomaly was that this dog made one bite and released, a contrast to the breed’s tendency. “This bite was not indicative of grabbing ahold and thrashing. This dog nipped and let go,” West said. “Now that it’s happened, there’s a potential that it could be dangerous.” Freeman said the 2-year-old dog “has never been aggressive. It was trying to play and connected at the wrong time. It doesn’t look like a dog bite, but it did grab on.” Both West and Sutherland said that the victim’s parents had been notified of the public hearing. “The parents were offered the opportunity
to be here. They’re a noshow. I believe they had no wishes either way,” West said. “They had the chance to be here, and there’s no other negative evidence, such as an uproar in the neighborhood,” Sutherland advised. Stoker questioned liability if the dog were to be found not vicious and then a similar incident were to occur again. “It’s on the dog’s owner, certainly,” said Sutherland, with West adding that “if there were a next time, then it certainly could be deemed vicious.” In answer to Mayor Robert Sullivan, West said one previous complaint “of a leash being too long” had been reported at the residence. If the dog had been deemed vicious/dangerous, West said city ordinance would require the owner to have the animal muzzled or in an enclosure away from the property’s edge while outside. If found loose and/or without required muzzle, he said owners would be subject to a city court citation.
150 Events Schedule th
Saturday, January 26 Iron Man Polar Splash
Saturday, February 16 Valentine's Day Banquet
Saturday, February 23 Dodge Ball Tourney
Saturday, March 2 Brush Therapy
Saturday, March 23 Color Run
Wednesday, March 27 Community Orchestra
Saturday, May 4
Citywide Garage Sale
Mother & Son Kickball Tournament
Citywide Cleanup
Saturday, May 18 Fishing Tournament
Saturday, June 1
Opening Day at the City Pool
Saturday, June 15
Saturday, April 20
Saturday, June 29
Father Daughter Dance
Easter Egg Hunt
Tea & Fashion Show
Just 4 U Paint Night Games in the Park
Thursday, July 4
Friday, April 26
Let Freedom Ring Celebration & Fireworks
Saturday, April 27
Free Swim Day at the City Swimming Pool
City Pet Clinic
Saturday, August 3
Community Pool Party
Tuesday, August 20 Back to School Event
Monday, May 6 through Saturday, September 21 Bingo Night Friday, May 10
Saturday, April 6
Bingo Night
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New clinic sign crunched
RETAINAGE: Work still to be done FROM PAGE A1
linn county news
Saturday, September 28 Citywide Community Service Day
Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6 General Pleasonton Days
Tuesday, October 29
Pleasanton's Birthday Party
Saturday, November 9 Light Up Pleasanton Community Christmas Light Hanging Day
Friday, November 15 & Saturday, November 16 Dinner Theatre
Saturday, December 14 City Christmas Celebration
Pleasanton Be a part of our community
www.pleasantonks.com (913) 352-8257
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019
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linn county news
BUFFALOS: Boys’ basketball competes against Burlington.
LADY BUFFS: Girls’ basketball hosts Burlington.
FROM PAGE B1
FROM PAGE B1
of,” Ballinger said. On Saturday, home fans saw a new wrinkle in the Buffalo game plan – a platoon substitution system. In use for only the second time, Ballinger said the strategy saw success on Feb. 1 at undefeated Santa Fe Trail, top-ranked in Class 3-A. “Players were able to go all-out and know they were getting a break in a couple of minutes,” the first-year coach said. “There was a worry about offensive rhythm, but for that game, it didn’t seem much of an issue. We played the first half about as well as we’ve played all season.” In that contest, the Buffs trailed 17-16 after one quarter and 31-22 at halftime before Santa Fe Trail’s John Long began launching second-half missiles, with treys on nine of his 10 game-high field goals contributing to the Chargers’ 40-20 second-half blitz. Against Burlington Saturday, however, Ballinger admitted that “it was another story” as Prairie View could never get untracked. “We have played teams that have higher rankings so much closer. There is something about their aggressiveness and speed that we just have a hard time matching up position for position,” said Ballinger about the Wildcat team that also defeated Prairie View, 69-32, in the Nov. 29 season opener. “I would rather play man defense; however, a team like that we just aren’t built to do that against.” Blake Boedicker’s scoring baseline drive
1:04 into the game gave the Buffalos an early 2-0 lead, and a Miles Gilliland stickback at 5:07 put Prairie View up, 4-2. But then Burlington, 5-3 in the league and 9-6 overall, reeled off 16 unanswered points, stopped at 18-6 on a Dominic Victor inside basket. Brannon Nordstedt led the Wildcat three-minute sizz with seven of his 14 first-quarter points. Only once more would the Buffalos pull within a dozen points, a Boedicker trey from the left wing with 5:41 left in the first half closing the gap to 28-16. From there, though, Burlington scored 27 of the half’s final 29 points, Brock Heide’s scoring drive through the lane at the 3:59 mark to set the tally at 36-18 the lone Buff basket. In the Wildcat run, Jace Watkins scored nine of his gamehigh 21 points and Trevr Bahr eight. “Overall, I could point to several areas that their style of play gave us fits – rebounding and boxing out, getting beat back on defense on easy runouts and not being able to stop the downhill drive, which we normally are really good with help defense and even the third-man rotation,” Ballinger said. “This game was just ugly all around. Even some of our guys who normally like to attack didn’t have that mentality. Can I blame it on the weather?” he quipped. Because of last week’s icy-road conditions and school cancellations, the Buffalos had not practiced since Feb. 4 – five days prior to Saturday’s game.
For much the same reasons, Burlington only laid claim to two “half practices” last week, that pair worked around parent/ teacher conferences. For the night, Victor complemented Boedicker’s team-high 12 points with eight, four in the final quarter during the 30-point mercy rule running clock. Cody Rose added five, including a three-pointer from the left corner early in the second half, and Heide four for the Buffalos. In addition to Watkins, other Burlington doublefigure scorers were Nordstedt with 19, Tegan Hess 13, and Bahr 10.
BURLINGTON BOYS 78, PRAIRIE VIEW 38
FGM FT
F
Burlington Bahr Brown Nordstedt Beyer Watkins Hess Torrez Meats Totals
4 2 8 3 7 5 1 1 31
0-0 0-1 1-4 0-0 4-5 1-2 0-0 0-0 6-12
2 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 11
10 4 19 7 21 13 2 2 78
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-3 1-2 0-1 0-0 0-0 3-6
2 2 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 11
2 5 2 4 8 1 12 2 2 38
Prairie View Bloodgood 1 Rose 2 Scott 1 Heide 2 Victor 3 Davis 0 Boedicker 5 Gilliland 1 Schweer 1 Totals 16
P
Prairie View 11 7 11 9 - 38 Burlington 26 29 18 5 - 78 Three point goals– Prairie View: Boedicker 2, Rose. Burlington: Watkins 3, Bahr 2, Nordstedt 2, Hess 2, Beyer.
Gardening classes – Come Grow with Us! K-State Research & Extension, Marais des Cygnes District invites the public to join them for a series of four classes focusing on gardening. The series will start on Feb. 28 with the final class being held April 4. A variety of topics will be covered, helping both the new and experienced gardener: Seed Starting & Composting (Feb. 28) will teach the basics of how to start seeds and supplies needed, as well as how to improve your soil by composting. Gardening 101 (March 7) will teach the basics of gardening such as soil preparation, garden layout, planting dates and harvesting techniques. Participants in Gardening 101 will receive a
free copy of the Kansas Garden Guide. Where Does Your Garden Grow? (March 28) will discuss several methods of gardening including container gardening, raised beds, traditional gardens and square food gardening to help you decide what works best for your situation. Container gardening will be discussed in depth. Common Garden Problems & Solutions (April 4) will discuss the most common garden problems, how to prevent them and what you can do to treat them if they occur. Classes will take place at their Paola office (104 S. Brayman) and are free of charge, thanks to a generous donation from
the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register for a class, visit www.maraisdescygnes.kstate.edu or call the Paola office at 913-294-4306.
entry pass from Walker to Ashlyn Kirkpatrick with 6:41 left in the game. Brooklyn Moore ended a subsequent 14-3 Lady Wildcat rally with a rightsideline trey. Even so, unlike the five previous meetings over three seasons, Burlington never reached a 30-point fourth-quarter margin that would have enacted the mercy-rule running clock. One curious statistic from the game was the contrast of free throws attempted, even though each team committed 20 personal fouls.
Based on Prairie View’s tendency for the night to foul shooters, Burlington attempted 35 free throws, connecting on 19. Because many of the Lady Wildcats’ whistles came on common fouls in guarding away from the basket, the Lady Buffs only attempted 11, hitting five for 45.4 percent. For both teams, Saturday’s game followed a five-day layoff forced by last week’s activity postponements and cancellation of classes due to icy-road conditions. Neither side had conducted a practice since Feb. 4.
Legislation would not increase hunting, fishing fees PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has sponsored legislation proposing limits on select license and permit fees. Senate Bill 50, if passed, would not raise any hunting or fishing license or permit fees and no fee increases are under consideration. Hunting and fishing license and permit fees are approved by the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission only after a public hearing process, but the fees cannot exceed the upper limits set by statute. However, some of the current fees are at or near the statutory fee caps, most of which were set in 2001. Adjusting fee caps now would give the Commission the authority and flexibility to incrementally increase some fees in the future if, and when needed, but not without first holding a public hearing. License and permit fee increases implemented in 2016 marked the first time resident deer and turkey permit fees had increased since 1986, and
the first time hunting and fishing license fees had increased since 2002. Those fee increases were necessary due to inflation and the desire to maintain crucial wildlife and fisheries programs and services to hunters and anglers. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) receives no State General Fund support. In addition to hunting, fishing and furharvesting license and permit revenue, KDWPT funding comes from federal dollars returned to Kansas from the federal excise taxes hunters and anglers pay on equipment purchases. KDWPT leverages license and permit revenues and federal dollars to benefit wildlife, fish, anglers and hunters. Popular programs such as Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA), Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitat (FISH), and the Commu-
BURLINGTON GIRLS 59, PRAIRIE VIEW 35
FGM FT
F
P
Burlington Z. Caldwell 1 Gilman 1 Kuhlmann 0 Sloyer 0 Thorp 2 Young 7 A. Doebele 4 K. Caldwell 1 Hess 0 C. Doebell 1 Dunn 0 Totals 17
0-0 1 1-2 3 2-4 2 4-8 3 1-1 2 3-6 2 6-10 4 0-0 0 2-2 0 0-0 1 0-2 0 19-35 20
3 3 2 4 5 22 14 2 2 2 0 59
Prairie View Kirkpatrick 1 Boedicker 5 Loomis 0 Aust 2 Moore 1 Walker 1 Davis 0 Paisley 0 Kellerman 2 Totals 12
0-0 0-0 0-0 2-3 0-0 2-2 0-3 1-2 0-1 5-11
2 14 0 6 3 5 0 1 4 35
2 1 1 4 1 4 2 2 3 20
Prairie View 5 8 11 11 - 35 Burlington 14 13 10 22 - 59 Three point goals– Prairie View: Boedicker 4, Moore, Walker. Burlington: Young 5, Z. Caldwell.
nity Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP) are notable examples. Other programs funded with a combination of federal funds and license revenues include state wildlife areas, state fishing lakes, education and aquatic nuisance species monitoring. SB50 was introduced into the Senate on January 28 and was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. A hearing date has not been set.
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Pleasanton School Gymnasiums • Cost is $90 per team • Teams consist of 6 people and must have 2 girls per team • Minimum age requirement is 16 • Pay and register at the event • Registration starts at 9 a.m.
Questions? 913-352-8257
Prizes: • Monetary prize for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd plus a yearly trophy to be displayed at City Hall. • Gift cards for best dressed team and most unique team names.
Pleasanton Be a part of our community
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Linn County Printing • 913-352-6700 www.linncountynews.net
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2019
I’m used to. I used to be the guy going out handling cases – now I’m the guy in the office.” Johnson said that his time under Filla has been spent doing investigation work. “When I came on, I came on the scene as boss. It was my scene.” Filla said, “They call Bobby out on something that may have the potential of becoming a serious scene.” His experience includes processing crime scenes, making search warrants and more. Filla continued, “I’ve sent him to schools for that. He has the knowledge, enthusiasm, and I have full confidence in his ability to do the job.” Johnson said that there is always a need for training in the job, and not easy training. “If we want to be a better department, we have to get guys out
there.” Training for the department includes interview and interrogation, standard field sobriety testing, ARIDE or Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement for drug interdiction, crime scene processing, report writing, keeping deputies up on law changes and more. He said keeping up on laws is very important so that they can send the County Attorney accurate reports. Johnson said he works with his guys’ strengths and weaknesses. With that, he will pair them up in partnerships to create a cohesive unit and build on the strengths of each pair. “We’ve have some of the best teams we’ve had since the six years in office,” said Filla. He explained that during the last snow/ice storm he sent a call out, and everybody came out to assist.
Some of Johnson’s duties will include being jail supervisor and the management of the office staff, deputies and dispatchers. To avoid management issues as Johnson’s brother, Clint, is also a deputy, Filla said that he writes all performance evaluations for the supervisors to avoid family evaluating family. Johnson said, “I have big shoes to fill, and I’m up to the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with the community – there’s nothing more I want to do than work at the sheriff’s office.” Filla said, “I can’t thank Roger enough – words can’t express what he’s done for this department and the community. I’ll miss him.” He continued, “I’ve watched Bobby grow since he’s gotten here – we’ll forge ahead and it will be very fruitful.”
RETAINAGE: La Cygne holds back project have resulted in “pits that had never before had water now do.” Though saying that Waggoner and Preston Hodges, Data Technologies, Inc., Omaha, Neb., supplier of the Sensus/ Summit software package, have issued assurances of no cost to the city, Johnson said the extra time currently involved in meter-reading incurs “some cost.” “We have to fish the wire out of the bottom of the pit, which then involves several days of reading,” he explained. The meter plans had originally called for plastic pit lids with attached antennae. Waggoner last month had told the council that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the project’s funding agency, allows for an “approved equal” to substitute for a recommended project item, with mowers striking the original covers also damaging the antenna a primary concern. Johnson countered that, if mowers hit the current lids sitting at ground level, “they’d have to go deep and into the ground.” Wade said that Hodges fully intends to work with
JACKIE TAYLOR | LINN COUNTY NEWS
Linn County road crew employees begin work on demolishing the Concern house north of the Courthouse Annex. The county also purchased three lots west of the house for an impound lot and additional parking.
ACTIVE SHOOTER: Training 3/11 training you must be 18 years of age or older, and preregister by calling the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-4485678, ext. 1201 or 1206. The training, beginning at 8 a.m. March 11, is at the Anderson County Ju-
FROM PAGE A1
ing the tools and knowledge from this course will give people the response options they need should they get caught in a situation like this.” To participate in this
the city to reach a solution. One final water project phase – water treatment plant upgrades – is expected to begin after April 1. Wade said that general contractor Shelly Electric, Inc., Wichita, would be contacting Eric Hethcoat, BG mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering associate, to ask for City Council permission to extend their completion date for two months “because of the government shutdown.” A pre-construction meeting conducted Feb. 19 had been delayed from an earlier mid-January setting because USDA’s representation is required. At last week’s meeting, Shelly had also alerted to a possible $4,000-$5,000 change order for telemetry for the new tower. Shelly won the bid award last fall with a total $509,420, all to be paid by a USDA rural development grant.
nior /Senior High School, 1100 W. Hwy. 31, Garnett, KS 66032. Please wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes – no open-toed shoes are allowed. No weapons will be allowed on the premises.
OFFICE: La Cygne adding employee Agencies’ guidelines for constituting full-time status helped determine the position’s 20-hour weekly starting point. Wade said that health insurance deems more than 30 hours weekly as full-time and the state more than 32. She said the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System full-time threshold is more than 999 hours annually. On another personnel issue, the council responded to an inquiry by
FROM PAGE A1
FROM PAGE A1
“it’s not a good business deal to hold back an extreme amount.” Council president Jerome Mitzner noted a cost accounting of $85,000 for two remaining unfinished Phase II tasks: $53,000 for grass-seeding work and $32,000 to address issues with meter-pit antennae assemblies. “We want to keep these folks in here working on them,” Mitzner said. “We don’t want to hold this over them, but we also want to work for the benefit of our customers.” After last week’s observations of meter readings, meter-pit parties will follow up this week with determinations for antenna attachment options, said Jim Johnson, public works superintendent. The current antennae sit on vertical rebar in the pits but float off during an abundance of water in the pits. Wade said that Waggoner had characterized the problem as a “new situation with so many pits with water in them,” including approximately 100 during the Feb. 19 walkthrough. Councilman Jerome Moore noted that French drains installed at watermeter sites during the
position. “It’s easier to roll them up to full time with benefits than to cut someone back,” he said. If the council chose part-time, Wade urged for them “in applications to look for that person who could grow to potential full-time.” Hypothesized Sullivan, “What kind of candidate do you get? It’s typically different candidates for part-time and full-time.”
Bill Craven, trash compactor operator, about a third alternate in case he and Randy Hardwick, substitute operator, are both unavailable. Said council president Jerome Mitzner, “No more often than one would be needed, a third person I’d question.” Stoker recommended that the city “come up with an in-house way to take care of it” when neither Craven nor Hardwick can work.
MOORE: New city councilman After the council approved the consent agenda, Sullivan opened the meeting to discussion from the floor. Moore urged city leaders to “get a council member in there to get the work done. I’d sooner have a full council than anything else.” To Moore’s surprise, Esther Shields motioned to nominate him, with Keith Stoker seconding. “That’s not what I meant,” said Moore, to which Shields responded, “You have a wealth of information to bring here.” Moore then took the
FROM PAGE A1
preferred not to be considered. Sullivan said that Steve Williams had told him he could be considered if no one else showed interest. Seated in the audience, Moore said his interest came with “no conditions.” Council president Jerome Mitzner then motioned to accept Sullivan’s recommendation of Kana, but following a period of silence, Sullivan deemed the motion dead for lack of a second.
oath of office from Jodi Wade, city clerk. Before moving on, Curtis commended Kana for his service on appointed city boards and asked that he not “take this the wrong way,” “I’m not,” responded Kana, who also offered the same assurances to Moore following the meeting’s adjournment. Serving until Jan. 10, 2022, Moore later in the meeting was appointed to the council’s water and gas, sewer, and employee relations and training committee.
March 150th Events Saturday, March 23 Saturday, March 2
10th Annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby & Chili Saturday, March 9
La Cygne Elementary School
Registration: 5-6:15 p.m. Chili: 5-7 p.m. • Races: 6:30 p.m. Freewill donation. Part of proceeds will be donated to the La Cygne Library Summer Program.
Baked Goods Auction Held Throughout The Evening. Everyone is welcome to watch or race their own car. You may purchase a Pinewood Derby Car Kit from the pack for $7. Contact Brian Uphoff, 913-849-3463.
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Coming down!
RETIRE: Holt sets end of March FROM PAGE A1
linn county news
Brush Therapy
• At City Hall. • Pre-registration/pre-payment is required. • The cost will be $20. • The painting event will take place at 3 p.m. • Participants need to be registered by February 27th. • Class is open to the first 20 participants.
Color Run
• Sponsored by Sophomore Class. • Pre-register for $15 includes T-shirt. • Pre-register by March 15. • Pre-register at City Hall. • Day of registration $10. • Race starts at 8 a.m. • Registration is at high school commons area. • Starting and finishing line at the school.
Pleasanton Be a part of our community
Wednesday, March 27 Community Orchestra
• United Methodist Church, 751 Main St. • 7 p.m.
www.pleasantonks.com (913) 352-8257
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linn county news
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019
Pleasanton’s Disney Princess Ball April 6 is an evening for daddies and their daughters to create special memories while dancing the night away at the Disney Princess Ball. The ball was hosted by the Pleasanton High School varsity and junior varsity cheer squads to help raise funds for their summer cheer camp in June. Jason Toms and daughter Jaylin share a special moment during a dance at the ball.
It was nothing but smiles and balloons for Chris Carver and his daughter Chloe as they dance across the floor.
Emma Portmann was all smiles as her daddy Aaron swept her off her feet and into his arms.
The dance floor is filled with beautiful dresses, Disney princesses, laughter and special moments that will be treasured for a lifetime at the Pleasanton Disney Princess Ball.
Chris Thomas shares a special moment with daughter Corbyn at the Disney Princess Ball.
Saturday, April 6, daddies dance with their little princesses at the Disney Princess Ball hosted by the Pleasanton High School varsity and junior varsity cheer squads. Pictured, left to right, are front row: Brianna Maze, Sarah Bates, Kayleann Harrington, Telleah Gratton, Adriana Crismas and coach Erika Gilbert. Second row, left to right: Daylen Williams, Brooklyn McQueen, Jazmyne Henkle, Audrea Harrison, Carol Sabine, Megan Gillespie, Addie Mead, Reagan Huggins and Chloey Crismas. Third row, left to right: Aislyn Bebee, coach Gay Harrington, Zoe Skipper, Aleecia Cornelius, Colleen Sweat, Jackie Beltz, Maleah Poole and Samantha McCulley.
April 150th Events
Saturday, April 20 Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 27 Drug Take Back
• 11 a.m.
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• PHS Football field
• Pleasanton Drug Co.
• Hosted by the City of Pleasanton
Tea & Fashion Show • 1 p.m. • Ernie Price Annex • Hosted by Sesquicentennial Committee • Fashions modeled by PHS Cheer • NO COST, but reservations must be made by contacting City Hall at 913-352-8257 • Catered by James & Rocky Beltz
ROCKY BELTZ | LINN COUNTY NEWS
The crown making station was fun for daddies and daughters alike. Daddies Robert Lake and Bryan Gilbert help their little princesses Hayden and Baya create their perfect crowns.
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY...
or want to EARN ADDITIONAL INCOME from your property?
Ask me how! Wes Miller
Veteran Owned 913.314.1589
wes@koruoutdoors.com koruoutdoors.kw.com
Bingo • 3 p.m. • Pleasanton Housing Authority Community Center • Hosted by Sesquicentennial Committee
Pleasanton Be a part of our community
www.pleasantonks.com (913) 352-8257
SAKER’S SAKER’S ROLL OFF TOWING, SERVICE LLC Renting 20 yards to 40 yards
620.223.6943 or 620.224.7543
24 HOUR SERVICE
Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery Roadside Service • Lockout Service
LINN CO.: 620.224.7543 CELL: 620.224.8200 OFFICE: 620.223.6943
David & Julie Saker, Owners 2495 Locust Rd., Fort Scott, KS
Linn County Printing • 913-352-6700 www.linncountynews.net
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019
linn county news
May, June, July, August
Friday, May 3 Pet Clinic
150th Events
• 5-6:30 p.m. • Fire Department, 1700 Laurel St.
Saturday, May 4 Citywide Garage Sales • You must sign up early to have your sale listed on the map. • City Hall, 913-352-8257, to register or any questions.
Monday, May 6 Friday, May 10 Citywide Cleanup/Pickup
• NO tires, paint, electronics, household trash, TVs, or hazardous materials. • Sort furniture, appliances, and branches/brush. • Branches need to be stacked in 4 ft. piles. • Leaves need to be in clear trash bags. • Get all items as close to the road as possible. No alley pickups. • If there are any prohibited items found in the disposal piles, the entire pile will be rejected. • No refrigerators or freezers (nothing with freon). • Call City Hall to be placed on the list, 913-352-8257.
Saturday, May 18 Fishing Tournament • Check-in 4:30-5:15 p.m. • Pleasanton East Lake. • Captains meeting at 5:30 p.m. • Lines hit the water at 6:15 p.m. • Two categories: Bass & crappie. • $20 entry fee with $10 biggest bass.
Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Service
Saturday, June 15 Just 4U Paint Party • Time to be determined. • Just 4U, 733 Main St.
Thursday, July 4 Let Freedom Ring Celebration & Free Swim • 4 p.m. • Dunlap Park.
Saturday, July 6 Mud Volleyball, Fishing Tournament & Fireworks • Fishing Tournament, 9 a.m. • Mud Volleyball, to be determined. • Stegge Lake.
• 10 a.m. • Pleasanton Cemetery, 17th St.
Mother/Son Kickball • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Baseball fields. • Forms and money need to be returned to Dustin Johnson at PHS by Friday, April 26. • Rain location: North & South Gyms 1001 Ash St.
Saturday, June 1 Pool Opening Day • Sunday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. • If there are no pool parties scheduled on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, pool hours will be noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 3 Community Pool Party • 4 p.m.
REMINDER: Pleasanton mowing ordinance, fencing pool regulations and dog registration Mowing Under City Code, Chapter 8, Section 402 (e) which states: “Weeds and grasses on or about residential property which, because of their height, have a blighting influence on the neighborhood. Any such weeds and indigenous grass shall be presumed to be blighting if they exceed 12 inches in height.” Residents will be issued a 10-day notice to correct the issue. If the issue has not been corrected within the 10 days, then a notice to appear in court will be issued to the residence and the city may mow the property. If there are any questions, you can contact City Hall at 913-352-8257. If the City of Pleasanton must mow due to lack of response to a 10-day notice, the following charges will be assessed: Equipment use, tractor/mower .............$65 per hour Manpower .....................................................$20 per hour Mobilization ................................................................... $50 A minimum of one (1) hour will be charged at the rate of $135 for the first hour and $85 per hour thereafter.
Fencing Pool Regulations Swimming Pools. Private swimming pools having a water depth of two (2) feet or more shall be separated from the remainder of the yard by a protective fence or other permanent structure
150th Commemorative Calendars
at least four (4) feet in height. The protective enclosure shall be maintained by locked gates or entrances when the pool is not tended by a qualified and responsible person.
Dog Registration REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) it shall be unlawful for any person living within the corporate limits of the city to own or maintain any dog without first having had the dog inoculated against rabies according to current veterinary practices and paying a registration fee to the city clerk. The vaccination shall be administered by, or under the supervision and direction of, a licensed veterinarian who shall attest to the fact of the inoculation or vaccination upon a certificate, the form of which shall be approved by the city. No registration shall be accomplished unless the owner seeking such registration shall present such a certificate of vaccination, properly completed as herein set forth, to the city clerk. (b) Registration and vaccination requirements found in subsection (a) hereof shall not apply to any dog which has not reached the age of twelve weeks. REGISTRATION FEES. (a) The City Clerk shall collect a registration fee of $2.00 for each neutered male or spayed female
www.pleasantonks.com (913) 352-8257
dog whose owners reside within the corporate limits of the City. (b) The City Clerk shall collect a registration fee of $5.00 for each un-neutered male or un-spayed female dog whose owner resides within the corporate limits of the City. It shall be presumed that any female dog is un-spayed unless the owner thereof shall present satisfactory evidence to the contrary in the form of certified statement of a licensed veterinarian or by a statement of the owner verified under oath by affidavit. Such evidence may be permanently entered or filed in the City Clerk’s registration books. (Ord. #1997 7/15/13) (c) All dogs belonging to the same household shall be registered in the name of the head of such household. (d) Any dog newly acquired by an owner residing within the corporate limits of the City shall be registered hereunder at the time of said acquisition. (e) Any dog reaching the age of twelve weeks shall be registered hereunder at the time of reaching that age. (f ) All registrations issued by the City Clerk hereunder shall be valid until the April 30th following the issuing of the registration. (g) The City Clerk shall collect a fee of $2.00 for any replacement tag. (Ord. #1932 4/2/07)
150th Commemorative Plates
Available at City Hall & Food Fair of Pleasanton.
Order through the city offices.
$10 each
$20 per plate
A5
Linn County Printing • 913-352-6700 www.linncountynews.net
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019
Chain welcomes everyone who upholds human life from conception to death. While grateful for events that celebrate life, National Life Chain Sunday is a time for silent public witness and solemn reflection on the grave injustice of legal child killing and the resultant cultural depravities. Given to prayer and meditation, participants space themselves for more mindful selfassessment and do not respond to either blessing or barb from passing motorists. God has called us, His sons and daughters, to be a “peculiar people,” to be lights that penetrate the spiritual darkness of our
day. Life Chain believes the scourge of legal abortion will end when the church Christ founded humbly embraces its core teaching about compassion and brotherly love. Today, “Our great peril,” writes Pastor John Anderson in “A Compassionate Roar: Raising an Urgent Voice in our Window of Mercy,” “is that we have so seared our collective conscience that we are indifferent to our peril.” As the demonic powers anchoring abortion hasten our culture’s return to pre-Christian era paganism, we must of necessity confess our being lukewarm, sever the bondage that blinds and subdues us, and assume our Godappointed duty.
To assume that duty requires no less than a triumphant-minded church, and God is surely able and eager to empower us to end the “slaughter of the innocents” in our local church communities and throughout our nation. May National Life Chain Sunday 2019 enable us to discern that urgency more compellingly, and may it embolden each of us to declare with revered Christian warrior R. Arthur Matthews: “O Lord! Help me accept the fact that I am born for battle.” For further information and questions about our local Life Chain please contact Pastor Doug and Carol Sarver, area coordinators at 913.352.8558 or 620.215.6602. SUBMITTED PHOTO
AVIATION: O’Rourke takes flight FROM PAGE A1
the oldest that went at 95. There were veterans ahead of me, but I was still the oldest.” O’Rourke said she has lost some of her vision and had to give up driving. “I love it here,” she said, speaking of Meadowlark Estates. “I miss Pleasanton and the people, but a lot of people are gone now.” The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) mission is “giving back to those who have given” by honoring senior care residents. From Ageless Aviation
Dreams Foundation website: “A little background for you, Darryl Fisher founded AADF in 2011. The Foundation uses three 1940s Boeing Stearman airplanes to give Dream Flights, primarily to seniors and military veterans living in senior housing communities, at no charge. The airplanes are staged in different locations to allow us the opportunity to honor seniors and veterans around the United States. Since 2011, we have had the privilege of providing over 3,500 Dream Flights in 45 states.”
HEALTH FAIR: This Friday in Mound City FROM PAGE A1
have information regarding senior life solutions. ECKAAA will have a booth providing information on aging in place. Good Shepherd Hospice will provide information on their services. The Kansas Department for Aging and the Kansas Department for Children and Families will both have booths at the fair providing information on services they have.
Two skilled nursing facilities and two assisted living facilities will also provide information on their amenities and services. Audio-Reader will be on hand to discuss services they offer and vision loss. The fair runs from 9 a.m. until just after noon. Stop by, get a flu shot, check your blood pressure and your balance, and test your eyesight, hearing and more.
After Governor Laura Kelly signed papers authorizing the appointment of Kevin Friend as new Linn County sheriff, Friend is sworn in by County Clerk David Lamb last week.
USD 362 board will consider policy revisions Adult tobacco use among KASB-endorsed options BY TONY FURSE LINN COUNTY NEWS NEWSPAPERSRME@YAHOO.COM
Possible policy revisions will be considered at a 7:30 p.m. special meeting Oct. 28 of the Prairie View Unified School District 362. Bonnie Hobson, board member, said that policy changes that had been endorsed through the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) last December were primarily language oriented, but some that were released this June are more controversial in nature. Hobson, along with board member Rita Boydston and Rex Bollinger, Ed.D., district superintendent, had previously met in committee to consider the KASB choices. Allowances pertaining to adult tobacco use on campus, nepotism, outof-state enrollment, lice detection and reminders about memorials were the primary policies that prompted tabling in order to allow Chuck Dunlop and Brad Heide, absent
FROM PAGE A1
man was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. Johnson said the man had been through a breakup with his
girlfriend, borrowed a friend’s car, and was heading back home when the incident occurred. He said that the deputy will be referred to any counseling that he wants to try to help him cope with the incident.
COAT GIVEAWAY: Coming soon FROM PAGE A1
Wednesday, Oct. 30: – Linn County Extension Office, 115 S. Sixth
St., Mound City – In Blue Mound, call Tracy at 913-285-0283. – In Parker, call Kendra at 913-259-1164.
members, the opportunity also to express their views and participate in votes. Hobson couched her presentation by saying that she “found it fascinating that KASB gave options” on the policies in question. Added Boydston, “It’s obvious that school districts called these in, and KASB gave choices.” From discussion at Monday’s regular monthly meeting, changes to the adult tobacco policy might render the closest vote if taken in two weeks. In reference to “visiting adults,” she said KASB recommends a rule either to use tobacco at least 10 feet beyond outside entrances or to designate a campus tobaccofree. State law prohibits smoking inside a public building. Nicolas Philpott, board member, voiced opposition to a total adult tobacco ban, arguing Prairie View’s rural district status. He said he could support having adults move 50 feet away from entrances. Wade Teagarden, board president, agreed with Philpott.
“We should treat adults as adults,” he said. “I haven’t noticed any problems.” Hobson, too, said she has seen adult tobacco use in parking lots – “I’m okay with adults, but not students.” Bollinger said his previous district, West Doniphan at Highland, “prohibited it altogether on school property. They are also a rural district and have a high prevalence of smokers. They didn’t have a problem with it.” He said a league school, Burlington, has a tobacco-free campus policy as heard on the public address during Prairie View’s Oct. 4 football game there. “If we make such a policy, then enforce it,” Hobson said. “You assign administrators to enforce school policy,” Bollinger said. Pertaining to the nepotism policy, Hobson said the new KASB language could prohibit direct relatives of board members and administrators from district employment, but she noted the language makes allowances for “the right person for the job.”
On first glance, she said, the proposed policy might have affected Prairie View district employees in alluding to next month’s school board general election. “When I looked again, though, no one now in the district would be affected,” she said, pointing to the policy’s grandfathering and “employment prior to election” provisions. “And on a third reading, the policy appears completely ambiguous. Why have a policy you can define any way you want to?” Hobson said KASB specially wrote an optional policy concerning outof-state enrollment for border districts. All three Linn County districts abut Missouri. “We’ve discussed this one before concerning charging tuition,” said Hobson, alluding to changes in the state’s funding formula over the past five years from money for all head count to block grants with no head-count provisions to now no longer funding students residing outside Kansas. SEE USD 362, A6
150 Events Schedule th
SUICIDE: Deputy witnesses
A3
New sheriff sworn in
LIFE CHAIN: Pro-life chain Oct. 27 FROM PAGE A1
linn county news
Tuesday, October 29
Pleasanton’s 150th Birthday Party • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Linn County Museum. • Cake and punch will be served and door prizes will be awarded!
Thursday, October 31 Night at the Museum & Trunk or Treat • 6 - 8 p.m., at Linn County Museum.
• Sponsored by the Linn County Museum and the Ministerial Alliance.
Saturday, November 2
Saturday, December 14
Light Up Pleasanton Community Service Day
Light Up Pleasanton Community Celebration
Thursday, November 7 Town Hall Meeting • 6 p.m., USD 344 Annex. • To discuss the Kansas State University First Impressions Review.
Pleasanton Be a part of our community
www.pleasantonks.com (913) 352-8257