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Articles by Charlene Sims
Linn County Counselor on short list for judge appointees for 6th Judicial District
The 6th Judicial District nominating committee is in the process of selecting a judge to serve in the Bourbon County Courthouse. That judge will replace Mark Ward who recently retired. (6th Judicial District website) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff TOPEKA – The Sixth Judicial District Nominating Commission met on Monday, Oct. 7, to set up a meeting to interview applicants to fill the judicial vacancy which opened up with the retirement of District Judge Mark Ward in Bourbon County.
Commission to review emergency resolution before approval, fire chief notes donation by business
A resident cleans up following a tornado that ripped his home apart earlier this year at Sugar Valley Lakes. The Linn County Commission is being asked to sign off on a mitigation plan that was not drafted by county officials. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commission will consider whether they will sign off on a mitigation plan resolution that will allow the county to apply for assistance for federally declared disasters.
Commission approves new fees for county's C&D landfill
A new rate for tire disposal at the Linn County construction-demolition landfill will have uncut tires costing less to discard, but there will now be a charge for cut tires. (Photo by Acton Crawford / Upsplash) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Residents and businesses taking construction debris or tires to the landfill will see a new fee list when they enter the landfill. The Linn County Commission passed a resolution approving the fees at its meeting on Monday, Sept.
Three men honored for pulling accident victims from burning vehicle
Linn County Sheriff's Office and Rural Fire Department officials honored three men who pulled a family from burning wreckage during a Linn County Commission meeting on Monday, Sept. 21. Posing with the heroes are, from left, Undersheriff Bobby Johnson, Fire Chief Shaun Tuggle, rescuers Daniel Harris and Keegan Sheckells, and Sheriff James Akes. (Screen capture / Linn County Kansas Live Stream) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Three men were honored on Monday, Sept.
Commission's back up again wall as budget deadline looms
Linn County Commission Chair Alison Hamilton, from left, and members Jim Johnson and Jason Hightower wrestle with paring down the county budget during a revenue hearing that lasted for six hours on Monday, Sept. 14. (Screen capture Linn County Kansas Live Stream) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – After a marathon eight-hour Linn County Commission meeting on Monday, Sept.
On split 2-1vote commission agrees to $16.5M settlement on solar transmission lines lawsuit
The Linn County Commission and Swan Solar have agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Swan Solar for $16.5 million over 10 years. (Photo by Nikola Mirkovic / Upsplash) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – After meeting in closed door sessions with the Linn County Commission and County Counselor Jacklyn Paletta over the past several weeks, attorney Scott Nehrbass on Tuesday, Sept. 8, announced many of the terms of the county’s settlement agreement with a solar utility company.
Tanglewood residents file lawsuit against county commission, association
Three Tanglewood Lakes residents have filed a lawsuit asking the court to make a determination whether roads in the development are public or private. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims MOUND CITY – Three residents of the Tanglewood Lakes development on Wednesday, Aug. 26, filed a lawsuit in the 6th District Court against the Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association,Inc. (TLOA) and the Board of County Commissioners of Linn County.
Emergency coordinator reports on July, August activities
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Linda Simons, county emergency management coordinator, told to the Linn County Commission on Monday, Aug. 24, that she plans in the future to make monthly reports, however her report at that meeting begin in July since she did not make a report then. Simons said that on July 1 she attended a webinar from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) on preparedness. It contained on insurance pitfalls during disasters.
Commission discusses bicycle recycling program with public works head
New Linn County Public Works administrator J.D. Handly talked with county commissioners about the Lake Region's Adopt-a-Bike program. (Lake Region Adopt-a-Bike) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – J.D. Handly, Linn County’s new public works administrator, broached the county commissioners for their opinion about the bicycle donation program at the transfer station.
Commission passes on signing Evergy bridge contract
The Linn County Commission has declined to sign a contract with Evergy on bridge maintenance on roads at the La Cygne Generating Station. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – On Monday, August 10, the Linn County Commissioners decided not to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Evergy to take over the bridges along the dam road that Evergy now owns. The commissioners had been discussing this and making changes with Evergy since early in 2026.
Solar company offers county $850K to drop moratorium on overhead power lines
A representative from Clearway Energy acknowledges that the company's subsidiary has filed a lawsuit against Linn County for putting a moratorium on its transmission line. However, the company is offering the county $850,000 to drop the moratorium.
Commission under fire for failure to pass vicious dog law
Linn County property owner Dean Norton addresses the Linn County Commissioners Jim Johnson, far right, and Alison Hamilton on Monday, July 27.
Family files wrongful death law against Holiday Lakes, dog owner
The family of a 13-year-old boy killed in a dog attack has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Holiday Lakes Homes Association and Damon Leonard in Linn County District Court.
Commission chair unhappy with budget format
Linn County Commission Chair, seen here at a meeting earlier this year, expressed her dissatisfaction with the format of budgets the commission is considering. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – As three department heads prepared to give their budget requests to the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, July 20, Commission Chair Alison Hamilton asked County Clerk Chasity Ware if she had anything (packet) of what she was asking for.
Commission again delays action on vicious dog resolution, one member voices opposition law
Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson, shown here at a commission meeting earlier this year, said at Monday's meeting that he was not in favor of drafting a new resolution on dogs. By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Since Jan. 12 when Linn County Sheriff James Akes first brought up the current vicious dog law on record before the Linn County Commission, the discussion about the vicious dog law has been postponed or tabled at least seven times. It was tabled again on Monday, July 20.
Legislator chides commission members for attendance
State Rep. Rick James on Monday, July 20, reminded members of the Linn County Commission that the county residents counted on them to attend meetings. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – State Rep. Rick James, the Republican representative from District 4, spoke with Linn County Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson on Monday, July 20. Commissioner Jason Hightower was not present.
Commission chair indicates county involved in lawsuit with solar farm developer
A comment by the chair of the Linn County Commission indicates that a lawsuit has been filed against the county by a solar energy developer. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – A representative from a solar energy project across the state line in Missouri met with the Linn County Commission on Monday, July 13, about a proposed transmission line going from the solar project to a substation adjacent to the La Cygne Generating Station.
Commission hires fire chief, public works administrator
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Linn County Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson vote to hire two new department heads, a fire chief and a public works administrator on Monday, July 13. Commissioner Jason Hightower was not at the meeting. The commissioners approved going into an employee agreement with Shaun Tuggle for the position of Linn County Fire Chief. The full-time position will start on or around August 10, 2026 at the annual rate of pay of $76,336.
Commission sets groundwork for department budget requests
Linn County government department heads are in the process of lining out their budget requests for 2027. The county commission also with the county clerk discussed what the commission wants to see in those requests. (Wix file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – On Monday, June 29, the Linn County Commissioners approved signing the letter of intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate.
Economic development grant recipients named
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY - Ashlee Allen, part-time economic development, announced to the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, June 22, that the economic development committee had awarded Summer Youth Grants, Daycare Grants, and a Community Grant. However, the recipients of grants weren’t named and the commission did not ask who received the grants. In a later email, County Clerk Chasity Ware sent the names of the recipients.
Public works head questions funding source for publishing resolutions
The cost to publish a resolution on the method of selling industrial park lots plus the cost to appraise those lots will exceed $6,000, not including attorney fees for writing the resolution and contacting appraisers for a bid on the project.
Commission wrestles with employee insurance costs
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commissioners made the decision to stay with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), the county’s current health insurance company, on Monday, June 15. The decision came after much discussion and a presentation from Jen Elliott, vice president of Employee Benefits at USI One Consulting on June 8. In staying with BCBS, commissioners will be asking county employees to absorb a portion of the increase in cost.
Health department director outlines summer activities
From biometric screenings to mobile mammogram appointments to a diabetes prevention program, the Linn County Health Department staff ha a full lineup of activities this summer. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Amanda Snyder, Linn County Health Department Director, gave a report to the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, June 8, describing upcoming events and people served in May.
More residents complain about bare-ground spray along roads
The application of a bare-ground herbicide around culverts and intersections alongside paved county roads left areas like this in 2025. The county's noxious weed director said his department is following a different tactic this year.
Commission hesitant to approve tax break for tornado victims
Sugar Valley resident Michael Evans loads what is left of his home into a dumpster following the April 13 tornado that left he and his wife Michelle temporarily homeless but suffering only from minor cuts and bruises. The couple filed an application for tax relief, which was granted by the Linn County Commission, but only after discussion about what would happen if the disaster was more widespread.
Historical society head lists park's improvements, programs, plans for the future
Dressed in period clothing, Mound City Historical Society volunteer Kerry Morrell leads a group of Prairie View Middle School students from Montgomery's Cabin at the society's park down to the Little Sugar Creek last October. Students wearing blindfolds were meant to simulate escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad making the walk in darkness. Historically, escapees waded through the creek to throw off any search dogs that might be following them.
Top county public works official resigns, departure date unclear
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – After going into an executive session for job performance for non-elected personnel requested by Public Works Administrator Jesse Walton on Monday, June 1, Linn County Commissioners Jason Hightower and Jim Johnson announced that they needed to advertise the position of Public Works Administrator. Commission Chair Alison Hamilton was not at the meeting.
County moves to stop power lines from Missouri solar project
The Linn County Commission on Tuesday, May 26, approved a resolution intended to keep power lines from a solar development project in Missouri from connecting with the La Cygne Generating Station's grid. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY - During public comment at the Linn County Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 26, the commissioners heard public comment from Melissa Vancrum, an attorney representing Clearway Energies.
Commission approves moratorium on high voltage lines from Missouri
With two of the three commissioners present, the Linn County Commission has approved a moratorium on high voltage power lines. The lines target the lines coming from a solar farm in Missouri into Kansas.
Former fire board member suggests fixes to ISO rating, suggests reviving fire board
Rural Parker resident Tom Kemper addresses the Linn County Commission on Monday, May 4, about possible corrections that would improve the county's ISO rating. (Linn County Kansas Livestream) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commissioners decided to revisit having a fire board after hearing a presentation from Parker resident Tom Kemper about the Insurance Services Office (ISO) report on Monday, May 4.
Commission puts moratorium on vicious dog resolution
Not satisfied with a proposed resolution aimed at harboring vicious dogs, the Linn County Commission placed a moratorium on the existing resolution that addresses the issue. (Wix file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Four months after a pack of dogs allegedly attacked and killed a 13-year-old boy at the Holiday Lakes development, the LInn County Commission has made no headway in passing a resolution aimed at controlling vicious dogs outside of city limits.
Commission appoints interim fire chief, emergency director
Linda Simons and Brian Shroyer were at the Linn County Commission meeting on Monday, April 27, to express interest in being appointed to interim heads of their departments. Simons will take over as head of the Emergency Management Department and Shroyer will be interim county fire chief.
Commission rejects Youthfront rezoning on split zone
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – On Monday, April 20, the Linn County Commissioners turned down a rezoning request that had been approved twice by the county’s planning commission and had to be postponed twice for final approval by the commission due to staff error and staff rearranging the planning commission’s schedule. The vote for the denial of the rezoning was 2 to 1 with Commissioner Jason Hightower voting against denying the application,.
Commission addresses concerns about storm sirens
In the aftermath of a tornado sweeping across southern Linn County on April 13, residents in at least three cities asked why storm sirens didn't given them a warning. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – City officials in Prescott, Linn Valley and La Cygne received blowback after storm warning sirens in those communities did not go off during the thunderstorms on April 13 that spawned not one but two tornadoes over Blue Mound.
Commission approves measure to list industrial lots at appraised price
The Linn County Commission approved listing lots in both the Pleasanton and La Cygne industrial parks at the appraised price.
Request for ISO fire ratings results delayed by commission
Fire engines sit outside the headquarters for Linn County Fire District No. 1 in Pleasanton. A county resident has requested recent results of an Insurance Services Office inspection. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commission has not authorized the release of the most recent ISO rating for the fire stations included in Linn County Fire District No. 1.
Commission to consider vicious dog resolution
A proposal for the Linn County Commission to pass a resolution about vicious dogs would outline the types of behavior that would lead to a determination if the dog was dangerous. (Upsplash file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Linn County Sheriff James Akes and Planning and Zoning Director Jennifer Cummings presented a resolution for a vicious dog law on Monday, April 6, for the commissioners to review before a final decision is made.
Planning commission approves CUP for butchering operation
Thomas Yoder answers questions from the Linn County Planning Commission during a hearing on Tuesday, March 31. The commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for the small-scale butchering operation proposed by Yoder. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Planning Commission recommended approval for three cases on Tuesday, March 31, one conditional use permit (CUP) and two rezoning.
Sheriff, county attorney address concerns about Tanglewood Lakes reinstalling gates
Both the Linn County Attorney's Office and the Linn County Sheriff's Office are preparing for possible damage to the gates at Tanglewood Lakes following last week's action by the commission.
Prairie View letter on truancy inaction discussed by county attorney, commission
By Charlene Sims MOUND CITY – A letter from Prairie View High School principal Kate Gronquist about unresolved issues with the county attorney’s office over alleged inaction on truancy cases, brought County Attorney Justin Meeks and Sheriff James Akes to the commission meeting on Monday, March 30. After a seven minute executive session with Meeks, Akes, and County Counselor Jacklyn Paletta, the commissioners came out of that session to hear Meeks and Akes report on truancy.
Noxious Weed Department head prepares for new season
Landowners who plan on spraying noxious weeds under the cost-share plan should contact the Linn County Noxious Weed Department. (Wix file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – On Monday, March 23, the Linn County Commissioners heard a report from Linn County Noxious Weed Director Johnny Taylor and also approved a resolution that the county would spend $30,000 on the noxious weed cost-share program.
'Opportunity Zone' presentation appears to create confusion, calls for link to economic development director
A representative fron the state's commerce department made a pitch to the county to create an Opportunity Zone to the south and north of the La Cygne Generating Station and Linn County Park. It essentially would be where developers proposed to install commercial solar power fields, plans that were shut down by the commission a couple of years ago.
Commission discusses vacation, sick leave policy for employees
Linn County Commission Chair Alison Hamilton questioned a portion of the county employee handbook that allowed for unpaid leave up to a year without an employee losing his or her job. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Two of the three Linn County Commission members took another look at the employee handbook at its meeting on Monday, March 16.
Application for motocross track zoning, permit withdrawn
A motocross competitor goes airborne during a race event on a track east of Trading Post. An application for a conditional use permit to operate a training facility at the track was withdrawn.
Commission, attorneys discuss Tanglewood case but make no public comment
The president of the Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association pressed the Linn County Commission for information on the TLOA's lawsuit on Monday. Instead, the commission went into a closed-door session with attorneys before emerging with no comment. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commission recessed behind closed doors on Monday, Feb.
County planners recommend zoning change, permit for motocross operation
Young motocross competitors on the track owned by Emily and Eric Thies during an event in 2023. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY - A motocross track on about 40 acres northeast of Trading Post received the recommendation of the Linn County Planning Commission to change its zoning from Agricultural to Commercial during the commission’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Commission rethinks order of upgrading park's cabins
The Linn County Commission decided on Monday, Feb. 9, that the older cabins at the Linn County Park should be remodeled before the newer cabins. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – For more than a couple of years, the Linn County Commission has been looking at ways to increase revenue at Linn County Park.
Fair board deemed owner of 4-H building; county likely will pick up tab for repair costs
By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commissioners met with Abbie Powell, acting district director of the Marais des Cygnes Extension District in Linn County, and Linn County Public Works Director Jesse Walton to discuss the 4-H Building on Monday, Feb. 9. It was the continuation of a discussion from the prior week about who owns the 4-H Building on the Linn County Fairgrounds, who oversees its use, and who pays for repairs and upkeep.
Commission approves Evergy zoning change, sends Youth-Front request back to planners
The Linn County Commission approved a request by Evergy to rezone 596 acres southwest of the La Cygne Generating Station to Light Industrial. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – At the Monday, Feb. 2, Linn County Commission meeting, Linn County Planning and Zoning Director Jenny Cummings presented two cases of rezoning to industrial that the planning board had approved unanimously.
Lawsuit over rural Parker subdivision dismissed
This two-story home is the only house built by developer Mike Page in the Sunshine Meadows subdivision. A lawsuit filed against the county zoning appeals board was dismissed after Page withdrew building permits for additional houses. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The lawsuit by a group of rural Parker residents against the Linn County Board of Zoning Appeals was dismissed in district court on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
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