La Cygne Library Block Party
chases away a cloudy day

1/7

La Cygne Library kicked off its 2026 summer reading program with its traditional Block Party on Friday, May 29. With rainy weather looming, inflables, motorized hippos, games, authors and musical entertainers were brought into the library. The biggest prize: a $19,500 check presented by First Option Bank staff for the summer reading program.

Libraries in Mound City, Pleasanton, Parker and other cities kicked off their programs in late May or early June. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

Partly sunny, warm

Screenshot 2026-06-05 at 12.23.10 AM.png

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South southwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

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Remodel of cabin complete at Linn County Park

Remodeling at Cabin No. 6 includes a convenience kitchen, new moveable beds instead of the built-in beds and a lean-to that expands outdoor space. (Submitted photos) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – On Monday, June 1, Linn County Park Manager Sheri Loveland showed the commissioners pictures of the completed remodel of Cabin No. 6 at the park. The kitchen has new cabinets and sink, and an apartment-size refrigerator was installed, the bathroom

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Candidates in short supply

Incumbent County Clerk Chasity Ware will face no opposition in the August Republican primary election after she was the sole person to file for the post by the June 1 deadline. (Submitted photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – With the deadline to file for county and township offices expiring at noon on Monday, June 1, there are only three candidates who have signed up for three offices. Robert Shelton, a Republican from La Cygne, is the

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Veterans and 'guardians' prepare for Honor Flight journey to Washington, D.C.

Jayhawk-Linn adds second veteran-guardian team, Prairie View to send five veterans and five guardians Veterans and student "guardians" from seven area high schools gather at Lyndon High School on Sunday, May 31, to prepare for the whirlwind two-day tour of Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight program. Both Prairie View and Jayhawk-Linn high schools will be sending veteran-guardian teams on the journey. (Honor Flight 2026 Facebook) By Kathleen Hinrichs 2026 Honor Flig

Press release

Prairie View board votes to sign separation agreement with superintendent

The Prairie View school board votes to make Joseph Hornback acting superintendent until further action by the board in a special meeting on Monday night, June 1. Hornback, who was high school principal before becoming assistant superintendent, will replace Chris Johnson after the board voted to approve an agreement of separation at the meeting. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – The Prairie View USD

Roger Sims

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Lee Ann Lee

• Theodore 'Ted' Wolf

• Clara 'Butch' Heflin

• David Wayne Henderson

• Roberta Louise Childers

For recent local news, go to
page 4
by clicking here.

Screenshot 2026-05-22 at 11.57.29 PM.png

The staff from First Option Bank presents a couple of checks for the city of La Cygne on Friday, May 29. From left, Keri Peterson, Grayce Lowe, Audrey Huffman, Police Chief Zachary Mathies, Russell Pope and Kari Bradley participated in the impromptu ceremony outside La Cygne City Hall. The check on the left from the First Option Bank Trusteed Foundation were for the license plate readers that were install on the main entrances to the city, and the check from the Louis and Dalpha Baehr Foundation was to upgrade radios for both the police and fire departments. First Option also donated $19,500 to the Friends of the La Cygne Library to fund the library's summer program this year. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

Update: Additional charges filed in death of Pleasanton teen

In the wake of the sentencing of Damon Leonard in Bates County, Mo., last week, new and more serious charges have been filed in Kansas. (Photo by Bates County, Mo., Sheriff's Office) Journal staff report Update: The Kansas Attorney General's office on Tuesday, June 2, confirmed that additional charges have been filed against Damon Leonard in the death of a 13-year-old neighbor Airen Andula. The announcement came after Leonard received a four-year sentence in Bates County, Mo.

Journal Staff Report

Top county public works official resigns, departure date unclear

By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com 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. No final date was discussed for Walton's employment, and Jo

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Update: County denies permit for 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 LCJeditor@icloud.com Update: Linn County has rejected a building permit to install high-voltage lines from Missouri solar farms to the La Cygne Generating Station in Linn County, according to Jennifer Cummings, county zonin

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Estimated cost to replace old military bridge $1.8 million

Linn County has received a $2 million grant to replace the old, one-lane military bridge on the north edge of Mound City. This photo is from a year ago after rains in late May deposited branches against a support column. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Public Works Director Jesse Walton told the Linn County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 26, that he will be having one more meeting with the Kansas Dep

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

City Events

La Cygne

• La Cygne swimming pool opening delayed, now pushed back to the week of June 8.

Linn Valley

• Farmers Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon

Mound City

• City Council meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 2

Parker

• Music in the Park, 6 p.m., June 27, Heritage Park

Pleasanton

• Fishing Derby, Saturday, June 6, Stegge Lake

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff
For more Matters of Faith columns, follow this link.

Living our faith: Serving God

Photo by Elijah Pitchard / Upsplash Matters of Faith By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor Beagle, Fontana, Parker United Methodist Churches Matthew 19: 16-30. Jesus answered, “if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sad, because he had great wealth.“ This dialogue between Jesus and the young rich man can also be found in Mark, chapter 10 and Luke

Dr. Bascom Ratliff

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson
For Country Notebook articles follow this link.

What bugs me . . . No.2

These musk thistles were growing in a field in northern Linn County. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) Country Notebook By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson Journal columnist Today was one of those days. I had an entire agenda mapped out including an exercise class then Bible study, and home before noon. I began yardwork including mowing. At 4 p.m., I showered to wash off any chemicals that missed the lawn and landed on me. My late afternoon plan is often to take a little

Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson, Country Notebook

Opinion: 10,000 Kansas children have lost food assistance because voters sat on the sidelines in 2024

Despite producing wheat for the entire country, Kansas has consistently elected officials who allow residents to go hungry. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) By Clay Wirestone Kansas Reflector opinion editor Political indifference will kill Kansans. In 2024, 57.2% of Kansans voting in the presidential election cast their ballots for Donald Trump. At the time, commentators pointed out that a tidal wave of rightwing proposals would shortly swamp the United States, harming the

Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector

Opinion: Commission needs to honor the public comment time on the agenda

By Charlene Sims Journal co-publisher Am I dreaming? I watched the video of the Linn County Commission meeting of May 26. Then I watched it again. No, I wasn’t dreaming. The meeting lasted only 35 minutes with two commissioners, Jim Johnson and Jason Hightower, in attendance. Often, there are things I would like to write opinions about from the commission meetings, excessive executive sessions for questionable reasons, taking comments on their phones during the meeting, inten

Charlene Sims, Journal co-publisher

More Local News

K-7 overlay project is under way

KDOT news release Nearly 9 miles of Kansas Highway 7 in northern Bourbon County and southern Linn County is undergoing resurfacing, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The first leg of the overlay project starts at the K-31/K-7 east junction, which is northeast of the Harding community, and ends 1.5 miles to the north at the Bourbon/Linn county line. The second leg will pick up at the Bourbon-Linn county line and continue north just over 7 miles to the K-52/

Press release

Update: La Cygne pool opening pushed back to week of June 8

Lifeguards are hired and the La Cygne pool is set to open – as soon as repairs can be completed. City officials hope the work is complete so that the pool will open by sometime next week. (La Cygne Swimming Pool Facebook) Journal staff report Update: La Cygne pool officials have posted on the pool's Facebook page that it will not open for the season until Monday, June 8 or later. The officials posted a flyer that they "plan" to open on that date with water aerobics at 9:30 a.

Journal Staff Report

Mound City's large turnout at fishing derby, new fishing pond kick off summer activities

The new fishing pond at Mound City features a gazebo, accessibility for handicapped anglers and a horse-show shape to provide plenty of shoreline. After recent rains, the pond is at its peak capacity. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims Journal staff MOUND CITY – More than 200 people, including about 70 young anglers turned out for the 2026 Mound City fishing derby at the city lake west of the city on Saturday, May 16. It was one of the best turnouts yet

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Engineer estimates military bridge replacement at $1.8M

Linn County receives a $2 million grant to replace the old military bridge on the north side of Mound City. This photos from June 2025 shows brush and logs piled up on the south side of the pier following a rainy May. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Public Works Director Jesse Walton told the Linn County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 26, that he will be having one more meeting with the Kansas Depar

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

For recent local news, go to
page 4 by clicking here.

State, Regional & National News

Overland Park mayor makes late entry into Kansas governor’s race, challenging Democratic senators

Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog and Fredonia physician Jennifer Bacani McKenney talk to reporters June 1, 2026, at the Secretary of State’s Office in Topeka after filing as candidates for the Democratic primary for governor. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog made a late entry into the governor’s race Monday, launching his campaign for the Democratic nomination just three hours ahead of the noon filing deadline. Skoog, who chose F

Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Senate candidate in Kansas faults Democratic rival’s handling of reported sex abuse

Kansas Sen. Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka, talks to reporters during a May 27, 2026, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka, where he faulted pastor Adam Hamilton for his handling of reported sex abuse at a church retreat in 2005. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) State Sen. Patrick Schmidt attempts to incite controversy with allegations against pastor Adam Hamilton By Anna Kaminski Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — A Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday den

Anna Kaminski, Kansas Reflector

Kansas legislative leaders approve extended monitoring of three residents exposed to hantavirus

Will Lawrence, Gov. Laura Kelly’s chief of staff, speaks to the Legislative Coordinating Council about extending an emergency declaration related to hantavirus during a May 26, 2026, meeting. (Photo by Baya Burgess / Kansas Reflector) By Sherman Smith Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas legislative leaders on Tuesday approved the governor’s request to extend an emergency declaration in response to three residents who are being monitored for a potential hantavirus infection. Will

Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Five of six Kansas public universities seek student tuition increases of 3.5% to 6%

The Kansas Board of Regents is scheduled to vote in June on tuition proposals for the 2026-2027 academic year at public universities in the state's higher education system. While Emporia State University wants to hold tuition flat, requested increases range from a low of 3.5% at Pittsburg State University to a high of 6% at Fort Hays State University. (Photo by Tim Carpenter / Kansas Reflector) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Five public universities in Kansas are

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Four Kansas school districts plan legal action against state for underfunding public education

Scott Rothschild of the Kansas Association of School Boards wears a button advocating for full funding of special education during a 2023 hearing of the House Education Committee. Four school districts now want to sue Kansas for inadequate funding of special education. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Baya Burgess Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Four Johnson County public school districts want to sue the state of Kansas for more than 15 years of inadequate special education fund

Kansas Reflector

Blu-Jays have two athletes with top-10 finishes at state

Blu-Jay Junior Aiden Patrick picks up medals in the high jump and 100-meter dash at the state track meet. (Pleasanton Schools USD 344 Facebook page) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Pleasanton High School athletes turned in good performances at the Kansas State Championship Track and Field Meet on Friday and Saturday, May 29-30. Two boys had top-10 finishes in three events and the girls relay team broke a school record. junior Aiden Patrick accounted

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Jayhawks get three top-10 finishes: hurdles, discus, 800

Jayhawk Brea Dawson picked up a medal with her finish in the 100-meter hurdles. (Jayhawk USD 346 Facebook page) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Three Jayhawk-Linn athletes had top 10 finishes at the Kansas State Track and Field Championship meet on Friday and Saturday, May 29-30 Senior hurdler Brea Dawson ended her high school career with a seventh-place finish in the 110-meter finals. Teammate Kiera McGrew also placed ninth in the discus with a thro

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Coaches optimistic following results at state track meet

Prairie View junior Carter Browning prepares to release a throw in the Class 3A javelin competition. (Prairie View Buffalos Facebook) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com A pulled hamstring and maybe a little nerves from competing at the Kansas State Championship Track and Field Meet on Friday and Saturday, May 29-30, left the three athletes from Prairie View with only one top-10 finish. However, the results in the Class 3A division at state as well as th

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Pleasanton resident proposes city apply for railroad quiet zone

A Pleasanton man is proposing that city officials step in to apply for a "quiet zone" for trains on tracks running through the town. (Photo by Jad Limcaco / Upsplash) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PLEASANTON – With the exceptions of Mound City, Blue Mound and Linn Valley, every city in Linn County is a railroad town. Whether it’s the Union Pacific tracks running down through Parker and Centerville or the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) tracks t

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

For recent local news, go to page 4 by clicking here.

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Linn County Journal

Friday, June 5, 2026

La Cygne Library Block Party chases away a cloudy day

Partly sunny, warm

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

Want to get the Linn County Journal's free email newsletters? Enter your email below and then click on 'Subscribe.' Be sure to put 'info@linncountyjournal.com' in your contacts so you don't miss a message.

Top Stories

Remodel of cabin complete at Linn County Park

Candidates in short supply

Veterans and 'guardians' prepare for Honor Flight journey to Washington, D.C.

Prairie View board votes to sign separation agreement with superintendent

For recent local news, go to page 4 by clicking here.

Update: Additional charges filed in death of Pleasanton teen

Top county public works official resigns, departure date unclear

Update: County denies permit for power lines from Missouri solar project

Estimated cost to replace old military bridge $1.8 million

City Events

La Cygne

Linn Valley

Mound City

• City Council meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 2

​

Parker

Pleasanton

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff For more Matters of Faith columns, follow this link.

Living our faith: Serving God

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson For Country Notebook articles follow this link.

What bugs me . . . No.2

Opinion: 10,000 Kansas children have lost food assistance because voters sat on the sidelines in 2024

Opinion: Commission needs to honor the public comment time on the agenda

More Local News

K-7 overlay project is under way

Update: La Cygne pool opening pushed back to week of June 8

Mound City's large turnout at fishing derby, new fishing pond kick off summer activities

Engineer estimates military bridge replacement at $1.8M

For recent local news, go to page 4 by clicking here.

State, Regional & National News

Overland Park mayor makes late entry into Kansas governor’s race, challenging Democratic senators

Senate candidate in Kansas faults Democratic rival’s handling of reported sex abuse

Kansas legislative leaders approve extended monitoring of three residents exposed to hantavirus

Five of six Kansas public universities seek student tuition increases of 3.5% to 6%

Four Kansas school districts plan legal action against state for underfunding public education

Blu-Jays have two athletes with top-10 finishes at state

Jayhawks get three top-10 finishes: hurdles, discus, 800

Coaches optimistic following results at state track meet

Pleasanton resident proposes city apply for railroad quiet zone

For recent local news, go to page 4 by clicking here.

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Phone: 913-259-2546
Email: linncountyjournal@icloud.com

La Cygne Library Block Party
chases away a cloudy day

For recent local news, go to
page 4
by clicking here.

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff
For more Matters of Faith columns, follow this link.

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson
For Country Notebook articles follow this link.

For recent local news, go to
page 4 by clicking here.