An official news publication for the city of La Cygne, Kansas,
and Prairie View Unified School District 362

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Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

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.

Monday, Feb. 16 is Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Banks and county, state, and some city offices will be closed. All three school districts will also have no classes.
The Linn County Commission and Pleasanton City Council meetings will be at the regular time on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Inside the Journal
Page 1 – Top news stories, weather
Page 2 – Features, Obituaries, State news, Public
Notices
Page 3 – Community & Library Calendars
Page 4 – Recent Local News
Page 5 – Local News Archive

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Jayhawk-Linn senior awarded prestigious Rudd Foundation full-ride scholarship

Rudd Foundation representatives, Danielle Temel, left, senior program manager, and foundation Vice President Corri Roberts, present Jayhawk-Linn High School senior Eleanor Vaughn, center, with a ceremonial check that represents a full-ride scholarship for up to four years at K-State. (Submitted photo) Press release MOUND CITY — Jayhawk-Linn High School senior Eleanor Vaughn as the recipient of the highly competitive Rudd Foundation Scholarship. She was honored in a surprise c

Press release

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 lcjeditor@icloud.com 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. Former commissioner Danny McCullough pushed the idea of using Airbnb, the online reservation prorgram for renting everythi

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Mound City Council reverses motion on purchasing welding shop

The Mound City Council has discussed plans to turn the city's shop, above, into a community center. It has been working on purchasing a welding shop to move city maintenance operations there. (Screen capture / Google Street View) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – In a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Mound City Council voted to rescind a motion made at its regular Feb. 3 meeting. The original motion was to draw up a contract to pur

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Fair board may become owner of 4-H building; county will likely pick up tab for repair costs

By Charlene Sims, Journal staff lcjeditor@icloud.com 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 upk

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Rex McCulley

• Richard L. Canon

• Beverly Ann Griffin

• Dale Eugene Holler

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

Jayhawk Elementary speller takes county title

Jayhawk Elementary sixth-grader smiles after spelling his final word correctly to win the Linn County Spelling Bee on Thursday, Feb. 12. (Except where noted, photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PLEASANTON – Jayhawk Elementary School student Kellin Nickelson will represent Linn County in the statewide spelling bee on March 21. Kellin won the county spelling bee on Thursday, Feb. 12, by correctly spelling ”lasagn

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Prairie View Courtwarming

Prairie View seniors Payton Hopper and Violet Long were crowned 2026 Courtwarming king and queen during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6. Gavin and Madilynn were crown bearers for the event. (Except where noted, photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Prairie View seniors Violet Long and Payton Hopper were crowned 2026 Courtwarming queen and king during the break between the girls and boys basketball games on Friday, F

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Architect presents two options for La Cygne City Hall

Clint Hibbs, an architect with BG Consultants discusses exterior treatments for the proposed renovation of La Cygne City Hall with the city council on Wednesday, Feb. 4. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – Ever since the La Cygne Community Building essentially was closed for community use in 2024, the La Cygne City Council has had repurposing the building in mind. Once the main gathering place for community e

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Blu-Jay Courtwarming a win-win-win for teams, royalty

Pleasanton High School 2026 Courtwarming king and queen are Kei-Mahne Davis and MaKya Neal-Cox, here posing with crown bearers Ker and Irwin. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor) By Billy Roudybush, Journal contributor The week of Feb. 2–6 was Courtwarming week for Pleasanton High School. During the week, the kids dressed up to win points for their grade level. Monday was Celebrity Look-a-like Day. Tuesday was Animal Day with students dressed as everything from c

Billy Roudybush, Journal contributor

Wildwood offers day camp for kids from Linn, Miami counties

Boating is just one of the outdoor activities offered during the day camps this summer at Wildwood Outdoor Education Center. (Submitted photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – Wildwood Outdoor Education Center is offering a day camp for youth from Linn and Miami counties. The day camp, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, targets children in grades one through five. Hunter Witt, a spokesperson for the center, said that ab

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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.

A simple request

Matters of Faith By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor Parker, Beagle and Fontana United Methodist Churches Scripture: Matthew 22: 37-40. "Jesus replied: love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Today’s message was prompted by a discussion I had last week with a colleague about w

Dr. Bascom Ratliff

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

Give your heart to someone

(LuAnn Hunt / Upsplash) Country Notebook By Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson Journal columnist Didn’t we just celebrate New Year’s Day and now it is February? My mother used to say, “time goes faster as you get older.” Not really true, but our perception of time changes. Don’t ask me to explain how this happens. I just know we are already more than 1/12 th through the year. The good news is that I am still practicing one of my New Year’s resolutions. Just wish I could have finis

Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson, Country Notebook

Opinion: Kansas’ method of picking Supreme Court justices could be improved. But will an amendment do that?

A constitutional amendment on the ballot this summer would change the selection method for Kansas Supreme Court justices. (Submitted) By Russell Arben Fox Special to the Kansas Reflector Less than seven months from now, on Aug. 4, Kansas voters will see on their primary ballots an amendment to the state constitution they can vote “yes” or “no” on. It reads in part: “The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules app

Kansas Reflector opinion

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

The Linn County Commission needs to get behind an economic development plan that will provide well-paying jobs while preserving the rural lifestyle here. That includes hiring an economic development director who will only be tasked with recruiting outside businesses and helping local businesses grow. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims, publisher Linn County Journal The recommendation to the Linn County Commission by the county’s Economic Development Committee to shut itself d

Roger Sims, Publisher

More Local News

Pleasanton officials await report on water plant

Pleasanton city officials await the result of an inspection by BG Consultants' engineer and architect to determine the course of action on safeguardng the city's water supply. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PLEASANTON – It is too early to tell what the results of the inspection by an engineer and architect of the Pleasanton water plant on Wednesday, Feb. 5, will be. Representatives of BG Consultants inspected the p

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced

The official detour around bridge construction on Kansas Highway 3 southwest of Blue Mound will be to take U.S. Highway 59 to U.S. 54. Work on the bridge is scheduled to begin the week of Feb. 16 with construction expected to be complete by December. (KDOT) Kansas Department of Transportation press release Work will begin the week of Feb. 16 to replace the Little Osage River bridge on K-3 about two miles south of the Linn County line, according to the Kansas Department of Tra

Press release

Culvert work to begin on K-52 on or after the week of Feb. 16

The Kansas Department of Transportation's official detour around a planned culvert replacement was announced on Monday, Feb. 9. The work will begin on or after Feb. 16 and likely won't be completed until the summer. The work will be west of Jayhawk-Linn High School. (KDOT) Kansas Department of Transportation press release A contractor will replace a box culvert under K-52 in Linn County starting the week of Feb. 16, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The bo

Press release

Mound City could see new business on Main Street

Mound City's Cultivate Kindness Garden could have a new neighbor soon. Councilmember Shayna Lamb says a person is interested in putting business on the lot next to Food Fair. (Cultivate Kindness Garden Facebook page) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – A Mound City official is keeping under wraps the name of a prospective buyer of the lot where the former Mound City swimming pool was located. The lot is west of Food Fair on the city’s Main S

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

High school sports

1/3

From a Buffalo to a Jayhawk

Prairie View senior Parker Schwarz signed his letter of intent to play football for the University of Kansas Jayhawks before a pep rally on Friday, Feb. 6. The Jayhawks recruited Schwarz, a star running back and linebacker for the Buffalos, by offering him a preferred walk-on status. He took photos with his family, coaches and teammates after the signing. Schwarz earned a spot on the Shrine Bowl's East team this summer, but after the offer from KU, he said he will turn down that offer. See more on the story with this link. (Prairie Buffalo Facebook)

Commentary: Growing is the purpose – keeping education first in high school activities

One of the main functions of high school sports is not scholarships or playing on elite teams, the authors maintain. Its education. (Wix file photo) By Karissa Niehoff and Bill Faflick High school activities is experiencing record participation. It is also experiencing unprecedented pressure. Across the country, young students are training earlier, competing year-round and navigating expectations shaped by a rapidly expanding youth sports economy. For many families, activ

Commentary

Post brings American Legion baseball back to the area

The Hewitt-New American Legion Post No. 248 in Mound City is sponsoring a 17-and-under baseball team for area youth this summer. Tryouts for the team begin in February. (Unsplash file photo) By Roger Sims linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – One of the drawbacks of high school baseball is the season ends just as summer is getting started. The members of Mound City-based Hewitt New American Legion Post No. 248 will change that this year – and organizers hope into the futu

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

State, Regional & National News

Kansas bill compels public school teachers, students to undergo annual sexual abuse training

Wabaunsee County Sheriff Eric Kirsch testifies before the House Education Committee in support of a bill requiring public school teachers and students to receive annual instruction in identifying sexual abuse. The bill, referred to as Erin’s Law, doesn’t include state funding for implementation and allows parents to opt out. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Erin Merryn wants the Kansas Legislature to requ

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Kansas GOP House members renew attacks on DEI, CRT at public universities

The Kansas House Education Committee’s hearing on a bill forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion course content and mandating a civics course to earn a bachelor’s degree at public universities and colleges draws a full House. House Bill 2428 renews political conflict on the role of the Legislature in shaping academics in higher education. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas House Republicans stirred an academic hornet

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Gov. Laura Kelly signs 4-piece crime bill raising penalty for buying sexual relations in Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, signed a bipartisan bill approved overwhelmingly by the House and Senate that alters state law on criminal offenses of purchasing sexual relations, use of laser pointers and theft of a vehicle or gift card. In this Jan. 14, 2026, image, Kelly speaks during a rally in the Kansas Capitol. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly put a signature to a bundled law enforcement bill Friday ele

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

‘This bill spits on basic human decency’: Kansas Legislature passes bathroom ban without hearing

House Majority Leader Chris Croft suspended rules to force an emergency vote immediately after the Jan. 28, 2026, House debate on a bathroom bill forcing people to use facilities aligned with their biological sex at birth. The move pushed the bill through immediately instead of waiting one day as is usually required. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — The GOP-led Kansas House and Senate on Wednesday approved a “bathroom bill”

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

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Phone: 913-259-2546 • Email: inncountyjournal@icloud.com

Help keep the Linn County Journal free.

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An official news publication for the city of La Cygne, Kansas,
and Prairie View Unified School District 362

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.

Monday, Feb. 16 is Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Banks and county, state, and some city offices will be closed. All three school districts will also have no classes.
The Linn County Commission and Pleasanton City Council meetings will be at the regular time on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Top Stories

Jayhawk-Linn senior awarded prestigious Rudd Foundation full-ride scholarship

Commission rethinks order of upgrading park's cabins

Mound City Council reverses motion on purchasing welding shop

Fair board may become owner of 4-H building; county will likely pick up tab for repair costs

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

Jayhawk Elementary speller takes county title

Prairie View Courtwarming

Architect presents two options for La Cygne City Hall

Blu-Jay Courtwarming a win-win-win for teams, royalty

Wildwood offers day camp for kids from Linn, Miami counties

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.

A simple request

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

Give your heart to someone

Opinion: Kansas’ method of picking Supreme Court justices could be improved. But will an amendment do that?

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

More Local News

Pleasanton officials await report on water plant

K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced

Culvert work to begin on K-52 on or after the week of Feb. 16

Mound City could see new business on Main Street

High school sports

From a Buffalo to a Jayhawk

Commentary: Growing is the purpose – keeping education first in high school activities

Post brings American Legion baseball back to the area

State, Regional & National News

Kansas bill compels public school teachers, students to undergo annual sexual abuse training

Kansas GOP House members renew attacks on DEI, CRT at public universities

Gov. Laura Kelly signs 4-piece crime bill raising penalty for buying sexual relations in Kansas

‘This bill spits on basic human decency’: Kansas Legislature passes bathroom ban without hearing

Back to Top

Phone: 913-259-2546 • Email: inncountyjournal@icloud.com

Help keep the Linn County Journal free.

DONATE Follow this link for more information

An official news publication for the city of La Cygne, Kansas, and Prairie View Unified School District 362

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.

Monday, Feb. 16 is Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Banks and county, state, and some city offices will be closed. All three school districts will also have no classes. The Linn County Commission and Pleasanton City Council meetings will be at the regular time on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Top Stories

Jayhawk-Linn senior awarded prestigious Rudd Foundation full-ride scholarship

Commission rethinks order of upgrading park's cabins

Mound City Council reverses motion on purchasing welding shop

Fair board may become owner of 4-H building; county will likely pick up tab for repair costs

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

Jayhawk Elementary speller takes county title

Prairie View Courtwarming

Architect presents two options for La Cygne City Hall

Blu-Jay Courtwarming a win-win-win for teams, royalty

Wildwood offers day camp for kids from Linn, Miami counties

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.

A simple request

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

Give your heart to someone

Opinion: Kansas’ method of picking Supreme Court justices could be improved. But will an amendment do that?

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

More Local News

Pleasanton officials await report on water plant

K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced

Culvert work to begin on K-52 on or after the week of Feb. 16

Mound City could see new business on Main Street

High school sports

From a Buffalo to a Jayhawk

Commentary: Growing is the purpose – keeping education first in high school activities

Post brings American Legion baseball back to the area

State, Regional & National News

Kansas bill compels public school teachers, students to undergo annual sexual abuse training

Kansas GOP House members renew attacks on DEI, CRT at public universities

Gov. Laura Kelly signs 4-piece crime bill raising penalty for buying sexual relations in Kansas

‘This bill spits on basic human decency’: Kansas Legislature passes bathroom ban without hearing

Back to Top

DONATE
Follow this link for more information

An official news publication for the city of La Cygne, Kansas,
and Prairie View Unified School District 362

Monday, Feb. 16 is Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Banks and county, state, and some city offices will be closed. All three school districts will also have no classes.
The Linn County Commission and Pleasanton City Council meetings will be at the regular time on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

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

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 more Country Notebook entries follow this link.