Tornado on the ground; moments of terror, near misses

Sugar Valley resident Michael Evans picks up the pieces of his demolished mobile home preparing to throw it in a dumpster. Evans was in the home when the tornado hit on Monday evening, April 13. The two Corvettes in the background were in a garage, according to Evans. The garage was blown away, but the 'Vettes had little damage. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Michael Evans was in a bedroom at one end of t

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Partly sunny, heavy rain

Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 81. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers. Low around 40. West southwest wind around 16 mph becoming north northwest in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

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Dancin' the night away

Deacon Martin and Makaila Thomas set the tone for the grand march of Pleasanton High School prom by dancing their way toward the crowd on Saturday evening, April 11. The students entered the high school gym to the sounds of music they chose. Both Pleasanton and Prairie View held their proms on Saturday. Jayhawk-Linn's prom is slated for this Saturday, April 18. We will post photos from all of the proms. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

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

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National Weather Service deems Linn County twister an EF 1

Olivia Macko, from left, and Brett Williams with the National Weather Service discuss Monday evening's tornado damage with property owner Jim Dick, who lives east of Mound City. The NWS staff members viewed several areas of damage and are expected to determine the strength of the storm on the EF scale. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PLEASANT HILL, Mo. – The National Weather Service on Tuesday, April 14, label

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

La Cygne official's questions point to commission disconnect on lots sales at industrial parks

In a discussion between a La Cygne official and the Linn County Commission, it became apparent that no one is in charge of selling tracts at the both of the county's industrial parks. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – A discussion with La Cygne Police Chief/Planning and Zoning Administrator Zachary Mathies and the Linn County Commission indicated that there has been a disconnect between the county’s governing body and the i

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

La Cygne's cemetery steps into the digital age

This kiosk is located at the entrance to the Oak Lawn Cemetery on the west side of La Cygne. Originally designed to hold a list of those buried there, it now has posters with a QR code for visitors to use with their smart phones to find a grave. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – It feels a little strange at first, taking a virtual walk – of sorts – through the Oak Lawn cemetery in La Cygne. You can

Roger Sims

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 LCJeditor@icloud.com 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. A

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Robert “Bob” Williams

• Bruce Lynn Jeffers

• Walter Neal Brown

• Cathy (Boone) Miller

• Vernon Lee Ross

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

Honor Flight fundraiser set for JLHS senior, Air Force vet

Jayhawk-Linn senior Clay Nichols will be the "guardian" for Art Grigsby on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in June. Grigsby is a U.S. Air Force veteran. (Submitted photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – A Jayhawk-Linn High School senior has been given an opportunity to partipate in this summer's Honor Flight program. Clay Nichols will be a student "guardian" for Arthur "Art" Grigsby from Prescott. Student guardians are assigned to

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Jayhawk-Linn NHS inducts nine students in evening ceremony

\ Newly inducted members into the Jayhawk-Linn chapter of the National Honor Society include, from left Layne Goodison, Lillian Meyer, Josiah Randall, Aiden Stark, Allie Thomas, Hazel Vaughn, Haelie Wallace, Camden Wood and Kaylee Wisdom. The group was inducted into the society during a ceremony on Wednesday, April 8. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Nine students were inducted into the Jayhawk-Linn High Sc

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

La Cygne officials positive after first town hall meeting on sales tax ballot issue

La Cygne City Clerk Jodi Wade takes attendees at a town hall meeting through the details of property taxes vs. sales tax. Seated at the table were city council members Jerome Mitzner, left, and Kent Wade. The first of what is expected to be several town hall meetings on the issue was April 1 at the La Cygne Library. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – In the aftermath of the first informational town

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Pleasanton council approves water study, seeking bids for water plant roof

City crew members have stabilized the supporting beam that holds up the roof on this building, which contains Pleasanton's water plant filters and clarifying systems. The city council on Monday voted to allow the engineering firm to advertise for bids on the project. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff rsims@linncountyjournal.com PLEASANTON – The Pleasanton City Council on Monday, April 6, voted to follow a recommendation by its engineering company to pay $5,000

Roger Sims

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

Celebrating our life in Christ

Matters of Faith By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor Beagle, Fontana, Parker United Methodist Churches John 10:10. (Jesus) “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. Galatians 5: 22. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Although Easter has now passed, let's consider continuing our journey with Jesus in the spirit of the Lenten season. We have celebrated our journey during the past s

Dr. Bascom Ratliff

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

Tulips in the wild

Country Notebook By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson Journal columnist It was time. My son’s long-time best friend was nearing the end of his life, and the difficult decision was made to put Gus down. If you’ve read my book Posts from the Country , you’ve met Gus in the story called “Come Home, Come Home.” Gus was a rescue dog although a full-bred German Shorthair. For the first four years of life he was caged. My son gave him a beautiful life full of adventure especially when he c

Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson, Country Notebook

Opinion: Tanglewood Lakes road agreement not as simple as it seems

The electronic gates at Tanglewood during a holiday weekend were busy last year before a judge's ruling directed that they be removed. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims Linn County Journal publisher Dear Linn County Commission: I was disappointed in your action on March 23 to sign an agreement and quitclaim deed relinquishing all ownership rights and responsibilities for the roads and apparently everything else at Tanglewood Lakes. For 10 bucks the Tanglewood Lake Owners Ass

Opinion

Opinion: Taking away water supplies will only turn good intentions into war crimes

By Rudy Taylor Taylor Newspapers What kind of American leaders would order desalination and energy plants to be obliterated? Such language is being thrown about by the White House as the war in Iran continues to escalate beyond what anyone thought possible when American and Israeli attacks started four weeks ago. It is totally understandable that key military sites including nuclear and missile plants, will be targets of bombing and strafing. But President Trump is worrisome

Opinion

More Local News

Pleasanton prom embraces Mardi Gras festival theme

Elijah Lindon and Katrina Taylor incorporate a dip into their entry dance at the Pleasanton High School prom on Saturday, April 11. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com For the second year, organizers of the Pleasanton High School prom eschewed the drive-up and walk-ins of the past, but the grand march entry at the school's gym gave families and friends a front row seat to an opening that defied the fickle April

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

State wildlife department repurposes gear to foster interest in outdoor sports

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Don George urges people who run across unwanted fishing and hunting gear during spring cleaning to consider donating to the department. (Photo by David J. Boozer / Unsplash) By Roger Sims, Journal staff rsims@linncountyjournal.com MOUND CITY – Doing spring cleaning and wondering what to do with fishing and hunting equipment that is no longer used. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has an answer. Don Geo

Roger Sims

Jayhawk on list of wrestlers with most career falls in state history

Jayhawk-Linn senior wrestler Denton White has been named one of the top competitors in Kansas history for number of falls he has recorded in his high school career. (Submitted photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Jayhawk-Linn wrestler Denton White’s run up to the state championship meet this year was remarkable. White, a senior wrestling in the 138-pound class, ripped through his four opponents in the regional, pinning them all in about a minute an

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

County mechanics grilled on equipment maintenance

Commissioner Jim Johnson questioned county mechanics about the maintenance and service contracts on machinery during the March 30 commission meeting. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – At Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson’s request, the mechanics from all three shops came in to meet with the commissioners on Monday, March 30. Johnson told the men, “Its just been brought to my attention about some of the breakdowns we’ve h

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

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

Special City Events

La Cygne

• Dog Days, April 11, 10 a.m., La Cygne Community Park

Linn Valley

• Pet Clinic, April 25, 10 a.m. to noon

Mound City

• Fishing derby, Mound City Lake, 11001 W. 750 Rd., May 16, registration begins at 9 a.m.

• Citywide garage sale, May 15 – 16

Parker

• Citywide cleanup, April 25, begins at 8 a.m., volunteers needed, parkerks.com for details.

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 butchering operation proposed by Yoder. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – The Linn County Planning Commission recommended approval for three cases on Tuesday, March 31, one conditional use permit (CUP) and two rezo

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

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. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – While Linn County Sheriff James Akes said he recommended a “soft” reinstallation of the electronic gates at Tanglewood Lakes development to avoid trouble, County Attorney Justin Meeks warned that anyone

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Prairie View letter on truancy inaction discussed by county attorney, commission

By Charlene Sims LCJeditor@icloud.com 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

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

La Cygne council approves food truck ordinance

Months in the process, the La Cygne City Council approved a food truck ordinance on March 18. (Wix file photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – The La Cygne City Council on Wednesday, March 18, approved an ordinance regulating the operation of food trucks inside city limits. A copy of the unsigned final draft of the ordinance is included below. Some of the key requirements for food trucks include: Operating time limits are from 6 a.m. to 10

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

State, Regional & National News

Kansas governor signs laws targeting sexual extortion, increasing incentives for rural attorneys

El Dorado residents Marcus, Morgan and Joshua Moore, from left to right, shown here speaking to Leawood Sen. Kellie Warren, far left, testified in support of a bill honoring the late Caleb Moore, who died after being a victim of sexual extortion. Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bill into law April 6, 2026. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — A new Kansas law signed by Gov. Laura Kelly strengthens penalties and expands victim prote

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

Kansas State University economist warns of fuel, fertilizer price shock for farmers

Gregg Ibendahl, an agriculture economist at Kansas State University, says rapidly escalating prices for fertilizer and fuel associated with geopolitical instability in the Middle East could significantly harm the bottom line of Kansas producers of corn, soybeans and other crops. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Surging oil prices associated with instability in the Middle East threaten to exacerbate tight margins for Kans

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Kansas Legislature unites against plague of ‘transnational repression’ by countries, terrorists

Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, is a champion of House Bill 2413 that includes a measure raising criminal penalties against foreign countries and terrorists organizations engaged in transnational repression in Kansas. Directly behind Humphries in this March 2025 photo taken at the Capitol is Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat voting for the bill but skeptical higher sanctions will deter international spies. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) House, Senate unani

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

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Friday, April 17, 2026

Tornado on the ground; moments of terror, near misses

Partly sunny, heavy rain

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

National Weather Service deems Linn County twister an EF 1

La Cygne official's questions point to commission disconnect on lots sales at industrial parks

La Cygne's cemetery steps into the digital age

Commission to consider vicious dog resolution

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

Honor Flight fundraiser set for JLHS senior, Air Force vet

Jayhawk-Linn NHS inducts nine students in evening ceremony

La Cygne officials positive after first town hall meeting on sales tax ballot issue

Pleasanton council approves water study, seeking bids for water plant roof

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

Celebrating our life in Christ

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

Tulips in the wild

Opinion: Tanglewood Lakes road agreement not as simple as it seems

Opinion: Taking away water supplies will only turn good intentions into war crimes

More Local News

Pleasanton prom embraces Mardi Gras festival theme

State wildlife department repurposes gear to foster interest in outdoor sports

Jayhawk on list of wrestlers with most career falls in state history

County mechanics grilled on equipment maintenance

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

Special City Events

La Cygne

Linn Valley

Mound City

​​

Parker

Planning commission approves CUP for butchering operation

Sheriff, county attorney address concerns about Tanglewood Lakes reinstalling gates

Prairie View letter on truancy inaction discussed by county attorney, commission

La Cygne council approves food truck ordinance

State, Regional & National News

Kansas governor signs laws targeting sexual extortion, increasing incentives for rural attorneys

Kansas State University economist warns of fuel, fertilizer price shock for farmers

Kansas Legislature unites against plague of ‘transnational repression’ by countries, terrorists

Back to Top

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

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.