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

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Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a south wind 9 to 14 mph becoming west 18 to 23 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Blustery, with a west northwest wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

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Linn County Rural Fire Department:
Due to forecasted high winds and low humidity, Linn County will be under a burn ban effective 10:00 PM. on February 15th 2026, through 6:00 p.m. on February 19th, 2026. During this period, all open burning is prohibited to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires. If weather and ground conditions improve, the burn ban may be lifted prior to the scheduled end time. Residents are urged to use caution and comply with the burn ban for public safety. Please call 913-904-2835 with any questions.

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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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 lcjeditor@icloud.com 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. The commission also voted to recommend the operation receive a

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Engineer outlines plan for replacement of Pleasanton water plant roof

An engineer with BG Consultants Inc. met with the Pleasanton City Council on Wednesday, Feb. 11, to discuss how to make repairs to a roof in the city's water plant complex. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com (Correction: In the original version of this story, Jason Hoskinson's name was spelled incorrectly. We regret the error.) PLEASANTON – An engineer’s assessment of the Pleasanton water plant is that city officials h

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

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• Rex McCulley

• Richard L. Canon

• Beverly Ann Griffin

• Dale Eugene Holler

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

La Cygne Library's Cabin Fever Reliever set for Sunday, Feb. 22

Auctioning off desserts is a favorite part of La Cygne Library's Cabin Fever Reliever. The event is set for this Sunday. Journal staff report LA CYGNE – On Sunday, Feb. 22, the La Cygne Library will host its 17th annual Cabin Fever Reliever event, a fundraising event that helps the library staff to provide a number of programs to area residents and children. The event, which will be held in the Great Room on the north side of rhe building, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30

Journal Staff Report

Parker council approves bid for City Hall roof replacement

By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PARKER – Pending confirmation that the contractor will remove the old roof material, the Parker City Council on Thursday, Feb. 12, voted unanimously to hire H&S Roofing from Mapleton to tear off and install a new metal roof on the City Hall and city maintenance shop for $17,075. The council originally looked at hiring a contractor to install that roof as well as replace siding and the roof on the Parker Community Cente

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Prairie View ag educator wins Outstanding Early Career Teacher award

Prairie View agriculture teacher Trenton Smedley was honored for his early career achievements at a recent symposium in Wichita. (Submitted photo) Press release WICHITA – The Kansas Association of Agriculture Educators (KAAE) mid-winter symposium, held in Wichita on Jan. 22 - 24 is meant to recognize impactful teachers across the state. The symposium provides workshops, great networking opportunities, and promotes agriculture education to the public. Trenton Smedley was aw

Press release

Linn County Quilt Guild to have first meeting on Thursday

The Linn County Quilt Guild is being formed for those who interested in quilts, whether they are new to the craft or old hands. The guild will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. (Linn County Quilt Guild Facebook) Journal staff report Four women who have long enjoyed quilting want to share the joy of what has become more of an avocation rather than a hobby. But they also want to connect with other experienced quilters to share tips, discuss techniques and s

Journal Staff Report

Blu-Jay scholar bowl team competes at state event

Pleasanton High School scholar bowl team members, from left, Kooper Milburn, Mia Miek, Alexandra Miek, and Braydon Reeves lead the team down the high school hallway to applause from fellow students as they prepare leave for the state meet on Friday, Feb. 13. (Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com After placing third in the Class 1A Division I regional meet, the Pleasanton High School scholars bowl team earned a trip t

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

K-State fires basketball coach after he said players ‘don’t deserve to wear the uniform’

Kansas State University fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang after he said the team's athletes didn't deserve to wear the Wildcats uniform. (K-State Athletics) Kansas State University officials say Jerome Tang’s dismissal was “for cause,” meaning the university will not pay an $18 million buyout to end the contract. Tang has said he plans to fight the firing. By Dylan Lysen Kansas News Service Kansas State University fired the head coach of its men's basketball team just

Kansas News Service

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

Protesters adorned with clothing reminiscent of “the Handmaid’s Tale” carried cloth signs labeled “Shame” as they challenged Kansas legislators Monday at the Kansas Capitol to enact policies for benefit of Kansans rather than follow a path toward theocratic government. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Five people walked through the Kansas Capitol on Monday shrouded in long, red cloaks and with faces concealed from view by wi

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Kansas lawmakers consider bills to help women file lawsuits against abortion providers

Brittany Jones, president of Kansas Family Voice, says a proposed bill helps women who did not receive specific information about an abortion before the procedure to sue their doctors without going in front of a medical malpractice board. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas women who believe they didn’t receive correct information from medical professionals before an abortion will have a streamlined option to take legal

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

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

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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.

Top Stories

County planners recommend zoning change, permit for motocross operation

Engineer outlines plan for replacement of Pleasanton water plant roof

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

Commission rethinks order of upgrading park's cabins

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

La Cygne Library's Cabin Fever Reliever set for Sunday, Feb. 22

Parker council approves bid for City Hall roof replacement

Prairie View ag educator wins Outstanding Early Career Teacher award

Linn County Quilt Guild to have first meeting on Thursday

Blu-Jay scholar bowl team competes at state event

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

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

Prairie View Courtwarming

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

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

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

K-State fires basketball coach after he said players ‘don’t deserve to wear the uniform’

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

Kansas lawmakers consider bills to help women file lawsuits against abortion providers

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.

Top Stories

County planners recommend zoning change, permit for motocross operation

Engineer outlines plan for replacement of Pleasanton water plant roof

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

Commission rethinks order of upgrading park's cabins

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

La Cygne Library's Cabin Fever Reliever set for Sunday, Feb. 22

Parker council approves bid for City Hall roof replacement

Prairie View ag educator wins Outstanding Early Career Teacher award

Linn County Quilt Guild to have first meeting on Thursday

Blu-Jay scholar bowl team competes at state event

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

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

Prairie View Courtwarming

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

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

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

K-State fires basketball coach after he said players ‘don’t deserve to wear the uniform’

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

Kansas lawmakers consider bills to help women file lawsuits against abortion providers

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

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.