Roger Sims, Publisher

The Linn County Journal sent out this tornado watch notice on its mass email network on April 13 before the storm began rotating over Blue Mound. As soon as the National Weather Service noted rotation and issued a tornado warning, the Journal issued an email warning. The following is the transcript of testimony by Linn County Journal publisher Roger Sims at the May 4 Linn County Commission meeting: "During (the April 27) commission meeting, there was considerable discussion about how to...

Prairie View teachers attend Sunday's graduation in robes and hoods. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) Opinion By Roger Sims, publisher Linn County Journal The gym for Sunday’s graduation at Prairie View High School was already crowded as the school’s band – sans its musicians who were seniors – played as a precede to the main event. At the appointed time, the band struck up “Celebration March,” and in walked faculty members, each wearing a black robe with a “hood” signifying whether they...

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 down is...