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

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 21. Wind chill values between -9 and 1. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Light south southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

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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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Prairie View's Schwarz to commit to KU football

Prairie View running back and linebacker Parker Schwarz (17) has committed to playing for the University of Kansas Jayhawks. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com Prairie View senior running back and linebacker Parker Schwarz will sign to play for the University of Kansas Jayhawks football team. He will be designated as a preferred walk-on player. Early in the 2025 football season, Schwarz indicated he planned to attend Washburn Univer

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Commission considers cost to remodel cabins at park

The Linn County Commission debated how much to spend to remodel the seven cabins at Linn County Park. The county received two bids on remodeling the newest cabin, but the bids did not have detailed specifications for the work to be done. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, staff writer lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY - Linn County Park Manager Sheri Loveland met with the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, Jan. 26 to open two bids for renovating Cabin No. 7 and to discuss

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

County seeks answers after commission, courthouse and four offices overspend budget

Linn County Commission Chair Alison Hamilton has asked how the commission could overspend its budget and is seeking the cause for the overage. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY - As the Linn County Commissioners viewed the county budget in order to finalize carryovers and make last minute adjustments on Monday, Jan.12, they became aware that several departments had gone over their budgets, in fact, the courthouse budget and the commission’s

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Planning commission approves industrial zoning for two tracts

Nearly 600 acres south of the La Cygne Generating Station received the recommendation by the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission to have its zoning changed from Agricultural to Light Industrial. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended two rezoning applications for approval and had a brief workshop on policies for year-round camping, feedlots and continued an

Roger Sims

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Geneva Carolyn Mitzner

• John 'Tommy' Trotter

• Jerel Lynn Pankratz

• Lawrence L. Delana

• Bill Wolfinger

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

Driver injured in single-vehicle accident

Journal staff report MOUND CITY – An 18-year-old Osawatomie man was injured after his 2000 Chevrolet pickup slid off the road and struck a tree on Saturday, Jan. 24. The report by the Linn County Sheriff’s report attributed the accident to an icy roadway because of snow. Christopher Clay’s vehicle was southbound on Kansas Highway 7 near the intersection with McGrew Road at about 4 p.m. when the accident occurred. The pickup entered a curve and the driver lost control of the v

Roger Sims

Economic development group: We need a leader

By Charlene Sims lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Two members of the Linn County Economic Development Committee (EDC) approached the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, Jan. 20, about the commission’s plans to do away with the county’s economic development director position. The EDC Chair Jennifer Leach-Harlow told the commissioners that after a meeting with other board members including Janell Aust, Russell Pope, Ashley Allen, Kenny Otto and Becky Hegwald, the EDC members

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

La Cygne police conduct second drug raid in last 8 days

Press release LA CYGNE – For the second time in a little over a week, the La Cygne Police Department has executed a search warrant that resulted in the arrest of a La Cygne resident on drug-related charges. Police Chief Zachary Mathies issued a press release on Wednesday, Jan. 21. "On January 20, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers with the La Cygne Police Department executed a search warrant at 114 N. Railroad St. following a months-long investigation into suspected u

Press release

County planners to continue study of motocross track

A competitor at a motocross event sponsored by the Thies family powers through one of the jumps on the track. The Thieses' property, which is host to a motocross school and race events, has come under the scrutiny of the Linn County Planning Commission because of its commercial use. This photo was taken during an event in October 2023. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesda

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Three new La Cygne council- members sworn into office

New La Cygne Councilmembers, from left, Oscar Marino, Kent Wade and Robert Sullivan were sworn into office by City Clerk Jodi Wade in a brief meeting on Monday, Jan. 12. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – Three new members of the five-member La Cygne City Council took the oath of office in a brief session on Monday, Jan. 12. With a light agenda, the meeting focused on swearing in the new councilmembers and giving them a sh

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff, page 2

Commentary: Kansas pharmacies to temporarily close as pharmacists advocate for patient access

Pharmacists from the area will be heading to Topeka on Wednesday, Feb. 4, to lobby legislators to pass legislation that would protect locally owned pharmacies from predatory practices by pharmacy benefit managers. Several area pharmacies, including AuBurn Pharmacy, will be closed on that day. (Wix file photo) AuBurn Pharmacy Press release TOPEKA — Pharmacy closures continue to rise across Kansas, and pharmacists say action is needed to protect patient access to care. On Wedne

Press release

Opinion: Attendance at KOMA workshop a positive step for local officials

Lindsey Kolisch, an attorney with Lauber Municipal Law and city attorney for Parker, gives local government officials some tips on how to conduct themselves. Kolisch participated in a Kansas opening meetings and records workshop in La Cygne on Saturday, Jan. 17. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) Opinion By Roger Sims Journal publisher On Saturday morning, Jan. 17, more than two dozen elected officials from across Linn County showed up for a workshop on the legalities involve

Roger Sims, Publisher

Jayhawk Courtwarming royalty

The Jayhawk-Linn 2026 Courtwarming queen and king will be crowned on Friday, Jan. 30, following the boys varsity game. The queen and king candidates are, from left, seniors Brilyn Bogan, Truman Schneider, Jude Wade, Clay Nichols, Brenlyn Bogan, Landyn Samyn, Adeline Randall, and Stricklyn Cayton. The Jayhawks, both the undefeated girls team and the always tough boys team, will host the cross-county rival Pleasanton Blu-Jays. The Pink Out 2026 activities begin at 4:40 p.m. Friday, and at the halftime of the girls game, teachers of the year Susan Schneider and Jesse Secrest and employee of the year Kayla McGrew will be honored. A Pink Out ceremony recognizing those battling cancer and cancer survivors will be held between the boys and girls games. (Photo by James Spitzenberger / Special to the Journal)

Country Notebook, by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson, page 2

More Local News

Mental wellness is important for a healthy heart and brain

Anxiety, stress and depression can impact the physical health of people in rural communities, according to the American Heart Association. (Wix file photo) American Heart Association Press release According to the American Heart Association, psychological health can positively or negatively impact a person’s health and risk factors for heart disease and stroke MISSION — People in rural communities live almost three years fewer than urban dwellers, and they’re more likely to

Press release

The Power of Hobbies: Why Staying Engaged Matters as We Age

Hobbies offer a lifeline to engagement and purpose, especially as we age. (Vitale Grieve / Upsplash) K-State Research and Extension News Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent As we grow older, maintaining health and independence becomes a top priority. While exercise and healthy eating often take center stage, one powerful tool for aging well is often overlooked - hobbies. Whether it’s gardening, painting, playing music, or learning a new language, hobbies

K-State Research and Extension

La Cygne police execute drug search warrant on house near school, suspect in custody

Press release LA CYGNE – On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers with the La Cygne Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence located at 702 E. Chestnut St. in La Cygne Clark L. Montgomery Jr. During the search, officers seized approximately 17.5 grams of methamphetamine, along with multiple items of drug paraphernalia consistent with the sale and use of illicit narcotics, as well as marijuana and THC products. This operation occurred o

Press release

La Cygne police chief reports on 2025 investigations

La Cygne crime statistics for the year included 24 crimes against persons, 13 thefts and 20 alcohol or drug related violations. (La Cygne Police Department Facebook) By Roger Sims linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – The La Cygne Police Department handled more than 109 cases involving misdemeanors and felonies during 2025, with all but two of those cases cleared. That was the report by Police Chief Zachary Mathies during the La Cygne City Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan.

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

High school sports

State, Regional & National News

Kansas GOP governor candidate blasts Legislature for not changing congressional map

Johnson County businessman Philip Sarnecki, a candidate for the Republican Party's nomination for governor, criticizes Senate President Ty Masterson, right, who is also seeking the GOP nomination for governor, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins for failing to draw new congressional maps that would make it difficult for Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids to hang onto her seat. Hawkins and Masterson are pictured during a Jan. 8, 2026, legislative hearing. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Ka

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Kobach opens up funding for AI gun detection software in Kansas public schools

Kris Kobach speaks to reporters at a news conference on Oct. 1, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He released the details Monday of a new grant program for K-12 public schools interested in using AI-powered firearm detection software to prevent potential acts of gun violence. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Anna Kaminski Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas schools that opt to use a gun detection software program supported by the attorney general could receive a cut of $10 mi

Anna Kaminski, Kansas Reflector

Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases

Sen. Jeff Klemp, R-Lansing, says a proposed constitutional amendment would lower property taxes by rolling back the appraised values to 2022 and capping annual increases at 3%. He is pictured here during a March 26, 2025, session of the Senate. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) By Sherman Smith Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — A Senate committee endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases to appraised property values at 3%, and roll back the cl

Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

‘This place is killing me’: Prison medical care in Kansas still struggles to help inmates

Centurion of Kansas is the medical contractor. Its contract is coming to an end soon. (Courtesy/Kansas News Service) By Blaise Mesa The Beacon Darren Powell worries he could die in prison — and not because he’s serving a life sentence. He worries about dying due to a lapse in his medication. Powell, a type 2 diabetic at the Norton prison, went to refill his medication but it wasn’t ready. Medical staff first told him it was because he didn’t request new medication. Then his

The Beacon

CHC/SEK Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has gained recognition from the American Heart Association for the center's efforts to address patients' high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes issues. (Wix file photo) Press release PITTSBURG – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has received three American Heart Association achievement awards for its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving high cholesterol, Type 2 diabete

Press release

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Community
Calendar

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

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

Prairie View's Schwarz to commit to KU football

Commission considers cost to remodel cabins at park

County seeks answers after commission, courthouse and four offices overspend budget

Planning commission approves industrial zoning for two tracts

• Bill Wolfinger

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

Driver injured in single-vehicle accident

Economic development group: We need a leader

La Cygne police conduct second drug raid in last 8 days

County planners to continue study of motocross track

Three new La Cygne council- members sworn into office

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

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff, page 2

Commentary: Kansas pharmacies to temporarily close as pharmacists advocate for patient access

Opinion: Attendance at KOMA workshop a positive step for local officials

Country Notebook, by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson, page 2

More Local News

Mental wellness is important for a healthy heart and brain

The Power of Hobbies: Why Staying Engaged Matters as We Age

La Cygne police execute drug search warrant on house near school, suspect in custody

La Cygne police chief reports on 2025 investigations

Post brings American Legion baseball back to the area

High school sports

State, Regional & National News

Kansas GOP governor candidate blasts Legislature for not changing congressional map

Kobach opens up funding for AI gun detection software in Kansas public schools

Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases

‘This place is killing me’: Prison medical care in Kansas still struggles to help inmates

CHC/SEK Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

Back to Top

Community Calendar

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

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

Prairie View's Schwarz to commit to KU football

Commission considers cost to remodel cabins at park

County seeks answers after commission, courthouse and four offices overspend budget

Planning commission approves industrial zoning for two tracts

• Bill Wolfinger

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

Driver injured in single-vehicle accident

Economic development group: We need a leader

La Cygne police conduct second drug raid in last 8 days

County planners to continue study of motocross track

Three new La Cygne council- members sworn into office

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

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff, page 2

Commentary: Kansas pharmacies to temporarily close as pharmacists advocate for patient access

Opinion: Attendance at KOMA workshop a positive step for local officials

Country Notebook, by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson, page 2

More Local News

Mental wellness is important for a healthy heart and brain

The Power of Hobbies: Why Staying Engaged Matters as We Age

La Cygne police execute drug search warrant on house near school, suspect in custody

La Cygne police chief reports on 2025 investigations

Post brings American Legion baseball back to the area

High school sports

State, Regional & National News

Kansas GOP governor candidate blasts Legislature for not changing congressional map

Kobach opens up funding for AI gun detection software in Kansas public schools

Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases

‘This place is killing me’: Prison medical care in Kansas still struggles to help inmates

CHC/SEK Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

Back to Top

Community
Calendar

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

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.