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

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Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. East wind 5 to 11 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. South southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

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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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Commission approves Evergy zoning change, sends Youth-Front request back to planners

The Linn County Commission approved a request by Evergy to rezone 596 acres southwest of the La Cygne Generating Station to Light Industrial. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – At the Monday, Feb. 2, Linn County Commission meeting, Linn County Planning and Zoning Director Jenny Cummings presented two cases of rezoning to industrial that the planning board had approved unanimously. However, Commission Chair Alison Hamilton

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Lawsuit over rural Parker subdivision dismissed

This two-story home is the only house built by developer Mike Page in the Sunshine Meadows subdivision. A lawsuit filed against the county zoning appeals board was dismissed after Page withdrew building permits for additional houses. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – The lawsuit by a group of rural Parker residents against the Linn County Board of Zoning Appeals was dismissed in district court on Tuesday, Feb.

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Health department head notes 'baby boom,' asks county to upgrade paid parental benefits

Linn County Health Department Director Amanda Snyder makes a pitch to the county commission to upgrade paid parental leave benefits in light of a recent "baby boom." (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff lcjeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Linn County Health Department Director Amanda Snyder met with the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, Jan. 26, to give a report on past and upcoming activities at the department. Snyder talked about a “baby boom” in the count

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Prairie View board welcomes new members, learns about BIG Time math and reading program

La Cygne Elementary School teacher Samantha Rockers, right, explains the plan for the BIG Time math component as math specialist Linda Sylva looks on. The two were part of a five person team from LES that explained the program. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – The Prairie View USD 362 Board of Education began its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, by electing a new board president and vice president, hon

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

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Beverly Ann Griffin

• Dale Eugene Holler

• Kathryn Paulette Curry

• Billie 'Bill' Dick

• Viola Ralston

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

Mound City bull rider, now in second place in world standings, wins at Fort Worth

Colton Byram of Mound City, center, is flanked by Fort Worth Stock Show officials after winning the $100,000 added Xtreme Bull Riding at Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 21. (Photo by James Phifer) By John Teagarden Journal contributor FORT WORTH, Texas – Mound City bull rider Colton Byram emerged as the biggest winner at the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Xtreme “Bulls Night Out” held at the Fort Worth Stock Show Jan. 20-21. The Xtreme Bulls are standalone bull ridin

John Teagarden, Linn County Fair Board

Southeast Mental Health board suspends CEO for 90 days

Nathan Fawson, CEO of Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, testifies before the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 20. (Screen capture / Kansas Legislature YouTube) (Editor's note: Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson and Tisha Coleman are representatives to the Southeast Kansas Mental Center (SEKMHC) board of directors. The Linn County Commission cut all funding to SEKMHC for 2026, which which serves five other counties. Johnson recently attempted to

The Iola Register

Jayhawk Courtwarming, Pink Out an event-filled night

Jayhawk-Linn seniors Jude Wade and Clay Nichols were crowned 2026 Courtwarming queen and king during a ceremony following the boys varsity game. With them were crown-bearers Keegan and McCrea. Photos by Billy Roudybush, Linn County Journal contributor Organizers of the events at Jayhawk-Linn High School on Friday, Jan. 30, promised a night full of pagentry, remembrance, celebration and, of course, basketball. While the undefeated Lady Jayhawks notched another win, the neighb

Journal Staff Report

Three Jayhawk board members sworn in, hear proposal on adding health science pathway

The Jayhawk USD 346 board plans to look at adding a health care sciences career pathway to the Jayhawk-Linn High School curriculum. (Journal staff photo) Journal staff report, with reporting by Kayla McGrew, board clerk MOUND CITY – The Jayhawk USD 346 Board of Education at its January meeting welcomed the return of three incumbent board members who won re-election last November. One of the first items on the Jan. 12 agenda was administering the oath of office to Tracy Spring

Journal Staff Report

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

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff

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

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

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

Prairie View Courtwarming set for Friday

Prairie View High School's Courtwarming ceremony and dance are scheduled for this Friday, Feb. 6. Candidates for Courtwarming queen include, front row from left, Charly Gregg, Amaris Murillo, Violet Long, and Bailey Hughes. King candidates include Edward Squires-Riley, Ethan Gray, Payton Hopper, and Justus Teagarden. The crowing ceremony will take place between the girls and boys varsity basketball games with Santa Fe Trail. Theme days throughout the week include mismatch day on Monday followed by Back to Neon Day Tuesday, cowboy and cowgirl Wednesday, pajama day Thursday, and PV gear Friday. Student Council will sponsor the "Radiant Rhythm" dance follow the game, and the dance ends at 10 p.m. (Submitted photo)

Blu-Jay Courtwarming queen and king to be crowned on Friday

Pleasanton High School's Courtwarming queen and king will be crowned on Friday, Feb. 6, at the halftime of the boys varsity game against Yates Center. King candidates include, from left, Kei-Mahni Davis, Mario Davis and Kamden Staton. Queen candidates include Ashlan George, Abbigail Johnson, and Makya Neal-Cox. The public is invited ot a pep rally on Friday at 2:45 p.m. following a week of activities inlcuding Celebrity Look-Alike Monday followed by Animal Day Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Decades Day Thursday, and team spirit day on Friday. (Submitted photo)

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

High school sports

State, Regional & National News

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

‘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

Kansas schools could be required to verify family income for every student receiving free lunch

Sen. Doug Shane, R-Louisburg, backs added requirements for school free lunch eligibility that could conflict with federal law at a Jan. 29, 2026, meeting in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector) By Anna Kaminski Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — In Vicki Schumacher’s nutrition services office at Wichita Public Schools, staff spend roughly two hours verifying one free lunch application from start to finish. Under proposed legislation, the office could see its work increase

Anna Kaminski, Kansas Reflector

Bill would allow early payoff penalties for Kansas real estate investment loans

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, an Edwardsville Republican, questioned a proponent of a bill that would allow lenders to charge a prepayment penalty to real estate investors. (Screen capture from the House Financial Institutes and Pensions Committee) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Real estate investors buying residential buildings in Kansas could be charged a penalty for paying off their mortgages early under proposed changes to the Kansas Contracts and Promises statute.

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids prepares to tour areas of Kansas far beyond her House district

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, plans to visit with voters outside her 3rd congressional district anchored by Johnson County to talk about their priorities for addressing affordability issues, including health care and jobs, (Kansas Reflector screen capture from U.S. House YouTube channel) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids says she’s embarking on a four-city sweep — all locations outside her congressional district — to learn more about Ka

Roger Sims

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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

Commission approves Evergy zoning change, sends Youth-Front request back to planners

Lawsuit over rural Parker subdivision dismissed

Health department head notes 'baby boom,' asks county to upgrade paid parental benefits

Prairie View board welcomes new members, learns about BIG Time math and reading program

Commission considers cost to remodel cabins at park

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

Mound City bull rider, now in second place in world standings, wins at Fort Worth

Southeast Mental Health board suspends CEO for 90 days

Jayhawk Courtwarming, Pink Out an event-filled night

Three Jayhawk board members sworn in, hear proposal on adding health science pathway

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

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff

A simple request

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

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

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson

Give your heart to someone

More Local News

Mental wellness is important for a healthy heart and brain

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

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

Driver injured in single-vehicle accident

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

Prairie View's Schwarz to commit to KU football

High school sports

State, Regional & National News

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

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

Kansas schools could be required to verify family income for every student receiving free lunch

Bill would allow early payoff penalties for Kansas real estate investment loans

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids prepares to tour areas of Kansas far beyond her House district

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

Commission approves Evergy zoning change, sends Youth-Front request back to planners

Lawsuit over rural Parker subdivision dismissed

Health department head notes 'baby boom,' asks county to upgrade paid parental benefits

Prairie View board welcomes new members, learns about BIG Time math and reading program

Commission considers cost to remodel cabins at park

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

Mound City bull rider, now in second place in world standings, wins at Fort Worth

Southeast Mental Health board suspends CEO for 90 days

Jayhawk Courtwarming, Pink Out an event-filled night

Three Jayhawk board members sworn in, hear proposal on adding health science pathway

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

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff

A simple request

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

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

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson

Give your heart to someone

More Local News

Mental wellness is important for a healthy heart and brain

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

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

Driver injured in single-vehicle accident

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

Prairie View's Schwarz to commit to KU football

High school sports

State, Regional & National News

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

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

Kansas schools could be required to verify family income for every student receiving free lunch

Bill would allow early payoff penalties for Kansas real estate investment loans

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids prepares to tour areas of Kansas far beyond her House district

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.