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

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Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Friday Night: A chance of snow, mainly between 9pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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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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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• Marty Leach

• Edwena Bastion

• Holly Thompson

• Carol Ann Hinote

• Richard L. Canon

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: As Kansas considers restricting food and medical assistance even further, think of those in need

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, follows floor action at the Statehouse on Feb. 5, 2026, in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector) By Rebecca Phillps Special to the Kansas Reflector I recently read about Senate Bill 363 , which would add complications and hurdles to Kansans receiving Medicaid and food assistance. Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, introduced this bill. It’s been discussed by the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency. First of all, KanCare is diff

Kansas Reflector opinion

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

Prairie View's Honor Flight program recognized

Capt. Laura Steenbergen, Army Reserve, presents a U.S. Flag to Aaron Law and a group of Prairie View High School students who will be "gusrdians" for veterans with this year's Honor Flight group. They are, from left, Abigail Alvarez, Jercey VanDyke, Cecillia Brockway, and Mia Covell. The flag was flown over the Red Sea during a fighter refueling mission by the 384th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron last September. Law is one of the sponsors of the school's Honor Flight program. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

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

Kansas Republicans force transgender bathroom restrictions into law, overriding a veto

The bill says people must use public bathrooms that match their sex assigned at birth. (Zach Boblitt / Kansas News Service) Republicans voted to override the governor's veto and put the restrictions into state law. It will require people to use bathrooms in public places that align with their sex assigned at birth. By Stephen Koranda Kansas News Service Republicans in the Kansas Legislature have forced restrictions on bathroom use by transgender people into state law by overr

Kansas News Service

With AI demands, can renewable energy be the economic future of rural Kansas?

Wind turbine farms sprawl across Gray County in southwest Kansas. Neighboring counties are trying to cash in on the growing industry. (Brian Grimmett) Western Kansas has the potential to capitalize on our region’s growing energy demands even as rural populations shrink. There’s plenty of land, wind and sun to be a center for renewable energy production. But skepticism is bringing these projects to a halt. By Calen Moore Kansas News Service There is a new type of farm spreadin

Kansas News Service

Kansas disaster declaration prepares state for World Cup visitor boom

Kansas leaders are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, passing legislation to boost security and infrastructure ahead of the competition's arrival in June in the Kansas City area. A sign promoting the World Cup appears on Jan. 13, 2026, outside the Statehouse in Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Anna Kaminski Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — The 2026 North American FIFA World Cup prompted Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to declare a state of disaster emergency

Anna Kaminski, Kansas Reflector

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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: As Kansas considers restricting food and medical assistance even further, think of those in need

Opinion: Kansas’ method of picking Supreme Court justices could be improved. But will an amendment do that?

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

Kansas Republicans force transgender bathroom restrictions into law, overriding a veto

With AI demands, can renewable energy be the economic future of rural Kansas?

Kansas disaster declaration prepares state for World Cup visitor boom

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: As Kansas considers restricting food and medical assistance even further, think of those in need

Opinion: Kansas’ method of picking Supreme Court justices could be improved. But will an amendment do that?

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

Kansas Republicans force transgender bathroom restrictions into law, overriding a veto

With AI demands, can renewable energy be the economic future of rural Kansas?

Kansas disaster declaration prepares state for World Cup visitor boom

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.