Solar company offers county $850K to drop moratorium on overhead power lines

A representative from Clearway Energy acknowledges that the company's subsidiary has filed a lawsuit against Linn County for putting a moratorium on its transmission line that will go to an Evergy substation similar to the one above. However, the company is offering the county $850,000 to drop the moratorium. (Wix file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Barry Matchett from Clearway Energy, met with Linn County Commissioners Alison Hamilto

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Chance showers, then sunny

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 102. South southeast wind 10 to 14 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.
Source: National Weather Service

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.

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

To join our free mailing list, enter your email address in the box above and click on subscribe!

Commission under fire for failure to pass vicious dog law

Linn County property owner Dean Norton addresses the Linn County Commissioners Jim Johnson, far right, and Alison Hamilton on Monday, July 27. (Screenshot / Linn County Kansas Livestream) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – During the public comment portion of the Linn County Commission meeting on Monday, July 27, Linn County property owner Dean Norton's presentation brought up several issues that the commission has not been able to resolve: a missi

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Family files wrongful death law against Holiday Lakes, dog owner

The family of a 13-year-old boy killed in a dog attack has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Holiday Lakes Homes Association and Damon Leonard in Linn County District Court. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY - The parents of Airen Andula, 13-year-old Pleasanton student who was mauled by dogs owned by Damon Leonard at Holiday Lakes on December 21, 2025 filed a civil lawsuit against the Holiday Lakes Homes Association,

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

La Cygne police chief submits letter of resignation

La Cygne Police Chief Zachary Mathies on Monday, July 27, announced his resignation after two years on the job. Aug. 6 will be his final day. (Submitted photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – Zachary Mathies, La Cygne police chief and codes enforcement officer, announced on Monday, July 27, that he has submitted a letter of resignation. His last day on the job will be Aug. 6. Mathies, who came to La Cygne from the Paola Police Department,

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Parker sixth-grader suffers severe burns in racing accident

This photo of Case Higgins and his parents, David and Kandice Higgins has been posted across social media. Case, 12, was burned severely in a racing accident on Friday. (Facebook) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – A 12-year-old Parker boy was critically injured during a junior sprint care race on Friday evening at the I-44 Speedway in Oklahoma City, Okla. According to reports, the car Case Higgins was driving flipped and caught f

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• William 'Eddie' Lehman

• Rex Leon Eastwood

• Thomas Francis Moylan

• Linda Jo Hisel

• William Lee Anderson

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

Primary Election - August 4
Polls Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Remember to bring photo ID
Advance voting Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at County Clerk's office in Mound City. Advance ballots also can be cast 8 a.m. to noon on August 3.

Unaffiliated / Independent voters can vote on constitutional amendment on choosing Supreme Court justices (click on this link for more information). They may also declare a party at the polls.

Want to know if and how you are registered? Click here to go to the Kansas Secretary of State's Voter View and fill out your information.

Commentary: Supporters of Supreme Court amendment hide potential political corruption under guise of 'democratic' vote

Retired 6th District Court Judge Richard "Dick" Smith speaks to a group about proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution during a recent event. Voters will vote on whether to change the current system of choosing justices for the state Supreme Court. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Richard "Dick" Smith Retired 6th District Court Judge Kansas voters will be asked to decide on Aug. 4 whether the system of choosing justices should be changed. The leadership in

Journal Commentary

Commentary: Of ditches and the right of drainage

A partially collapsed culvert under an alley entrance in La Cygne highlights a problem with not maintaining city drainage systems. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, publisher linncountyjournal@icloud.com Sometimes journalists get drawn into being a part of the news. We hate when that happens. After all, our mantra is (at least should be) objectivity. But sometimes the issue of the lowly ditch (pun intended) just has your name written all over it and y

Roger Sims, Publisher

Linn County Fair & Rodeo

4-H Style Revue and talent show kick off 2026 Linn County Fair

Nearly 40 members of Linn County 4-H clubs participated in the annual 4-H Style Revue and Performing Arts Show on Saturday, July 25. The show kicked off the 2026 Linn County Fair. Story and photos by Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – The 4-H portion of the Linn County Fair got under way Saturday, July 25, at the First Baptist Church of Mound City with the 4-H Style Revue and Performing Arts Show. The performing arts show was scheduled first a

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Fair queen candidates push to sell tickets by Saturday's deadline

Tiaras and bouquets await the awarding of the 2025 Linn County Fair queen at last year's event. The crowning ceremony for this year's queen will be Saturday night about 7:30 p.m. (Journal file photo) It’s a busy week for four Jayhawk-Linn seniors as they face pressure to sell advance tickets to the Linn County Fair and Rodeo, which begins its night events this Saturday, August 1. The fair queen will be crowned ahead of the demolition derby, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at the fa

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

2026_Linn County Fair_LinnCoJournal_RODEO.jpg

Never too young to be a legend

Liberty Cunningham's trick-riding repertoire includes Roman riding, above, and free-style stunts. (Submitted photo) By John Teagarden Journal contributor “If a girl wants to be a Legend, she should just go ahead and be one,” said Calamity Jane (1832-1903), a famous American frontier woman, sharpshooter, Wild West performer, and storyteller. Fifteen-year-old trick rider, Roman rider and liberty (free style) horse performer Liberty Cunningham has adapted Calamity’s words as h

John Teagarden, Journal contributor

Demolition derby kicks off Linn County Fair night shows

The Linn County Fair Demolition Derby once again this year kicks off eight days of activity at the fairgrounds at Mound City. It is one of the most popular events and draws drivers and cars from the region. (Journal file photo) By John Teagarden Journal contributor The Demolition Derby begins the 156th annual Linn County Fair, in Mound City on Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 pm. Coronation of the 2026 Linn County Fair queen will take place before the start of the derby. The Rook

John Teagarden, Journal contributor

County appraiser's office announces areas slated for updated appraisals

Linn County Appraiser Lisa Kelstadt says the annual inspection of properties to update appraisals will begin soon. This year the staff will focus on the Pleasanton and Prescott areas as part of a six-year rotation cycle. (Journal staff photo) Press release MOUND CITY – The staff of the Linn County Appraisers Office are already fanning out across the southeastern portion of the Linn County to updated appraisals on property. "The Linn County Appraiser’s Office is in full swing

Press release

Commission again delays action on vicious dog resolution, one member voices opposition law

Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson, shown here at a commission meeting earlier this year, said at Monday's meeting that he was not in favor of drafting a new resolution on dogs. By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Since Jan. 12 when Linn County Sheriff James Akes first brought up the current vicious dog law on record before the Linn County Commission, the discussion about the vicious dog law has been postponed or tabled at least seven times. I

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Rhetoric on Supreme Court amendment leaves voters unclear on how to choose

By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com The most hotly debated issue on the Aug. 4 primary ballot is the question of amending the Kansas Constitution to change the way members of the Kansas Supreme Court are selected. Currently the seven members of the court are selected by a process where a nine-member committee comprised of attorneys and non-attorneys who review a candidate’s qualifications and performance records. Three of the top candidates are chosen, a

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

La Cygne council keeps property tax rate below revenue neutral

La Cygne Police Chief Zachary Mathies, right, announced at the La Cygne Council meeting on July 15 that Officer Joshua Higgins has graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Academy. Higgins is the new full-time officer for the city. (La Cygne Police Department Facebook) By Roger Sims, Journlal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – Members of the La Cygne City Council had a decision to make at their meeting on Wed

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

City Events

Blue Mound

• City Council meeting, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.

La Cygne

• City Council, Aug. 5, 7 p.m., City Hall

Linn Valley

• July 27, City Council meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Mound City

• City Council meeting, Tuesday, August. 4, 7 p.m. at city hall.

• Jayhawk Blast, Sept. 12, starts at 4 p.m.

Parker

• City Council meeting, 7 p.m., Aug 13

Pleasanton

• Special City Council meeting, 6 p.m., July 23

Country Notebook by Rogene 'Jeannie' McPherson
For the most recent Country Notebook column click on this link.

Scum or scam?

Image by Aoi /. Upsplash Country Notebook By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson Journal columnist President Trump and I have at least one thing in common. We both have a pond/pool that has debilitating algae in a body of water important to us. His is referring to a reflective pool; mine is a regular old farm pond I enjoyed seeing my grandchildren play in. Noticed I used the past tense for enjoy as the amount of algae is now prohibiting swimming. President Trump’s reflecting pool cost

Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson, Country Notebook

Matters of Faith by Dr. Bascom Ratliff
For the most recent Matters of Faith column, click on this link.

Am I making a difference?

Matters of Faith By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor Parker/Beagle/Fontana United Methodist Churches Scripture selection: Mark 12: 41-44. These verses talk of Jesus watching wealthy people giving large sums of money to the treasury. He then observed and praised a widow who had given two small coins. Jesus taught that the widow’s offering was actually greater than all the others because while the wealthy had given out of excess, she had given out of her poverty and sincere faith. On

Dr. Bascom Ratliff

More Local News

Primary election set for Aug. 4, early voting, mail ballots under way

By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Linn County voters will head to the polls to cast ballots in the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Residents who plan to vote should make sure they have their drivers license or other approved photo identification to check in. Voters were able to cast advance ballots starting Monday, July 20 at the County Clerk’s office in the courthouse at Mound City. Advanced voting will be open Monday through Friday this

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

U.S. 69 overlay project is delayed in Bourbon, Linn counties

Road work on U.S. Highway 69 has been delayed because of contractor scheduling issues. (Wix file photo) KDOT press release A Kansas Department of Transportation project to overlay about 25 miles of U.S. 69 in Linn and Bourbon counties has been delayed due to contractor scheduling issues. The overlay work will start the last week of July. The project begins just north of Pleasanton on the southbound lanes and moves south. The southbound lanes will receive a 4-inch asphalt over

Press release

Firefighter pay schedule changed, emergency director requests suggestions on preparedness exercises

By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commissioners received reports from the ambulance, fire department and emergency management services on Monday, June 15. Interim Linn County Fire Chief Brian Shroyer gave the weekly fire report. Shroyer said there were three emergency medical service (EMS) assists, one power line down, one crash detection, one motor vehicle accident, one mutual aid call to Miami County and one structure fire. S

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Jayhawk staff exploring options to launch virtual school in 2027

The Jayhawk USD 346 Board of Education is expected to receive a report at its August meeting on the feasibility and need to establish a virtual school. If approved, the school would not get under way until fall 2027. (Photo by Thomas Park / Unsplash) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – At the June meeting of the Jayhawk USD 346 Board of Education, Superintendent Shawn Thomas posited a question to board members: Should the district look at cr

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

State, Regional & National News

Kansas on the hook to pay $40 million for food assistance under federal changes

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, states will have to pay a portion of SNAP food assistance benefits if they have an error rate of 6%. (Anna Pope / Harvest Public Media) The One Big Beautiful Bill requires states to pay for some food assistance based on error rates. Advocacy groups want the penalties delayed to avoid SNAP service cuts. By Roger Nomer Kansas News Service Kansas and Missouri have made progress to lower their food assistance program payment error rates, but stil

Kansas News Service

Cyclospora has Kansans shopping for locally grown produce. Is it safer?

A woman at the Overland Park Farmers' Market purchases herbs from a hydroponic garden. (Photos by Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga / Kansas News Service) A parasite that causes severe diarrhea has sickened hundreds in Kansas and Missouri. Federal officials are still investigating the cause of the outbreak, but it’s making some people scrutinize where their produce comes from. By Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga Kansas News Service A parasite that causes a nasty intestinal illness has sicke

Kansas News Service

Southeast Kansas education board candidates share perspectives on curriculum, digital technology

The candidates running to represent the state education board's southeast district are, from left, Republican Destry Brown, Democrat Heather Guernsey and Republican Renee Slinkard. Brown and Slinkard will oppose Kristian Gerken in the Aug. 4 primary election. (Composite by Kansas Reflector from photos submitted by the candidates) By Baya Burgess Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Candidates running for a southeast Kansas State Board of Education seat differ on whether social issues be

Kansas Reflector

Pasta on the Plains: A new Kansas-grown wheat could soon be in your box of noodles

Pasta made from durum wheat line the shelves at a grocery store. (Photo by Calen Moore / Kansas News Service) A new type of wheat dotting Kansas fields has a special use: making pasta. Wheat acres have continuously declined in Kansas because traditional varieties are not making farmers much money these days. The noodle-focused wheat variety could change that. By Calen Moore Kansas News Service Kansas farmers could soon play a role in spaghetti night or be the source of macaro

Kansas News Service

More local news

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

Commission chair unhappy with budget format

Linn County Commission Chair, seen here at a meeting earlier this year, expressed her dissatisfaction with the format of budgets the commission is considering. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – As three department heads prepared to give their budget requests to the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, July 20, Commission Chair Alison Hamilton asked County Clerk Chasity Ware if she had anything (packet) of what she was askin

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

Quilt guild unveils patriotic 250th anniversary quilt that will be raffled off

The quilt in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is made from squares from each of the Material Girls' guild members. It will be auctioned off this fall. (Linn County Quilt Guild Facebook) Reporting by Meribeth Kehl Material Girls secretary-treasurer A red, white and blue-themed quilt pieced together from individual blocks made by the members of Material Girls was unveiled on Thursday, July 16, at the quilting guild's monthly meeti

Journal Staff Report

Democratic candidates descend on Pleasanton for annual picnic

By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com The Linn County Democratic Party held its annual summer picnic on Saturday, July 18, at the Pleasanton Community Center. About 50 people attended the event. Those attending were introduced to several candidates who will be on the Aug. 4 primary ballot. In addition to hearing a brief stump speech by each candidate, attendees also had the opportunity to talk with them one-on-one. The candidates for federal offices includ

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

Commission sets new rental rates for 4-H Building

The Linn County Commission set new rental rates for the 4-H Building at the Linn County Fairgrounds. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY - On Monday, June 29, after talking about issues with the 4-H Building at the Linn County Fairgrounds for months, another issue was taken care of – the contract for people who rent the building. Over the past several months, new appliances have been purchased for the kitchen and the heating an

Charlene Sims, Journal staff

NEXT PAGE >

Member of the Kansas Press Association

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

Help keep the Journal free.

Linn County Journal

Friday, July 31, 2026

Solar company offers county $850K to drop moratorium on overhead power lines

Chance showers, then sunny

Link to the National Weather Service radar. Source: National Weather Service

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 under fire for failure to pass vicious dog law

Family files wrongful death law against Holiday Lakes, dog owner

La Cygne police chief submits letter of resignation

Parker sixth-grader suffers severe burns in racing accident

Primary Election - August 4 Polls Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Remember to bring photo ID Advance voting Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at County Clerk's office in Mound City. Advance ballots also can be cast 8 a.m. to noon on August 3.

Unaffiliated / Independent voters can vote on constitutional amendment on choosing Supreme Court justices (click on this link for more information). They may also declare a party at the polls.

Want to know if and how you are registered? Click here to go to the Kansas Secretary of State's Voter View and fill out your information.

Commentary: Supporters of Supreme Court amendment hide potential political corruption under guise of 'democratic' vote

Commentary: Of ditches and the right of drainage

Linn County Fair & Rodeo

4-H Style Revue and talent show kick off 2026 Linn County Fair

Fair queen candidates push to sell tickets by Saturday's deadline

Never too young to be a legend

Demolition derby kicks off Linn County Fair night shows

County appraiser's office announces areas slated for updated appraisals

Commission again delays action on vicious dog resolution, one member voices opposition law

Rhetoric on Supreme Court amendment leaves voters unclear on how to choose

La Cygne council keeps property tax rate below revenue neutral

City Events

Blue Mound

• City Council meeting, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.

​

La Cygne

• City Council, Aug. 5, 7 p.m., City Hall

Linn Valley

Mound City

• City Council meeting, Tuesday, August. 4, 7 p.m. at city hall.

• Jayhawk Blast, Sept. 12, starts at 4 p.m.

​

Parker

Pleasanton

Scum or scam?

Am I making a difference?

More Local News

Primary election set for Aug. 4, early voting, mail ballots under way

U.S. 69 overlay project is delayed in Bourbon, Linn counties

Firefighter pay schedule changed, emergency director requests suggestions on preparedness exercises

Jayhawk staff exploring options to launch virtual school in 2027

State, Regional & National News

Kansas on the hook to pay $40 million for food assistance under federal changes

Cyclospora has Kansans shopping for locally grown produce. Is it safer?

Southeast Kansas education board candidates share perspectives on curriculum, digital technology

Pasta on the Plains: A new Kansas-grown wheat could soon be in your box of noodles

More local news

Commission chair unhappy with budget format

Quilt guild unveils patriotic 250th anniversary quilt that will be raffled off

Democratic candidates descend on Pleasanton for annual picnic

Commission sets new rental rates for 4-H Building

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

Link to the National Weather Service radar.
Source: National Weather Service

Primary Election - August 4
Polls Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Remember to bring photo ID
Advance voting Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at County Clerk's office in Mound City. Advance ballots also can be cast 8 a.m. to noon on August 3.