U.S. 69 northbound lane opened after crash in southern Miami County

KDOT press release Northbound U.S. 69 in southern Miami County has reopened to two lanes at the West 399th Street bridge as of late Friday afternoon, Aug. 7, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. A crane on the back of a log truck struck the bridge this morning, causing damage. The northbound U.S. 69 driving lane as well as the bridge were closed until KDOT bridge inspectors could examine the structure. Engineers determined that the highway and bridge could be

Press release

Sunny and hot

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

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

Linn County votes mirror state results except on Supreme Court election issue

Results of Tuesdays election in Linn County for the most part was the same as the vote across the state – except the vote on the constitutional amendment. However, it appears that more Republican and unaffiliated voters cast votes against the change than the total of Democrat votes. (Wix photo illustration) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Republican voters in Linn County appeared to, in general, follow statewide or districtwide trends, a

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

3 days ago

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Page 5 – Local News Archive

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GOP candidates for Kansas State Board of Education advance in three contested primary races

Kansas State Board of Education candidates, from left, Destry Brown, Jean Clifford and Jim McMullen prevail in unofficial Aug. 4 primary results. (Kansas Reflector composite from photos submitted by the candidates) By Baya Burgess Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Unofficial GOP primary results as of Wednesday morning place an attorney, a retired superintendent and a former Kansas Board of Education member one step closer to overseeing K-12 public schools. While Republicans Jim McMul

Kansas Reflector

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton to compete in November

Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall appears on April 2, 2026, at a National Guard armory in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) By Anna Kaminski Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Incumbent U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall will face United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton in November’s U.S. Senate election. Democratic voters participated in an unusually crowded primary with 11 candidates competing for viability, and Hamilton, who entered the race relatively lat

Anna Kaminski, Kansas Reflector

Kansas voters reject constitutional amendment on judicial selection by wide margin

Amy Boucher, left, votes Aug. 4, 2026, in Eudora. Voters were asked to evaluate a proposed constitutional amendment that called for the election of justices. (Photo by Baya Burgess/Kansas Reflector) By Sherman Smith, Jacinda Hall and Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas voters Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to rewrite the state constitution and elect Kansas Supreme Court justices, spiking a plan long coveted by Republicans who want more conservative ruli

Kansas Reflector

Masterson scores win in GOP primary for Kansas governor; Holscher prevails in Democratic race

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson speaks to a crowd at a watch party Aug. 4, 2026, in Wichita after securing the Republican Party’s nomination for governor. Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher is that party’s gubernatorial nominee. (Photo by Jacinda Hall for Kansas Reflector) Statewide balloting tests impact of prominent partisan endorsements By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Republican Ty Masterson rode President Donald Trump’s endorsement to victory Tuesday in

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

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• John Parker

• Janice Elaine Cherry

• Lennie Dean Crooks

• Helen Marie Clark

• Norman Lee Pease

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

Opinion: Commission failure to approve dangerous dog law a failure to keep public safe

By Roger Sims, Journal publisher linncountyjournal@icloud.com With the Linn County Commission down to just two commissioners for many of the recent meetings, that means that each commissioner holds plenty of sway in what is approved and what is shoved into the dustbin of local history. Take the recent issue of the dog control resolution. One commissioner, Alison Hamilton, was willing to pass a modified version (apparently the limit of number of dogs per household exceeded her

Roger Sims, Publisher

Letter to the editor

By Max Theel La Cygne There are signs popping up saying Kansas should get rid of property taxes. I understand why people are frustrated, but we need to think through what property taxes actually pay for. Around here, they fund the things we rely on every day: schools, the sheriff’s office, fire and EMS, county roads, bridges, libraries, parks, public health, and rural districts like hospital and cemetery boards. If property taxes disappear, those services still have to be pai

Letter to the editor

Kansas Democrats, Republicans firm up teams for statewide office contests

Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth, shown here during a February 3, 2026, hearing in Topeka, will be the Republican nominee for Secretary of State and will face the Democrat who wins Tuesday's primary election, Jennifer Day or Samuel Lane (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Primary election results brought few surprises for statewide offices as most candidates ran unopposed. The lone exception was a skirmish between Democrats Jen

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

Prairie View to seek community input in drafting strategic plan

Prairie View FFA members, from left, Brody Wilcox, Matthew Stolle, and Edward Squires-Riley were given certificates of achievement from school board President Russell Pope at the board's July 21 meeting. The students were part of a group of PVHS students who earned State FFA Degrees earlier this summer. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com LA CYGNE – What should a portrait of the Prairie View High School graduat

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

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

Linn County Fair & Rodeo

Top PRCA official to present 75-year plaque at Linn County Rodeo on Saturday

An official with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association will help mark the Linn County Rodeo's 75 anniversary on Saturday night. (Journal file photo) By John Teagarden Journal contributor Steve Knowles, director of rodeo administration for the Colorado Springs-based Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PCRA), will be attending the Linn County Fair & Rodeo on Saturday, August 8 to present a 75th anniversary plaque fair officials. “We were pleasantly surprised when we rece

John Teagarden, Journal contributor

Longtime Linn County rodeo announcer now much in demand

Redfield, Kansas-based rodeo announcer Troy Goodridge has seen demand for his announcing climb over the past few years. He has been announcer at the Mound City rodeo since 2010. (Submitted photo) By John Teagarden Journal contributor MOUND CITY – Longtime rodeo fans recognize his voice as soon as he picks up the mic in the announcer's booth above the chutes at the Mound City fairgrounds. Troy Goodridge has led the crowds through the rodeo program here since 2010. Whether he'

John Teagarden, Journal contributor

There’s a new clown in town

Colten Ulmer, who will be appearing at the Linn County Rodeo on Friday and Saturday Nights, Aug. 7 – 8, is a fresh face on the PRCA circuit. However he has already picked up several Clown of the Year awards. (Submitted photo) By John Teagarden Journal contributor MOUND CITY – There will be a new clown in town for the Linn County Fair's Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) rodeo Friday and Saturday, August 7 – 8. Colten Ulmer, Mt. Vernon, Missouri, will “Bring The Ene

John Teagarden, Journal contributor

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

2026_Linn County Fair_LinnCoJournal_RODEO.jpg

Fair's demolition derby draws local drivers, large crowd

Two Linn County drivers mix it up in the Bone Stock class in the demolition derby at the Linn County Fair arena on Saturday, August 1. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Linn County Journal) By Billy Roudybush Journal contributor MOUND CITY – On Saturday, August 1, the Linn County Fair started the opening entertainment with a crowning of the queen and a demolition derby. The demolition derby is the one night event that features the most local competitiors, and so it consistently dr

Billy Roudybush, Journal contributor

2026 rodeo queen sets new record in ticket sales

Chloe Riley, center, newly crowned 2026 Linn County Fair and Rodeo queen poses with members of the royal court before the demolition derby on Saturday, August 1. The other candidates included, from left, Teagan Harris, Alyssa Daza, and Kylie Freeman along with the 2025 fair queen Maddisyn Earnest. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – Jayhawk-Linn senior Chloe Riley, one of four queen candidat

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State, Regional & National News

Kansas wheat harvest projected to be lowest in decades, adding to agriculture stress

Kansas farmers are expected to see their smallest winter wheat harvest in decades, the result of drought and freezes throughout the growing season. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas is on course for its smallest winter wheat harvest since the 1950s, with a July report showing the state’s farmers are expected to produce almost half the number of bushels they did at the same time last year, an expert said. A July 10 report from

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

Farm bill stalls, leaving Kansas farm leader concerned about whether it will pass this year

Nick Levendofsky (right), executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, is concerned the failure to move a farm bill out of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Aug. 6, 2026, means the bill won't happen this year. He's shown here speaking about agriculture with former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman during a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition meeting in 2025, in Overland Park. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — A top

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

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

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

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

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Linn County Journal

Saturday, August 8, 2026

U.S. 69 northbound lane opened after crash in southern Miami County

Sunny and hot

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

Linn County votes mirror state results except on Supreme Court election issue

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

GOP candidates for Kansas State Board of Education advance in three contested primary races

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton to compete in November

Kansas voters reject constitutional amendment on judicial selection by wide margin

Masterson scores win in GOP primary for Kansas governor; Holscher prevails in Democratic race

Opinion: Commission failure to approve dangerous dog law a failure to keep public safe

Letter to the editor

Kansas Democrats, Republicans firm up teams for statewide office contests

Prairie View to seek community input in drafting strategic plan

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

Commission under fire for failure to pass vicious dog law

Linn County Fair & Rodeo

Top PRCA official to present 75-year plaque at Linn County Rodeo on Saturday

Longtime Linn County rodeo announcer now much in demand

There’s a new clown in town

Never too young to be a legend

Fair's demolition derby draws local drivers, large crowd

2026 rodeo queen sets new record in ticket sales

Scum or scam?

Am I making a difference?

More Local News

Family files wrongful death law against Holiday Lakes, dog owner

County appraiser's office announces areas slated for updated appraisals

La Cygne police chief submits letter of resignation

La Cygne council keeps property tax rate below revenue neutral

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

State, Regional & National News

Kansas wheat harvest projected to be lowest in decades, adding to agriculture stress

Farm bill stalls, leaving Kansas farm leader concerned about whether it will pass this year

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?

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

Jayhawk staff exploring options to launch virtual school in 2027

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

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