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

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Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

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Linn County Rural Fire Department:
Due to forecasted high winds and low humidity, Linn County will be under a burn ban effective 10:00 PM. on February 15th 2026, through 6:00 p.m. on February 19th, 2026. During this period, all open burning is prohibited to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires. If weather and ground conditions improve, the burn ban may be lifted prior to the scheduled end time. Residents are urged to use caution and comply with the burn ban for public safety. Please call 913-904-2835 with any questions.

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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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

Mound City Council reverses motion on purchasing welding shop

The Mound City Council has discussed plans to turn the city's shop, above, into a community center. It has been working on purchasing a welding shop to move city maintenance operations there. (Screen capture / Google Street View) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – In a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Mound City Council voted to rescind a motion made at its regular Feb. 3 meeting. The original motion was to draw up a contract to pur

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Rex McCulley

• Richard L. Canon

• Beverly Ann Griffin

• Dale Eugene Holler

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

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

Jayhawk Elementary speller takes county title

Jayhawk Elementary sixth-grader smiles after spelling his final word correctly to win the Linn County Spelling Bee on Thursday, Feb. 12. (Except where noted, photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PLEASANTON – Jayhawk Elementary School student Kellin Nickelson will represent Linn County in the statewide spelling bee on March 21. Kellin won the county spelling bee on Thursday, Feb. 12, by correctly spelling ”lasagn

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

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: 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

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

More Local News

Pleasanton officials await report on water plant

Pleasanton city officials await the result of an inspection by BG Consultants' engineer and architect to determine the course of action on safeguardng the city's water supply. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PLEASANTON – It is too early to tell what the results of the inspection by an engineer and architect of the Pleasanton water plant on Wednesday, Feb. 5, will be. Representatives of BG Consultants inspected the p

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced

The official detour around bridge construction on Kansas Highway 3 southwest of Blue Mound will be to take U.S. Highway 59 to U.S. 54. Work on the bridge is scheduled to begin the week of Feb. 16 with construction expected to be complete by December. (KDOT) Kansas Department of Transportation press release Work will begin the week of Feb. 16 to replace the Little Osage River bridge on K-3 about two miles south of the Linn County line, according to the Kansas Department of Tra

Press release

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

Mound City could see new business on Main Street

Mound City's Cultivate Kindness Garden could have a new neighbor soon. Councilmember Shayna Lamb says a person is interested in putting business on the lot next to Food Fair. (Cultivate Kindness Garden Facebook page) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com MOUND CITY – A Mound City official is keeping under wraps the name of a prospective buyer of the lot where the former Mound City swimming pool was located. The lot is west of Food Fair on the city’s Main S

Roger Sims, Journal Staff

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

K-State fires basketball coach after he said players ‘don’t deserve to wear the uniform’

Kansas State University fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang after he said the team's athletes didn't deserve to wear the Wildcats uniform. (K-State Athletics) Kansas State University officials say Jerome Tang’s dismissal was “for cause,” meaning the university will not pay an $18 million buyout to end the contract. Tang has said he plans to fight the firing. By Dylan Lysen Kansas News Service Kansas State University fired the head coach of its men's basketball team just

Kansas News Service

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

Protesters adorned with clothing reminiscent of “the Handmaid’s Tale” carried cloth signs labeled “Shame” as they challenged Kansas legislators Monday at the Kansas Capitol to enact policies for benefit of Kansans rather than follow a path toward theocratic government. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Five people walked through the Kansas Capitol on Monday shrouded in long, red cloaks and with faces concealed from view by wi

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Kansas lawmakers consider bills to help women file lawsuits against abortion providers

Brittany Jones, president of Kansas Family Voice, says a proposed bill helps women who did not receive specific information about an abortion before the procedure to sue their doctors without going in front of a medical malpractice board. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas women who believe they didn’t receive correct information from medical professionals before an abortion will have a streamlined option to take legal

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

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Phone: 913-259-2546 • Email: inncountyjournal@icloud.com

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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

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

Mound City Council reverses motion on purchasing welding shop

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

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

Jayhawk Elementary speller takes county title

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

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

More Local News

Pleasanton officials await report on water plant

K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced

Culvert work to begin on K-52 on or after the week of Feb. 16

Mound City could see new business on Main Street

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

K-State fires basketball coach after he said players ‘don’t deserve to wear the uniform’

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

Kansas lawmakers consider bills to help women file lawsuits against abortion providers

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

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

Mound City Council reverses motion on purchasing welding shop

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

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

Jayhawk Elementary speller takes county title

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

County needs economic development to lower increased tax base

More Local News

Pleasanton officials await report on water plant

K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced

Culvert work to begin on K-52 on or after the week of Feb. 16

Mound City could see new business on Main Street

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

K-State fires basketball coach after he said players ‘don’t deserve to wear the uniform’

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

Kansas lawmakers consider bills to help women file lawsuits against abortion providers

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.