Extreme heat warning

Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index values as high as 109. South southwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

Link to the National Weather Service radar.

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.

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

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Parker sixth-grader suffers severe burns in racing incident

This photo of Case Higgins and his parents, Davic 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

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

Legislator chides commission members for attendance

State Rep. Rick James on Monday, July 20, reminded members of the Linn County Commission that the county residents counted on them to attend meetings. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@icloud.com MOUND CITY – State Rep. Rick James, the Republican representative from District 4, spoke with Linn County Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson on Monday, July 20. Commissioner Jason Hightower was not present. James said one of the topics he wante

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

2024 SEPTEMBER 400 x 400 Linn County Journal.jpg

• Thomas Francis Moylan

• Linda Jo Hisel

• William Lee Anderson

• Marjorie Wickoren

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

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

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

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

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

2026_Linn County Fair_LinnCoJournal_RODEO.jpg

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

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

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

Johnson County leads cyclosporiasis cases as parasitic illness explodes across Kansas

The one-celled cyclospora parasite invades the intestines and causes diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Cases of the intestinal illness, which can cause explosive diarrhea, rose to nearly 300 this week in Kansas, up from 55 last week, according to numbers from the state. By Frank Morris Kansas News Service Cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas have jumped more than fivefold in a week. And Johnson County is leading the increase. Last w

Kansas News Service

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

Heartland Art Guild, miniature show gives Parker resident motivation to return to her art

Deborah Arnold, a multimedia Parker artist, entered a miniature water-color wash drawing of a horse and newborn foal (second from the top at right) in this year's Heartland Art Guild miniature art show. She recently joined the guild as a way to meet fellow artists and renew her interest in creating art. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff linncountyjournal@icloud.com PAOLA – With the annual Heartland Art Guild’s annual miniature show wrap

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

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

State, Regional & National News

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

The candidates to 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 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 belong in class

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

Commission chair indicates county involved in lawsuit with solar farm developer

A comment by the chair of the Linn County Commission indicates that a lawsuit has been filed against the county by a solar energy developer. (Journal file photo) By Charlene Sims, Journal staff LCJeditor@lcloud.com MOUND CITY – A representative from a solar energy project across the state line in Missouri met with the Linn County Commission on Monday, July 13, about a proposed transmission line going from the solar project to a substation adjacent to the La Cygne Generating S

Charlene Sims, Journal co-publisher

US House passes bipartisan bill to make daylight saving time permanent

The U.S. Capitol on the evening of Sept. 30, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) By Amelia Twyman States Newsroom WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Tuesday to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide in a bipartisan move that pushes the country one step closer to ending the long-contested ritual of semiannual clock changes. The House passed the measure, called the Sunshine Protection Act, 308-117. Its future in the Senate is uncertain. Introduced by Republi

Kansas Reflector

Virtual, home-schooled Kansas students enrolled in public school activities up 154%

Andy Brienzo, auditor for the Kansas Legislative Post Audit Committee, says most of the 20 school districts examined have written policies that match state law regarding allowing non-public school students to participate in public school activities overseen by the Kansas State High School Athletics Association. (Kansas Reflector screen grab of the Legislative Post Audit Committee meeting on July 8, 2026) By Morgan Chilson Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — The number of virtual and no

Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector

More local news

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

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Linn County Journal

Monday, July 27, 2026

Extreme heat warning

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.

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

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

Parker sixth-grader suffers severe burns in racing incident

Commission chair unhappy with budget format

Legislator chides commission members for attendance

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

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

Commentary: Of ditches and the right of drainage

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

Democratic candidates descend on Pleasanton for annual picnic

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

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

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

Demolition derby kicks off Linn County Fair night shows

Am I making a difference?

More Local News

Johnson County leads cyclosporiasis cases as parasitic illness explodes across Kansas

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

Heartland Art Guild, miniature show gives Parker resident motivation to return to her art

Jayhawk staff exploring options to launch virtual school in 2027

State, Regional & National News

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

Commission chair indicates county involved in lawsuit with solar farm developer

US House passes bipartisan bill to make daylight saving time permanent

Virtual, home-schooled Kansas students enrolled in public school activities up 154%

More local news

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

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.