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Articles by Roger Sims
La Cygne police chief brings experience, knack for working with people to new post
La Cygne Mayor Debra Wilson administers the oath of office to new Police Chief John-Francisco Mariño following a vote by the city council to promote him at the council's Oct. 7 meeting. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff LA CYGNE – During a sales call to La Cygne City Hall a couple of years ago, a man selling supplemental insurance listened to City Clerk Jodi Wade make an offhand comment about the city needing police officers.
Buffalos control Yellowjackets on both sides of the ball
Buffalo quarterback Gabe Moore breaks the plane of the goal line to score a touchdown inside from the 5 yard line in Friday's game against Fredonia. The Buffalo upgraded their win percentage to .500 with a 41-6 domination of the Yellowjackets. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff Except for a penalty-laden drive in the third quarter, the Prairie View Buffalos dominated the game against Fredonia on both offense and defense.
Rebuilding of city's fire department the effort of committed volunteers
A few of the volunteer members of the Pleasanton Fire Department include from left, Lt. Renea Marshall, Capt. Josh Marshall, Fire Chief Jeff Wisdom, and firefighter Andy Bertram. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff PLEASANTON – As early as August, Pleasanton city Fire Chief Jeff Wisdom was confident that, when the Insurance Services Office (ISO) inspector visited his department for the first time since a year ago, its status would be upgraded. On Monday, Sept.
New group delivers on General Pleasonton Day promises
The Breast Cancer Awareness UTV with Peggy and Luna Embry, Bonner Springs, won best float in the General Pleasonton Days parade on Saturday. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) It was a bold claim: The General Pleasonton Day parade would be one of the best in years. Teresa Miller, a member of the newly formed nonprofit Celebrate Pleasanton, told the Pleasanton City Council at its Sept.
Former Pleasanton administrator denies job-seeking intentions, deputy clerk resigns following council complaints
Morgan Watts writes minutes for the Pleasanton City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 28. Later that evening she would announce her immediate resignation as deputy city clerk after the council considered a resolution that would deny her the vacant city clerk post.
New group promises 'wonderful' General Pleasonton Days event
Children scramble for candy as fire trucks roll along during the 2024 General Pleasonton Day parade. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff PLEASANTON – Organizers of General Pleasonton Days say they are looking forward to the celebration this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4. Teresa Miller, president of the newly formed Celebrate Pleasanton Inc., told the Pleasanton City Council on Monday, Sept.
Buffalos win first game of season in battle with Jayhawks
Prairie View defenders Boden Hughes (55), Kalven Shelton (38), and Wilber Alvarez (64) push Jayhawk quarterback Londonn Burk out of the pocket during the game Friday at Prairie View. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff David Heidrich contributed to this story It was homecoming night for the Prairie View Buffalos on Friday, Sept. 25, as they hosted Jayhawk-Linn in a non-league game. It was the first clash of the Jayhawks and Buffalos football teams since 2017.
While critics of county's jail complain of cost, records show it has lowered expenses
One of the cell blocks in the Linn County jail that is housed in the Justice Center. Critics continue to complain about the jail's cost but records released by Linn County Sheriff's Office show that income from outside agencies substanially reduces the cost of housing local inmates. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – The Linn County jail has been a subject of controversy since before construction began in 2020.
Fair, start of school keeps health center staff on the go
Linn County Health Department staff reports a busy end to summer season. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims, Journal staff PLEASANTON – With the beginning of school and the Linn County Fair in August plus the arrival of the mobile mammogram coach in July, the summer for the staff at the Linn County Health Department has been very busy. During a report to the Linn County Commission on Tuesday, Sept.
Sprinkles don't dampen spirit of Jayhawk Blast
Ed Peery rolls out of the Jayhawk Blast car show as rain begins to threaten on Saturday, Sept. 12. Tucked away in the seat was a trophy for Best Hot Rod for his T-bucket Ford. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff With clouds rolling across Linn County, the Jayhawk Blast on Saturday, Sept. 12, looked like it could be in peril of a washout.
Young Historians to present program for dinner theater at La Cygne Library
The Young Historians will perform "Welcome to Night at the Museum 2026" at the La Cygne Library at a dinner theater on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday evening with car show, live music, fireworks planned
The 2025 Jayhawk Blast car show was held at the Mound City ballfields parking area and drew a wide range of classic and custom rides. This year organizers are moving the show closer to the other activities. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff It is last blast of the season for the area as most people look forward to bidding farewell to a miserably hot summer.
Mound City Council approves purchase of former metal fabrication shop
Don George, from left, a fisheries biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, presents a ceremonial check to Mound City Superintendent John Bruns and Mayor Wade Doering. City workers under Bruns' supervision have completed the third phase of the Angler Access Grant, which includes a round of improvements at Mound City Lake as well as the completion of a fishing pond near the ballfields on the southwest edge of the city.
La Cygne council to hold town hall meeting tonight on final phase of water plant upgrade
With just a couple days notice, the La Cygne City Council will be hosting a town hall meeting tonight to discuss continuation of a water plant upgrade. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the community building next to city hall. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims LA CYGNE – In an event first announced on Sunday, Aug. 30, La Cygne City Council will hold a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.
Pleasanton council lifts ban on outdoor watering, approves issuing $345,000 in bonds
Pleasanton Councilmember Alex Wills holds up a water meter setter that burst as a result of increased water pressure in the system. (Screen capture Pleasanton City Council meeting) By Roger Sims PLEASANTON – The Pleasanton City Council on Monday, Aug. 31, passed a resolution lifting the restriction on outdoor watering that has been in place for more than two weeks.
La Cygne Council could approve pilot street project tonight
At the city council meeting on Aug. 19, La Cygne City Clerk Jodi Wade shows city council members the yard sign that the city has printed for the sales tax vote on Nov. 4. It displays the result of a "no" vote and a "yes" vote. The city cannot take an official position on the issue. (Photo by Roger Sims/Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims LA CYGNE – The La Cygne City Council could make a decision tonight (Wednesday, Sept.
Temporary pump goes down at Pleasanton lake but expected to be back in operation on Friday
Despite a temporary pump going down on Thursday, it is expected to be in operation again on Friday. The rented pump has been blasting out sludge that accumulated in the line from the East Lake to the water treatment plant. (Journal file photo) By Roger Sims PLEASANTON – An unexpected failure of a temporary pump on Thursday, Aug. 27, has delayed the lifting of a Pleasanton City Council order that bans outdoor watering from the city’s water supply.
Completion of Road 1095 repairs delayed as much as two weeks
A county official says three of the four culverts to be used on phase one of the project on County Road 1095 were damaged and need to be replaced. It will delay reopening of the road as much as two weeks. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims LA CYGNE – A contractor working to replace culverts on County Road 1095 near the intersection of 2075th Road inadvertently crushed three of the four culverts in the first phase of the project.
La Cygne looks to hire full-time police officer, demolition of Wagon Wheel again under way
A worker cuts through the roof deck of the former Wagon Wheel restaurant as part of a renewed effort to demolish the building on Market Street that was gutted by fire last December. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) LA CYGNE – Within days of the departure of former Police Chief Zachary Mathies, the La Cygne City Council voted to accept the resignation of Kurtis West from the city’s police department.
No pain, no gain
An adult chigger. (K-State Extension Service.) Country Notebook By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson Journal columnist Being an avid gardener comes with a price. I spent more than $200 in the past week on perennials, shrubs and bushes. If I had bought during spring planting the way most people do, I would have about $750 invested. Depending upon the type of perennial I’ve purchased, I generally have at least a 50% or better success rate on late summer plantings if the plants are regularly watered.
New Pleasanton staff brings variety of skills to district
New members of the certified staff of Pleasanton USD 344 gather for a group photo during district orientation. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff The Pleasanton school district has four new teachers this year plus a couple of new paraprofessionals. One of the hires was a swap of math teachers with Prairie View, but in the bargain, the Blu-Jays will have the beginnings of a wrestling program.
New teaching, support staff at Prairie View brings variety of experience to classroom
Ready to expose elementary students to art, new teacher Jane Hough is in a La Cygne elementary classroom. This is the first year that elementary students in the Prairie View district will have a dedicated art teacher. (Photo by Cindy Noel / Special to the Journal) By Roger Sims When students returned to the classroom in Prairie View district earlier this month, they were greeted by several new teachers and staff members.
New staff members for Jayhawk district cite joy of working with students as their motivation
Improvements to the Jayhawk-Linn facility for 2026-27 include, in order, a new sign pointing the way, the biology lab, the chemistry lab, a general science classroom and new changes to the band room.
Pleasanton council approves added funds for temporary pump at city lake
The contractors installing a temporary pump at the Pleasanton East Lake will be making a connection at this building on the west side of the lake's dam to make a connection to a line that goes to the city water treatment plant. The caustic quality of the lake's water has corroded fittings at the pump tube in the middle of the dam enough to make connection there impossible.
Pleasanton council approves issuing $345K bond for water system repairs
Jason Hopkinson, left, an engineer with BG Consulting, talks with Pleasanton City Council members about options for an alternative water supply at the council meeting on Monday evening. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims PLEASANTON – The Pleasanton City Council on Monday, Aug.
Problems with water line connection at Pleasanton lake delay operation of temporary pump; outdoor water still prohibited
Richard Smith, standing, supervisor of a crew that is installing a temporary pump at Pleasanton's East Lake, speaks to audience members at a city council meeting on Monday. Seated to his left in a red shirt is Jason Hopkinson with BG Consultants, the city's engineering firm. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims PLEASANTON – The Pleasanton City Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting at the Pleasanton City Hall on Wednesday, Aug.
Pleasanton council's hunt for new city clerk to continue
The Pleasanton City Council ponders the selection of a new city clerk on Monday, Aug. 17, during a town hall-style meeting at the Pleasanton Community Center. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims PLEASANTON – It appeared like the Pleasanton City Council was going to be able to agree on a nominee for the vacant city clerk post last held by Candy Houtman, who resigned earlier this summer.
Pleasanton council approves installing temporary pump when permanent system is designed
The electrical panel for the pumps on the Pleasanton East Lake dam is being kept open to keep the service cooler as workers await a new temporary pump. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff PLEASANTON – The Pleasanton City Council during a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13, voted to hire Kevin Starbuck to install a temporary pump for $8,126 to restore normal water service to the city.
La Cygne council selects interim police chief
John Marino, interim police chief for the city of La Cygne, is congratulated by City Clerk Jodi Wade after she has sworn him into office on Friday, August. 7. (La Cygne Police Department Facebook) By Roger Sims, Journal staff LA CYGNE – John Marino has been named interim police chief for the La Cygne Police Department. The La Cygne City Council voted 3-0 at the Wednesday, August 5, council meeting to make the appointment with Councilmember Oscar Marino, John’s father, abstaining.
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.
Opinion: Commission failure to approve dangerous dog law a failure to keep public safe
By Roger Sims, Journal publisher 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.
Linn County votes mirror state results except on Supreme Court election issue
Fewer than 27% of registered voters cast ballots in the primary on Tuesday, August 4. (Journal file graphic) By Roger Sims, Journal staff MOUND CITY – Republican voters in Linn County appeared to, in general, follow statewide or districtwide trends, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election.
James 'Jim' C. Davis
Content may be copied for personal use only. All content copyright©2026 Linn County Journal and may be used for re-publication only with written consent by the publisher. © 2026 by TheHours. Proudly created with Wix.com
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 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.
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.
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 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, said he will be returning to his former employer.
Rhetoric on Supreme Court amendment leaves voters unclear on how to choose
By Roger Sims, Journal staff 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.
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.
La Cygne's Blast in the Park offers variety of entertainment
At dusk, fireworks light up the sky over La Cygne Community Park in a grand finale of the 2026 La Cygne Blast in the Park. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff Saturday evening’s Blast in the Park at the La Cygne Community Park was an evening celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, only this time on July 11 instead of July 4.
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.
Opinion: Of ditches and the right of drainage
By Roger Sims, publisher 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 you’ve got to speak up. Last Thursday the Parker City Clerk LIsa Leach said that despite the city’s ads soliciting a bid from an engineering firm to conduct a study on stormwater runoff in the city, no bid was received.
Commission meeting cancelled because of lack of a quorum
Content may be copied for personal use only. All content copyright©2026 Linn County Journal and may be used for re-publication only with written consent by the publisher. © 2026 by TheHours. Proudly created with Wix.com
Buffalo shooters take 3rd in junior varsity, novice divisions
Members of the Prairie View junior varsity and novice trapshooting teams hold trophies earned at the state meeting on Sunday, June 21. (Prairie View Buffalos Facebook) By Roger Sims, Journal staff SEDGWICK, Kan. – The Prairie View Buffalo trapshooting team walked away from the Class 2A state meet on Sunday, June 21, with two team trophies, two individual champions and four top-10 finishes. It was the best showing the team has had since its inception.
Mound City High School alumni mark 66th reunion
The 66th annual Mound City High School reunion gives alumni, their families and friends the opportunity to visit and catch up. The reunion was Saturday, June 20. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff More than 80 people gathered in the Jayhawk Elementary School gym on Saturday, June 20, for the 66th annual Mound City High School reunion.
Parker council at impasse over vandalism at city lake
By Roger Sims, Journal staff PARKER – Vandals on four-wheelers continue to use the Parker city lake as their playground. And while the ruts those vehicles made before were reserved to areas on the banks around the lakes, they are now using the steep dam and spillway on the south end of the lake as vertical climbing tracks. That was the report of city maintenance worker James Hazelet to the Parker City Council at its regular meeting on Thursday, June 11.
La Cygne Lake, East City Lake at Pleasanton restocked with wiper fingerlings
Don George, a fisheries biologist for the state, lifts a net of wiper fingerlings at La Cygne Lake on Wednesday, Jun 17. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff Don George spent Wednesday, June 17, trying to beat the heat as he stocked three lakes in eastern Kansas with a little over 35,000 wipers.
Prairie View board votes to hire new superintendent
Joseph Hornback takes over the reins as superintendent of Prairie View USD 362 following school board action on Tuesday, June 16. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff LA CYGNE – Joseph Hornback has been named the new superintendent of Prairie View USD 362. Following a two-hour-plus closed door session on personnel matters, the board voted on Hornback’s new post just before adjourning its meeting on Tuesday, June 16.
Pleasanton council passes resolution to begin bond issue on water plant roof
Max McLiney, Pleasanton's financial advisor, passes out copies of a schedule of the bond process to members of the city council. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff PLEASANTON – After voting to hire a contractor to replace the roof of the water plant building and clarification system at the June 1 meeting, the Pleasanton City Council on Monday, June 15, voted unanimously to pass a resolution on financing the $215,000 construction cost with a bond issue.
Pleasanton pool to open Wednesday, council votes to pay lifeguards for work prior to opening
Students from last year's summer program try their hands at making cardboard boards at the Pleasanton municipal swimming pool last year. (Photo by Sarah Conley / Special to the Journal) By Roger Sims, Journal staff PLEASANTON – The Pleasanton municipal swimming pool will open on Wednesday, June 17. That was the message that pool manager Morgan Wills delivered to the Pleasanton City Council at its meeting on Monday, June 15.
La Cygne duplex owner given 30 days to determine cost to make structure safe for habitation
The La Cygne City Council has given the owner of this duplex 30 days to determine the cost for repairs and corrections to the structure. If that cost is more than 50% of the fair market value of the duplex, the council could decide to have it moved or demolished.
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