John and Helen Barnes were long-term Linn County community members that supported the growth and well-being of Linn County and its members. Their estate provided for the distribution of annual monies from the John and Helen Barnes Community Fund (JHBCF) to non-profit organizations for the purpose of enhancing or improving the lives of Linn County residents and their communities.
The JHBCF grants were first made available in the fall of 2020. For the 2025 JHBCF $7,000 grant disbursement, $36,200 in grant applications were received.
The 2025 JHBCF Grant Award Winners were:
Linn County Historical Museum, Pleasanton
Reach Out Food Pantry, Prescott
6th Street Park, Pleasanton
Mound City Historical Society
Linn County Library District #1, Parker
Linn County Health Department, Pleasanton
Maras Des Cygne District Extension Office, Mound City
Applications for the $7,000 2026 JHBC grant funds opened Aug. 1, 2026. Applications may be found at all Linn County city libraries. Address questions or application requests via email to Kerry at klcswrn@gmail.com. Applications must be received by Nov. 1, 2026. Financial awards will be disbursed by Dec. 31, 2026.
COMMUNITY
Sources of Strength brings hope, help and strength to JLHS students this year
Editor’s Note: In an effort to provide more information on Sources of Strength, we’ve added comments and clarifications to instill further understanding of the program. Sources of Strength (S.O.S.) is a best practice, strength-based, upstream suicide prevention... [More]
America 250: The American Revolution The Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers were important in the creation of our nation. They helped contribute to founding documents such as The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Articles of Confederation. They also contributed to many boycotts, like the Boston Tea Party. They were also... [More]
Janet Reynolds: Library, History, and Public Service
Visiting the library is always a fun adventure, especially if you go to La Cygne’s public library. Local librarian, Janet Reynolds has distinguished herself in not just running the library but also by volunteering in her community. Reynolds was born in Linn County,... [More]
More Community
- Mayor Potter opens up about his plans for Linn Valley
- La Cygne celebration set for Saturday
- Lorna Turley: A life of family and service
- Parker Lodge No. 341 donates $800 to Operation School Supply and the Parker Library
- Labette Bank Golden Adventure Club attends Branson musical
- Daily Objective Distillery - a local American destination
- SPECIAL: Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation hosts Civil War Camp Dance
- Annual Robert F. Morgan Bike Run set for June 13
NEWS
SPECIAL: Remember this number: 14 cents
University of Kansas journalism professor It’s the number I’m repeating as I work with local newspapers as part of a national experiment to help save local news. That number, 14 cents, is how much it costs you each day to support this newspaper. Fourteen... [More]
Affidavit of disclosure on Booth case released
After requesting the Disclosure of an Affidavit or Sworn Testimony from the District Court of Linn County concerning the Wade Booth case, Judge Rhonda Cole approved releasing the affidavit to three news entities, the Linn County News, Fox 4 News and KSHB 41. District Attorney... [More]
Church releases statement regarding pastor’s arrest
Recently the church where Wade Booth, who was arrested on Aug. 31, had served as pastor released the following statement: PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH [PLEASANTON] I want to make something very clear regarding First Baptist Church and the situation involving... [More]
More News
- Blue Mound appoints new council member
- Pleasanton approves budget, over RNR
- SPECIAL: Arrest made in Pleasanton following police response
- LCNews survey
- SPECIAL: Annual KWEC Butterfly Festival set for September 26
- SPECIAL: Linn County News selected for national newspaper initiative
- Law enforcement response to armed suicidal subject
- Commissioners approve final negotiation for settlement agreement
SPORTS
Prairie View golf wins at Fort Scott
The Prairie View girls’ golf team continues to perform at a high level this season as the girls traveled to Woodland Hills golf course in Fort Scott on Sept. 8 to compete in the Fort Scott Invitational. The Lady Buffs won the tournament with a score of 209. Independence... [More]
Jayhawk boys’ cross country wins meet at Girard
The Jayhawk Linn cross country team traveled to Girard on Sept. 10 to compete in the Girard Invitational. The Hawks ran well as the boys’ varsity team won the meet with a score of 50. Here are the individual results for the junior high and high school Hawks. Varsity Boys’... [More]
Pleasanton football falls to Erie in home opener
The Pleasanton football team hosted their home opener against TRL foe Erie on Sept. 11. It was a night where the Jays recognized their first responders and both teams put up plenty of points. Unfortunately for the Jays the Red Devils put up more points as they won the game 78-36... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk football starts season with rout of Uniontown
- Prairie View volleyball starts season at Baldwin and home triangular
- Pleasanton football defeats St. Paul in overtime
- Jayhawk girls’ golf places second at Woodland Hills
- Britz places first for the Lady Buffs at Woodland Hills
- More than Friday Night Lights
- Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
