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 - UPDATE: Pleasanton pastor arrested
Linn County News linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com Wade Booth, age 70, pastor of the Pleasanton First Baptist Church , was arrested on Monday, Aug. 31 and booked into the Linn County Jail at approximately 7 p.m. According to... [More]
Water emergency lifted in Pleasanton
With water issues going in a positive direction, Councilman Alex Wills told the council Monday night that flow rate has increased by 20 percent with the new diesel pump standing in and lines being cleaned of sludge. Wills told the council that they do not need bigger pumps... [More]
Linn Valley Mayor clears the air on data centers
City no longer supports Facebook site Linn Valley Mayor Lister Potter laid out a chronology of events to clear the air over rumors being dispersed on Facebook and elsewhere concerning his actions over data centers. Potter, after initially broaching the subject and... [More]
More News
- New county Fire Chief shares history
- Commissioners approve settlement agreement with Swan Solar
- Galloping Through History: Fort Scott Welcomes Army Horsemen
- Commissioners review budget
- Pleasanton Council approves $30,000 water system tie-in material & labor
- SRO Mohler speaks at KDOE conference
- A new decree in La Cygne and updates to the water plant improvements
- Conditions at Hillsdale Learning Center a concern
SPORTS
Jayhawk girls’ golf places second at Woodland Hills
The Jayhawk girls’ golf team started their season at Woodland Hills golf course in Forts Scott for the Uniontown JV tournament on Aug. 27. The girls did well with multiple medalists and a second place team finish where they had a score of 267. Eureka won the tournament... [More]
Britz places first for the Lady Buffs at Woodland Hills
The Prairie View girls’ golf team started their season with a JV tournament at Woodland Hills golf course in Fort Scott on Aug. 27. The JV tournament was hosted by Uniontown and the Lady Buffs only brought three golfers to the tournament, but those three did well. The... [More]
More than Friday Night Lights
From the Bleachers-775 Many football fans remember James “Boobie” Miles as the electrifying running back from Odessa Permian High School whose story became the heart of Friday Night Lights. As one of the nation’s most highly recruited players in 1988, he appeared... [More]
More Sports
- Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
- Annual Demo Derby kicks off the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Linn County well represented in 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo
- A day of fun and records
- Commanders win tournament at Arma
- Pleasanton trapshooting competes at Nationals
- Annual Pleasanton Catfish Tournament held at Pleasanton East Lake
