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
Commissioners review budget
During the Aug. 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners discussed and reviewed several departmental or agency budgets; as well as, the proposed overall county budget. First, the commissioners heard a brief presentation from Jake Berglund, chairperson for the Linn County NRCS... [More]
Pleasanton Council approves $30,000 water system tie-in material & labor
Lake closed to boats for time being Calling a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Pleasanton Council approved up to $30,000 for time and materials to connect ordered new pumps to piping that will bring water from East Lake to the water plant. Water Superintendent... [More]
SRO Mohler speaks at KDOE conference
Some people like kids, some don’t; and Linn County School Resource Officer Kelly Mohler is one of those people that likes kids. Hence, her invitation to speak at the annual Kansas Department of Education (KDOE) conference on Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Mohler,... [More]
More News
- A new decree in La Cygne and updates to the water plant improvements
- Conditions at Hillsdale Learning Center a concern
- Pleasanton Council approves 10-year bond
- Mound City council discusses properties
- Commissioners review budgets
- Pleasanton issues declaration of emergency
- USD 344 works on secondary water source
- Mayor discusses Linn Valley economic development
SPORTS
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]
Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
The annual kids’ fishing derby hosted by Don George and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) took place at the Linn County fairgrounds on the morning of Aug. 8. The fishing derby began at around 8:30 a.m. and ended around 10 a.m. After the derby the kids competed... [More]
Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
The annual pedal pull hosted by Linn County Farm Bureau Association was held at the Linn County fairgrounds on the evening of Aug. 7. Just like in years past the competition was divided by age 4 to 12 with the top three placers in each age group receiving a trophy/medal and... [More]
More Sports
- 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
- Blue Mound Burnout contest held
- Midwest Senior Bull Riding Association comes to Pleasanton
