Weather forecasts were pretty accurate concerning potential severe storms hitting the region Monday, April 13; damage across the county proved that right.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., the first storm watch issued by the Linn County Sheriff’s Department was released sending spotters into the storm that moved in from the southeast – crossing Blue Mound first, but inflicting most damage on Sugar Valley Lakes.
Slight rotation was observed; hail and rain pummeled Blue Mound. More than slight rotation was seen as a funnel cloud hit the ground and, as reported by the National Weather Service, traveled 23 miles as an EF1 tornado east across the county.
Five tornados hit from Blue Mound to Ottawa and Hillsdale that night, but it was the one that blew over Sugar Valley Lakes that almost took the lives of Michelle Lutz and Mike Evans who lived in a mobile home on the east side of the community.
NEWS
Questions asked following storms that hit county
During the meeting on April 20, Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Hegwald asked for commissioners to approve resolution 2026-10, a proclamation for the county to be declared an emergency disaster site. Commissioners approved the resolution... [More]
Commissioners hear several items from Planning and Zoning
Denies rezoning request for Youth Front During the April 20 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Planning and Zoning director Jennifer Cummings regarding several items for action. The first one presented was a request from Youth Front to rezone a portion of their... [More]
La Cygne council hears report on blighted structure
The La Cygne council heard a report on Wednesday evening regarding a structure within the city that was not habitable. The report was given on an incident at a residence in the city that had recently had a fire and it was noted there had been other fires at that site. It was... [More]
More News
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- Early Dismissals
- SPECIAL: Youthfront application not a Public Hearing
- We want your photos…
- 1st Annual Richard Henderson Memorial Car Show Saturday
- Parker City Council discusses storm water issue
- USD 344 accepts principal resignation
- Commissioners approve Purple Heart Day proclamation
SPORTS
Jayhawk baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
The Jayhawk Linn baseball team faced Southeast Cherokee on April 13. It was supposed to be a home double-header but due to field conditions at Jayhawk the game was moved to Cherokee. The Hawks fell to the Lancers in both games; the first 0-10 and the second 3-21. The first... [More]
Prairie View baseball falls to Burlington and splits against Lebo
The Prairie View baseball team traveled to Burlington and Lebo this past week. They played a Pioneer League double header against Burlington on April 14 and then played a double header against Lebo on April 16. The Buffalos lost both games against Burlington, 2-17 and 0-14, and... [More]
Pleasanton baseball falls to Central Heights and Marmaton Valley
The Pleasanton baseball team played Central Heights and Marmaton Valley this past week. They hosted Central Heights on April 13 in a TRL double header. They lost both games to the Vikings, 1-26 and 3-18. They then traveled to Marmaton Valley on April 16 and faced the Wildcats... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View softball goes 3-1 against Iola and Jayhawk
- Jayhawk softball sweeps St. Paul and falls to Prairie View
- Pleasanton track wins at Oswego
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
- Jayhawk softball swept by Central Heights
- Prairie View baseball splits with Santa Fe Trail
- Pleasanton baseball starts season against Oswego and Crest
- Jayhawk softball starts season with games against Northeast and Osawatomie
COMMUNITY
USD 346 presents spring play Friday
There has been a murder! Who did it, the karaoke loving butler? The sleazy lawyer? Perhaps the elusive groundskeeper, the snoopy professor, the stressed-out mother or the rival billionaire? Come along with Detective Casey Neptune as she unravels each suspect’s whereabouts... [More]
Senior’s three‑year project becomes massive Blu-Jay centerpiece
When students walk into the school now, the first thing they see is a towering Blu‑Jay sculpture; bold, bright and impossible to ignore. What most don’t realize is that it began as a simple sophomore‑year art assignment back in 2023. For senior Gage McGinnis, it became... [More]
Community fundraiser to support Honor Flight trip for local veteran
MOUND CITY — April 25, 2026 4-6pm The community is invited to come together on Saturday, April 25 for a special evening of music, fellowship and giving in support of a local veteran’s upcoming Honor Flight trip. Clay Nichols has been selected to participate... [More]
More Community
- A blink into the past: April 15 edition
- Conley earns Radenburg Scholarship
- Ray Scholarship recipients determined by USD 344 BOE
- PES holds Battle of the Books competition
- Easter in Linn County
- The American Revolution: The importance of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party
- Chapter CV P.E.O.
- Busy Workers excel at 4-H Presentation Day
