On Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m., the Miami County Historical Museum will host historian Jim Bousman regarding the “rest of the story” of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry.
Our June speaker shared the initial story of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry, the very first Black unit to participate in Civil War combat at the battle of Island Mound, near Butler, Mo. Now join us as we follow the rest of 1st Kansas’ fighting journey all the way to Indian Territory and Arkansas and then back again to Kansas. The 1st Kansas soldiers and their commanding officers, white or black, faced a unique Confederate death sentence in that they were never to be taken prisoner but, instead, executed at battle’s end.
Additionally, as a nod to the future Paola resident we recognized in June, our cemetery sextant Bill Gordon and who is pictured in the museum’s cemetery exhibit, will have his specific service as a member of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry highlighted.
Admission is free. Donations appreciated.
MORE
Senators Marshall & Klobuchar introduce bipartisan bill to boost domestic fertilizer production
WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) introduced the Homegrown Fertilizer Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s domestic fertilizer supply chain, expand innovation in alternative crop inputs,... [More]
In the garden: Make a plan for preserving foods before you plant this spring
K-State food scientist shares resources to estimate garden yields MANHATTAN - There are numerous options for gardeners to consider when planting fruits and vegetables in their spring gardens. But Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee suggests making... [More]
Greenlease kidnapping, murder recalled by local
History has a way of repeating itself and intertwining itself linking people and events; the kidnapping and murder of six-year-old Bobby Greenlease, Jr. was one such event that came to people’s memory after watching the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping on national television. Juanita... [More]
More More
- Legislative Update
- Legislative Update
- Use IRS Free File to conveniently file your return at no cost
- LEPC meets and learns of 2016 Airosol Industries fire
- Kansas Seniors & Veterans: You Could Pay LESS in Property Taxes
- Sen. Marshall’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act signed into law
- CHC/SEK announces new pharmacy residency program
- Whole Milk for Healthy Kids heads to the President’s desk
NEWS
Early Dismissals
Due to the threat of severe weather this afternoon, all three districts have opted to dismiss school at 1 p.m. in an effort to get students safely home before the storms hit our area. If you have concerns, or need more information, please contact your child's school.
SPECIAL: Youthfront application not a Public Hearing
NOTICE: Case #: US-KS107-LU-2025-7, Youthfront Camp DBA Kansas City Youth for Christ is not being heard under a Public Hearing. That has already occurred; the commissioners are discussing the application in their meeting Monday, April 20.
We want your photos…
Would you like to see one of your photos in the paper? We’re starting a new weekly photo submission opportunity! Out on the gravel will feature a local photo each week in our paper taken somewhere in Linn County; a photo of something that interested someone enough to... [More]
More News
- 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
- Linn Valley City Council discusses water, sewer townhall
- Pleasanton approves water plant roof bidding, backup water supply study
- Commissioners reviewing resolution on vicious dogs
- Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center takes steps to preserve local behavioral health services
COMMUNITY
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]
A blink into the past: April 15 edition
There’s history all around us that we forget about until it’s too late. This may be a small county but there’s history in it all. Here’s your blink into the past. 1986- Baker’s food: ● 99 cents for chips ● 99 cents for four rolls of toilet... [More]
More Community
- 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
- First Aid: your safety toolkit

