WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) tonight issued the following statement, as the Senate for a second time has rejected continuing resolutions to keep the federal government open and operating:
“Nearly two weeks ago, the House passed a bipartisan bill to keep the government funded through November 21, while work continues on the full-year appropriations bills. Regrettably, Senate Democrats are insisting on the inclusion of a $1.5 trillion wish list of additional reckless spending instead of passing the House’s continuing resolution. This shutdown is entirely the result of those unreasonable demands.
“We must get our fiscal house in order by restraining spending. We made a good start in the policies that were in the reconciliation bill passed this summer, which included $1.2 trillion in spending reductions over the next 10 years. The funding bills that have passed out of the House Appropriations Committee build on this effort by decreasing spending by an additional $30 billion. We can’t go back to business-as-usual and leave our children and grandchildren no path out of our country’s massive debts.
“I hope this shutdown will be short-lived and the disruptions to federal government services will be minimal. It’s up to Congressional Democrats to end their blockade and allow the appropriations process to continue.”
MORE
LEPC meets and learns of 2016 Airosol Industries fire
The semi-annual meeting of the Linn County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) was held last Thursday with several participants from across the county attending. The LEPC meetings are the fourth Thursday of January and July at various locations across the county. Participants... [More]
Kansas Seniors & Veterans: You Could Pay LESS in Property Taxes
If you’re a Kansas homeowner, you may qualify for a property tax freeze (refund) if you: - Are 65+ years of age OR a 50% or more disabled Veteran - Own... [More]
Sen. Marshall’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act signed into law
Washington – On Wednesday, Jan. 14, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following statement after President Trump signed his legislation to restore whole milk in schools into law. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act expands healthy... [More]
More More
- CHC/SEK announces new pharmacy residency program
- Whole Milk for Healthy Kids heads to the President’s desk
- Senator Marshall praises Trump Admin plan to save essential nutrition program
- Senator Marshall releases statement on Democrat Shutdown
- Senators Marshall & Ernst introduce legislation to prevent overregulation of farmers & ranchers
- Legislative Update
- University of Kansas School of Nursing releases report on access to maternity care in Kansas
NEWS
SPECIAL: Pleasanton water plant looks at potential $4-$6 million replacement
Building and system in disrepair By JACKIE TAYLOR Linn County News Jackielcn1@gmail.com The Pleasanton Council met Tuesday night in regular session and moved the meeting to the water plant so the council could tour the building. The tour... [More]
Linn Valley swears in new mayor, councilman
The Linn Valley City Council held its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, with newly elected Mayor Lister Potter presiding and all council members present. Potter and newly elected Council Member Curtis Coffman took their oath of office administered by City Clerk... [More]
Commissioners table discussion on vicious dog law
During the Jan. 20 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners discussed the county’s vicious dog ordinance. County Counselor Jacklyn Paletta noted that she needs time to review the codes and ordinances currently in place before recommendations can be made in regards to any... [More]
More News
- Linn County P&Z approves substation rezoning
- Jayhawk board receives updates from counselors, principals
- Special: KDA and KSRE offer Local Food Producer Workshop series
- Special: AARP Kansas Now Accepting 2026 Community Challenge Grant Applications
- Special: Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to host Washburn Piano Day Feb. 14 for K-12 piano students; registration open through Feb. 8
- Special: enator Marshall introduces WALZ Act to prevent large-scale welfare fraud nationwide
- Whole Milk is Back: President Trump Signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
- Special: Expiration of enhanced tax credits drives sharp premium increases on Kansas Health Insurance Marketplace
COMMUNITY
Carbon Monoxide and what you need to know
In 2025, the Linn County Rural Fire Department responded to 17 callouts dealing with carbon monoxide and, already in 2026, there has been at least one call to the Linn County Rural Fire Department for a carbon monoxide issue. Early in the year, Linn County Rural Fire... [More]
The Power of Hobbies: Why staying engaged matters as we age
As we grow older, maintaining health and independence becomes a top priority. While exercise and healthy eating often take center stage, one powerful tool for aging well is often overlooked - hobbies. Whether it’s gardening, painting, playing music or... [More]
Heartland REC expands Future Foundations Scholarship Program to 12 awards
GIRARD, Kan. — Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who live in homes served by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and are preparing for careers in high-demand... [More]
More Community
- Call for Entries: Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit 2026
- Tips for a safe New Year’s Eve
- KIDS CORNER: The stories behind Christmas traditions and symbols
- 2026 Operation Round Up awardees selected; more than $50,000 to be distributed
- Christmas food drive planned Dec. 20
- A piece of Prescott’s history
- Dream Aesthetics, Mound City, fulfilling a dream
- Holiday food drive distributions this weekend

