Tisha Coleman, Linn County Health Department nurse administrator, informed the County Commissioners Monday that the COVID-19 virus has been considered a pandemic virus as of March 11. With that, she and Emergency Management Coordinator Doug Barlet and others have worked to try to lessen the impact of any possible outbreak that may hit Linn County.
“The goal is to reduce the impact so clinic and hospital workers are not overwhelmed,” said Coleman. “Community leaders have the responsibility to help.”
She continued that if someone is infected and is yet to show symptoms and goes into a larger group, that group has the potential of becoming infected. “The goal is not to eliminate, but to postpone and lower the mortality rate.”
She said that the first line of defense is in social distancing or leaving six feet to 10 feet of distance between you and another person. The virus sticks to hard surfaces like door knobs, table tops, etc., but is heavy and won’t travel far distances through the air. “Keep people home until this recedes,” said Coleman.
She said 80 percent of cases may only experience mild symptoms, but the vulnerable population that makes up 27 percent of Linn County’s population is the elderly, or age 60-plus.
“We recommend voluntary isolation to slow the spread or flatten the curve,” said Coleman.
She then asked the commissioners to be allowed to hire more temporary nurses on an as-needed basis to help if the virus spreads in the county. After discussion, the commissioners approved Coleman hiring temporary full-time nurses as needed.
“I can work from home,” said Coleman, who has access to computers there, “but if I get exposed, I’ll need help in the office.”
Commissioner Mike Page commented that the hiring of nurses would not be inexpensive, but would be necessary.
The commission then discussed that senior congregate meals would have to be looked at as the elderly were vulnerable. They said that the county would have to come up with a plan to deliver meals to seniors, helping them avoid going out where they could be exposed to the virus.
Commissioner Rick James said, “If people feel you’re overreacting rather than under-reacting, that tells you you’re doing the right thing.”
Barlet said, “If we slow it down, we’ll hopefully keep it below the healthcare capacity line.”
The group then discussed essential and non-essential services at the county level. “We have no cases; we’re preparing for the situation. There is a 60-day window on the governor’s declaration specific to the coronavirus. We have the phone bank up with 10 phones.”
He also said the county has capped the volume of large gatherings at 20 people with the goal of protecting the high-risk population. “The feds recommended 50, as did the state.”
Monday afternoon President Trump said the recommended group size was lowered to 10 nationally.
Coleman said that the public health officer said the maximum size of a group recommended was set based on county population and other factors.
High-risk populations were recommended at no more than 10 people in a meeting.
The public health officer told Coleman and Barlet that the goal was to stay ahead of the virus as it is hard to catch up if the county gets behind.
Barlet said, “The Ohio governor was criticized for taking the action we’re taking, but the same people will criticize him that not enough was done.”
He then said that Colorado just experienced a major outbreak with 135 people testing positive for the virus.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath is urged to call the county phone bank at 913-795-7302.
NEWS
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
COMMUNITY
Knowing and preventing kids sports injuries
School is about to begin and so are school sports. Kids of all ages, from elementary to high school enjoy competitive team sports but injuries happen in all of them. This article will focus on the types of injuries kids can get from playing sports and more importantly what kids,... [More]
4H Style Revue and Performing Arts set for July 26

The 2025 4-H Style Revue and Performing Arts Show will again be a pre-fair event, held on Saturday, July 26, at the First Baptist Church in Mound City. The event is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. 4-Hers enrolled in the Style Revue project will be modeling their... [More]
Benefit dinner and auction July 26

Trumbley recipient of proceeds On July 26, the 4H Building will be the site of a benefit dinner and silent auction in honor of Megan Trumbley who is currently battling cancer. Megan is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments and the benefit is being held... [More]
More Community
- Wade recounts WWII experience in South West Pacific theatre
- Cultivating Kindness film crew win Telly Awards
- Local roots bring couple back to familiar territory
- Remembering those who gave all
- Prairie View FFA captures State Ag Mechanics Championship
- Free summer meals for kids age 1 to 18 in Pleasanton
- New rescue seeks donations to aid startup
- Cultivating Kindness film premiere held on April 27