In Kansas, Red Cross volunteers have helped more than 450 people after home fires since Jan. 1, 2021
This Sunday, as people turn their clocks forward for daylight saving time, the American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma region encourages everyone to take this opportunity to test their smoke alarms.
Since Jan. 1, 2021, local Red Cross volunteers have helped more than 450 people with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and recovery planning, following 143 home fires across Kansas.
“Home fires remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19,” said Brittney Rochell, Kansas Oklahoma Red Cross chief communications officer. “This weekend, take a moment to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”
HOW TO ‘TURN AND TEST’ Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Below are steps to take when testing your alarms:
· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
· Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the instructions.
· Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).
NEWS
Potential solar contractors answer questions

Information was recently disseminated via Facebook concerning potential ground leases that may come before the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission; the information was part of an online petition to try to stop solar fields. With that, solar companies answered several questions... [More]
Audience members request one year moratorium on solar farms

Letter from KDWP discussed during meeting During the public comment segment of the commissioner’s weekly meeting on Monday, several people in the audience again spoke regarding the current zoning regulations for commercial solar farms. Public comment... [More]
USD 362 sells construction class house

Move solves one of three financial issues Monday night’s Unified School District 362 approval at a special meeting of the sale of a vocational-education construction house in La Cygne has solved what appeared to be an impending financial concern. However, two... [More]
More News
- La Cygne passes past-debated action items
- Commercial solar panels top Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
- Commissioners put attorney on retainer for solar matters
- Parker to use ARPA funds for cam installment
- Boil Water Advisory Issued for City of Pleasanton, Linn County
- County to seek Queens Road sloughing solutions
- Desludging award headlines La Cygne actions
- Armed suicidal subject, shots fired
SPORTS
Prairie View rolls against Burlington on Homecoming

The Prairie View football team hosted Burlington on Sept. 22 for their Homecoming game. Homecoming is so much better with a win and the Buffalos provided that as they fought their way to a 44-19 victory. One of the things that won this game for the Buffalos were big runs by... [More]
Pleasanton cross country competes at Prairie View and Humboldt

The Pleasanton cross country team traveled to Prairie View to compete in the Humboldt Invitational on Sept. 19 and then the Ramsey Invitational at Prairie View on Sept. 21. Both junior high and high school runners competed for the Jays at the Humboldt Invitational. Kei-Mahni... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk Linn routs Uniontown in home opener
- Pleasanton volleyball has a busy week
- Prairie View cross country performs well at Wellsville
- Pleasanton football routs Northeast Arma
- Big Buffalo rally falls just short
- Jayhawk football dominates first two games
- Jays survive typical first game hiccups
- Prairie View football falls to Parsons to open the season
COMMUNITY
Epps invited to speak at KASB banquet

On Saturday, Sept. 23, Don Epps, Superintendent of USD 344, traveled to Wichita, Kan., to give a two-hour presentation at the Dale Dennis Teacher of the Year Banquet at the Kansas State Department of Education conference. According to Epps, approximately 90 to 130 nominations... [More]
The Missourians to perform in Mound City

The gospel music quartet, The Missourians, will be in concert at the Mound City Christian Church on Sunday, Sept. 24. The concert will begin at 2:30 p.m. and free will donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to the Mound City Historical Park to fund repairs and improvements.... [More]
Eagle Scouts complete community service projects
Last week, Mason Barron and Morgan Barron completed their Eagle Scout projects for the city of Pleasanton. Mason Barron refurbished two park benches and installed them downtown on Ninth Street just east of Main Street. These benches are the first stage in an improvement... [More]
More Community
- Young entrepreneur opens ice cream trailer
- Ribbon cutting held for Walter Scott Brown highway commemoration
- Rhodes retires from Sheriff’s Office
- A passing of the torch: McGinnis takes over family-run auction service
- Veterans and students take trip of lifetime together
- Reconnecting with the family farm
- Robert F. Morgan Scholarship Run set for June 10
- Honoring their ancestors