Linn County Firefighter Josh Haynes passed away on Wednesday afternoon after collapsing while fighting a fire at Carpenter Chiropractic late Monday night, June 20.
Haynes, who was airlifted to KU Medical Center on Monday night, began his career as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18, and gave 17-plus years to Pleasanton and the surrounding communities as a firefighter.
“Josh was in kindergarten my first year teaching,” said USD 344 Superintendent and fellow volunteer firefighter Travis Laver in a facebook post.
“Over the past several years I would watch Josh grow into a great young man and father,” he added. “Josh was always ready to do anything for anyone and was always the fireman that you knew would be on nearly every call.”
NEWS
Property taxes and how they work

In Kansas, there is a definitive process for determining what the property taxes are on any given piece of property. Did you know that according to SmartAsset.com Linn County has the second lowest property tax average in the entire state? According to information available... [More]
Pleasanton Fire Department personnel hiring questioned

What started out as a department update from Pleasanton Fire Chief Jeff Wisdom, turned into a showdown between councilmembers and the mayor in who was hired as volunteer firefighters in Pleasanton. Wisdom informed the council he was beginning training for new firefighters September... [More]
Commission ‘bares’ down to pass public nudity ban

Linn County commissioners passed a resolution banning public nudity at its Sept. 2 weekly meeting, delayed a day for the governmental Labor Day holiday. Resolution No. 2025-16, enacted on a 2-0 vote with Alison Hamilton not present, forbids nudity on public property or outside... [More]
More News
- Paris Township voting location to move to Mound City
- USD 362 passes 2025-26 school budget
- Parker appoints police chief
- SPECIAL: Drainpipe replacement on K-31 in Linn County
- Linn County News website gets new update
- Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral
- Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
SPORTS
Alvarez leads Pleasanton cross country

The Pleasanton cross country team traveled to Garnett for their first meet of the year on Sept. 4 at the Annual Jerry Howarter Invitational. The Jays had runners in both the junior high and high school races. Dominic Alvarez led the Hawks as he earned a medal and placed... [More]
Jayhawk football starts season with shutout over Central Heights

The Jayhawk Linn football team traveled to Fort Scott on Sept. 5 to host the Central Heights Vikings for their first game of the season. This was supposed to be a home game for the Hawks but had to be played at Fort Scott because the field was not ready. The game began with... [More]
Spradling era kicks off with oohhs and 'Oz'
Jason Spradling's head coaching era at Prairie View debuted with plenty of oohhs and 'Oz' Friday night. The oohhs came from an offensive running attack that amassed 612 rushing yards, all but 99 in the first half, and saw Buffalo four-year starters Parker Schwarz gain 287 yards... [More]
More Sports
- Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’
- Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair
- Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
COMMUNITY
Parker Days set for Sept. 20

This year’s annual Parker Days event is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 and the theme for the event is “Sunshine and Smiles.” The event kicks off on Friday evening with the Mason’s Fish Fry, a free-will donation dinner, at 5 p.m. at the Mason’s Building. ... [More]
Pleasanton Chamber Business Expo Thursday, Sept. 4

Free hotdogs to attendees The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business expo Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Pleasanton Community Center. The public is welcome to come see the diverse businesses available to them from 4 – 7 p.m. The Chamber is providing free hotdogs... [More]
MCHP seeks quilts for Fall Festival and Quilt Show

The Mound City Historical Society, caretakers of the Mound City Historical Park, will hold their second annual Fall Festival and Quilt Show on Oct. 11-12. Entries for the Quilt Show are now being taken. Quilt Show organizer Maribeth Kehl says they are once again looking for... [More]
More Community
- Local family offers drawing lessons for kids in online broadcast
- First aid safety with Joe Stellwagon
- Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe open in Mound City
- USD 346 welcomes new staff members
- USD 344 welcomes new staff
- USD 362 welcomes 8 new licensed teachers
- John and Helen Barnes Community Grant now open
- USD 344 offering virtual school option for 2025-2026 academic year