The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula of Pleasonton, Kan., has now confirmed the cause of the teen's death.
According to the autopsy conducted by the Wyandotte County Kansas Coroner's Office, the cause of death has been identified as multiple dog bite injuries.
Damon Leonard of Pleasonton, Kan. remains in custody on a $100,000, cash-only bond, in Bates County, Mo. on charges of abandonment of a corpse in relation to the teen’s death. Charges against Leonard have also been filed in Linn County for interference of law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.
The investigation in to Airen’s death remains ongoing by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) or online at KCcrimestoppers.com. All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. There is nothing further to report at this time.
NEWS
Special: KDA and KSRE offer Local Food Producer Workshop series
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer seven regional Local Food Producer Workshops to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and for those wanting to sell food products directly... [More]
Special: AARP Kansas Now Accepting 2026 Community Challenge Grant Applications
The annual program aims to make communities in Kansas more livable for people of all ages. Topeka, KS—AARP Kansas invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now... [More]
Special: Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to host Washburn Piano Day Feb. 14 for K-12 piano students; registration open through Feb. 8
TOPEKA, KAN. — The Washburn University Music & Theatre Department will host Washburn Piano Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 14 for K-12 piano students. “As students prepare for spring piano recitals and competitions, Washburn Piano Day gives... [More]
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SPORTS
Pleasanton boys’ basketball team picks up wins against Miami and Central Heights
The Pleasanton boys’ basketball team continues winning basketball games as the team went 2-0 this past week to go 5-0 in district play and 7-1 overall. The Jays hosted Miami on Jan. 6 and defeated them in a r0ut 65-27 before traveling to Central Heights on Jan. 9 to win... [More]
Jayhawk basketball picks up wins against Oswego
The Jayhawk boys’ and girls’ basketball teams hosted Oswego on Jan. 9 in Three Rivers League action. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams won their games against the Indians as the girls won in a rout 49-15 and the boys won in a thriller 45-41. The... [More]
Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes at Louisburg
The Prairie View boys’ wrestling team traveled to Louisburg on Jan. 10 to compete in the Louisburg Invitational. The Buffalos placed 13th out of 16 teams with 60 team points. Breckyn Malin, 106, went 1-3 in the tournament. Malin won his second match by fall. Bentlee... [More]
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- Blu-Jay boys sweep and girls split against Altoona Midway and Uniontown
- Prairie View girls’ basketball falls to Santa Fe Trail and Iola
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball dominates Southeast Cherokee and Erie
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- Pleasanton boys’ basketball place second at Linn County Tournament with a solid performance
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball wins the Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes in the Fort Scott dual tournament
- Jayhawk Linn girls’ wrestling kicks off season with a solid performance at Caney Valley
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
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