October 31, 2020: 1:00 PM
I would like to make everyone in Linn County aware of the significant spike in COVID-19 cases we have experienced. Since our published report on Wednesday, we have an increase of 17 New COVID-19 cases with a total of 21 currently active cases and 2 known hospitalizations. With our elections taking place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, I am deeply concerned about the potential to further spread the COVID-19 Coronavirus in Linn County.
As a result, I am requesting that everyone adhere to the following guidelines when you are out in public and especially when you are at a polling location:
1. Please do not go out in public if you are sick.
2. Wear a mask whenever you are out in a public place.
3. Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when hand washing is not possible.
4. Maintain proper social distancing (at least 6 feet from others).
5. Avoid unnecessary travel and activities.
If you have been isolated or quarantined by the Local Health Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may contact the Linn County Clerk’s office on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 to get assistance with your voting needs. Their phone number is (913) 795-2668. You may want to contact the Clerk’s Office on Monday, November 2, 2020 to let them know you will need voting assistance due to your isolation/quarantine order. This will help us make sure everyone who wishes to vote on Tuesday has that opportunity.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please contact the Linn County Public Health Department at (913) 795-7302 to discuss testing options. You may also contact your local doctor’s office but please call in advance of going to their facility to make proper arrangements with them. Be sure and advise them that you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms include Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of Breath (Difficulty Breathing), Loss of Taste or Smell, Sore Throat, Muscle or Body Aches/Pains, Diarrhea, Nausea or Vomiting, Headache, Fatigue, and Congestion or Runny Nose.
You can spread COVID-19 up to 2 days before experiencing symptoms and not all people with COVID-19 will have symptoms. Therefore, it is so important for us all to follow the guidelines above.
COVID-19 Coronavirus is affecting us in a variety of ways. We have a daycare and a library that have temporarily closed, government offices and their services have been impacted and we have active cases in virtually every area and community of the County.
Robin Spencer, ARNP-C, LHO
NEWS
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
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- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- 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
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
COMMUNITY
Local family offers drawing lessons for kids in online broadcast
After he and his family relocated to the Pleasanton area from Denver, Colo., Eddie Nouri began working from home as a graphic artist. “I am blessed to be able to work from home,” said Eddie of his position, noting the many different things he has designed over the... [More]
First aid safety with Joe Stellwagon
I recently met one of Linn County’s EMS paramedics to talk about first aid and why it’s important. The paramedic’s name is Joe Stellwagon, and before we talked about first aid, I wanted to learn a little bit about him and why he became a paramedic. Joe works... [More]
Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe open in Mound City

Walking into Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe gives those who can’t wait to partake of old-fashioned ice cream a vision of what an old-time ice cream parlor would have been like. Now, that ice cream parlor is open at 510 W. Main in Mound City. Brady and Leslie Wolfe,... [More]
More Community
- 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
- Cell phone use at school sees changes for upcoming year
- Filling out free/reduced lunch applications helps students and schools
- Miami County Museum to present one-woman play on Laura Ingalls Wilder