Winter officially begins Wednesday, Dec. 21. As if to herald the event, a winter storm system will be moving into Kansas on Wednesday, bringing frigid temperatures and snow.
Accumulating snowfall is expected from Wednesday night through Thursday across the state with the potential for four inches of snow in some areas by Thursday.
In addition to snow, arctic air will be moving into the state and winds will become strong out of the north and northwest. Highest gusts on Thursday are expected to be between 40 and 45 mph. The strong winds will cause visibility issues due to blowing snow and will create life-threatening wind chills in the -40 to -50 degree range, which should occur Friday morning.
“Every year, Kansans must face the challenges of winter snowstorms,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “The key to meeting those challenges is to be prepared. I urge all Kansans to remember the lessons learned from past storms and take measures to make sure their families are ready by making a home emergency kit and emergency plan.”
A home emergency kit should include a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, nonperishable food, high-energy snacks, and drinking water, at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of three days. For more information on emergency kits, go online to https://www.ready.gov/kit.
It is also advisable to keep an emergency supply kit in your car that also includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).
Avoid travel if you can. If you do travel, make sure someone knows your travel plans and make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Ensure your mobile phone is charged, and make sure your car's emergency kit is up to date. Whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather information.
If you do become stranded in a winter storm, do not panic. Stay in the vehicle, keep fresh air circulating through a downwind window, run the motor sparingly, turn on the dome light, and make sure the vehicle’s tailpipe is clear of snow. Stimulate circulation and stay awake by moving arms and legs. If you leave the car, work slowly in the snow to avoid overexertion and the risk of a heart attack.
If you have a cell phone, call a Kansas Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (47), or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.
For a complete list of items for an emergency kit for your home and vehicle, go to www.ready.gov.
Prepare ahead of the storm so that your livestock are taken care of:
- Provide appropriate shelter from the elements. Livestock can generally tolerate cold temperatures, but wind, rain, or snow will require a greater expenditure of calories. With that in mind, be sure they have a way to get out of the elements, especially the wind. Blankets can help protect horses, but a structural shelter with proper ventilation and dry bedding is the best method of protection.
- Consider the amount and quality of feed. Besides taking shelter, livestock keep warm by expending energy, which means they need to consume enough calories to heat themselves.
- Ensure access to water. It is crucial that your herd has access to fresh and unfrozen water. Tank heaters or heated buckets can help keep water at a temperature your animals are more comfortable drinking. Livestock will not drink adequate amounts of water if it is near freezing, and drinking enough water is important to your animals' health and well-being in winter months.
For information on pet care go to https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx
State road and travel conditions are available at the Kansas Department of Transportation's website - www.Kandrive.org. Impacts to traffic are updated 24/7, including maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic and closed highways. You may also call 5-1-1 for Kansas road conditions, outside Kansas call 1-866-511-5368 (KDOT).
NEWS
SPECIAL: Commission to vote Monday on Parker Center lease

Linn County commissioners plan to vote at their weekly 9 a.m. meeting next Monday, June 2, on a 99-year lease agreement with Parker and their Senior Center building. At Tuesday's weekly Commission meeting, delayed by a day because of Monday's federal Memorial Day observance,... [More]
Despite Chamber loss, Blast in the Park fireworks will go off

Council actions include split vote on deed conveyance Hearing of the disbandment of its local Chamber of Commerce, La Cygne leaders have verbally concurred that the city’s part in the annual Blast in the Park festivities will go on. Following that Chamber notification... [More]
Linn Valley discusses city hall funding sources

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present. Donelson informed the council of two potential opportunities for funding a new City Hall building. ... [More]
More News
- USD 362 board rejects adding bus A/C
- SPECIAL: Blue Mound man seriously injured in accident
- Commissioners make official statement on Tanglewood roads
- La Cygne okays local police firing range
- Mound City council adopts rules for camping
- LCSO releases statement on incident
- Pleasanton requests 1-year automatic aid fire extension
- Commissioners hear update, discuss aid agreement for Pleasanton FD
SPORTS
Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to West Franklin on May 22 to compete in the 3A Regional. As a team the girls placed 10th with a score of 22.5 points while the boys were fifth with 56 points. This year the top three places in each event qualify for the State meet then... [More]
School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka

The Pleasanton track team traveled to Eureka on May 22 for a 2A Regional track meet. This year the top three places advance to the State meet along the top four times/distances not from the top three from all other Regionals. This year the Jays qualified eight athletes in seven... [More]
More Sports
- Lady Hawks win league as Hawks host TRL meet
- Pleasanton track sets school records at Pioneer League track meet
- Prairie View track sets meet and league records at Wellsville
- Pleasanton baseball splits against Jayhawk
- Prairie View softball defeats Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk baseball earns win over Pleasanton
- Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational
- Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View
COMMUNITY
Remembering those who gave all

While many of us choose to utilize Memorial Day weekend to remember our own loved ones who have gone before us, the real purpose behind the holiday is memorializing those who gave everything to the service of their country and their fellow Americans. It’s about taking time... [More]
Prairie View FFA captures State Ag Mechanics Championship

MANHATTAN, KAN. - The Prairie View High School FFA Chapter has secured a remarkable victory at the Kansas FFA State Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE), demonstrating exceptional technical skills and teamwork that will propel them to the national competition... [More]
Free summer meals for kids age 1 to 18 in Pleasanton

Faith Chapel Church and the Kansas Food Bank have partnered to provide summer meals for children in Pleasanton as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be distributed as a “Grab & Go” each week. Meals will be distributed at the church,... [More]
More Community
- New rescue seeks donations to aid startup
- Cultivating Kindness film premiere held on April 27
- Jayhawk Linn to present ‘Maid to Order’ for spring play
- Students surprise teacher with bell ringing
- Shillito selected for Heartland Youth Tour
- 60 years of friendships and memories
- Baby birth, voting… almost rolled into one package
- Kellstadt opens new business in Mound City