Sunday, July 26, 2026

Rich Hill firefighters receive additional training


On July 25th, area firefighters came together for a mock drill of a residential structure fire with victims trapped inside. Firefighters made forcible entry into the home to search for victims, which included a mixture of training dummies and some of the firefighters' children.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the individuals who allowed us to use this house for training before it is torn down. Exercises like this allow firefighters to hone their skills, preparing them to better serve the community. I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication these firefighters bring to the area.
The following departments attended the drill:
- Amsterdam Fire
- Butler Fire
- Foster Fire
- Rich Hill Fire


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Pony Pull coming September 19th


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Miami County Deputies Recover Nearly $20,000 in Stolen Property

Nearly $20,000 in Stolen Property Recovered During Two Separate Investigations
The Miami County Sheriff's Office recovered nearly $20,000 in stolen property during two separate and unrelated investigations conducted over the past several days.
The first investigation began on July 22, 2026, when the Miami County Sheriff's Office took a report of a stolen Grasshopper lawn mower valued at more than $4,000.
While on patrol on July 23, 2026, a Deputy developed information that the stolen lawn mower was located at a residence in the 32300 block of W. 379th Street in rural Miami County. On July 24, 2026, Deputies recovered the stolen lawn mower from the residence.
That investigation remains ongoing, and formal charges are expected to be submitted upon completion of the investigation. As with all criminal investigations, any suspect identified is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Later on July 24, 2026, shortly after 3:00 p.m., the Miami County Sheriff's Office received an Attempt to Locate (ATL) from the Cass County Sheriff's Office regarding a vehicle believed to be traveling into Miami County after a theft in Cass County, Missouri.
Deputies located the suspect vehicle in the 300 block of E. Shawnee Street in Paola. As deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect, he fled into a detached garage and barricaded himself inside. Deputies confirmed that items located in the vehicle and an attached trailer had been stolen from the Cass County victim.
After a brief period, the suspect, Benjamin R. Falk, 51, of Paola, Kansas, exited the detached garage and was taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, Deputies discovered additional stolen equipment inside the detached garage and recovered those items as well.
In total, Deputies recovered approximately $15,800 worth of stolen equipment from the vehicle, trailer, and garage.
Falk was booked into the Miami County Jail on the following charges:
K.S.A. 21-5801(a)(1) – Theft of Property
K.S.A. 8-113 – Identity of Vehicle; Unlawful Acts
Additional charges are expected in Cass County, Missouri. As with all criminal cases, Falk is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Miami County Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to the Kansas Department of Corrections officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for their assistance during the first investigation. We also thank the Paola Police Department for their assistance during the second investigation and the Cass County Sheriff's Office for their partnership and cooperation.
These investigations highlight the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Working together, these agencies recovered nearly $20,000 in stolen property in just two days while continuing to hold offenders accountable and return stolen property to its rightful owners.


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La Cygne police initiate traffic stop, ends with felony arrest


On July 25, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m., officers with the La Cygne Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of S. 7th Street for a minor traffic violation. The driver was identified at that time.
During the course of the stop, officers developed suspicion to believe additional crimes were afoot. As officers reapproached the vehicle, the driver decided he wanted to give officers an unscheduled tour of the countryside through both Linn and Miami Counties, fleeing at a high rate of speed on county roads, city streets, and state highways.
The pursuit came to an end near 399th Street and Stateline Road where the driver crashed his vehicle. Apparently deciding the scenic tour wasn't enough, he attempted to continue on foot to test the officers' stamina, but the foot pursuit was short-lived, and he was taken into custody without injury.
The suspect is currently being held at the Linn County Jail on the following charges:
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Felony Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement
• Felony Interference with Law Enforcement
• Failure to Signal
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Linn County Emergency Communications Center for their professionalism and orchestrating the chaos, as well as the Linn County Sheriff's Office, Miami County Sheriff's Office, and the Linn Valley Police Department for their assistance and continued partnership.
As always, we appreciate the teamwork between our neighboring agencies and are grateful this incident concluded without injuries to the public, officers, or the suspect.
(Suspect identity wont be released until formally charged in Linn County District Court, and is innocent until proven guilty)


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Extreme heat warning


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Obituary - Willa L. Querry


Willa L. Querry, age 95, Parker, Kansas passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026. 

Funeral service will be 10 am Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel.  Burial in the Cadmus Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday at the La Cygne Chapel.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  



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Obituary - Thomas Francis Moylan


Thomas Francis Moylan, age 84, La Cygne, Kansas passed away Friday, July 24, 2026. He was born on August 31, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri the son John and Loretta Lake Moylan. Tom was united in marriage to Rita Beach. She preceded him in death on December 31, 2012. Tom was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a life long member of the Pipe Fitters Union Local #533. He and Rita enjoyed time together square dancing, spending time with family and celebrating their Catholic Faith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita, parents, and a son Joseph. Tom is survived by three sons, Ernie Moylan, Luke Moylan and wife Rebecca, Stephen Moylan, and Tommy Moylan and wife Rachel, three daughters, Rita Anne Noel and husband Frankie, Cathy Flake and husband Joe, and Mary Heide and husband, Leon, a brother, William Moylan and wife Nancy, and a sister, Sr. Ann Moylan, sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mound City, Kansas. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed 5 pm Wednesday, July 29, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Visitation will follow the Rosary until 7 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to Our Lady of Lourdes or St Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.



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Obituary - Linda Jo Hisel


Linda Jo Hisel, age 66, of La Cygne, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Born on June 28, 1960, in Olathe, Kansas, she was the beloved daughter of William and Shirley (Duncan) Chambers.

Linda Jo lived a life centered on three things: Faith, Family, and Food. Her faith was steadfast, her family was her greatest blessing, and her love for cooking was one of the many ways she cared for others. The kitchen was her happy place, and she had a gift for bringing people together around the table. Every meal she prepared was made with love, and no one ever left her home hungry. Whether it was a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a meal for someone going through a difficult time, she found joy in serving others through her cooking.

Family meant everything to Linda Jo. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved watching her children play sports as they were growing up and later found just as much joy cheering on her grandchildren from the sidelines. She celebrated every milestone, offered unwavering encouragement, and made each member of her family feel deeply loved. Her greatest accomplishment was the family she helped build and nurture.

On August 9, 2006, Linda Jo married the love of her life, Steve Hisel. Together they shared a marriage rooted in faith, love, and devotion.

Linda Jo was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and had a servant’s heart that reached far beyond her own family. She devoted countless hours to her community through organizations such as Grady’s Kids and Ray of Hope, always looking for ways to help those in need. Whether volunteering her time, preparing meals, offering encouragement, or simply showing up for someone who needed a friend, she made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. She truly never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Shirley Chambers, brother in-law Steve Lawrence, and brother William Gerald Jr.

Linda Jo is survived by her loving husband, Steve; her son, Kyle Nelson and wife Rachel; her daughters, Tara Minckley and husband Dillon, Katie Moore, Carrie Page and husband Luke, and Tracy Hughes and husband Shawn; her brother, Jerry Chambers and wife Jamie; her sisters, Ruth Anne Lawrence, Susan Walker and husband Kenny, and Janet Eldridge and husband Walt; her cherished grandchildren Briley and wife Kaitlyn, Kourtney, Kyla, Karson, Alyssa, Kennisyn, Boden, Kale, Layton, Austin, Hadley, Kanton, Raeley, Shayden, Everley, Robbie, and Ruthie; seven beloved great-grandchildren; Nephews and Nieces and countless extended family members, friends, neighbors, and members of the community whose lives she touched.

Linda Jo’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love, selfless generosity, and genuine kindness. She gave freely of her time, her talents, and her heart. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back without a second thought. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the meals she shared, the love she gave so generously, and the faith she lived by will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, La Cygne, Kansas. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Monday, July 27, at Wicked Outfitters, 22802 Valley Rd, La Cygne, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to Ray of Hope or Grady's Kids. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.



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