Linn County Leader

08/06/2026

Brayden's Dream Lives On Through Storybook Farm and Community Fundraisers

The next opportunity to support the project is Brayden's Friends Fest, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at 11 a.m. at 29623 Major Drive in Bucklin. The fundraiser will feature games, a petting zoo, bounce houses and family activities. Admission is $20 per household.

Brayden Nickel never met a stranger, loved animals, had a smile that no one could resist and was wise beyond his four short years.

08/05/2026

Dinsmore, Wrenn to Face off for Presiding Commissioner Seat in November
By Angie Hutschreider
On Tuesday, Linn County voters, cast their ballots in the August 2026 Primary Election. While the ballot contained four possible amendments to the Missouri Constitution, it also faced a primary on a key local race for Presiding Commissioner of Linn County as the only locally contested race before voters. County Clerk and Election Authority Suzan Stephenson reported the following unofficial results.
Stephenson estimated a 40% voter turnout; when the polls closed she reported a 32.68% voter turnout.
The major local matter before voters was the primary race for Presiding Commissioner.
On the Republican ballot were incumbent Nelson Dinsmore, Craig Noah (who asked voters publicly to vote for other candidates when he missed the deadline to withdraw from the race), David Hannink and Democratic Candidate Mitch Wrenn.
Dinsmore won the Republican Primary with 1,056 votes. Craig Noah had 236, and David E. Hannink had 674.
Following the election, Dinsmore thanked his supporters.
“Thank you for all the support and encouragement as I continue to work for our shared communities in Linn County,” he said. “I welcome the continued support in the General Election in November.”
Dinsmore will face Wrenn in the November Primary Election.
All election results are unofficial until certified by local and state election authorities.

08/04/2026

It’s Election Day! Polling places are open until 7 p.m.

08/03/2026

'Legacy of Dreams’ Celebrates Jerry Litton’s Enduring Impact

By Angie Hutschreider

CHILLICOTHE — Standing room only. That simple description captured the overwhelming response Sunday as more than 300 people filled the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center to celebrate the life, vision and enduring legacy of Congressman Jerry Litton during the “Legacy of Dreams” 50th-Anniversary commemoration.

The event honored a man, which many speakers said transformed Missouri agriculture, inspired generations of leaders and whose influence continues to be felt half a century after his death.

Visitors toured the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center, viewed a display of Litton’s beloved Charolais cattle and enjoyed musical performances by Jamie Pauls, Marylou Vandeventer and Scott Rule. The afternoon program featured former elected officials, university leaders and longtime friends.

The anniversary commemorated the events of Aug. 3, 1976, when Litton, his wife Sharon, daughter Linda, son Scott, family friend and pilot Paul Rupp Jr., and Rupp’s son, Paul Rupp III, were killed when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Chillicothe Municipal Airport. The family was enroute to Kansas City to celebrate Litton’s Democratic primary victory in the U.S. Senate race.

While the tragedy ended a promising political career, speaker after speaker emphasized that Litton’s vision has continued to shape Missouri through the work of the Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation and its leadership development programs.

For the full story, go to:

https://www.linncountyleader.com/legacy-of-dreams-celebrates-jerry-littons-enduring-impact/

08/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ES6eeUW42/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/01/2026

We stopped by Bucklin Homecoming tonight and really enjoyed ourselves! There is still a day of fun filled events tomorrow including a Car and Tractor Show, Baby Contest, Cake Walk, games in the park and more!

08/01/2026

Below is a statement from Brookfield Water and Sewer Department  that was issued at 9:15 p.m. today.

24-Hour Boil Water Advisory

A 24-hour Boil Water Advisory will be in effect for the following areas:

The 500 block of South Main Street, south of Tequila Jalisco (Tequila Jalisco is not included in the advisory).
The 100 and 200 blocks of Lenhart Street.
The 700 block of South Main Street.

Residents in these affected areas are advised to bring all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation to a rolling boil for at least 5 minutes before use.

The advisory is being issued as a precaution while water system work is completed and water quality testing is performed. The advisory will remain in effect for approximately 24 hours and will be lifted once laboratory results confirm the water is safe for consumption.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this necessary work.

07/31/2026

Four Constitutional Amendments Could Shape Missouri’s Future

By Angie Hutschreider

From taxes and conservation funding to election rules and local government, Aug. 4 ballot asks voters to decide major constitutional changes.

With the only contested race in Linn County being for Presiding Commissioner, County Clerk and Election Authority Suzan Stephenson is estimating 40% voter turnout. Some Linn County voters are being asked to vote on establishing a Fire Protection District in Sullivan County.

Stephenson said anyone with questions about where to vote should go to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website to locate their polling place, https://voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal/ , “or they are also welcome to call my office to check on their registration,” she said.

Her office can be reached by calling 660-895-5417.

For the full story, go to:
https://www.linncountyleader.com/four-constitutional-amendments-could-shape-missouris-future/

From taxes and conservation funding to election rules and local government, Aug. 4 ballot asks voters to decide major constitutional changes.

07/30/2026

Water Service Disruption, Boil Water Advisory Issued in Marceline

At about 10 a.m., today, Thursday, July 30, the City of Marceline released a notification of an Emergency Water Repair / Boil Water Advisory, noting that water service will be or is shut down for several locations in the city.

Residents/businesses in the following locations are affected:

• 300 – 700 Blocks of S Kansas (from Lake St to Wells St);

• 100 Block of E Lake St.;

• 100 Block of E Walker St.;

• 100 Block of E Booker St.;

• 100 Block of E Walker St.; and

• 100 Block of E Curtis St.

The advisory goes on to state, "Residents in the vicinity of the above blocks who experience water disruption should also be considered in this advisory."

It is expected this repair will take an approximately three hours to complete from the time work begins on the emergency repair.

Once water is restored, city crews recommend that affected residents boil their drinking water for 48 hours. It is recommended that drinking water be boiled at a rolling boil for three minutes and that you flush your own system, including the water heater.

At about 10 a.m., today, Thursday, July 30, the City of Marceline released a notification of an Emergency Water Repair / Boil Water Advisory, noting that water service will be or is shut down for several locations in the city. Residents/businesses in the following locations are affected: • 300 –...

07/30/2026

Zach Cupp Memorial Blood Drive to be Held Saturday

The 14th annual Zach Cupp Memorial Blood Drive will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a,m. - 3 p.m., at the Walsworth Community Center in Marceline.

“Not only does this blood drive collect a great amount of blood for those in need, but it also gives back to helping the Marceline High School Student Council along with counting toward your student’s three donations cord at graduation,” Maddie Cupp, Zach’s sister, said.

Zach was 17 years old when he was killed in a car accident in August 2012. Following the accident, Zach received several pints of blood during surgery. His parents, Matt and Laurie, along with all of Zach’s friends and family, encourage everyone to donate.

“Every year, the Marceline Fire Department hosts a blood drive in honor of my brother, Zach Cupp. This year marks the 14th anniversary of his passing along with the 14th anniversary of the blood drive,” Maddie Cupp said. “We have been able to do this for 14 years because of support and help from the fire department, Red Cross, and the donors themselves. If you’d like to give blood to help those in need, join us this upcoming Saturday!”

Appointments are helpful but not necessary. To make an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS, use the Blood Donor App , www.RedCrossBlood.org . Code MarcelineFireDept .

https://www.linncountyleader.com/zach-cupp-memorial-blood-drive-to-be-held-saturday/

The 14th annual Zach Cupp Memorial Blood Drive will be held tomorrow, Aug. 1, from 9 a,m. - 3 p.m., at the Walsworth Community Center in Marceline.