Main

The 2026 Washunga Days Parade, sponsored by TCT Kansas, will be held Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Council Grove.

Bound & Determined, one of two live music acts scheduled for the free Community Night celebration during Washunga Days, will perform Friday, June 19, on North Neosho Street, just north of Main Street in Council Grove. The evening’s activities will begin at 6 p.m.

Council Grove residents already know Jonny V’s BBQ for its smoked meats, catering, pop-up events and now its move into a permanent home. But for Jon and Tawnie Talib, the opening of their own brickand-mortar restaurant is not simply a new business venture. It is the result of years of work, lessons learned, family decisions and a long path that began well before the doors opened in the former BGs location at 15 N. Neosho, Council Grove.

The Morris County Commissioner meeting was called to order on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Commissioners Jim Barber, David Fox and Wayne Kohler were present. Dawn Wecker, County Clerk’s Office, and Bill Kassebaum, County Counselor, were present.

Joe Newland, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor on gubernatorial candidate Vicki Schmidt’s ticket, visited the Council Grove Republican office Tuesday as part of an early campaign swing through Kansas communities.

The Council Grove City Council met for its regular meeting Tuesday, June 2, at City Hall.

Braves earn state, league honors Council Grove Braves Baseball Coach Matt Wilkens and several members of the Braves’ 2026 team received postseason recognition following a 26-2 season that placed Council Grove among the top programs in Class 3A. Wilkens was named the 2026 KABC 3A All-State Baseball Coach of the Year after leading the Braves through a season that included 26 wins and only two losses. The honor came as five Council Grove players also received all-state recognition from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.

Sally Newcomer

Wayne Kohler has announced his candidacy for re-election as Morris County Commissioner for District 1. Kohler has served as District 1 commissioner for 12 years. In announcing his candidacy, he said he has been honored to represent voters in the district and described his time on the commission as both “an eye-opening experience and a rewarding one.” “I make no promises,” Kohler said. “I will be fair and use common sense.”

For generations, Flint Hills ranching has depended on grass, cattle, weather, water and fence.