News

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.

Those who have attended River Suite in previous years will find something new at this year’s dinner and music event on the historic Cottonwood River Bridge in downtown Cottonwood Falls.

Dave Leiker, of Emporia, captured a few scenes from the UNBOUND gravel races last weekend that captured a glimpse of how grueling the contests were. Leiker said he had deep respect for the riders and referred to them as “signs of courage, resolve and character.” Leiker used to work as part of the photography team, as a stringer for the Kansas City Star. He said he missed the pure adventure and challenge of the work, and getting deep into that element. He loves seeing the play of emotion in the riders’ faces and the inspiration of seeing them rise to such a challenge and meeting it.

Mark Brooks