Shawn Linenberger | DesotoExplorer.com

Shawn has been with The Mirror since 2001 and is the news editor.

Recent stories

K-32 head-on collision leaves De Soto man in critical condition: By Shawn Linenberger; June 19, 2012; A head-on collision Tuesday in southeast Leavenworth County sent two people to an area hospital, one of whom was in critical condition Tuesday evening.
Convicted sex offender escapes from Lansing: By Shawn Linenberger; April 18, 2012; A 59-year-old convicted sex offender escaped early Wednesday from Lansing Correctional Facility.
Rumsfeld visits Fort Leavenworth: By Shawn Linenberger; February 24, 2012; Donald Rumsfeld recalled his 2001 Secretary of Defense confirmation hearing in which he fielded a question from U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas about what worried him late at night.
After slow start, some sunflowers are blooming at Grinter farm south of Tonganoxie: By Shawn Linenberger; August 25, 2011; Ted Grinter’s sunflower crop had a slight Goldilocks complex this summer — but he hopes his bounty of the state flower now has found that everything is just right.
Soldier’s widow reflects on bin Laden’s demise: By Shawn Linenberger; May 5, 2011; Tonganoxie resident Kelly Griffiths learned of Osama bin Laden’s death via radio Monday during her morning commute to work.
New activities to be offered in Kansas Sampler Fest’s 2nd year in Leavenworth: By Shawn Linenberger; May 5, 2011; Visitors to this weekend’s Kansas Sampler Festival in Leavenworth have the opportunity to see exhibits and try foods and beverages from across the state.
Winds of Freedom band to make return later this month to Tonganoxie venue: By Shawn Linenberger; January 4, 2011; The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band’s Winds of Freedom is making a return to Tonganoxie.
Gas leak work concludes; K-32 reopens: By Shawn Linenberger; October 20, 2010; Kansas Highway 32 is open again after Wednesday’s chlorine gas leak had several local agencies on scene just west of Bonner Springs.
Leavenworth County attorney warning about asphalt company scamming elderly residents: By Shawn Linenberger; July 2, 2010; The Leavenworth County attorney is warning Leavenworth County residents to be on the lookout for a fly-by-night asphalt company that already has scammed a few elderly Leavenworth residents.
No shadow: Tonganoxie Phil’s prognostication means so long winter, hello early spring; By Shawn Linenberger; 05:30 p.m., February 2, 2010 Updated 10:20 a.m.; If local residents are ready for spring to arrive early, they should be glad Tonganoxie Phil ventured outside Tuesday morning.

Recent photos

Trees dot VFW Park in Tonganoxie. Arbor Day, which originated in Nebraska, will be celebrated Friday, April 27.

This year is the first leap year since 2008. Timeanddate.com offers facts about leap years and how they became part of our modern calendar.

A unit from Fort Leavenworth marches in the 2010 Veterans Day Parade in Leavenworth, one of the largest parades of its type in the United States.

Ted Grinter, who lives between Lawrence and Tongonoxie, works his 27 acres of sunflowers on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2011. Some of the sunflowers are up, but others were washed away or didn't spout this year. Grinter replanted, but says the crop will be weird this year. Some flower will be in bloom on time, while others will be up to three week's late.

Val and Jamie Carlisle, Tonganoxie, stand near one of their coffee bean roasters. A faulty filter in a second roaster caused carbon monoxide emissions in their house, putting them at risk of death had they not called for medical assistance when they did.

Full photo list