Linn County News
Published Feb. 10, 2021
Barbara Sue Smith Michael, age 76, departed this life Feb. 2, 2021, after a lengthy fight with cancer. She was born Oct. 21, 1944, the third child of William Louis and Irmal Irene Cowan Smith. She was first married to Brett Lewis. They had one child, Edward Wayne Lewis who preceded her in death on July 29, 2019. The marriage ended in divorce. She later married Van Michael, also ending in divorce. Barbara graduated from Blue Mound High School. She worked for Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and later at an insurance company in Fort Scott, Kan. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Charles Smith. Barbara is survived by a brother, Dan Smith (Eleanor); three nieces, Debra Miller (Fred), Patricia Fee (Brian), and Kandi Proudfoot; special nephew, Gary Smith, wife Teresa; and family Randy, Lindsey and Victoria; special friend Timothy Dawdy;
OBITUARIES
James (Jim) Joseph Dent ~ 01-25-1945 to 04-28-2026
Linn County News Published May 4, 2026 James (Jim) Joseph Dent, 81, of Walnut, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Prairie Mission Retirement Village at St. Paul. He was born on Jan. 25, 1945, in Walnut to Mary Jo (Reeves) and Joseph Dent.... [More]
Rex Alan Brown ~ 08-10-1959 to 04-25-2026
Linn County News Published April 29,2026 Rex Alan Brown, age 66, of Prescott, Kan., passed away on April 25, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family. There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 11... [More]
Edward Lee Umphenour ~ 10-05-1943 to 04-26-2026
Linn County News Published April 29, 2026 Edward Lee Umphenour, 82 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on April 26, 2026. Edward Lee was a man with a recognizable voice and has been referred to as the voice of Linn County. He was born to Edward and Katherine... [More]
More Obituaries
- Emily Donnell Brown Tinsley ~ 09-24-2931 to 04-24-2026
- Velma Fay (Cline) Peterson ~ 04-29-1944 to 04-15-2026
- Bruce Lynn Jeffers ~ 01-30-1957 to 04-12-2026
- Vernon Lee Ross ~ 12-01-1955 to 04-10-2026
- Howard Chaney Herrmann ~ 05-28-1944 to 04-01-2026
- Tevina Marie Eicher ~ 04-09-1979 to 03-23-2026
- Kellie Jo Harvey ~ 10-24-1968 to 03-26-2026
- Naomi “Skip” Childress ~ 08-23-1926 to 03-21-2026
NEWS
Commissioners appoint interim fire chief and emergency management coordinator
With Commissioner Jim Johnson and County Counselor Jacklyn Paletta attending via telephone, the commissioners briefly discussed whether to appoint an interim Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator or post for the position(s) due to the recent resignation of Randy Hegwald... [More]
Commissioners question department heads on April 13 storms
During the meeting on Monday, April 27, the commissioners met with several department heads to hear reports on departmental actions during and after the tornadic storms that hit portions of Linn County on April 13. The discussion included Linn County Sheriff James Akes, Linn... [More]
Pleasanton City Administrator announces retirement Aug. 3
Pleasanton’s Monday, April 20, council meeting lasted well into the night after discussing a dock grant, see separate story, and several other items. At the end of the meeting, Mayor Mathew Young read a letter announcing City Administrator Becky Hegwald’s retirement... [More]
More News
- Linn Valley discussed storm shelters
- Couple survives home destruction from EF1 tornado
- Questions asked following storms that hit county
- Commissioners hear several items from Planning and Zoning
- La Cygne council hears report on blighted structure
- Pleasanton Council proceeds with fishing dock grant
- Early Dismissals
- SPECIAL: Youthfront application not a Public Hearing
SPORTS
Jayhawk baseball goes 4-0 against Erie and Yates Center
The Jayhawk Linn baseball team went 4-0 this past week in double-headers against Erie and Yates Center. They traveled to Erie on April 20 and defeated the Red Devils 14-4 and 16-5. Then they hosted Yates Center and won both those games 15-4 and 13-1. The first game against... [More]
Pleasanton sweeps St. Paul, splits against Uniontown
The Pleasanton baseball team played St. Paul and Uniontown this past week. They traveled to St. Paul on April 20 and defeated the Indians in a double-header, 18-3 and 16-9. The team then hosted Uniontown in another double-header, they won the first game 5-2 but lost the second... [More]
Prairie View baseball 3-0 against Osage City and Butler
The Prairie View baseball team played Osage City and Butler this past week. They traveled to Osage City on April 21 and defeated them in a double-header, 7-6 and 18-6. Then they hosted a single game against Butler on April 23 and won that game 18-3. The first game against Osage... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
- Prairie View baseball falls to Burlington and splits against Lebo
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Central Heights and Marmaton Valley
- Prairie View softball goes 3-1 against Iola and Jayhawk
- Jayhawk softball sweeps St. Paul and falls to Prairie View
- Pleasanton track wins at Oswego
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
- Jayhawk softball swept by Central Heights
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
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