Linn County News
Published February 19, 2025
David C. Mitchell of Olathe, Kan., passed away in serene peace at Hospice House of Olathe on Feb. 11, 2025. Dave was born in Joplin, Mo., June 1, 1948. He is preceded by his parents Betty G. Ensminger, Dan Mitchell, and James W. Fleming. His dad James worked in the oilfields and so he grew up going north and south from Texas to the Canadian border. He later settled in Great Bend, Kan.
Although Dave decided to end his formal education at age 17, he did go on to receive his GED and took junior college classes to further help him in his own business. The early end of his education did not deter his quest for advanced skill and knowledge. His quick mind was creative and restless up until the very end. He was exceptionally gifted in the fields of mechanics, architectural design and construction. He was a tireless worker and often held several jobs at the same time in order to support his family. He completed both real estate and auctioneer school and discovered Tanglewood Lakes, La Cygne, Kan., while on a mission to take photos for an auction company. It was there that Dave realized his dream of living on a lake and owning his own fishing dock. Over the next 27 years he not only lived at Tanglewood but began designing and building cabins for others. In total he designed and built 17 beautifully crafted cabins.
Dave loved to fish, gather around a campfire, drive his Jeep with gusto around the lake and loved a party anytime, anywhere. Dave Mitchell was ornery, hard-headed, a softie at heart, had a mischievous sense of humor, never hesitated to help another and could be more than a little cantankerous. Above all he was a good man who cared deeply for his family, his friends and his beloved Tanglewood Lakes.
Dave married Carol Suchy in 1965 and they had three children; Randy (Konni) Mitchell of Ellinwood, Kan., Darrell Mitchell, and Tammy (Steve) Groves, all of Great Bend, Kan. On Valentine’s Day, 1981, he married Barb Victorine, whom he leaves behind. Dave also leaves six grandchildren and their spouses and significant others and four great-grandchildren; his brother, Bob Mitchell (Nancy), Salina, Kan.; and sister Helen Jahay (Sammy) of Ellinwood, Kan. His oldest brother Jimmy had passed recently. He also leaves behind several nieces; nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and Barb’s mom, Barbara Victorine, Gardner, Kan.; and her brothers John, Jim (Lydia), Tom (Lori); and sisters Sue (Mark) Johnson and Betty Friedel and their families.
The family thanks the medical staff at Olathe Medical Center and at Hospice House. Though his time at Hospice House was short, the care and compassion they showed Dave was wonderful. Dave’s wishes were to not have services. Barb has requested no food or flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House, 15310 S. Marion Street, Olathe, KS 66061.
To share a memory of Dave, or to leave a special message for the family, visit www.Penwellgabelkc.com.
OBITUARIES
Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]
Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]
Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

Linn County News Published June 25, 2025 Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
- Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Dixie Bradley Wilkerson 10-15-1939 to 05-30-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
NEWS
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
More News
- La Cygne executes pool bond defeasance
- CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman
- Parker mayor seeks affidavits to file charges
- USD 346 board learns of overpayments
- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
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

