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
Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites ~ 02-13-1941 to 03-26-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites, age 84, of Mound City, Kan., passed away peacefully in her sleep March 26, 2025, at the Olathe Medical Center, after an extended illness. Born on Feb. 13, 1941, the third child of Jacob and... [More]
Frank Scott DeRemus ~ 06-21-1967 to 03-04-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Frank Scott DeRemus age 57 of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Blue Mound. Scott was born June 21, 1967, in Olathe, Kan., to Frank Fox and Sharon K. (Chadwick) DeRemus. On August 11, 1994,... [More]
Douglas Eugene Joseph ~ 08-06-1964 to 03-16-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Douglas Eugene Joseph, 60, of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Doug was born on Aug. 6, 1964, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Jean Ann Jones. He graduated from high school... [More]
More Obituaries
- Linda Sue Tyson ~ 01-24-1942 to 03-21-2025
- Brent Ross Wheeler ~ July 27, 1956 – March 22, 2025
- Alice Walker ~ 09-03-1928 to 03-20-2025
- Colton James McCammon ~ 08-26-2003 to 03-15-2025
- Kenneth Lawrence Sloan ~ 01-24-1950 to 03-11-2025
- Lois Joan Streeter ~ 11-18-1931 to 03-05-2025
- Lila R. McCarty ~ 05-21-1938 to 03-08-2025
- Norma Jean Harvey ~ 09-26-1935 to 02-21-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: STATEHOUSE REPORTING BUDGET FOR MARCH 28, 2025

FETALPERSONHOOD – The House and Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require child support for unborn fetuses from the date of conception as well as an income tax exemption. A conference committee report was presented for HB2062 before the... [More]
SPECIAL: U.S. 69 overlay project set to begin in Bourbon and Linn counties

Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing... [More]
Commissioners learn of grant for planning phase on courthouse repairs

During the March 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West on a grant possibility for repair work to the courthouse. SEKRPC (SEK Regional Planning Commission) is willing to assist with the HPF (Historic Preservation... [More]
More News
- La Cygne accepts deed conveyance on split vote
- Commissioners hear from resident on subdivision meeting
- SPECIAL: K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon
- Linn Valley imposes moratorium on new water and sewer construction
- Wind and fire damage dots county
- County hears from Tanglewood residents during public comment
- Commissioners discuss new option for Devlin Road
- Board votes to extend Meik contract
SPORTS
2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ basketball has concluded and it is time once again for the annual All County team. As usual choosing the team was tough as there were many good players this season and plenty more that showed steady progress through the season. As... [More]
2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team

High school girls’ basketball has concluded for the 2024-25 season and it’s time for the annual All County team. Like the boys’ team, and like most years, choosing players was tough. Plenty of girls from all three schools, Prairie View, Jayhawk Linn and Pleasanton,... [More]
More Sports
- A season in review: Jayhawk Linn wrestling
- A season in review: Prairie View wrestling
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earns Sub-State runner-up
- Prairie View girls’ basketball ends season against Neodesha
- Case leads Prairie View girls’ wrestling with a second-place finish
- McCarty leads Lady Hawks with a fourth-place finish at State
- Blu-Jays win sub-state shootout
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to 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

