Linn County News
Published January 11, 2023
Dr. Joseph James Bailey, Jr., age 87, of Centerville, Kan., passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at Trustwell Living at Mission Springs in Mission, Kan.
Joe was born on Nov. 21, 1935, at Garnett, Kan., he was the first of three children born to Joseph J. Bailey and Lola Maxine (Cusick) Bailey. Joe graduated from Garnett High School in 1954 and Kansas State University with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1961. Joe returned to Garnett following his graduation, where he practiced mixed animal veterinary medicine. After a career-ending neck injury, Joe moved his family to Bozeman, Mont.
While everyone else was in school, Joe perfected the art of making biscuits and sourdough, but he failed miserably at his attempts to make yogurt. As a life-long learner, he studied geology, paleontology, archeology, and he enjoyed sharing that knowledge. In 1980 Joe returned to Kansas, moving to the farm near Centerville, where he raised registered Gelbviegh cattle. Joe continued to help guide and outfit hunting trips in the Maroon Bells of Colorado and the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.
Joe loved to share a good story. Sometimes, the listeners were challenged to sort out fact from fiction, but the story was always good. Joe was generous with his time, volunteering for many community groups and projects and serving on several local boards. He founded an outreach group for veterinary professionals struggling with addiction. Joe was a lifelong collector, collecting numerous vehicles, rocks, books, pets and lifelong friends. Joe never met an animal he didn’t like, and that could be observed in the way he cared for countless stray dogs and cats to the retired pack horses that he gave refuge to.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Sr. and Lola Bailey.
He is survived by his three children, Brenda Bailey of Jonesboro, Ark., Andrew J. Bailey and his wife, Linda Backstrom of Prairie Village, Kan., and Janet Bailey, DVM, of Tucson, Ariz.; six granddaughters, Courtney Pope, Haley Thyng, Ramona Bailey, Erin Bailey, Andrea Williams-Vestal, and Ashley Bailey; four great-grandsons; brother, Ed Bailey of Sebring, Fla.; and sister, Eileen Sandburg and husband, Mark, of Houston, Texas; and his cousins, with whom he cherished their monthly dinners together. Joe was blessed with the best neighbor anyone could want, over the years, Carlene Brownback, they helped each other with chores on their farms. They shared a wonderful friendship and Carlene was both his accomplice, yet kept him out of trouble in other instances.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett with burial following in the Garnett Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
OBITUARIES
John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

Linn County News Published August 20, 2025 John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]
Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

Linn County News Published August 6, 2025 Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
More Obituaries
- Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025
- Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
NEWS
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
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- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
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
