Linn County News
Published January 31, 2024
Jenny Lea Smith, aged 52, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2024. She was born on Oct. 24, 1971, in Merriam, Kan., to Earl and Janet Smith.
She was a 1990 graduate of Paola High School. She worked as an account payable representative with Fairbanks Scales. Jenny was very outgoing and loved to stay busy whether it would be spending time with her friends, her sons, or taking on a part-time job or two. Jenny always had the ability to make anyone smile and was a truly kind and genuine person. Jenny always wanted to help people as much as she could no matter the circumstances. Jenny loved spending time with her son watching Pat MacAfee and loved sending pictures of her grandbaby, Malia, to her friends and family. Being Malia’s “Maggie” was a highlight these past 18 months. Jenny loved flowers and watching her sons play Soccer at University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kan.
Jenny was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Earl Smith; her grandparents, Joe and Lenora Smith; and Glen and Juanita Feighner.
She is survived by her mother, Janet Smith; her sons, Clayton Lee and Nicholas Lee (Kelsey) and granddaughter, Malia Lee; sisters, Kristi Bare (Mike) and Heidi Martin (Philip); brother, Toby Smith (Melanie); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and lots of friends.
The family wishes to thank Fairbanks and Olathe Hospice House for all the love, care and support provided to Jenny and her family.
Jenny’s visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by her Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kan. 66204. Inurnment will follow in Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg, Kan.
In lieu of flowers, Jenny requested donations to University of Saint Mary - Men’s Soccer, in her name at https://www.supportusm.com/ways-to-give/
OBITUARIES
Russell Glen “Rusty” Moore ~ 06-19-1956 to 12-02-2025
Linn County News Published December 10, 2025 Russell Glen “Rusty” Moore, age 69, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. He was born on June 19, 1956, in Butler, Mo., the son of Loy and Anna Lee Moore. He graduated from Prairie View High School... [More]
Carl A. Otto ~ 02-12-1926 to 12-06-2025
Linn County News Published December 10, 2025 Carl A. Otto, 99, LeRoy, Kan., passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at Coffey County Hospital, Burlington, Kan. He was born on Feb. 12, 1926, in Pierce, Neb., to Clyde and Myrtle (Watson) Otto. Visitation will be 10 a.m.... [More]
Rose Anna Templin ~ 01-18-1959 to 11-22-2025
Linn County News Published December 3, 2025 Rose Anna Templin, age 66, of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at the Brooklyn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan. A gathering to celebrate... [More]
More Obituaries
- Randal Lloyd “Randy” Bresee ~ 12-22-1962 to 11-26-2025
- Roberta May Staton ~ 04-23-1925 to 11-27-2025
- Leland Ray Underwood ~ 07-16-1946 to 11-02-2025
- Donald E. Johnson ~ 08-22-1940 to 11-11-2025
- Quinn Adam Eugene Lloyd ~ 07-30-2009 to 11-04-2025
- Alice Belle Nash Warren ~ 01-23-1967 to 11-07-2025
- Barbara Ann Short ~ 06-10-1948 to 11-03-2025
- Jacqueline “Jackie” Whitcomb ~ 10-20-1962 to 10-29-2025
NEWS
Commissioners discuss potential ballot item affecting local businesses
During the meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, commissioners broached the subject of a potential ballot item that has been brought to the county commissioners by local businesses. Commissioner Jason Hightower stated he had received an email regarding this requirement and Commissioner... [More]
Linn Valley City Council approves lagoon expansion bids
The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by an opening prayer by Council Member John Weers. The... [More]
After school program initiative presented to USD-344 school board
USD-344 school board members met Monday, Dec. 8, for their regular monthly meeting. The board heard from high school senior Erin Bowley, accompanied by fellow student Sarah Epps, concerning a community after-school program initiative she is working to put into place in Pleasanton. ... [More]
More News
- SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans for eligible businesses
- Commissioners meet with auditor in executive session
- USD 362 board makes personnel decisions
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- Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, expresses regret
- Parker City Council looks at roof bids, other motions
- Schneider and Secrest chosen as Teacher of the Year
SPORTS
Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes in the Fort Scott dual tournament
The Prairie View boys’ wrestling team traveled to Fort Scott on Dec. 5 for the Fort Scott dual tournament. The Buffalos went 2-4 in the tournament and placed fifth overall out of seven teams. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County... [More]
Jayhawk Linn girls’ wrestling kicks off season with a solid performance at Caney Valley
The Jayhawk Linn girls’ wrestling team began their season at Caney Valley on Dec. 5 in the KanOkla girls’ tournament. This is a big and tough tournament and this year there were 23 teams. The Lady Hawks finished 11th with 63 points. To see the full article,... [More]
Pleasanton basketball opens season with wins over Marmaton Valley
The Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ basketball teams opened their 2025-26 season by hosting TRL foe Marmaton Valley on Dec. 5. The Jays did quite well as both the girls’ and boys’ teams earned victories. The girls won 26-16 while the boys won 46-24.... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View football has 10 players make the All Pioneer League team
- Dawson signs with Pitt State
- Hume teams lose openers, prepare for league tourney
- Jayhawk and Pleasanton football has a big presence in All League selections
- Linn County Rodeo contestants compete at the upcoming Prairie Circuit Finals
- Loss of seniors contributes to Buff regional loss to end season
- Pleasanton fall trapshooting finishes fourth in conference
- Blu-Jay season ends with bi-district loss
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
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