Linn County News
Published Aug. 31, 2022
Judith Medcalf 76, of La Cygne, Kan. passed away August 24, 2022 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, Kansas. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri.
Judith Ann Farris (Judy) was born March 3, 1946 to George and Lucy Farris La Cygne, Kan. Many babies born in the 1940’s were born at home rather than in a hospital. Judy’s birth was unusual in that she was born in the local shoe shop. Yes, Judy was unique from the very start.
Judy was the second of what would become five children in her family. She excelled at having fun and was nicknamed “Smiley Face” because she was in fact always smiling. Judy was a good student in school and participated in band, playing both drums and trumpet. The Saturday night dances held above the corner grocery store was where Judy showed her dancing skills.
Judy possessed a keen mind and a sharp wit. She loved to play cards and was phenomenal at any word game. She continued to subscribe to the Kansas City newspaper long after many others had abandoned it for the internet; simply because she preferred their crossword puzzles. Judy and Bill enjoyed many hours of scrabble and each employed a scrabble dictionary to settle disputes about what was and was not a “legitimate” word.
Judy waitressed most of her adult life and later worked at Veterinary Laboratories - the two things she really enjoyed doing as her profession. She experienced both tragedies and triumphs in her 76 years. She would say that her greatest source of pride, were her three children and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed.
Throughout Judy’s illness, Bill has remained a steadfast companion, caregiver and loving partner. Judy’s last request was that our family help Bill get through what was to come and to tell her grandchildren she loved them. Thanks to the private and serene space provided by Villa St Francis, Judy’s immediate family was able to be at her side throughout the final hours.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Janice and Georgia Lou, brother Ronald, and grandson Ayden Joseph Bryson. She is survived by her husband Bill Medcalf; children, Jackie Green (Jeff), Judy Bryson, and Joe Medcalf (Charity); grandchildren, Alicia Niebaum, (Kirby), Brenden Green (Laura), Alison Lemke (Bryan), Ashleigh Miller (Nate), Andrew Bryson (Abigail), Jett Charlsey, Georgia and Kimber Medcalf, and 17 great-grandchildren. Judy is also survived by her sister Barbara Hays; brother Robert Farris (Lee), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all. Rest in peace beautiful soul, your work here is done and your reward in heaven awaits.
Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com
OBITUARIES
Letha Spillman ~ 06-19-1929 to 10-02-2025

Linn County News Published October 8, 2025 Letha Spillman, age 96, of Kincaid, Kan., passed away at her home on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Letha Nadine Miller was born on June 19, 1929, in Blue Mound, Kan. Letha was born on the farm that was homesteaded by her grandfather.... [More]
Mary Alice Fagg ~ 07-30-1933 to 09-25-2025

Linn County News Published October 8, 2025 Mary Alice Fagg, age 92, formerly of Garnett, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott, Kan. Mary Alice Cash was born on July 30, 1933, the daughter of Cecil and May (Augur)... [More]
John T. Miles ~ 01-29-1960 to 05-01-2025

Linn County News Published October 8, 2025 John T. Miles, age 65, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025. A celebration of John’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, “down in the boonies” at the whirlpool on... [More]
More Obituaries
- Paul David Hamilton ~ 11-07-1950 to 09-23-2025
- Lora Lynn West ~ 10-22-1959 to 09-24-2025
- Lois Ann Simons ~ 11-12-1937 to 09-27-2025
- Betty Joan Haupt ~ 10-03-1931 to 09-29-2025
- Carolyn Lee Wilson Dunlop ~ 12-15-1944 to 09-27-2025
- Angie Yeates Randall ~ 06-22-1967 to 09-22-2025
- William Howard Hansuld ~ 04-17-1960 to 09-19-2025
- Bernita Mae Ala ~ 02-28-1921 to 09-17-2025
NEWS
Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case

A court case has been filed in the 6th Judicial District in Linn County by Parker resident Jan Longenecker and 26 other plaintiffs against the Board of Zoning Appeals of Linn County to revoke building permits issued by the acting Zoning Administrator Ben Souza. Souza... [More]
Pleasanton demos asphalt zipper for street repair

The Pleasanton City Council and street crew had the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of an asphalt zipper last Wednesday on 8th Street between Cedar and Sycamore – a street with heavily damaged asphalt. Dave Fokken, Asphalt Zipper Government Sales rep, said many... [More]
La Cygne awards lift station bid

Generator emphasis is the final step in the $6.261 million wastewater project La Cygne leaders awarded a bid to replace every diesel-powered generator at the city’s three sewer lift stations to a Kansas City, Mo., firm. At last Wednesday’s regular meeting,... [More]
More News
- Appraiser’s office announces completion of review
- SPECIAL: KBI conducts statewide marijuana enforcement operation
- Pleasanton council vetoed on fire volunteer appointments
- Kansas Policy Institute talks property taxes with legislature
- Pleasanton city candidate forum Oct. 6
- County logo sees little change
- Linn County P&Z Appeals Board denies subdivision appeal
- Commissioners discuss suggestion to leave EDA position vacant
SPORTS
Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown

The Pleasanton volleyball team had a busy week. First the team hosted a Three Rivers League triangular on Sept. 30 against Jayhawk Linn and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 4 the team traveled to Uniontown for the Uniontown Volleyball Invitational. To see the full article, check... [More]
Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week

The Jayhawk volleyball team was busy this past week as they had games on Sept. 30, Oct. 2, and Oct. 4. They traveled to Pleasanton on Sept. 30 to play a TRL triangular against Pleasanton and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 2 they hosted TRL foes Chetopa and Oswego. Then on Oct.... [More]
Jayhawk football wins thriller over Pleasanton on Homecoming

The Jayhawk Linn football team had a big game this past Friday on Oct. 3. Not only was it their Homecoming game but it was also a TRL/District game against their in-county rival the Pleasanton Blu-Jays. Both teams played hard and one could tell that both teams really wanted... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View football dominates Burlington on Homecoming
- Pleasanton volleyball travels to Arma and Prairie View
- Jayhawk volleyball goes 4-0 on the week
- Pleasanton volleyball competes at Yates Center and Humboldt
- Prairie View football picks up a big win against Wellsville
- Jayhawk volleyball has a solid week going 3-0
- Seasoned Olpe powers over young 'Hawks
- Wade and Schneider start impressive girls’ golf season for the Buffalos and Hawks
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
