Linn County News
Published March 5, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Keith Couch shares the news of his passing. Keith lived a life filled with love, faith, and service, sharing the love of Christ with everyone he encountered.
He left this world peacefully, in victory, and ready to join his Creator in heaven. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace, full of joy in God’s presence.
Keith passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 97. He was born on June 22, 1927, in Kansas City, Kan. On June 3, 1949, he married the love of his life, Martha Frasier Couch, and together they built a life of love and devotion that spanned 75 years.
At just 17, Keith left high school to serve his country, joining the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. After returning home to Kansas City, he pursued a career in law, practicing for 40 years. He was the founding partner of the Overland Park law firm Couch, Pierce and King, where he remained until his retirement in 1997.
Keith had a passion for the outdoors and a heart for service. He was a devoted Boy Scout Master for 17 years and found great joy in hiking, jogging, canoeing, mountain climbing and camping.
In 1975, he fulfilled his dream of owning land and developing a Christmas tree farm in rural Mound City, as well as finishing off an A-frame cabin in Eaglenest, N.M. Martha and Keith returned to Overland Park in 2012 to be closer to family.
Above all, Keith cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Couch; his children, Doug Couch and wife, Crista, of Lenexa, and Amy Gable and husband, Mac Gable, of Heath, Texas; his grandchildren, Daniel Gable, Aaron Couch, Paige Meyer; step grandchildren Shirin Abvabi, Shara Abvabi, and Sheyda Best; and his eight beautiful great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Keith’s Life will be held on March 12 at 2 p.m. for family and friends at Brookdale Independent Living Facility, 6101 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kan. 66209.
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
Economic Development Director resigns

Cites lack of professionalism and respect in leadership During the public comment portion of the commissioners meeting on Aug. 18, Economic Development Director Chasity Ware took the podium and read a letter to the commissioners that began by noting that she had lived... [More]
Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan

The Pleasanton City Council met Monday night and listened to a presentation by Streets Supervisor Taylor Robinson who presented a plan on how to move forward to get all city streets redone next spring and summer. Robinson said she met with Linn County Public Works Superintendent... [More]
USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy

During the August meeting, which was moved to Tuesday, Aug. 12, the USD 344 Board of Education adopted a new cell phone policy as recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards and Kansas State Department of Education. The new policy prompted several questions from... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Fire Chief lays out short, long-term goals
- Commissioners hear from publisher in regards to special edition
- Parker again to seek officer apps
- La Cygne leaders discuss food truck issue
- Commissioners make statement in regards to grievance filed
- Prescott appoints Roberts interim mayor
- Former Osborne house destroyed in fire
- Commission hears from former employee regarding tower resolution
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
