Linn County News
Published March 19, 2025
Kenneth Lawrence Sloan, age 75, of Centerville, Kan., passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home. Kenny was born on Jan. 24, 1950, in Kansas City, Kan., to James and Gertrude (Tebbe) Sloan. He was one of four children in the Sloan family.
Kenny attended St. Joseph Catholic School and worked a variety of jobs throughout his life. He began his career as a trash truck driver and worked in construction before starting his own business, Kenneth L. Sloan Construction. Throughout his career, Kenny was known for being a skilled heavy equipment operator, and his expertise and work ethic earned him a solid reputation in the community.
In addition to his construction business, Kenny was also the proud owner of Sloan Farms. A true “Jack of All Trades;” he had a passion for farming and enjoyed tending to his cattle and attending farm shows. His love for gardening was evident in the pride he took in growing an abundant garden every year, especially his prized tomato plants.
Kenny was also known for his collection of trucks, humorously describing himself as “Truck Poor.” He had a deep love for the machines he collected, and his enthusiasm for them was just another example of his unique spirit. Kenny had a fondness for Crown Royal Whiskey, often enjoying a drink while relaxing with friends and family.
Above all, Kenny’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He cherished his role as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He lovingly referred to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as his “Big Monsters” and “Little Monsters,” and there was nothing he enjoyed more than being surrounded by their laughter and love.
Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, James and Gertrude Sloan; his son James Sloan; and his brother Tommy Sloan.
He is survived by his wife, Danita, of the home; children; Kenneth Sloan II (Jenny) of Gaylord, Kan., Angie Sloan (Jess) of Sedwick, Kan., Jesyka Stifter (Ryan) of Parker, Kan., and Kristopher Lavy (Emily) of Kansas City, Mo.; his brother Jimmy Sloan (Betsy) of Kansas City, Kan.; and sister Barbara Masters (LD) of Shawnee, Kan.; grandchildren Justin Sloan, Josh Sloan (Kayleena), Jesse Sloan (Megan), Jacob Sloan (Hayley), Cedar Caruso, Brechen Caruso, Makayla Sloan, Cody Sloan, Cooper Sloan, Alex Jones, Abby Jones, Jenah Swearingen and Raygan Stifter; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Kenneth’s legacy of hard work, love for his family and his many talents will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation and Service were March 14 and 15, both at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home. Burial at Parker Cemetery.
OBITUARIES
Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025

Linn County News Published July 23, 2025 Jean Driskell, age 82, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Friday, July 18, 2025. Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Visitation... [More]
Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Burton Clyde Brownback, age 72, Tri-Ko resident in Osawatomie, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Clyde and Shirley Drake Brownback. He graduated from Prairie View... [More]
Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Ruth Ann Antrim, formerly Hueston, passed away July 7, 2025, after bravely battling cancer for many years. Ruth Ann was 74 years old. She lived and worked in the Mound City and Fort Scott, Kan., areas her... [More]
More Obituaries
- 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
- Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025
- Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025
- Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025
NEWS
Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County

A Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) resurfacing project on U.S. 69 in Linn County will begin the week of July 28. The project will resurface U.S. 69 with ultrathin bonded asphalt for just over 7 miles from Pleasanton to just north of... [More]
Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion

The majority of heated discussion came at the end of the Pleasanton City Council meeting Monday night during council discussion when Council people Bill Skipper and Angelina Randall squared off concerning the recent ISO inspection that occurred at the fire department. Skipper... [More]
La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral

Ad valorem revenue will decrease by almost $16,600, levy by over 7.6 mills The city of La Cygne will not only be revenue neutral but actually below neutral on its 2026 municipal budget. That was the report from Jodi Wade, city clerk, at last Wednesday’s regular... [More]
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- SPECIAL: Resurfacing on U.S. 59 in Anderson County to begin in August 4
- Commissioners vote to exceed revenue neutral
- Mulberry Limestone CUP approved by P & Z
- SPECIAL: Benefits question an issue for county employees
- Commissioners discuss various budgets
- City learns of fire gear condition
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

