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
Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]
Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]
Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

Linn County News Published June 25, 2025 Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
- Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Dixie Bradley Wilkerson 10-15-1939 to 05-30-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
NEWS
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
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- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
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

