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
Norma Jeanne (Riley) Long ~ 08-21-1938 to 10-13-2025

Linn County News Published October 22, 2025 Norma Jeanne (Riley) Long, age 87, of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at Vintage Park in Osawatomie, Kan., surrounded by family. Norma was born on Aug. 21, 1938, in Liberal, Kan., to Frederick and... [More]
Geneva Darlene Jennings ~ 11-15-1939 to 10-12-2025

Linn County News Published October 15, 2025 Geneva Darlene Jennings, age 85, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. She was born on Nov. 15, 1939, at Trading Post, Kan., the daughter of Charles and Daisy Rittinghouse Purdy. She graduated from Pleasanton High... [More]
Mary Margaret Wilson ~ 01-08-1930 to 10-13-2025

Linn County News Published October 15, 2025 Mary Margaret Wilson of Mound City, Kan., age 95, was called home to be with the Lord Oct. 13, 2025. She resided at the Anew Healthcare facility in Pleasanton, Kan. She was born in La Cygne, Kan., to Edwin Josheph Riley and Eva... [More]
More Obituaries
- Letha Spillman ~ 06-19-1929 to 10-02-2025
- Mary Alice Fagg ~ 07-30-1933 to 09-25-2025
- John T. Miles ~ 01-29-1960 to 05-01-2025
- 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
NEWS
Souza resigns county clerk post

Linn County’s county clerk is resigning. At the weekly Linn County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, delayed a day because of Monday’s governmental Columbus Day holiday, Danielle Souza spoke during the public comment agenda section of her intention to resign the... [More]
Farmers State Bank under new ownership

Time moves on and things change – and the banking world is not exempt from those changes. When Farmers State Bank owner Dale Sprague passed away in August of 2024, his wife Janice and family made those changes when they sold the three banks this fall to Citizen Bank owner’s... [More]
Linn Valley council updated on water, lagoon projects

Linn Valley city council held its first meeting of the month on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Lewis Donelson began the meeting by asking city employees present at the meeting to stand up front and introduce themselves and state their job title. The mayor continued by... [More]
More News
- Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case
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- La Cygne awards lift station bid
- 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
SPORTS
Schneider makes State for Hawks in girls’ golf

Celeste Schneider made the 3-1A State golf tournament again this year for the Lady Hawks and will be looking to earn another State medal. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or check out the online version here.
Wade and Britz advance to State for the Buffalos

The Prairie View girls’ golf team is doing well. The girls won the Pioneer League championship at Deer Trace on Oct. 7 and then followed that up by placing fourth at 3-1A Sub-State tournament at Crestwood in Pittsburg on Oct. 13. The Lady Buffs won the league tournament... [More]
Blu-Jays convert takeaways into Homecoming win

Pleasanton converted two second-quarter fumble recoveries and a third-quarter interception into passing touchdowns to break a three-game losing skid and claim a 41-6 Homecoming win over Southeast-Cherokee Friday at Blu-Jay Nation Stadium. The victory moves the ‘Jays’... [More]
More Sports
- Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown
- Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week
- Jayhawk football wins thriller over Pleasanton on Homecoming
- 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
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
