Linn County News
Published April 29, 2020
Robert Franklin Secrest, 22, died on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Danbury Hospital after complications related to cerebral palsy.
Robert was born on March 19, 1998, in Lexington, S.C., to parents Robert L. Secrest and Deborah J. (Bilodeau) Secrest. Affectionately known as “Little Robert,” he resided in several states throughout his lifetime including South Carolina, Illinois, Michigan, California, and most recently Connecticut.
Although Robert had several challenges stacked against him throughout his life due to cerebral palsy and congenital hydrocephalus, he was an extraordinary young man. He was more well traveled at 9 months old than most adults! Although he was unable to communicate verbally, he was an expert communicator in every other way! As he grew into his teenage years, Robert would speak volumes with a hearty giggle, an eye roll, or a good yank of his sister Elizabeth’s hair. As a teenager, Robert underwent several hip surgeries followed by extensive physical therapy. After many months of therapy, he walked for the first time, with a little enticing by his favorite toys -Elmo and Slinky.
Throughout his life, Robert continued to defy the odds. His favorite vacation spot was Disney. A daredevil at heart, Robert’s favorite amusement park ride was Tower of Terror. He also had a special bond with animals of all kinds. He had the opportunity to swim with dolphins and even sharks; he held a lion cub, baby kangaroo, and an alligator. Birds and butterflies would flock to him. Robert was also a NASCAR enthusiast, especially a fan of Dale Jr., #88, and Jimmie Johnson, #48. Robert loved riding in anything fast with a loud V8 engine roaring. He was even a member of the Pratt Miller Corvette Race Team.
In addition to his parents, Robert is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Secrest, also of Newtown. He leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also the grandson of the late Stephen G. Bilodeau, Madeline Bilodeau, Robert J. Secrest, and Louetta G. (Cox) Secrest.
Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation. Please visit https://secure3.convio.net/cmf/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_main
To place online condolences or light a memorial candle, please visit www.cornellmemorial.com.
OBITUARIES
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]
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]
More Obituaries
- 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
- Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025
- Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025
NEWS
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
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

