Sidney A. McKnight Jr.
12-20-1940 to 12-16-2019
Linn County News
Published Feb. 19, 2020
Linn County lost a true lover and preserver of the prairies with the passing of Sid McKnight Jr. on Dec. 16, 2019. Nature and the out-of-doors were just two of his many passions. For his efforts, he received the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Award in 2006. Sid had a joy for life and pursued many interests with keen focus and contagious energy.
His chosen profession was dentistry, becoming the first periodontist in Johnson County. His love for dentistry was exceeded only by the devoted care he gave his patients.
In his leisure time Sid enjoyed training his hunting dogs and taking them afield. In the summer his interests turned to fishing the waters of Lake Michigan. Sid’s love of music, especially jazz, consumed his high school and college years. He played drums in bands and ensembles. That love never died: In his early seventies he attended an adult jazz camp in Vermont just to see if he still had his “chops.” A loyal Jayhawk, he attended all the home games until mobility issues ensued. Then he took pleasure in sending friends and family to enjoy his seats in Allen Fieldhouse.
His retirement job came out of his appreciation of nature. He was invited to serve on the board of the Kansas Nature Conservancy and ultimately served as its chairman. When Sid married his high school sweetheart, Carole, in 1962, they could not have imagined creating a country home on never-plowed prairie where merely looking out the window was an adventure. As he would often say to Carole, “we are living in the Discovery Channel!” Holidays were shared there with children and grandchildren who inherited his passion for the prairie.
Sid was born in Tyler, Texas, on Dec. 20, 1940, and was just a week shy of his 79th birthday when he passed away peacefully. His Linn County friends enriched his life in so many ways. A memorial service honoring Sid’s life was held Dec. 21 in Kansas City.
OBITUARIES
Paul David Hamilton ~ 11-07-1950 to 09-23-2025

Linn County News Published October 1, 2025 Paul David Hamilton passed away at his home on the family farm outside of Pleasanton, Kan., on Sept. 23, 2025. Paul was born to David and Dora Hamilton on Nov. 7, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kan., and was their only son. Paul... [More]
Lora Lynn West ~ 10-22-1959 to 09-24-2025

Linn County News Published October 1, 2025 Lora Lynn West, age 65, passed away peacefully to her reward in heaven on Sept. 24, 2025, at home in Prescott, Kan. Lora was the daughter of Orville and Cordia Vanwinkle. She was born and grew up in Chanute, Kan.,... [More]
Lois Ann Simons ~ 11-12-1937 to 09-27-2025

Linn County News Published October 1, 2025 Lois Ann Simons, age 87, Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. She was born on Nov. 12, 1937, at Pleasanton, Kan., the daughter of Oliver and Elva Jackson Jennings. After graduating high school Lois... [More]
More Obituaries
- Betty Joan Haupt ~ 10-03-1931 to 09-29-2025
- Carolyn Lee Wilson Dunlop ~ 12-15-1944 to 09-27-2025
- Angie Yeates Randall ~ 06-22-1967 to 09-22-2025
- William Howard Hansuld ~ 04-17-1960 to 09-19-2025
- Bernita Mae Ala ~ 02-28-1921 to 09-17-2025
- Morgan Leon Wakefield ~ 05-08-1996 to 09-09-2025
- Jackie “Jack” Howard Shroyer ~ 01-24-1940 to 09-04-2025
- Wallace “Mack” Probasco ~ 07-05-1959 to 09-02-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: KBI conducts statewide marijuana enforcement operation

TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) executed numerous search warrants in cities across the state at vape shops and CBD dispensaries to seize products being sold illegally in Kansas. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and KBI... [More]
Pleasanton council vetoed on fire volunteer appointments

The Pleasanton Council heard from Fire Chief Jeff Wisdom Monday night concerning lack of personnel to respond to fires eliminating the department from getting credit for calls with ISO. “We need more people,” he said. He said last week they trained on pulling hose... [More]
Kansas Policy Institute talks property taxes with legislature

Recently Dave Trabert with the Kansas Policy Institute gave testimony to the Kansas State Legislature regarding property taxes and the changes that the Institute has tracked over the last few years. Trabert told legislators that after staying in a narrow band of fluctuation... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton city candidate forum Oct. 6
- County logo sees little change
- Linn County P&Z Appeals Board denies subdivision appeal
- Commissioners discuss suggestion to leave EDA position vacant
- USD 362 board hears positive results from spring state tests
- Special: Rep. Derek Schmidt now accepting applications for U.S. Military Academy nominations
- Pleasanton council votes 2-2 on RNR, budget
- Mine Creek Battlefield bridge ribbon cutting this weekend
SPORTS
Pleasanton volleyball travels to Arma and Prairie View

The Pleasanton volleyball team traveled to Northeast Arma and Prairie View this past week. They went to Arma for a TRL triangular against Northeast and Moran on Sept. 23. They then traveled to Prairie View for a best of five game against the Buffalos on Sept. 25. To see the... [More]
Jayhawk volleyball goes 4-0 on the week

The Jayhawk Linn volleyball team traveled to play four TRL games last week. First on Sept. 22 the Hawks hosted Southern Coffey County and Crest before traveling to Cherokee on Sept. 23 to face Southeast Cherokee and Central Heights. To see the full article, check out... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton volleyball competes at Yates Center and Humboldt
- Prairie View football picks up a big win against Wellsville
- Jayhawk volleyball has a solid week going 3-0
- Seasoned Olpe powers over young 'Hawks
- Wade and Schneider start impressive girls’ golf season for the Buffalos and Hawks
- Turnovers and other mistakes see Hawks fall at Anderson County 27-6
- Prairie View girls’ cross country leads the Buffalos at Fort Scott
- Opening drive, opportunities spur 'Jays to 1st win
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
