Linn County News
Published June 28, 2023
William Michael “Bill” VanKirk, 67, died Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Olathe Hospice House. Bill was born on March 3, 1956, in Pleasanton, Kan., to Harold Leon and Christina Faye (Lloyd) VanKirk.
He attended schools in Pleasanton and graduated from Pleasanton High School. Bill served as Linn County Under Sheriff for seven years before becoming Director of Community Corrections for the Kansas 6th Judicial District. Bill was a member of the Mine Creek Amateur Radio Club and the Eastern Kansas Peace Officers Association. He attended Mound City Christian Church. Bill was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing all types of flowers and vegetables.
On Oct. 10, 1986, Bill married Diane Stevenson. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include one son, Mike Becker; three daughters, Gretchen Van Mater, Angie Miller, and Lisa Redlin; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert L. VanKirk; and two sisters, Donna Hazel and Pamela Stevens.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory, Mound City Chapel. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Pleasanton Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Prescott’s Reach Out Food Pantry, in care of the funeral home, PO Box J, Mound City, Kan., 66056.
OBITUARIES
Jackie Ray “Jack” Harris ~ 12-04-1950 to 05-21-2026
Linn County News Published June 3, 2026 Jackie Ray “Jack” Harris, 75, passed away on May 21, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of service, dedication, and memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Jack dedicated much of his life... [More]
Clara Mae “Butch” Heflin ~ 04-18-1946 to 05-28-2026
Linn County News Published June 3, 2026 Clara Mae “Butch” Heflin passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, having just celebrated her 80th birthday. She was born in Pinckneyville, Ill., on April 18, 1946. The second eldest daughter of 12... [More]
Gwendolyn Joanne Bradley ~ 02-08-1936 to 05-15-2026
Linn County News Published June 3, 2026 Gwendolyn Joanne Bradley, 90, died May 15, 2026, at her home in Cottonwood Falls, Kan. She was born Feb. 8, 1936, in Pleasanton, to Emmett and Lena Claudine (McMillan) Lloyd. Joanne graduated from Pleasanton High... [More]
More Obituaries
- George W. Ernst III ~ 08-06-1942 to 05-25-2026
- Ruth Ellen Stainbrook ~ 02-12-1933 to 05-16-2026
- Gary Wayne Simpson ~ 01-17-1952 to 05-13-2026
- John Thomas (Tommy) Trotter ~ 01-26-1945 to 01-20-2026
- William Alvin Good ~ 01-26-1933 to 05-11-2026
- Richard Ray Snyder ~ 09-17-1951 to 05-01-2026
- Lance Robert Minchew ~ 07-26-1971 to 04-24-2026
- John Marvin Arnold ~ 05-13-1932 to 05-01-2026
NEWS
SPECIAL NOTICE: Kansas case, if filed, remains sealed
Recent posts and shares on social media are claiming that the Kansas Attorney Generals Office has filed charges in the State of Kansas against Damon Leonard in connection with the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula. As of this morning, the case, if filed, remains sealed... [More]
Public asks for Pleasanton Council to calm themselves
Snyder reappointed police chief 4-0. Monday’s Pleasanton Council meeting began with the council hearing from BG Consultants engineer Jason Hoskinson concerning a bid received to demolish the current water plant roof and reconstruct it with steel and a metal roof. ... [More]
Deadline for filing closes
At 12 p.m. on Monday, June 1, the deadline to file for public office closed. Linn County has several positions up for election this year, from precinct committeeman and committeewoman to District 1 Commissioner along with several state and federal offices. Those filed as of... [More]
More News
- Commissioners get update on Cabin 6 remodel at Park and Marina
- BREAKING NEWS: Leonard sentenced in Missouri case
- SPECIAL REPORT: Leonard enters guilty plea in Missouri case
- Commissioners hear from Clearway attorney on transmission moratorium
- USD 346 hears changes to handbook language, truancies
- Pleasanton Council hears request for housing development
- Pleasanton Council called out for lack of transparency, executive sessions
- Commissioners set high voltage lines moratorium
SPORTS
Patrick leads Pleasanton track with multiple medals
The Pleasanton track team traveled to Wichita on May 29 and 30 to compete in the 1A State track meet. The Jays did well as Aiden Patrick earned multiple medals for Pleasanton. In the 100 meter dash he was 4th in preliminaries with a time of 11.37 seconds. In the finals he... [More]
Schwarz, Stevens, and Browning represent Prairie View at State track
The Prairie View track team traveled to Wichita on May 29 and 30 to compete in the 3A State track meet. The Buffalos took three athletes to State in Parker Schwarz, Carter Browning, and Laramie Stevens. Stevens and Browning each threw the javelin at State among some very... [More]
Jayhawk track competes at 3A State
The Jayhawk track team traveled to Wichita on May 29 and May 30 to compete in the 3A State track meet. The Hawks took eight athletes to the competition and Brea Dawson led the team by earning a medal in the 100 meter hurdles. Dawson placed sixth in the preliminaries with a... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View track qualifies three athletes for State
- Jayhawk track qualifies eight for State
- Pleasanton track qualifies six for State
- Jayhawk Linn track are boys’ and girls’ league champions
- Prairie View track competes in Pioneer League meet
- Pleasanton baseball ends season at Flinthills
- Prairie View softball has a busy week
- Jayhawk baseball finishes regular season at 11-11 with a split against Uniontown
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