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
Marvin Giffin Marshall ~ 07-04-1937 to 07-31-2026
Linn County News Published September 2, 2026 From the stockyards of Kansas City to the 14,000-foot peaks of Colorado, Marv Marshall charged his way through life leaving memories and impressions with everyone he came in contact with. Born in Mound City, Kan.,... [More]
Carl Leon Black ~ 09-05-1935 to 08-18-2026
Linn County News Published August 26, 2026 Carl Leon Black, 90, of Prescott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. He was born Sept. 5, 1935, in Prescott, Kan., to Clovie Lloyd and Edith Holmes Black. He graduated from Prescott High School with the Class of 1953.... [More]
Charles Leon Hays ~ 08-27-1943 to 08-16-2026
Linn County News Published August 26, 2026 Charles Leon Hays, age 82 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at the La Cygne Christian Church. Memorial contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Willa Lou Querry ~ 02-25-1931 to 07-25-2026
- Ronald Raymond Howard ~ 04-07-1946 to 07-20-2026
- John Randy Joseph Alan Parker ~ 03-03-1985 to 07-31-2026
- Lennie D. Hill Crooks ~ 02-20-1933 to 08-04-2026
- Dixie Beatrice Collins ~ 10-16-1967 to 07-28-2026
- Helen Marie Clark ~ 03-22-1932 To 07-31-2026
- Norma Lee Pease ~ 07-28-1933 To 07-29-2026
- Linda Jo Hisel ~ 06-28-1960 to 07-23-2026
NEWS
Galloping Through History: Fort Scott Welcomes Army Horsemen
Fort Scott, Kan. – Saturday, August 29, 2026, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard (CGMCG) from Fort Riley, with activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to witness living... [More]
Commissioners review budget
During the Aug. 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners discussed and reviewed several departmental or agency budgets; as well as, the proposed overall county budget. First, the commissioners heard a brief presentation from Jake Berglund, chairperson for the Linn County NRCS... [More]
Pleasanton Council approves $30,000 water system tie-in material & labor
Lake closed to boats for time being Calling a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Pleasanton Council approved up to $30,000 for time and materials to connect ordered new pumps to piping that will bring water from East Lake to the water plant. Water Superintendent... [More]
More News
- SRO Mohler speaks at KDOE conference
- A new decree in La Cygne and updates to the water plant improvements
- Conditions at Hillsdale Learning Center a concern
- Pleasanton Council approves 10-year bond
- Mound City council discusses properties
- Commissioners review budgets
- Pleasanton issues declaration of emergency
- USD 344 works on secondary water source
SPORTS
More than Friday Night Lights
From the Bleachers-775 Many football fans remember James “Boobie” Miles as the electrifying running back from Odessa Permian High School whose story became the heart of Friday Night Lights. As one of the nation’s most highly recruited players in 1988, he appeared... [More]
Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
The annual kids’ fishing derby hosted by Don George and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) took place at the Linn County fairgrounds on the morning of Aug. 8. The fishing derby began at around 8:30 a.m. and ended around 10 a.m. After the derby the kids competed... [More]
Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
The annual pedal pull hosted by Linn County Farm Bureau Association was held at the Linn County fairgrounds on the evening of Aug. 7. Just like in years past the competition was divided by age 4 to 12 with the top three placers in each age group receiving a trophy/medal and... [More]
More Sports
- Annual Demo Derby kicks off the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Linn County well represented in 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo
- A day of fun and records
- Commanders win tournament at Arma
- Pleasanton trapshooting competes at Nationals
- Annual Pleasanton Catfish Tournament held at Pleasanton East Lake
- Blue Mound Burnout contest held
- Midwest Senior Bull Riding Association comes to Pleasanton
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