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
Charles Schmitz ~ 07-21-1948 to 11-05-2024
Linn County News Published November 20, 2024 Charles Schmitz, age 76, of rural Tonganoxie, Kan., and previously of Bonner Springs, Kan., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Bonner... [More]
Russell Alan Taylor ~ 08-19-1966 to 11-05-2024
Linn County News Published November 13, 2024 Russell (Rusty) Alan Taylor went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at his home in Pittsburg, Kan., at the age of 58 years, 2 months and 18 days. Russell was born August 19, 1966, to Hubert Adam Taylor, Jr.... [More]
Mary Lou Cox ~ 01-31-1937 to 10-29-2024
Linn County News Published November 13, 2024 Mary Lou Cox, 87, of Independence, Mo., passed away on Oct. 29, 2024, peacefully at her daughter’s home. She was born Jan. 31, 1937, to Marion L. and Vianna Elizabeth Wallace Callahan in Deepwater, Mo. She was... [More]
More Obituaries
- Larry Gene Bloomfield ~ 07-08-1952 to 11-06-2024
- Carol Louise Chinn ~ 11-13-1959 to 10-22-2024
- Erma Lorene Lovewell ~ 01-07-1935 to 10-25-2024
- Rhonda Diane Vanwinkle ~ 10-09-1961 to 09-28-2024
- Kathryn “Irene” Holsman ~ 12-25-1928 to 10-18-2024
- Tate Anthony West ~ 11-21-1968 – 10-11-2024
- Betty June Millard ~ 12-05-1933 to 10-11-2024
- Allan “Al” Lee Miller ~ 06-25-1937 to 10-11-2024
NEWS
La Cygne, Linn Valley reignite water talks
Talks between La Cygne and Linn Valley centering on Linn Valley’s water distribution system project got a jump start Oct. 29. As reported at last Wednesday’s regular La Cygne council meeting, results of that day’s meeting include Linn Valley’s schedule... [More]
Jayhawk Linn educators recognized for their efforts
USD 346 recently announced that Kim Boehm and Christa Holt had been selected as Teacher of the Year for their respective buildings within the district. Superintendent Shawn Thomas explained, “As a part of our strategic plan, we wanted to make sure that we celebrated the... [More]
Kansas Supreme Court Justices visit county high schools
Pleasanton High School seniors, juniors and criminal justice students from STARS were invited to what USD 344 Superintendent Don Epps described as “an extreme honor to be selected by Justice Dan Biles” for the visit. The Kansas Supreme Court seven justices... [More]
More News
- Clerk, chair report on heavy election turnout
- Veterans Day events
- Commissioners hear report from Road Operations on 900 Road project
- Town hall leads to proposal changes
- Parker will consider quotes next week
- Drought conditions speed harvest, pose livestock issues
- Pleasanton landowner to city: provide services or deannex
- Commissioners hire new Road Operations Manager
SPORTS
Prairie View football defeats Columbus to move to the sectional round of the playoffs
The Prairie View Buffalo football team hosted their second game of the 3A football playoffs this past Friday, Nov. 8, as the Buffalos faced the Columbus Titans in the Regional round. The winner of this game advanced to the sectional round which features the top eight football... [More]
Prairie View football advances to Regional round of 3A playoffs
The Prairie View football team hosted Iola in the first round of the 3A playoffs on Nov. 1. Prairie View played Iola the week before in the final game of the regular season. They defeated Iola 49-30 in that game and the Buffalos were victorious in this game as they won 49-14.... [More]
More Sports
- Allen leads Lady Buffs at State cross country
- Jayhawk cross country, boys and girls, heading to State
- Lady Buffs cross country team earns place at State as runner-up at Regional
- Jays spook Erie, move on to McLouth
- Prairie View volleyball advances to 3A Sub-State
- Jayhawk volleyball advances to the 3A Sub-State bracket
- Pleasanton football picks up big win against Uniontown
- Wade makes State golf for the Buffalos
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
