14 Years Ago

The Solomon Valley Antique Engine & Machinery Association, Inc. was proud to announce its 30th annual Antique Machinery Show, set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, 2007.

Mike and Denise Kemp announced they had changed the name of the Stockton Funeral Chapel to the Kemp Family Funeral Chapel. On August 24, 2007, the P.A.R.K.

For the first time in recent history, the number of students attending USD 271 had increased over the previous year, though it was a modest increase. Enrollment for the 2007- 2008 school year in the district was 346, adding nine students over the previous year.

A large crowd in attendance at the Rooks County Free Fair on Friday night was treated to one of country music’s rising stars — Taylor Swift, who “wow’d” the crowd with such hits as “Tim McGraw” and “Teardrops On My Guitar.”

Braving the heat, Rooks County Farm Bureau members served the meal at the barbeque on Sunday night, kicking off the 128th Rooks County Free Fair. Helping serve the meal were David Reed, Dana Pieper of Palco, Staci Ketelsen, Jennifer Braun, Mike Braun, Ellie and Repp Braun.

What started out as a routine flight in his Beechcraft Bonanza six-passenger airplane on Sunday morning, Aug. 5, 2007 became a test of Jonathan Berkley’s flight training when, flying at about 6,000 feet, he heard a loud bang in the engine.

This was THAT year, because THIS was the year that Taylor Swift was coming to town to perform at the Rooks County Free Fair on Friday, August 17, 2007! Jack Ingram was also scheduled to share the stage on concert night.

A summer tradition was being revived on Saturday, July 28, in Woodston when their Summer Picnic would again be held on Main Street. The special event was sponsored by Woodston Coop, Stockton National Bank, Kiser Ag, Dino Discount, Bar D Ranch LLC, Leo Walker, Peterson Hay and Taylor’s Supply.

The town of Stockton turned out on Saturday, July 14 to greet Father Duane Roy during his visit back to his hometown. Father Roy, a Benedictine priest, had spent the previous 36 years doing mission work in Brazil.

Jake Brooke was the new Webster State Park Ranger, taking over for Zach Kesler who had been named the park’s manager. Jake’s duties out at the lake included maintenance, checking permits and law enforcement.