By Raineigh Hunerguard and Amberleigh Jurgens Have you ever wondered what the Extension office does? The Extension office tells people about plants and animals. There are six people who work in the department.

By Ayla Terry, Maddy Swaney, & Carter Martin When we went to the courthouse we learned about Kim Northup and her job. She works with the Rooks County Treasurer’s Department. In her job, she collects the money and does drivers’ licenses. They also collect taxes and then they pay the money out to the schools and people who work for our local government.

By Addie Johnston, Cole Flower, and Zoey Toll The Register of Deeds is important in our community. We interviewed April Brown. She has been the Register of Deeds for three years, working 11 years in the office. Two people work in the office, her and her assistant. April Brown said, “My job is to make sure that the office is run efficiently,that all the laws that pertain to my office are being followed, and create the budget that funds the office each year. “Their hours are Monday through Thursday 8 to 5 and Friday 8 to noon. They are closed on all major holidays.Thank you for reading our article.

By Henry Berkley and Madi Kephart Do you want to know what the County Clerk does? Laura Montgomery does budget for Rooks County. She is the County Clerk.

What does the County Appraiser do? The County Appraiser sets value for purposes of taxes. Three people work in the County Appraiser office plus Heather Poore. To be a county appraiser, they have to have three years of experience. They have to take 256 test courses and 2 to 8 hour exams for commercial and residential. Heather Poore has been working in the courthouse for eight years. An interesting fact she shared is that the courthouse was built in 1921 and completed in 1923. Heather’s favorite part of her job is doing data collecting. The main technology she uses in her department is computers. They also use G.I.S. for maps. The state makes them change programs over the years, so they have to learn the new programs. She uses a tax base and values houses, trucks, boats, and oil. Her working hours are Mondays to Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I’m thankful for the County Appraiser.

By Bryah and Gabe Have you ever wanted to start your own business? You should ask the Rooks County Economic Development Department. Our group interviewed Roger Hrabe.

Ted Lambert (former Rooks County Commissioner at the Courthouse Centennial Celebration): “I am sure my grandfather was at the Dedication 100 years ago.” Rosalie Sprick: “I am honored and proud to have served as Rooks County Register of Deeds in this beautiful courthouse.” Nancy Becker: ”Bob received a call from KWCH CH12 that he was the winner in Round 6 of their NCAA Men’s Tournament “Bracket Challenge.” He had picked UConn and San Diego State for the championship game and had UConn to win it all! We enjoyed a “Winner Winner Mexican Dinner” with the gift card KWCH mailed to him!” Loren Trowbridge (during the Courthouse Centennial Celebration): ”I can now truthfully say I have been in a jail cell with two judges!” Beverly Ballard, Alton: “I would love to try your online subscription so I can have it read before the paper comes in the mail. That way Bill and I won’t be fighting over it.”.

Presented with Quilt of Valor.

SPRING INTO STOCKTON JUBILEE FUN.