On the morning of March 14, 2023, Bonita Oliva, Woodston; Kenna Vincent, Hill City; and Kim Perez, Hays, traveled to Kearney, Neb., to observe some of the biannual Sandhill Crane migration. Bonita has visited this area several times over the past ten years to witness what National Geographic calls one of North America’s “greatest wildlife phenomena” and was excited to share this with fellow bird watchers. They traveled north on Nebraska Highway 10 through Minden and intersected L 50A south of the Platte River, which is prime crane viewing country. The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary is located in this area. The women quickly stopped to verify their reservations for the evening’s guided blind tour. They had not driven far before they came upon a dozen cars parked on both sides of the gravel road. People were everywhere with cameras, some with eighteen- inch lenses, taking photos. This is a favorite meadow where cranes can usually be found. While stopped, the women rolled down the windows to listen to the sounds made by the cranes, called purring. This soothing sound can be heard throughout the area unless a strong wind blows.

The Hobart Homemakers FCE club met Monday, March 27, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Stockton Church of Restoration. Susan G. opened the meeting with the flag salute, and Pam J. read the FCE mission. The roll call was, 'Are you planning on planting a garden?' Six members answered it. The minutes and treasurer's report from the last meeting were read and approved.

President Jeff Van Dyke called the January 24, 2023, meeting of the Rooks County Health Center Board of Directors to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24th. The other board members present were Charles Allphin, Charles Comeau, Brad Plumer, and Jon Voss. Also present were Stephanie Bjornstad, Lori Frederking, Tinley Hahn, Pam Harmon, Frank Rajewski, William Stahl, Kathy Ramsay, Nicki Waggoner, and June Karlin, recording secretary. Michael Oller, MD participated via video conferencing.

The Heartland Community Foundation is excited to share the success of our February Match Month campaign. Thanks to the generous donors in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, $213,773 was raised: $59,126 in Ellis County, $80,512 in Rooks County, and $74,135 in Trego County.

Come in and check us out!!! New books for adults are: • “Agent in Place” by Mark Greaney • “Return to the Island” by Kay Correll • “Love in the Lighthouse” by Kay Correll • “Wedding on the Beach” by Kay Correll • “Wish Upon a Shell” by Kay Correll • “Cottage Near the Point” by Kay Correll • “Bungalow by the Bay” by Kay Correll • “Firefly Nights” by Katie Winters • “August Sunsets” by Katie Winters • “By Book or by Crook” by Eva Gates New books for children are: • “Sabotage in South Carolina” by Daniel Kenney • “Camping in Colorado” by Daniel Kenney • “Midnight in Massachusetts” by Daniel Kenney • “Magic in Michigan” by Daniel Kenney • “Fiasco in Florida” by Daniel Kenney • “The Last Green Local Legends” #4 by Lane Walker • “Animal Inn Whooooo Done It?” by Paul Dubois Jacobs • “Dragon Masters Series #1-23” by Tracey West Come in and try a new genre. Or, enjoy a cup of warm Java (yummy!) Your library staff, Chris Sander, Crystal Dunlap, Beth Hazen, & Jaxon Dunlap.

'On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame.' Many know the words to the hymn but possibly not the history of the emblem. The cross identifies suffering and shame but also rebirth and life.

June 5th, 1919: Around the courthouse, ideas are being exchanged about how the offices should be arranged so as to attain the greatest convenience. The commissioners have picked up many good things in their tours of inspection of new buildings. In most of them, they find something that could have been improved upon. If the errors made by others can be avoided, we may look for the new Rooks County Courthouse to be as handy and convenient in all its arrangements as a bungalow built in accordance with the needs and the notions of the most accomplished housekeeper. In a general wa,y the architects can plan courthouses that are marvels of beauty. Still, with all their skills they need the suggestions of the officials who have to work in them, and they are often able to put the final kink that spells perfection, as was the case with the practical housekeeper who knew just what she wanted. The courthouse is going to get started one of these days.

Have you ever had your dreams crushed? It is likely that something you had deeply hoped or worked for did not come true at one time or another in your life. Imagine how the disciples felt after the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus had just ridden into Jerusalem triumphantly, but now all was seemingly lost. Their dreams and hopes for a king had been shattered.

AM I WORTH IT? We read in Luke 22:19-20, 'And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'' The Lord Jesus would soon give His body over to those who would abuse it, even to the shedding of blood and death. In other words, Jesus chose to give His body to many cruelties. He gave His back to the smiters and His cheeks or face to those who spit on Him, and slapped Him, and plucked His beard (Isaiah 50:6). He gave His brow to the crown of thorns and the beating as 'they (repeatedly) struck Him on the head with a reed' (Mark 15:17-19). He gave His hands and His feet to be pierced by nails (Psalm 22:16). He gave His mouth to unimaginable thirst as stated in Psalm 22:15, 'My tongue clings to My jaws.' He gave His bones to be out of joint and His muscles to cramping from dehydration (Psalm 22:14). He gave His body to the shame of hanging naked before the multitudes, as well as His mom, her sister, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). And, even though He was the sinless Lamb of God, He gave His mind and emotions to the scorn, and mocking, and contempt of sinners (Psalm 22:68). From His head, to His feet, to His heart, Jesus willingly suffered - for me. But the question is, 'How could He love someone like me to that degree?' What was it that kept Him on that cross through it all? The answer is found in Hebrews 12:2 where we see Jesus described as, 'the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Jesus rejoiced through it all knowing that His resurrection would provide eternal life to all who trusted Him (John 3:15). No, I'm NOT worth it! That's why it's called grace!

Each March, Ameri-Corps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs dedicate time to celebrate millions of members and volunteers from across the nation who have chosen to raise their hands to help when needed. On March 22, Fort Hays State University Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion program staff expressed their gratitude to the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in Rooks and Phillips counties.