THE SEVENTH-GRADE SCHOLARS BOWL TEAM from Stockton placed second at the tournament in Palco on February 27. Members of the team, holding the medals they earned, are: kneeling (from left): Jalia Creighton and Ryleigh Gardner; and standing (from left): Holden Burton, Jackson Gasper, Kourtney Bigge, Rivver Long, and Jaxon Dunlap.

A QUILT OF VALOR CEREMONY was held on Wednesday, March 11th, for Vietnam veteran, Don Langholz (pictured left). Mr. Langholz’s quilt was made by Diane Maddy (right). Deb Niermeier, representing VFW Auxiliary to Post 8873, conducted the presentation at the home of Don and Diane Maddy in Stockton.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has developed a plan to keep Kansas’ 28 state parks, 63 state fishing lakes, and more than 100 wildlife areas open to the public during the COVID-19 crisis.

We are living in unprecedented times, at least in recent history. Churches, just like many other organizations, are suffering from the consequences of the Coronavirus. We can be thankful that we are able to provide video services so our congregation and others can still receive the word of God.

The Stockton Fire Department received a mutual aid call from Plainville on Wednesday, March 18th to help with a grass fire in the southeast corner of the county by Codell.

FEAR NOT! It seems so long ago. The world had come through WWI (1917-1918) and survived the Spanish / H1N1 Flu pandemic (1918-1920) in which at least 50 million people died. The Great Depression then ramped up in 1929. In an effort to lift the spirits of our country, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed during his first inaugural address that “This great Nation will endure, as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Given current fears over the Covid-19 virus, we would do well to turn to our Creator who still sits on His throne in heaven. God used the prophet Isaiah to encourage His people, Israel, when they were facing certain defeat, widespread death, and forced deportation to Assyria. Yes, God promised to judge His people for their sin, but He also reminded them that He was still in control. In Isaiah 41:10, God tells His people, (1) “I am with you,” (2) “I am your God,” (3) “I will strengthen you,” (4) “I will help you,” and (5) I will uphold you.” However, in the first 9 verses, God tells us who He is. God is the Judge of all lands - whether near or far, i.e. of the whole earth (v. 1). God is also King over the kings of earth for He commands them (vv. 2-3). God is the eternal Creator who was before all nations and allowed all the nations of earth to form (v. 4). Lastly, God is the One who chose Israel to be His chosen people and servants (vv. 5-9). What a comforting chapter is Isaiah 41, especially to genuine Christians. God is the Judge and King of the whole world. He is the Sovereign Creator who controls all that happens. Because of who God is and because He is my God, because He is with me, because He will strengthen me, because He will help me, and because He will uphold me with His all-powerful hand, God therefore tells me “Fear not” (v. 10). No, I have absolutely nothing to fear!

The Hobart Homemakers FCE group met Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at the United Methodist Church in Stockton at 7 p.m. Ruth Ann opened our meeting with the flag salute. Roll call was, “What are you doing to stay well this winter?” It was answered by 8 members. The minutes of the last meeting and treasurer’s report were read. Janie made a motion to accept the minutes and treasurer’s report as read and Kim seconded the motion. Janie made a report from the council meeting and we are planning a county wide seminar again this year. The topic will be, “Human Trafficking”. The date is set for March 30th with a potato bar before the seminar. Flyers and as will be out soon to notify the public of this topic.

The regular monthly meeting of the Crossroads Quilt Guild was held at Stitch and Chatter Quilt Shop in Stockton on February 17th, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. A wonderful potluck was enjoyed. The business meeting was called to order by vice president Linda F. Roll Call was answered by 21 members. Several Show and Tell projects were shown during this time. The Treasurer’s Report was presented for both the Guild and the Memorial money for Quilt of Valor funds. Bills were presented by Janie L. for Kansas Day supplies and Jana S. for webpage domain. Idona D. moved and Stephanie H. seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report and to pay the bill from Janie as presented, and allow Jana’s dues to be paid in exchange for the payment of the bill. Plainville had six sewers and Stockton had four. The next sew day at Plainville will be March 11th and at Stockton it will be March 14th. There were no Committee Reports. During Old Business, t-shirts were again discussed. Susan G. moved and it was seconded by Idona D. that we order the shirts from Cardinal Creations. They will be v-neck turquoise shirts with our guild name and the saying “Making memories one stitch at a time” with the spools design. A thank you was read from Phillips Co. Farm Bureau for our participation at the Kansas Day presentation. Karen R. showed an example of the self-binding baby blanket that will be made at the special event on Saturday, February 29th at Stitch and Chatter. We drew our colors for the Fair Booth project. Those not present can stop at Stitch and Chatter and draw their colors or they will have an opportunity at the March meeting During New Business, we discussed having a fundraiser auction. Jana moved and Karen seconded that we have a fundraiser auction. It was presented that we need to update our rules for the Quilt of Valor funds. It was moved by Janie and seconded by Stephanie to allow payment for all materials and quilting on the Quilt of Valor quilts and the receiver of the quilt needs to only have roots in Rooks County. Eleven Fat Quarters were won by Diane M. Everyone drew numbers for the gift exchange. Gifts were passed out, and after opening, everyone shared what they were gifted. Everyone was thrilled with their gifts. Hostesses for March are Janie L., Susan G. and Joyce S. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting until our next meeting at 6:30 p.m on March 16th, 2020.—Secretary, Jana S.

President George Washington once said, “It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones:’ Today, just as in George Washington’s time, and going back to the earliest times, good men and women are needed.

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