Headlines

Commissioners have SPARK conference call with Witt O’Brien

5 years ago By Virgi Laska

The Rooks County Commission meeting held on Tuesday, December 8th started out with a conference call with the Witt O’Brien representatives dealing with the County’s SPARK funds. Present for the call were commissioners John Ruder, Corky Hagan and Greg Balthazor as well as clerk Ruthie Muir, emergency preparedness director Butch Post and treasurer Kim Northup. The discussion focused on the December SPARK paperwork and expenditures that still needed to be finalized. All paperwork is to be sent to Witt O’Brien by Monday December 21st, so a final draft of the report can be sent in to close out the grant before the end of the year. An extension of the contract with Witt O’Brien was reviewed for the month of January so everything can be closed out and finalized.

Nicodemus Homesteader unveiled

5 years ago By Virgi Laska

What started as an idea two years ago, turned into a stunning reality when the “Nicodemus Homesteader,” was unveiled on Thursday, December 10th. The silhouette stands majestically atop the hillside north of the town.

STOCKTON FFA MEMBERS that crafted the silhouette stand proudly in front of their finished piece of art. They are (from Left) Rylan Basart, Skylar King, Harley Kester, Thomas Bigge and teacher and FFA sponsor, Shane Austin. (Students who had started the project last year were Camden Iwanski, Tyson Palmer and Alex Shetterly.)

Cappi Hoeting participates in 10th Anniversary Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic

5 years ago By Virgi Laska

Stockton High School sophomore Cappi Hoeting was one of the two youth hunt essay winners at this year’s Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic held in Colby this past November. Ryleigh Abrams from Washburn Rural High School was also selected for this honor.

STOCKTON HIGH SCHOOL sophomore Cappi Hoeting’s essay was chosen as one of the two winning compositions for this year’s Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic.

Jupiter and Saturn will align to create the first “Christmas Star” in nearly 800 years

5 years ago By News Staff

The Year 2020 isn’t finished with us yet, as another phenomenon is set to occur the night of the Winter Solstice, December 21. The Great Conjunctio of 2020 will brighten the darkest day of the year as the two giant planets of our solar system draw closer together in the night sky than they have been in centuries.

Pfizer's COVID vaccine to arrive at RCH this week

5 years ago By News Staff

At the Tuesday meeting of the Rooks County Commission held on December 15th, Rooks County Health Nurse Lori Eichman gave the commissioners an update on the COVID-19 numbers for the county. At the time of the report there were 23 active cases, nine deaths, and 435 total positive cases recorded in Rooks County since the first of March.

Stockton USD 271 weekly report dated Friday, December 11th, 2020

5 years ago By News Staff

Rooks County continues to see new COVID-19 cases throughout the county. The absenteeism rate is at 6.7% above the baseline from 2019-2020. The positive testing rate has decreased slightly to 27.9% this week. We continue to monitor numbers closely.

Two parents/guardians allowed to attend winter activity season

5 years ago By News Staff

At the special Stockton USD No. 271 Board of Education meeting held on Friday, December 11th, the board members present through Zoom and via phone, voted to allow two parents/guardians per participant family to junior high/high school athletic events. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. This spectator ruling is in effect through January 28th.

Participants include: players, coaches, student managers, cheer squads, dance teams, pep bands and student journalism.

Two parents/guardians allowed to attend winter activity season

5 years ago By News Staff

The KSHSAA Board of Directors met virtually Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at the request of the Appeal Board to reconsider their position on spectators for the winter activity season. By a vote of 54-24, the KSHSA BOD approved the motion: Effective Thursday, December 10 through January 28, 2021, interscholastic activities will allow for attendance of up to two parents/guardians per participant(s) family as allowed by local board of education or health department restrictions.

Short meeting for county commissioners

5 years ago By Virgi Laska

The regular weekly meeting of the Rooks County Commission was held on Monday, November 30th to coincide with the end-of-themonth meeting when the commissioners sign the monthly payroll. Commissioners John Ruder, Greg Balthazor and Corky Hagan met with road and bridge supervisor Rich Bouchey, who gave his weekly update.