After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited at the Rooks County Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 9th, the commissioners opened the Public Hearing for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Economic development director Roger Hrabe was at the Hearing to answer questions and explain the program's process. Appraiser Ronda Morgan was present at the Hearing, as her office assists with the registration process. After the Hearing was closed, commissioners Jake Prockish, Tim Berland, and Tracy Rudman voted to sign the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for another three years.

The call log for the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office for the week of December 1sth through December 7th reads as follows: Administrative Calls 323, 9-1-1 Calls 19, Non-Injury Accidents 3, Injury Accidents 1, Miscellaneous Cases 7, Traffic Stops 19, Motor Assists 3, Warrants Served 4, Animal Calls 5, Arrests 1, Papers Served 20, and Average Number Of Inmates Housed For The Week 6.

Happy Sunday from the loveseat at my sister’s house in Basehor, Kansas! We’re feeling a little tired, a little sad, and 100% addicted to cruise life. Honestly, it’s a classic case of bittersweet. Like eating a giant bucket of French fries and an entire carton of ice cream, despite being lactose intolerant and then spending the next hour in a sugar-and-lactose-fueled panic, questioning all your life choices while clutching your stomach. We’re still dreaming about the cruise life. Lounging on the deck like royalty, reading a book without fear of seagulls stealing it, soaking up the sun like lizards, and stuffing ourselves silly at the endless buffets. (Yes, I’m talking about you, all-you-caneat shrimp—my new personal nemesis.) The ship was basically a floating paradise where calories didn’t count, and naps were mandatory. Now we are stuck here, fighting the urge to stare longingly at the horizon or the leftover cruise snacks like a junkie eyeing their last hit. Don’t get me wrong, I love my bed, my own space, and the fact that I can wear my nightgown all day. But honestly? I might trade all that for one more day pretending I’m a mermaid and the Farmer pretending he’s Aquaman. The ocean breeze in our hair and a fruity drink in our hands, singing “Under the Sea” at the top of our lungs. Until next time, cruise life, you’ve ruined us forever. Send help, or at least more shrimp.

The ice and cold got the best of us on Sunday morning, but Pastor Matt offered a short, online message that helped us focus on how we might daily exhibit the reason for the season. During the Christmas season, our focus is rightfully on the birth of Jesus Christ and what that event meant for our broken world.

A special meeting of the Stockton United District No. 271 Board of Education was held on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 in the Board Room at 7:45 a.m. with the following present: Chad Sterling, Michael Carpenter, BJ Hoeting, Spencer Hilbrink, Andy Muir, Ginger Riffel, Jessy Maddy and Dr. Angela McCollum.

The Northwest District KMEA Mini-Convention II Concert was held at Fort Hays State University on Saturday, December 6th. Several music students from Stockton were part of the performance.

As we celebrate the miraculous birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this Christmas, the area churches invite you to join in worship and joyful praise. Here is the schedule of services and their times: Stockton Baptist Church, 507 North 7th Street Christmas Services were held on Sunday, December 14th at 11:00 a.m.

We’re excited to announce that our much-anticipated Christmas feature, including Santa’s ‘Deer Ones,’ will be published in next week’s Sentinel! Now in its 29th year, this cherished tradition has become a special part of the holiday season for many local families. Generations have grown up in the pages of this festive issue, as readers delight in seeing familiar faces year after year.

Drivers entering Stockton from any direction—north, south, east, or west—will now be greeted by the sight of American flags flying high above the city’s welcome signs. This patriotic display is the result of a community project spearheaded by the American Legion Post 97.

The Stockton Public Library is excited to announce the arrival of its newest addition: the Charlie Cart! Delivered on December 9th, the Charlie Cart brings a fully equipped mobile kitchen right into the library, complete with a convection oven, induction cooktop, stainless steel sink, spray nozzles, graywater system, and storage cabinets filled with every cooking tool you can imagine—from baking pans to spatulas. The cart even comes with cookbooks and a K-5 cooking curriculum, making it perfect for teaching classes to both kids and adults.