Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10 percent in May. This was a decrease from 11.9 percent in April and an increase from 3.1 percent in May 2019.

Rooks County Sheriff Gary Knight was at the city meeting on Tuesday, June 16th to update the commissioners on the first six months of the combined law enforcement between the County and Stockton. Knight provided the breakdown of calls and other services provided by the department. He also informed the commissioners that deputy Lauren Tucker had graduated from the academy, and that deputy Randy Benoit is in the middle of his training. Knight noted that the municipal court is going well, and in the future will probably be moved back to City Hall. Knight felt things have gone well with the changeover and stated that if the commissioners have any questions or suggestions, to let him know. The department has a total of ten employees. The commissioners appreciate the visibility of the department. Before leaving the meeting, Knight presented the 2021 Law Enforcement contract between the County and City of Stockton for the commissioners to review.

Sheriff Gary Knight met with the Rooks County Commissioners during their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, June 16th. He informed the commissioners that the radio tower installation in Plainville has been delayed due to the windy conditions. He also gave them the law enforcement contract for the 2021 year that he will present to the City of Stockton later in the day so both sides can review the contract for the coming year.

Growing up, fishing was an activity I always enjoyed and still do to this day. Spending leisurely time with family on the boat drifting for walleye or visiting those places up in the trees for crappie. Much time was spent bank fishing as well and trying to catch frogs, looking for snails or skipping rocks when the fish bite just wasn’t productive. I have some great fishing memories and oh the fish tales to tell. I’m happy to enjoy fishing with my son now so he has stories he can tell.

A fire call was answered by the Stockton Fire Department on Wednesday, June 17th at 2:59 p.m. at N and 5 Road (Jerry Roy farm). The cause of the flames was from a powerline that had come down. A small wooden outbuilding and 100 round bales of hay were destroyed in the fire. The Stockton volunteers worked the scene for over six hours with the help of the Plainville and Damar Fire Departments, as well as the Graham County Fire Department. Stockton Fire Chief Jon Voss said they were very lucky that the fire did not jump into the wheat field located across the road, since the winds were blowing around 50 mph that day.

The 2020 Kansas wheat harvest is underway in the state’s southern counties with the U. S. Agriculture Department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reporting on Monday, June 22nd that 9% of the wheat has now be cut. This is 1% ahead of last year’s average. The winter wheat condition is rated at 7% very poor, 16% poor, 33% fair, 38% good, and 6% excellent. The coloring was 97% ahead of 88% last year. What has been harvested is at 25%, which is well ahead of 4% last year, and 24% for the five-year average. The early reports in the state’s southern counties indicate that the wheat quality is good, with exceptional test weight, average or better yields, and protein levels slightly below average.

In last week’s article about the graduation of Taylor Elizabeth Sullivan, it should have read that her parents are Travis and Stephanie Sullivan of Emporia.

JOREE DIBBLE, OMREE DIBBLE AND LEVI HOLSINGER were among those having a good time during the Swing Into Summer Cruise Night held last Friday evening in Stockton. Many were out and about enjoying the beautiful weather, visiting and eating while watching the classic cars, trucks and motorcycles drag Main Street.