The Rooks County Commission began its Tuesday, November 18th morning meeting with John Mapes of Mapes and Miller. Mapes informed the commissioners that the five-year contract with the auditing firm had ended and presented cost figures for the next contract. The cost has increased approximately $8,000.00 per year, from $61,000.00 to $69,000.00. The commissioners will review their contract with Redbud Village to determine whether the County pays for their auditing and, now that the facility is an independent entity, whether this responsibility is theirs. They will contact Mapes and Miller once they have reviewed the contracts before any decision is made for the new auditing contract.

In a world where streaming platforms dominate our screens, supporting hometown theatres is more important than ever. Local venues like our Nova Theatre serve as vital cultural hubs, bringing communities together through the magic of movies, live performances, and special events.

The 2025-2026 recipient of the Wilbur Hartzler Scholarship is Corbyn Marquess, a Plainville High School graduate. Corbyn is a junior at Fort Hays State University, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders/ Speech Language Pathology.

Before Rooks County Commissioners Tim Berland, Jake Prockish and Tracy Rudman canvassed the votes from the General Election held on Tuesday, November 4th, they conducted business during their regular weekly meeting on Monday, November 10th.

Santa's elves will not want to miss this opportunity to check things off Santa's list. Sugarplum Market, Hill City's annual arts and crafts fair, will be held Saturday, November 22, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Those who want to start their holiday shopping, buy baked goods for the upcoming holidays, purchase home décor, clothing, or gifts will not be disappointed in the vendors for this year's Market. Visitors will find both buildings at the Graham County Fairgrounds and the gym at Hill City Grade School full of craftsmen, artists, and direct sales vendors.

Cloverton, an American contemporary Christian music and worship band from Manhattan, Kansas, will be in Stockton on Saturday, November 29th, at Stockton High School at 7:00 p.m. Their Cloverton Christmas Tour will start at 7:00 p.m. and is FREE to the public, hosted by Fusion. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Veterans Day is a time to honor and express gratitude to those who have served in the military, defending our freedoms and way of life. At Stockton High School on Tuesday, November 11th, students, staff, and the VFW Auxiliary recognized the importance of this day through a special program celebrating our hometown heroes.

Heartland Community Foundation celebrated Community Foundation Week, November 12–18, by honoring locals with “Caught Doing Good” awards and introducing a new Giving Menu concept. Community Foundation Week celebrates the ways community foundations support neighbors, nonprofits, and local projects in thriving communities.

Music holds a vital place in our lives, serving as a powerful medium for expression, connection, and inspiration. It transcends cultural boundaries, evoking emotions and memories that unify us. Whether through participating in a performance or simply listening, music enhances our experiences and enriches our understanding of the world. It fosters creativity and community, reminding us of the beauty of collaboration and the joy of shared moments. In an ever-changing world, music remains a constant source of comfort and motivation, highlighting its enduring importance in our lives.

During the regular meeting of the Rooks County Commission on November 4th, most of the time was spent reviewing the County's personnel policies after the morning's business portion. Commissioners Tim Berland, Jake Prockish, and Tracy Rudman began the session by meeting with Anna Muir from the Phillips-Rooks Extension Office and Stephen Bigge to discuss the possibility of expanding their offices in the courthouse.