A series of accidents, including two hit-and-runs and two incidents where individuals outside vehicles sustained injuries, put Rooks County emergency services on high the past month. The spate of accidents began with a hit-and-run on Tuesday, March 3, at 3:00 p.m.

The Stockton USD 271 Board of Education, held on Monday, April 13th, began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mrs. Dryden's fifth-grade class.

At the Rooks County Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 21st, Rooks County Senior Services, Inc., (RCSS) represented by Redbud Village and Estates Administrator Joe Brewster, was present to ask the commissioners for their support in proceeding with the draft agreement, allowing the county attorney to help finalize the details of the draft, and advance the process toward closing the Asset Purchase Agreement Transaction between the two entities for the ownership of Redbud Village and Estates from Rooks County to Rooks County Seniors Services, Inc.

A special meeting of the Stockton Board of Education was held on Thursday, April 16th. Present were board members Spencer Hilbrink, Andy Muir, Jessy Maddy, Ginger Riffel, and Amanda Atkisson.

Rooks County is welcoming a new era of leadership and optimism with Jeanine McKenna at the helm of its Economic Development office. As she settles into her role, McKenna brings not only decades of experience but also a heartfelt commitment to fostering growth and connection in the community she now calls home.

Fields that once showed promise across Kansas are now telling a different story as the 2025-26 wheat crop faces drought pressure. After a strong start last fall, producers are now managing a crop under drought, temperature swings, and emerging stressors across the state.

Plainville City Council Tackles Major Community Projects at April Meeting The Plainville City Council convened on Tuesday, April 21st, opening the meeting with the approval of minutes from the April 7th session and authorizing payment of bills totaling $152,667.97.

At the April 21st Stockton City Commission meeting, street supervisor Ray Niblock discussed plans for Pine Street with the commissioners. Niblock explained that, after consulting with county road and bridge supervisor Eric Biggs, the County will handle the milling, resurfacing, and packing of Pine Street from North 2nd to 13th Street. Additional work will include repairing culverts and improving the grader ditches. Once these upgrades are completed, responsibility for ongoing maintenance will shift to the City. The commissioners unanimously approved the plan, and paperwork will be drafted to officially transfer maintenance duties to the City. Street repairs are expected to begin soon.

The Plainville USD 270 Board of Education met on Monday, April 13th, and started the meeting by approving the Consent Calendar as presented. Next, the Smoky Hill Service Center report was presented, noting that grants are being applied for and that the summer programming has been lined up. Fall programs to be offered were also discussed at the meeting.