At the Stockton USD 271 School Board meeting on Monday, March 3rd, during Public Comments, Dave Denton spoke to the board members, stating he would like to volunteer at the school to help where needed. He also thought others in the community would be interested in doing so. Another idea Denton broached was suggesting having someone designated as vice principal so there is always an authority figure present at the school when the superintendent attends conventions, etc., or has to be out of the office. He said when he was in school, this was a common practice.

In the world of high school sports, there are moments that transcend the ordinary, and Ashlyn Hahn’s undefeated season in wrestling is one of those moments. The 130-pound senior from Stockton High School capped off an incredible career with a state championship at the 2025 3-2-1A KSHSAA State Wrestling Championships held two weekends ago in Hays, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered by her school, her team, and her community.

The Rooks County Commission met with road and bridge supervisor Eric Biggs during the weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 4th. Biggs presented them with the monthly fuel bid from Farmers Union Elevator for $19,671.75 for diesel, which was accepted.

The fourth-grade class at Stockton Grade School went to the Stockton Power Plant on February 24th, 2025. We went to learn about our town’s energy source.

All of the Stockton Junior High music students should be very proud of the high marks they brought home for their performances at the PTL Music Festival held in Lucas on Monday, March 3rd. Everyone received a I+ or I Rating.

An all-time event-high 29 teams from Rooks County schools competed last Wednesday, February 26, at the annual Rooks County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, held this year at Stockton High School. The teams consisted of 49 students from grades 7-12.

With Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week this week, March 3rd through March 7th, the Stockton Sentinel wanted to provide its readers with an overview of the statistics and a summary of severe weather in Kansas for 2024. The 2024 tornado season was more active in Kansas than in recent years, with 76 tornadoes reported in 39 different counties.

At the February 25th Rooks County Commission meeting, the commissioners read an email update the county attorney had received from Kent Gray with Smithfield Farms. The email was dated February 14th and is as follows: “It has been challenging to find a well-drilling company to dig pilot holes and determine water availability on the land. However, I’m pleased to share that we’ve finally identified a contractor who is scheduled to begin in a couple of weeks. This will allow us to confirm with certainty that we’ll have access to the necessary water for the site. Regarding manure spraying, as mentioned during the town hall meeting, spraying poses a biosecurity risk because it would require hiring a thirdparty contractor. To avoid the need for spraying, we’ve sized the lagoon to handle all waste appropriately. In the unlikely event of an abnormal flooding event, land application may be necessary, but that would only be under emergency circumstances, which we do not anticipate occurring. Lastly, there is no intent to expand this operation. This location was strategically chosen because it is isolated from other pigs, and we have a strong incentive to maintain that distance. There are no plans—now or in the future— to expand near a boar stud. I will keep you posted as we learn more about the water.” The commissioners will keep the public updated as they receive correspondence from Smithfield.

A familiar face with the school district for many years has retired. A reception was held for Annette Look on Monday, February 24th, at the District Office after she officially retired on February 1st.

A Nebraska woman facing multiple criminal charges following a one-vehicle accident in Rooks County on August 19, 2023, agreed to a diversion on June 4, 2024. Gracie D.