Headlines

Parade of Christmas Trees winners announced

1 year ago By News Staff

The 40th annual Parade of Christmas Trees at the Stockton Public Library has come to a close, with over 40 trees on display this year. Throughout December, people signed the register and voted for their favorites. Now, it is time to announce the winners!

Governor Kelly announces Food Sales Tax completely eliminated

1 year ago By News Staff

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday last week that in 2025, Kansans are projected to save $156 million due to the reduction in the state sales tax rate from 2% to zero and the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from 2% to zero will save shoppers $13 million per month this year.

Arrest in child abuse investigation in Belleville

1 year ago By News Staff

REPUBLIC COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has secured the arrest of a man connected to the death of a Belleville infant.

On Thursday, Jan. 2, at approximately 11 a.m., William McLaughlin, 23, of Belleville, was arrested on a KBI warrant for first-degree murder and felony abuse of a child. The charges are connected to the death of McLaughlin’s three-month-old daughter.

4-H Cloverbuds Harvest Learning and FUN

1 year ago By Story & Photo Courtesy Of Susan Gartrell

The 4-H program in Rooks County has been enjoyed by families for several generations. The program has emphasized 'learning by doing' with projects for kids from elementary through their high school ages.

THE CLOVERBUDS 4-H GROUP, founded in 2024, visited Miss Janie’s garden and orchard on August 24, 2024, where they enjoyed many activities involving garden produce. Kids attending included back row, from left: Owen Inglsbee, Brynlie Kreutzer, Jasper Miller, Addison Becker, Waylynn Bigges, Hallie Gallaway, and Jax Miller. Front row, from left: Weston Biggs, Connor Look, Quinlee Hickman, Kamayah Gallaway, Raylyn Swaney, and Bella Heller.

City commission closes out the year

1 year ago By Virgi Laska

At the start of the Stockton City Commission meeting on Monday, December 23rd, the commissioners approved the Consent Agenda as follows: Solomon Valley Manor gross payroll for $75,898.99, Solomon Valley Manor warrants for $48,229.16, City of Stockton warrants for $133,215.93, and the December 3rd regular meeting minutes.

94 Years Ago now is 90 Years Ago

1 year ago By News Staff

Last January, the Stockton Sentinel had to change its “98 Years Ago” column to “94 Years Ago” due to no copies of the 1927, 1928, and 1929 bound books to be found. Well, it looks like some gremlins were at it again because there are no books for 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934, so the Sentinel is revising its column to “90 Years Ago” featuring the year 1935.

A photo that corresponds with the article.

Emery Peterson selected to 2025 KMEA All-State Elementary Choir

1 year ago By News Staff

Every February, the Kansas Music Educators Association holds an annual Inservice Workshop in Wichita. At this convention, students across Kansas share their gift of music when they are accepted to participate in the 2025 All-State Ensembles.

Five Rooks County businesses recognized at Business Appreciation event in Plainville

1 year ago By News Staff

Five Rooks County businesses were recognized at a Business Appreciation event held in Plainville at the Handle-Bar Tavern & Eatery on Monday, December 16. The local event, sponsored by Rooks County Economic Development, was held as part of the annual Kansas Business Awards given out each year by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

ROOKS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ROGER HRABE, left, with The Daily Grind owners Andy and Chelsey Peterson and their two daughters, Emery and Finley, and Julie and Chris Kriley.

A “Sentinel-Style” Review of 2024

1 year ago By News Staff

With the arrival of 2025, the Stockton Sentinel would like to present its readers with the Year in Review for 2024, from local happenings, events and tragedies written within its pages over the past twelve months.

Homicide and use of force investigations in Great Bend

1 year ago By News Staff

BARTON & STAFFORD COUNTIES—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after a homicide, police pursuit, and apparent suicide took place in Barton and Stafford counties.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate on Friday, Dec. 27, around 10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

On Friday, at approximately 9:10 a.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to 1516 7th St., in Great Bend on a disturbance call.