Grateful for Our Sponsors— Thank You for Making the 2026 Graduation Issue Possible!

In the “Heartland of America,” known as Rooks County, the communities of Stockton, Plainville, Palco, and Natoma have always been bound by a shared commitment to their youth and a deep-rooted sense of togetherness. As we present our 2026 Special Graduation Issue, we are filled with gratitude for the many businesses and individuals who have made this milestone possible through their unwavering support and generosity.

Publishing these special graduation sections is no small feat. With printing costs and postage steadily rising, it becomes increasingly challenging each year to provide the recognition our graduates so richly deserve. Yet, thanks to the remarkable sponsors from all four communities, we have been able to celebrate the achievements of our young people in a way that honors their hard work and bright futures. Your backing is not just financial— it is a statement of belief in the next generation and what keeps these traditions alive.

Some sponsors went even further, generously supporting all four graduating classes. This extraordinary commitment is a testament to the spirit of unity and pride in Rooks County. Your support is invaluable, and we hope you see the impact of your contributions in every smile and every page of this issue.

As a reminder, we encourage everyone in Rooks County to support these outstanding sponsors whenever possible. They have invested in our communities, and through mutual support, we all thrive.

This edition represents a huge undertaking, especially since the merger of our two newspapers. It has been our sincere hope to fulfill our commitment to you—to bring our communities together and to celebrate our youth in a way that makes us all proud.

To all our sponsors: THANK YOU. We could not have done this without you.