The first regular meeting of the month for the Stockton City Commission was called to order at 5:00 p.m on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, by mayor Robert Becker with the following commissioners being present: Adam Bryant, Debra Miller, and Jesica Kerr. Ressa Brown was absent. City manager/city clerk Kayla Hilbrink and assistant city clerk Taylor Ghumm were also at the meeting. Leonard Bristow was present to talk about the Rooks County Spring Show.

Over the past several weeks, Rooks County has experienced a troubling spate of five accidents, with wintry weather and snow-packed roads playing a role in three of the incidents. The following summaries provide an overview of each accident, highlighting the conditions and outcomes for the individuals involved.

Matt Saindon of Saindon Farms, LLC has been selected as the 2025 Key Bankers Soil Conservation Award recipient, recognizing his family’s long-standing commitment to responsible land stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices in Rooks County.

Residents of Unified School District No. 270 will have an important decision to make when they head to the polls Tuesday, March 3, to vote on two bond proposals designed to address improvements and upgrades at Plainville school facilities.

A longtime Plainville tradition has been brought back to life this Valentine’s Day, thanks to the creativity of local third graders and the generosity of area sponsors. In this week’s Sentinel-TImes, Plainville third-grade students drew Valentine’s Day pictures that appear in special sponsored ads throughout this issue.

With poise and determination, Plainville’s Veidyn Holmes clinched the title of 2026 Rooks County Spelling Bee Champion by flawlessly spelling “pizzeria” and, for the win, “depots.” The contest, held at the lively Plainville Auditorium on Tuesday, February 3rd, concluded with Holmes earning the right to represent Rooks County at the State Spelling Bee in Salina on Saturday, March 21st. If Holmes cannot attend, runner-up Adrenna Lowry is ready to step in and carry the county’s hopes.

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the Plainville City Council began its regular meeting by approving the Consent Agenda, which included the January 20th regular meeting minutes, bills totaling $204,854.81, and EBH Drawdown #19 for $12,220.00.

ON THIS ‘N THAT Plainville Week of February 9 Breakfast Monday—No School. Tuesday—Blueberry bread, cereal, craisins, juice, milk.

The menus for the Senior Centers in Rooks County for the week beginning Monday, February 9, are as follows: Monday—Polish sausage, parslied potatoes, brussel sprouts, bread, peaches. Tuesday—Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, bread, fruit cobbler. Wednesday—Baked spaghetti, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread, mandarin oranges. Thursday—Liver and onions in gravy, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, bread, mixed fruit. Friday—Cook’s Choice.

Last Friday night, the 1981 2A State Champion Stockton Tigers basketball team was recognized at halftime of the Stockton Tigers vs. Pike Valley basketball game. It has been 45 years since the Tigers earned the championship trophy, and they were represented by a group of former players who enjoyed, not only seeing and reminiscing with each other, but also visiting with those fans who were in attendance. The 1981 Stockton Tigers are the only state basketball championship Stockton has won.