Kansas residents were among approximately 1,500 individuals who met graduate and undergraduate degree requirements and were eligible to participate in the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) Fall 2025 Commencement exercises held on Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is proud to recognize Cash Baxter, Highway Maintenance Worker III from Stockton, for reaching his 20-year state service anniversary in February. KDOT appreciates his long-term dedication and the valuable contributions he has made to the people of Kansas.

Shyanne Balthazor of Stockton, Kansas, has earned a place on Washburn University’s Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. To achieve this honor, students must complete at least 12 hours of graded coursework and maintain a semester GPA between 3.4 and 3.99.

'The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.' [Isaiah 9] 'The Lord is my light and my salvation. ' [Psalm 27] In our Sunday readings from Isaiah, Psalms, Corinthians, and Matthew, we heard how the darkness of sin and death can be overcome by repentance and transformation.

Have you ever wondered what kind of impact you will leave on the church? In asking this, we are not talking about the church as a building or even as an organization. We are talking about the church as a body of believers. Your love for people will come from love for Jesus Christ, and that will have a big impact. We are the visible church.

At the Rooks County Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 20th, commissioners Tim Berland, Jake Prockish, and Tracy Rudman met with Kac'Rae Mcalonan with New York Life Insurance, who presented on the whole life insurance policies her company offers. The commissioners asked questions about premiums and benefits and stated they would pass the information on to the department heads and employees. They asked if she could send the County her company's rate sheet so they can compare rates and policies with those of the other companies the County already has.

At the City of Plainville Council meeting, held on Tuesday, January 20th, city administrator/clerk Jim Mesecher swore in new mayor Tom Nuckols and council members Travis Dixon and Skylar Rudman at the start of the evening session.

Few businesses can boast half a century of service, but in 2026, Prairie Heritage Auction & Real Estate proudly celebrates 50 years as one of Plainville’s most trusted family enterprises. Founded in 1976 by Chick Selbe—who attended not one, but two out-of-state auction schools and became a licensed real estate broker— the company’s name honors Chick and Margaret’s families, both of whom settled in Rooks County at the turn of the century.

The Plainville District Spelling Bee buzzed with excitement on Wednesday, January 21st, transforming the Plainville Grade School Cafeteria into an arena of suspense and intellect. Twenty determined students— champions of their class bees from grades 4 through 8—stepped up to the challenge, each eager to claim the coveted title.

Corbyn Glendening, an eighth-grade student at Stockton Grade School, has once again emerged as the Spelling Bee Champion. The competition, held on Wednesday, January 21st, saw Corbyn clinch her second consecutive title by correctly spelling the word 'raise.' Her impressive record includes last year’s victory with the word 'outcome,' and an earlier triumph in fourth grade with the word 'invasions.' Corbyn will be joined by runner-up Olivia Brassfield, as well as Kynlee Collins and Hudson Kriley, in representing Stockton at the upcoming Rooks County Spelling Bee in Plainville on Tuesday, February 3rd.