The Stockton PRIDE winners for the months of June and July were Steve and Pat Cook (Residence of the Month for June) and The Daily Grind (Business of the Month for June), and Don and Martha Blair (Residence of the Month for July). Congratulations to everyone!.

At the start of the Rooks County Commission meeting held on Tuesday, July 20th, the commissioners went over the proposed 2022 sheriff department budget with Sheriff Gary Knight. Knight also asked if the commissioners were going to hire a firm/business to oversee the second round of COVID-19 funds the County had received. The commissioners said they are looking into it and noted that the county has two years to use the funds. Marjorie Beckman,

Shaelyn Griffin of Stockton and Jared Casey of Plainville are among the more than 6,500 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earning honor roll distinction for the spring 2021 semester. The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and in the schools of Architecture & Design, Business, Education & Human Sciences, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism & Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies and Social Welfare.

Sue McFarland, coordinator of the Rooks County Historical Museum in Stockton, recently received a Certificate of Appreciation for her and the museum board members in recognition of their outstanding support to the Fort Hays Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Dean Kester, representing the Stockton Rodders, was present for the regular meeting of the Stockton City Commission on Tuesday, July 20 to present the Rooks County EMS a donation of $5,129.40 raised during the Swing Into Summer Cruise Night and Car Show held in June. Kester stated that the twoday event went well and was very pleased to present the check to the department to be used for supplies/equipment as needed. Kester also presented an appreciation plaque to the Stockton City Commission for their support and donations, noting that the Rooks County EMS sponsored the plaque. The Stockton Rodders are already working on next year’s event.

Brenna Bouchey has become a member of the club no one wants to join! Brenna and her husband, Rich, were leading a good life raising their six children while being active members of our Stockton community. The shocking diagnosis of an inoperable malignant tumor near her eye enrolled Brenna into the dreaded Cancer Club.

The 143rd Emancipation Celebration returns to outdoor events in 2021and will take place July 29th, 30th, 31st, and August 1st in Nicodemus. Tickets are $10 at the gate for the four-day weekend celebration for ages 13 & up.

The Rooks County Commission met for most of the morning session with auditor John Mapes during its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, July 13th to review the proposed 2022 county budget. Before they reviewed the budget, they went over items listed on the day’s agenda.

At the regular monthly meeting of the Stockton Unified School District No. 271 Board of Education held on Monday, July 12th, the members approved the board organization and appointments for the 2021- 2022 school year as follows: Stephanie Niblock to serve as president; LeAnn Dix to serve as vice-president; Lindsey Mongeau to serve as deputy clerk; Anita Conger to serve as treasurer; Terry Cikanek to serve as attorney; Annette Look to serve as KPERS representative; superintendent Bill Lowry to serve as Food Service representative and Food Service Hearing officer; building principals Lindsay Cravens and Stacey Green, and Lindsey Mongeau to serve as food service free/reduced determining officials; Bill Lowry to serve as Compliance Coordinator for Federal Progams; Bill Lowry to serve as Title 9 Coordinator Sexual Harassment; building principals Lindsay Cravens and Stacey Green to serve as attendance officers; Stephanie Niblock to serve on Professional Development Council; Aftan Tso to serve on Smoky Hill Education Service Center Board; Stephanie Niblock and Daphne Plumer to serve on NCK Special Ed Coop Board; LeAnn Dix to serve on high school Site Council; Daphne Plumer to serve on grade school Site Council; Bill Lowry to serve on KASB Governmental Relations Board; Bill Lowry to serve as Freedom of Information officer; Annette Look to serve as Custodian of Records; Mark Billinger to serve on Technology Committee; Jesse Stithem to serve as Stockton Recreation Commission board member; Kaye Whitney to serve as Child Nutrition Program Food Service Director; Bill Lowry to serve as Food Service Director; Lindsey Mongeau to serve as Wellness Policy Contact, Determining Official, Authorized Representative, and Homeless Liaison; Bill Lowry to served as Hearing Official; Daphne Plumer to serve as Wellness Committee Representative; Jesse Stithem and Stephanie Niblock to serve as Stockton Educational Endowment Association representatives; Aftan Tso to serve on Curriculum Council; Linda Conyac to serve on Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce Board; and Linda Conyac and Jesse Stithem to serve on the Negotiations Board.

Humanities Kansas recently awarded $3,500 to Nicodemus Historical Society & Museum in Bogue to support “The African American Pioneers: Nicodemus and the Exodus to the Kansas Frontier,” a short documentary film exploring the history of Nicodemus, the only surviving, all-Black farming community west of the Mississippi River. Dan Manatt serves as project director.