Kansas exports totaled $11.6 billion in 2019, up 0.25 percent over 2018. Nationally, U.S. exports experienced a 1.25 percent decline during the same period.

In a media release last Wednesday, April 29th, a mobile COVID-19 testing initiative has been launched in Kansas to set up drive-thru sites in certain communities that haven’t had access to testing—one of which includes Rooks County.

As part of the re-opening phase of COVID-19, the Rooks County Commissioners voted to open the courthouse starting Monday, May 11th with limited access in place. The east and west doors will be open, with taxpayers to be signed in by the staircase so the ten-person regulation can be monitored. If more than ten people are waiting on the first floor, people will be asked to remain outside for the public safety of everyone. Masks are not required, but are recommended. Also, it is suggested that if anyone is going to do business in the courthouse, that only one family member comes in, if possible.

One of Royce Williams’ CBG handmade cigar box guitars has made it into the talented hands of Jeff Losawyer, lead guitarist of the music group Voodoo Moonshine. The band had pre-released their new single, “What a Way to Go” online earlier this year and that is how Royce and the band began their journey of working together. Royce heard the song and found the group on Facebook. He reached out to them to talk about music. Jeff said they began discussing guitars through social media since the single features a slide guitar. It then went from talking about guitars to Jeff working with Royce on a guitar to be featured in the music video for the single. (The video will be taped at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) The guitar Royce designed will also be part of the four-page photo shoot and article about the band in the May edition of “Flirt” magazine (on sale now), with an endorsement from Jeff in the storyline. So check out the article and please go to VooDoo Moonshine’s Facebook page to watch for the release of the video, listen to some great music featuring Royce’s signature guitar, and find out more about the band!

According to a press release posted on the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, five men have been sentenced on drug charges from an in-depth narcotics investigation that began in early 2019. This investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Rooks County, Kansas, resulted in the following criminal sentences, as prosecuted by Rooks Conty Attorney, Danielle N. Muir:

SIDEWALK CHALK MESSAGES: First-grader Shoni Jones decided to leave sidewalk chalk pictures at residences, businesses and at the Solomon Valley Manor after seeing the idea online. She wanted to make people feel happy during this time of social distancing. And doing kind things makes Shoni feel happy, too!

(Clarene and Loren Goodheart sent in the following article about their grandson, who is volunteering in a New York hospital at the present time, giving us a perspective of what is happening in other areas of the country. The Goodhearts state that in talking with him, he has seen and experienced some things which should make us all thankful that we live in a small community.)