During the Stockton City Commission meeting held on Monday, February 24th, city employees Ray Niblock and Mitch Gibbs were present to talk to the commissioners about purchasing two mowers and a pickup for the City and selling three vehicles not being utilized by the departments on Purple Wave.

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in March. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for their long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.

Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office announced Thursday, February 20th, the award winners for the second round of the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 Grant Programs, which provide over $26 million in funding for water projects and technical assistance to communities across Kansas.

At a special meeting of the Rooks County Commission held on Monday morning, February 24th, the commissioners held two executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioners Tim Berland, Jake Prockish, Tracy Rudman, county attorney Danielle Berland, and clerk Laura Montgomery were present for the first session.

Corbyn Glendening is runner-up Liam Balthazor of Plainville is headed to the State Spelling Bee after correctly spelling the winning word, “magenta,” at the Rooks County Spelling Bee held in Palco on Friday, February 21st. The contest had been rescheduled two times because of area snowstorms and dangerously cold temperatures, but the students were ready to spell when the event finally took place.

Mr. Brayden Ray Wise, the Sentinel’s 2025 New Year’s Baby, made his entrance into the world on Sunday, February 16th, at 9:35 p.m. to parents Megan and Riley Wise. He weighed in at four pounds, ten ounces, and was 16.25 inches long.

The Hansen Museum in Logan is presenting its 48th Annual High School Art Show. Art students from area schools, including Stockton, eagerly anticipate this opportunity to showcase their unique talents, and the Museum is honored to display their incredible work in the Museum gallery.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the spring 2025 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. More than $152 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program began in 2019.

During the monthly Stockton USD #271 Board of Education meeting held on Monday, February 20th, Seniors Ryan Mongeau and Emerson Lowry requested permission for a Senior Trip from March 23rd through March 25th. They presented the itinerary for the trip for 24 students, with sponsors Bobbi Basart, Justin Basart, and Ray Niblock as bus driver and sponsor. The request was approved as presented.

At the February 11th meeting of the Rooks County Commission, Dean Kester and Rooks County Fair Board members Kelly Muir, Dean Hrabe, Steve Cook, and Ruthie Muir were present to review the proposed plans for shortening the fairground racetrack.