The MCEL Junior High Music Contest was held on February 18th at TMP. Several students performed in front of a panel of judges and were rewarded for the time and practice on the selections they had prepared for the event.

Well, folks, let me tell you about our Easter adventure. Starting with the glorious sunrise, because apparently, survival on Easter Sunday means waking up at the crack of dawn. Who needs sleep when there's celebrating Jesus’ resurrection to do? After a morning filled with gratitude and a little chaos and me trying to look awake without coffee, it was time for a well-deserved nap. And not just any nap. Oh no, a quick power snooze to recharge for the next round of holiday festivities. Once I was re-energized, we headed over to Meridy’s Restaurant & Lounge in Russell for Easter lunch. That place is good food, good company (The Farmer) of course, and enough laughter to make your sides hurt. But the true star of the meal? The banana pudding I made back home. Or should I say, banana pudding without bananas. Yep, I served up that creamy, dreamy dessert with all the classic flavor but skipped the bananas. Because slimy bananas are a no for me. It’s like a mystery dessert. Banana pudding or pudding with a secret? Either way, it’s deliciously confusing. So, there you have it. Our Easter in a nutshell. Celebrating Jesus’ resurrection, surviving the dawn, sneaking in a nap, feasting at Meridy’s, and finishing up with some banana pudding that’s missing its main ingredient but still hits the spot. Now, that’s what I call a holiday to remember. One full of faith, laughter, a little chaos, and plenty of pudding. Even if it is bananaless!

The menus for the Senior Centers in Rooks County for the week beginning Monday, April 13, are as follows: Beef frank on a bun, tomato/cucumber salad, tropical fruit, no-bake cookie. Tuesday—Oven-baked chicken, parslied potatoes, pasta salad with veggies, bread, pineapple. Wednesday—Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, broccoli, bread, emerald pears. Thursday—Baked spaghetti, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread, strawberry shortcake. Friday—Cook’s Choice.

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A special meeting of the Stockton USD 271 Board of Education was held on Thursday, April 2nd at 4:30 p.m. Those present were board members Spencer Hilbrink, Andy Muir, Jessy Maddy, and Ginger Riffel. Board members who were absent from the meeting were Chad Sterling, Michael Carpenter, and Amanda Atkisson.

You have most likely heard the expression “famous last words.” The phrase is often used when someone makes a statement that is shown to be very wrong. But the term originally referred to the actual dying words of prominent people.

“We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” This is Pope John Paul II’s most famous Easter reflection, meant to encourage joy, hope, and faith over despair. How amazing is the miracle of Jesus giving up His life for our salvation, conquering death, redeeming creation, and granting us all eternal life with Him! What good news for us, that we follow a living God with over 2.3 billion other Christians around the world! On Sunday, we began the Easter Season, our 50-day meditation on the mystery of Christ's Resurrection.

He Is Risen Indeed; Go and Testify! Acts 10:34-43 After affirming God’s impartiality, Peter outlines Jesus’ ministry, passion, and resurrection. He stresses that all disciples, including us, must testify about the risen Christ, judge of all and source of forgiveness.

Easter is today, and what a great day it is! The tomb is empty snd because of that, we have many blessings through our risen Savior! It is the most joyful day of the year; nothing else compares to it! We celebrate the empty tomb because it proves Jesus has paid the price for sins and has over-come death. He paid the price for us that we could not pay ourselves, so that we could be reconciled with God.