Washburn University is pleased to announce its President's List honorees for the spring 2021 semester. To qualify for the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a semester grade point average of 4.0.

At the start of the Stockton City Commission meeting held on Tuesday, June 1st, the commissioners approved the Consent Agenda, which includes the Solomon Valley Manor gross payroll in the amount of $50,452.80, the Solomon Valley Manor warrants in the amount of $57,086.31, the City of Stockton warrants in the amount of $181,005.17, the City of Stockton gross payroll in the amount of $96,430.77, and the May 25th regular meeting minutes. The commissioners then approved the annual renewal of the cereal malt beverage license for 183 Lanes.

Warner Parkhurst Co. F, 38th Iowa Infantry Regiment Co.

Joan Balderston’s family surprised her last Saturday morning, June 5, when everyone gathered to celebrate her 89th birthday. Saturday’s celebration started with a breakfast buffet, followed by making individual stepping stones for her garden. Lunch consisted of Joan’s favorite sandwich, hot dogs, and birthday cake/ice cream. On Sunday, the day of her birthday, everyone went to the the United Methodist Church in Woodston where Joan played the organ and led the choir. Family members, along with their canine companions, who enjoyed the special occasion were: J.D., Blue, Austen, Deb, Addy, Kathy, Buddy, Joan, Millie, Bill, Sage, Andrew, Andrea, Ally, Wanda, Nicole and Von.

STOCKTON’S CONTINGENT to the 2021 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships pose for a picture before heading off to Wichita on Friday, May 28. From left are: Rylan Basart, Coach Janet Kuhlmann, Coach Clint Bedore, Kaelyn Means, Camden Iwanski, Jonathan Hamel, and Coach Justin Basart. (Photo by Bobbi Basart)

Hebrews 12:1 includes, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” We are on a path to a destination, that destination being heaven, but yet we have many obstacles in our path. What obstacles are in your path that may hinder you from reaching that destination?

GARBAGE IN, GAR- BAGE OUT. Back in my undergrad days, I had to take a computer programming class. One thing we learned early on was GIGO—garbage in, garbage out. One mistake, in either logic, in typing your code, etc., and your program crashed. It took great effort to get it right. GIGO, however, is not only truein the computer world. It's really true in all of life. Take sports. If you long to be the best, it requires lots of effort. However, many want the "GAIN"—the trophy or fame, but don't want the "PAIN." Yearround self-denial, running, weightlifting, practice, repetition, etc. are not exactly fun. Garbage effort in, garbage results out. This is also true in farming, fishing, cooking, classwork, training children to love the Lord, etc. Those who are driven to success put in the time, whatever it takes. Those who aren't driven? Garbage effort in, garbage results out. The same is true in our personal walk with the Lord and growing in our knowledge of His Word. Some say, "You are what you eat." However, God says, "You are what you think." Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." What is the most essential and valuable thing that anyone could spend their time thinking about? I believe the Psalmist knew the answer when he said, "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day" (119:97). He also said, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You" (119:11). Bingo! How much do we desire to grow spiritually? To be like Jesus? To gain victory over our sin nature and live a righteous life for God's glory? Job said, "I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). For genuine Christians, do we love God's Word, and the God of the Word, to that degree? Do we agree with the Psalmist who said, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!" By God's grace and help, God's Word in, godly life out!

THE STOCKTON HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR, under the direction of Megan Riener, performed during the 2021 Commencement which was held on Saturday, May 8..

THE SHS CLASS OF 2021had a set of twins, John and Venessa Yakish, receive their diplomas on May 8..

The Stockton Peony Festival was held on Saturday, May 29th with several contests held before and during the event. The winners are listed as follows: Garden Lady Contest winners were (Business Category) first place was Farm Service Agency, second place was Crafts from the Sunflower Shed;, third place was Solutions North Bank; (Residential Category) first place was Amber Muir, second place was Mike and Lavinia Haines, third place was Sally Nelson; and People’s Choice was Amber Muir’s entry. Coloring Contest winners were Jonah Dohm in the 1-3 age group, Evelyn Hilbrink in the 4-6 age group, and Remy Muir in the 7-9 age group. Corn Hole winners were Irvin Earl and Mac Palmer taking first place, Jesse Prockish and Bryce Meuli placing second, and Adam Murchie and David Earl placing third. Peony Poker// Rock Walk winners were (Adult) Jeff Reiner won first place with a pair of jacks, and Jason Creighton placed second with a pair of sevens; and (Youth) Jensen Dohm placed first with two pair of aces and nines, and Jonah Dohm placed second with a pair of aces. Carsen Reiner was the first to bring in a prize rock. Parade winners were (Business) Solutions North Bank, (Organization) Sigma Phi ESA, and (Popsicle) Jonah Dohm. Sidewalk Chalk winners were (1-5 Age Group) Sophia Hanson placed first, Drylan Beaton placed second, Hallie Gallaway placed third; (6-12 Age Group) Jayana Creighton placed first, Harper Lowry placed second, Shae Yohon placed third; (13-18 Age Group) Piper Creighton placed first, Jalia Creighton placed second, and Malena Smith placed third.