In mid-May, Governor Kelly announced the creation of the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce to serve as the Recovery Office team responsible for the statewide distribution of over one billion dollars in CARES Act funding. In early June, the SPARK taskforce held their initial meeting to begin the process of determining how to best distribute these funds. The taskforce decided to implement a funding plan that includes three focused distribution rounds within the state.

Katy Kriley and Mary Smith, both of Stockton, are among more than 750 students who have been named to Washburn University President's List for the spring 2020 semester. To qualify for the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 4.0.

Three Rooks County students have completed degree requirements from Cloud County Community College in Concordia.

Communication is an important part of any relationship. Without active communication between a husband and wife it is likely that a marriage is going to suffer. In a business, communication between a boss and the employees can alleviate a lot of problems. Likewise, we find in the Bible that Jesus, the Great Communicator, began his mission of communicating here on earth early in his life.

Nate Normandin of Plainville has been named to the Cloud County Community College Spring 2020 Honor Roll. To be named to this honor roll, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours of college coursework and earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 to 3.899.

The census is still happening! With the many other issues in the news, don’t forget that Kansas needs to get a complete count for the 2020 census.

WITH THE FAMILY’S COCKAPOO PUPPY, Penny, in tow, Danielle Muir has her hands full as she recently walks her daughters, Owen (holding her mom’s hand), Norah (behind) and Remy (right) back to her Main Street office.

Washburn University has announced its spring 2020 Dean's List honorees. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must be enrolled in 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 3.4 to 3.99.

During a conference call on last Thursday, July 2, at 5:15 p.m., Rooks County Commissioners John Ruder, Greg Balthazor and Corky Hagan discussed Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's face mask mandate.

Sally Nelson: “Stockton has an amazing display of fireworks on July 4th!”