July 4, 2024 Makinley, Carson, and Gracie Riener announce the arrival of their little sister, Jentry Joanna, who was born July 4, 2024, at Hays Medical Center. She weighed 7 lbs.

Phone: 785-994-6370 (home) or 785-476-5206 (cell) August is here, and we need rain. I am still amazed at the unexpected .65 rain shower we received last Monday afternoon.

What makes God's love different from our love? Love is a word thrown around often, but usually, it is diminished by our actions or words. On the other hand, God's love is perfect.

THELORDISMYSHEPHERD. Psalm 23 was written by a former shepherd boy. David spent many years shepherding the family sheep on the rugged Judean hills around Bethlehem. He knew what it took to lead sheep and to provide for their needs. He also knew what it was to protect sheep from wild animals. With total trust in God, he willingly put his life on the line to deliver sheep from the mouths of both a lion and a bear (1 Sam. 17:34-37). David likely wrote this Psalm after he had been installed as the Shepherd-King of Israel. He, therefore, felt the weight of responsibility in humanly leading and providing for the needs of a nation of people. With all that in mind, David was moved to write what is probably the best known of the Psalms in which he reflects on his life. And he begins with the dogmatic statement, 'The LORD is my shepherd.' It's a well-known fact that sheep are absolutely defenseless and, by nature, prone to wander about cluelessly. However, once sheep commit themselves to a shepherd, they will naturally follow that person for life. Despite being a shepherd and currently being Shepherd- King of Israel, David knew in his heart that he needed a shepherd for his own life. His testimony is that he had, by faith, humbled himself and willingly chosen to make Jehovah God his Shepherd. Sadly, that was not true for most of the people in Israel. Generation after generation, most Jews rejected God as their Shepherd. It was about 1,000 years later when the True Shepherd said, 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep' and 'I am the good shepherd, and I know My sheep and am known by My own' (John 10:11,14). And it was Israel who crucified the Good Shepherd. As I look at our world today, we're no different. But the Good News is that the Good Shepherd gave His life for all who, by faith, can say, 'The Lord is MY Shepherd!'

The Hobart Homemakers FCE ladies met on July 22, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Stockton Church of the Restoration. The meeting was called to order, and the flag salute was recited. The roll call was, 'What are you entering at this year's fair?' Six members answered it. The minutes and treasurer's report were read and approved. Janie presented a bill for the supplies for our fair booth. Set up for fair booths is on Saturday, Aug. 3, in the morning. We have our FCE booth and also the Cloverbud booth to set up.

Coolin’ off at the pool!

There is a new addition to the Stockton Sentinel Business Directory. Adam and Jamie Balthazor have started their new business, AJ Balthazor LLC.

Two Rooks County students from Plainville are part of more than 7,400 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas who earned honor roll distinction for the spring 2024 semester. The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and in the schools of Architecture & Design, Business, Education & Human Sciences, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism & Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies, and Social Welfare. Honor roll criteria vary among the university’s academic units. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.

Phone: 785-994-6370 (home) or 785-476-5206 (cell) We were unfortunate to miss the rain forecast for our area last week. Tuesday morning, we received .20, and as I made a trip to Abilene and Salina, it was apparent by the puddles and water in ditches that is where the rain fell.

Wait! What day is it? I’m tired and ready for a nap. I think it’s Monday. Right? I have no clue. Every day feels like a Monday to me. Am I the only one that feels that way? Here are some questions I ask myself daily.