What Was Going On 14 Years Ago Thanks to a donation of archery equipment from the National Wild Turkey Federation, Stockton students were enjoying learning a new sport during their Physical Education classes. Four Stockton FFA members were to receive their State FFA Degrees in Manhattan at the end of May during the State FFA Convention.

Stockton's fire and ambulance building had gotten a new facelift, with new paint, cable TV, and murals. The City wells were being upgraded with a new electrical system.

Nine-year-old Hope Smith donated her hair to Locks of Love. This nonprofit organization provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children with long-term medical hair loss due to any diagnosis. Hope was no stranger to the side effects caused by chemotherapy, since she was born with Gorlin's Syndrome, also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

What Was Going On 14 Years Ago The Rooks County Spelling Bee Champion was Sacred Heart fifth-grade student Jacey Dopita, who correctly spelled 'imitate' and 'genius.' Rooks County Free Fair President Royce Muir announced that the headliner for the year's event was country music recording artist Aaron Tippin. The windows and siding were up at Stockton Estates, the new independent living complex in Stockton.

The new Rooks County Regional Airport officially opened on February 9th, which meant the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had the airport in its system. The Stockton City Commission had received an overview of the new sewage lagoon project plans.

From 15 Years Ago 2011 * Bids for the Plainville water improvement project were reviewed at the Plainville City Council meeting, with the winning bid awarded to Midlands Contracting, Inc., for $308,385.20. * The 2011 Winter Glacade candidates were Sara Crawford, Sara Eichman, Kylee Pywell, Katelin Dohe, Tyler Compton, Cole Werner, Taylor Ganoung, and Cole Smith.

Big brothers Rhet and Jhet Hagan announced the arrival of their little brother, Hudson Layne, who was the 2012 Sentinel New Year’s Baby. He was born on February 2nd to Katie and Bret Hagan.

The first phase of landscaping at the Stockton Medical Clinic consisted of 20-foot oak trees grown by Leo Bird and planted by Solid Tree Service, Inc. of Phillipsburg.

Tierney Kester was the Stockton Grade School Spelling Bee Champion, with Caleigh Iwanski runner- up; Daylan Carlson, third place; Emilee Bouchey, fourth place; and Bailee Hemphill, alternate. The filing deadline to run for the open seat for the Stockton City Commission had passed, with only one filing from incumbent Reesa Brown.

All of the Stockton Junior High sixth-grade students met their AR goal, so for a reward, they participated in a dodgeball tournament and ended the afternoon of fun with a game of kickball. Former Stockton City Manager Richard Niensteadt, the city manager of Ottawa, was named the 2011 Kansas City Manager of the Year.