14 Years Ago

Body Braving the heat, Rooks County Farm Bureau members served the meal at the barbeque on Sunday night, kicking off the 128th Rooks County Free Fair. Helping serve the meal were David Reed, Dana Pieper of Palco, Staci Ketelsen, Jennifer Braun, Mike Braun, Ellie and Repp Braun.

Body What started out as a routine flight in his Beechcraft Bonanza six-passenger airplane on Sunday morning, Aug. 5, 2007 became a test of Jonathan Berkley’s flight training when, flying at about 6,000 feet, he heard a loud bang in the engine.

Body This was THAT year, because THIS was the year that Taylor Swift was coming to town to perform at the Rooks County Free Fair on Friday, August 17, 2007! Jack Ingram was also scheduled to share the stage on concert night.

Body A summer tradition was being revived on Saturday, July 28, in Woodston when their Summer Picnic would again be held on Main Street.

Body The town of Stockton turned out on Saturday, July 14 to greet Father Duane Roy during his visit back to his hometown. Father Roy, a Benedictine priest, had spent the previous 36 years doing mission work in Brazil.

Body Jake Brooke was the new Webster State Park Ranger, taking over for Zach Kesler who had been named the park’s manager. Jake’s duties out at the lake included maintenance, checking permits and law enforcement.

Body The “Know Your Neighbor” column, written by Linda Roy Cross, featured Pat Ballard, age 81. Having been born in a town called Paradise must have affected her outlook on life, because Pat found joy everywhere.

Body The Rooks County oil valuation for 2007 had been published at $38,829,518, still high when you consider the previous year’s $41.3 million valuation was the highest recorded since 1984. The 2007 figure is down $2,513,993 from 2006, or down 6%.

Body Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2008, the new hospital was progressing despite bouts of wet weather. A Home and Garden Tour in and around Stockton was planned for July 1st, sponsored by the Sigma Phi ESA.

Body Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2008, the new hospital was progressing despite bouts of wet weather. A Home and Garden Tour in and around Stockton was planned for July 1st, sponsored by the Sigma Phi ESA.