* And So They Say: Clara Mullen: “Everyone in this area should be proud of the fine camping area out at the Webster Reservoir. Why, it even drew a honeymoon couple last week.” Clark Stocking: “Don’t you hear my bones creaking now that I’m a grandpa?” Elizabeth Dryden: “I haven’t done any shooting lately as the dog hasn’t scared up anything but skunks, and they are pretty smelly.”

School enrollment figures were given for USD 271 showing the district down 21 overall from the previous year. The high school census showed an increase of seven while the grade school showed a decrease of 28.

Greater than Watts, Morse, Edison, Bell or Marconi will be the mechanical genius who can bottle up this Kansas heat for use next winter! Mr. Burlin, secretary of the Fair Association, reports that the Salina Retailers Association intends to make a good fellowship tour in September and that their party, numbering about 100, will spend the afternoon and evening.

By a margin of over 4-1 throughout Rooks County, proponents of building a new hospital at Plainville with funding from the sale of revenue bonds easily passed. Jerry and Patty Sterling, proprietors of 183 Lanes in Stockton, had closed for the summer as usual, but this time, the doors would open to a completely renovated bowling alley.

IN 1997, THE STOCKTON ARTS COUNCIL presented the play “Those Wedding Bells Shall Not Ring Out” or “The Bride Wore Green Chili Peppers” for the community. Pictured are cast members: (front row, from left) Wayne Madison, Whitney Moore, Bruce Barnes (on one knee), Julie Price; second row: Shannon Lowry, Cassie Waddell, Brett Schlaegel, Joanni Grover; (back row) Alton Hazen, Pat Waddell, Carol Barnes, Jon Grover, Willardene Purdum, Harry Purdum, Joan Balderston and Bonita Wagner.

* And So They Say: Chuck Waller: “It was almost unbelievable that the air conditioners had almost a week’s rest.” Dode Morrissey: “A fine vacation I get! I’m spending it in the store while my wife takes a vacation.” Homer McCauley: “I’m just living for the day that it rains.” Robert Osborn: “When the fine new school stadium is finished, they can have commencement exercises there instead of sweating it out in the auditorium.” Stella Willis: “I never saw such marvelous corn as I saw in Nebraska over the weekend.”

While the courthouse will not be wholly completed by Fair time, the tile flooring will be laid and the marble wainscoting will be placed. It is intended to have the restrooms and public apartment open for the use of all who come. Many people from all parts of the county will be here for the Fair, and they will want to inspect their building. The formal dedication of the building will be held later when all of the furniture is installed and the county officials have moved in. That will be made an important occasion.

The 127th version of the Rooks County Free Fair was underway with over 1,000 people served at the free hamburger/hot dog event to kick-start the fair, plus Roger Cooper in concert on Sunday evening. There was still plenty of excitement and entertainment to come throughout the coming week.

Grand Champions were: (front row, from left): Sarah Darnall, Jessica Forshee, Craig Dinkel; (back row, from left) Kristi Gartrell, Heather Gartrell, Ethan Gartrell, Jenna Stout, Cody Miller and Jonelle Forshee.

* And So They Say: Howard Wanamaker: “About the only green thing one sees around here anymore are the weeds one sees growing along the edges of Main Street.” Ray Bigge: “Montana finally got around to paying its World War I bonus after 45 years. I just got mine today.” LeVeda Ives: “There are lots of interesting things to see in Kansas if people would just take the time to visit them.” Ina Copper: “I’ll certainly be glad when it starts snowing. I think I’ll go right out and walk barefoot in it.”