2010 Vision Leadership Class celebrates graduation

The largest Rooks County Vision Leadership class to date celebrated the end of this year's leadership program on the evening of Wednesday, December 15 at Cedar Links Country Club. Fourteen class graduates gathered with nearly 40 other alumni and family members to mark the occasion.

For a full story, go to www.rookscounty.net/2010_leadership.htm.

New construction to continue

Whoever said construction ever had to grind to a halt during winter months? Not in Rooks County this winter. Construction is well underway on the new Rooks County Regional Airport. The new 5,000 paved runway should be operational by the fall of 2011.

Construction is continuing on the new Plainville Swimming Pool. Foundations and walls have been poured and crews continue to work throughout the week on different parts of the $1.5 million project.

Construction could begin soon on a new medical clinic in Stockton. The new clinic would replace the aging clinic facility near the Solomon Valley Manor and would be the home to two new doctors slated to come to Stockton and serve the Rooks County Health Center.

Construction could also begin on a new Independent Living facility in Stockton. The new facility will be located on the west side of Stockton near the swimming pool and downtown areas.

Good things going on in Rooks County

Wow, it doesn't take long to fall behind on the old blog. What are all the positive things going on in the county right now? Here is just a sample:

• New swimming pool under construction in Plainville
• New medical clinic in Stockton designed; over $600,000 raised to date
• New Independent Living facility coming to Stockton
• Former Schult Home plant purchased by county; new businesses bidding.
• New Rooks County Regional Airport under construction
• New Assisted Living facility now full with a waiting list
• Several new businesses started over the last month (www.rookscounty.net)
• Grants lead to projects in Plainville (water), Woodston (water treatment), Damar (Urgent Need), 2 new ambulances (Plainville & Stockton).

So, the next time someone tells you that nothing good is happening, hold them accountable for being negative and then give them this list. :-)

A Hot Time at the Fair!

To say that it is going to be at "Hot Time" at the 2010 Rooks County Free Fair is definitely going to be an understatement. With temperatures hoving near 100 degrees, the heat will be on, but don't let that deter you from taking in all the attractions, exhibits, events, shows, and food.

The highlight of the fair will once again be the Friday concert featuring country music stars The Lost Trailers and Jesse James.

For a full list of activities, go to the fair website at www.rookscountyfreefair.com.

Rooks County Free Fair set to go once again

The 131st edition of the Rooks County Free Fair gets underway on August 8 in Stockton and runs through August 14. Once again the Fair Board has lined up an outstanding week-long event, from nationally-known entertainers to local favorites like motorcycle races, car races, and the ever-popular demolition derby.

This year's featured entertainers on Friday are Jessie James and the Lost Trailers. All tickets are $20.

Of course the fair would not be complete without the displays, food, carnival, and and youth events.

For a full listing of events and information, visit the fair website at www.rookscountyfreefair.com. You can also call the fair office at 785-425-7189

Ready for a great "Cuppa" coffee?

You have come to love them while located in the back of Main St. Gallery in Stockton, and now you can enjoy them in a new, expanded location. Cuppas, known for their great cup of coffee, now has it's own storefront at 413 Main. And, they are selling sandwiches, soup, salads, and a daily special during the lunch hour. So now it is Cuppas, Etc.
Owner Darla McReynolds has renovated the former Rooks County Bakery building into a quaint little shop that has a variety of food and other items. Stop by and see everything she has to offer in the shop, and have a great cup of coffee. Cuppas can be reached at 785-415-2025.

Denver Sportshow an opportunity for Rooks County

There are those in Kansas (especially rural Kansas) who will wonder why we should work on increasing tourism. What do Kansas and tourism have to do with each other, they would ask.

The Denver Sportmen's Expo is a good example of what tourism and western Kansas have to do with each other. Literally thousands of people go through the Expo each year, and many stop by the NW Kansas booth and want information on Kansas. They like coming here, they like the people, they like our lakes, and they like our hunting.

These "tourists" leave money here as well. Whether it is buying a tank of gas, eating a couple of meals at a local restaurant, or picking up a few groceries at a convenience store, it all adds up to money coming into the community.

Rooks County is fortunate to have resources such as Webster Lake, Rooks County State Lake, and Plainville Township Lake that attract others from outside to come. Keeping them a secret brings no money into Rooks County.

Talk to Blaine and Diane Baxter at Baxter's Bait & Tackle in Stockton and they will be glad to tell you what the visitors mean to their business.

The Denver Expo was Jan. 7-10, 2010.