Norton Correctional Facility escapee, Samuel (Sam) Lee Dartez II, was apprehended in Riley County approximately three hours after escaping from Norton Correctional Facility-East Unit, located in Stockton. Saturday evening, March 10, at approximately 7:10 p.m., staff from the Stockton facility verified that Dartez had escaped from custody. Prior to being incarcerated at the facility, Dartez was convicted in Riley County of two counts of criminal damage to property and one count of possession with intent to sell drugs. Dartez was with a group of prisoners who was playing basketball at the high school that evening. A female acquaintance of his had visited him at the correctional facility earlier that day. Dartez walked away from the school, met up with the female and they drove to Riley County. Dartez was scheduled to be released on December 26, 2007.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss turned 50 on March 1, 2007. In honor of that celebration, “celebrities” from around the community of Stockton read the popular book aloud to the pre-school through 4th-grade classes on March 1st and March 2nd, which happens to be Dr. Seuss’s birthday. In 1957, Theodor Seuss Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) was challenged by his publishing company to write a story that kids wouldn’t be able to put down. He was asked to use only 223 words from a list of 348 words for beginning readers. He ended up using 236 words.

After keeping the Stockton area in suspense for weeks, Jalia Mahjah Creighton finally arrived on Feb. 19, to claim the title of New Year’s Baby 2007. Justin and Fielzah Creighton were parents of a second New Year’s Baby as big sister Jazlynn, almost 3, was the Sentinel’s New Year’s Baby for 2004.

Members of the Stockton Delegation visited Topeka on Jan. 30 and 31, 2007. During this annual visit, Lobbyist and Advisor Jon Small arranged for the delegation to meet with a number of Representatives, Secretaries and other dignitaries at the state capitol over the two-day period. The purpose of the annual trip is to maintain relationships with Kansas governing officials and constantly remind them that the City of Stockton is willing to partner with them for the benefit of Kansas. Those from Stockton who traveled to Topeka were Chris Kollman, Chairman of the Stockton Public Building Commission; Twila Sander, Stockton City Commissioner; Roger Hrabe, Rooks County Economic Development Director; Connie Conyac, Stockton City Manager; Mike Heenan, Stockton City Commissioner; and Kim Thomas, Mayor of Stockton. This delegation was pictured with Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

Terry Fator, The Human Jukebox, delighted his audience on Feb. 7 at the Nova Theatre as he impersonated many stars, including Michael Jackson.

The Stockton Area Arts Council and the Rooks County Historical Society hosted a “Speaking of Kansas” program in honor of Kansas Day at the Nova Theatre on February 1, 2007. Two “attic snoops,” Jonathan Reed and MaryLynn Griebel, were on the stage, which had been transformed into an old attic, rummaging through a trunk they had found and discovering some interesting facts about people from Kansas. Making an appearance during the program were Elam Bartholomew, a farmer, pioneer and world-renowned botanist who lived on Bow Creek (Leo Bird); Peggy Hull, one of the first female war correspondents (Becca Jackson); the sad-faced clown, Emmett Kelly, a native of Sedan (Sally Lowry); Charles Curtis, the first Native American to become vice president of the United States (Roque Garcia); Private John Calvin Rooks, namesake of Rooks County (David Reed); and Martin and Osa Johnson, world-renowned naturalists and photographers (Clint Strutt and Stephanie Lowry). Coordinators for the event were Ruth Phelps and Donna Griebel.

Excavation was underway at the site of the new Rooks County Health Center. Shelby Moore of Stockton, and Colt McCune of Plainville, both injured in a car accident on Jan.

The historic Nova Theatre in Stockton was proud to announce the procurement of Terry Fator, The Human Jukebox, for an evening of non-stop laughter, scheduled for Feb. 7.

What Was Going On 14 Years Ago On Jan. 6 and 7, 2007, the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department hosted the Regional Kansas Firefighters Training School.

Krob Trenching, Inc. announced the sale of its underground telecommunications construction services division to Cole Trenching, LLC. Cole was an employee of Krob Trenching, Inc. for the previous fifteen years and when the business was put up for sale, Arthur and his wife, Julie, decided this was a great opportunity for them. Krob Trenching, Inc. would continue to provide services to its customers in the capacity of installing water lines, repairing leaks, hydrant repairs and installation, septic system installations, trenching, backhoe services and boring.