Rooks County Health Center (RCH) recently announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

Denise Murchie was sworn in as the new Rooks County Treasurer by Clerk Laura Montgomery on Monday, April 1st. She has stepped into the position and will serve outgoing Treasurer Kim Northup's term, who has retired. Northup's term ends in October 2025, and Murchie will oversee the duties of that office until then. However, if Murchie chooses to do so, she must run for office this election year. The treasurer's term runs differently than other offices, from October to October instead of starting in January, as most other elected positions do.

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol advise travelers to plan ahead as traffic is expected to increase.

Rooks County Spelling Bee Champion Lyla Oller represented her county well at the Sunflower State Spelling Bee, held on Saturday, March 23rd, at Mabee Arena at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. Oller, a Stockton sixthgrade student, went up against the best spellers in the state, correctly spelling her way through four rounds.

After over 18 years of serving as the Rooks County Treasurer, Kim Northup officially retired on Monday, April 1st, with Denise Murchie stepping into the position. Northup was elected five times, giving continuity to a job that oversees a variety of tasks for the county.

The Kansas Department of Transportation started working on a box culvert bridge replacement project on K-18 in Russell County. The bridge is located approximately one mile east of the K-232 junction near Lucas.

Work was set to begin on March 27 to improve the U.S. 183 bypass and I-70 interchange at Exit 157 near Hays.

conducted. The city-wide cleanup will be held during the week of April 29th.