Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce enjoyed their monthly luncheon meeting Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the Stevens County Library meeting room.  The members dined on a delicious buffet furnished by China of Hugoton.
    Curtis Crawford began the meeting with a Marketing Update. He informed the members of the importance of creating an account with Google so customers can find their business without going to the Yellow Pages.     
    Director Ruth Van Horn reported the Teachers’ Appreciation Breakfast at Pig’s R Us was a great success. She stressed  their appreciation to the Lion’s Club and the Rotary for their contribution. The Lions Club helped the Chamber board with serving the breakfast. About 55 teachers attended. The teachers were very appreciative of the great meal.
    Ruth commented about the great High Plains Music Fest performed Saturday evening. The weather really cooperated by turning cool for the concert.

    She reminded the members of the upcoming twenty-third annual Gas Capital Car Club show in the city park Saturday, August 23. The Chamber board will open a booth at the park.
    Ruth also reminded the Chamber of the Heritage Christian Academy 5K Color Fun run/walk Saturday morning if anyone wanted to participate.
    September 12-14 will be the Quilt and Art Show at the Senior Center, if anyone wants to enter their creations.
    Stevens County Library Director Eunice Schroeder stated the library was having a book sale this week for anyone who wants to buy a sack of books.
    Stevens County Extention Agent Josh Morris was the guest speaker. He talked of how the ‘Dust Bowl’ was formed. Josh demonstrated how the wind picks up the dirt, making it airborne and eventually making it suspended in the atmosphere. According to the K-State Weather Station in Hugoton’s part of the county, Josh reported 23 inches of total rainfall in the year 2010, 11 inches of total  rainfall in 2011, seven inches of rainfall in 2013 and two inches of rainfall by June 1 in 2014.  Stevens  County is definitely in a drought! The rain has been welcome this summer.
    Director Van Horn reminded the Chamber members the next Chamber luncheon will be Tuesday, September 16 at the Stevens County Library meeting room.