Whether 2019 was good, bad or neutral for you, everyone can agree – it certainly wasn’t boring. The year was chock full of news for the Stevens County community, and the Hermes has been there all along. Following is a rundown of 2019 for this area.
In January, Betty Rosel was re-sworn in as Register of Deeds. She had originally been sworn in January 13, 1969. She is honored to have served over half a century. In April of 1975, Betty became an EMT – forty-four years ago.
The Stevens County 4-H Horse Bowl Team represented Kansas at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Members of the team were Emily Headrick, Emma McClure, Toby McClure, Megan Newlon and Clair Clark. Their coach is Judy Parsons.
Chuck Holt of Hugoton made the long trip to Topeka to claim his $100,000 prize he won on the Kansas Lotto. The winning ticket was sold at Toot N Totum in Hugoton.
Randy Bane was recognized as the Morton County Museum Pioneer Man. He was one of the pioneers involved in the initiation and development of the Kansas Scholar’s Bowl Association.
Northwest Cotton Gin announced they are looking to double the size of their cotton gin. When it is completed, it will be the second largest cotton gin in North America.
Three Hugoton High School wrestlers qualified for State Competition. Michael Mendoza, Carter Cozlahr and David Cruz will travel to Salina for the competition.
Hugoton talent scored big at the 2019 Pancake Day talent show at Liberal. Alivia Grubbs, Maddy Neihues, Sidney Beesley, Renee Beesley and Sidni Root all were winners at the show.
Sergeant Gene Johnson retired from the Hugoton Police Department after twenty-five years of service.
Rafael Granillo of Moscow, is the proud recepient of the full ride scholarship from the Rudd Foundation. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books and room and board for the four year program.
Rolla students took nine science experiments to the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair and brought home several medals. Brynlee Williams, Rylan Williams, Samantha Dunn and Martha Martinez all earned gold medals. Hugoton’s eighth grader Claudia Clark also earned a gold and was second in Division II Overall.
The 2019 Twenty-First Annual Kansas Police Dog Association Seminar was hosted in Hugoton. Thirty-seven K-9 teams from all over Kansas participated in the training program.
Hugoton High School Band, which is comprised of 49 Hugoton students, competed at KSHAA State Large Group and received a I (superior rating) which is the highest rating that can be given.
Annha Eshbaugh won Best of Show for the sculpture at the Great Western Activities Conference League Art Show at Goodland.
Casle Heger earned the Superior Rating at State Piano for the second year in a row.
The Dust Bowl Riders hosted their Twenty-fifth Annual Motorcycle Rally. Around 200 cycles participated in the rally.
Michael Burrows traveled to the Dominican Republic for the Missionary Action project which is affiliated with the Church of God. Her group worked on erecting a new church building.
J.D. Robson qualified for the International Finals Youth Rodeo which will be in Shawnee, Ok.
Sue Claassen was presented with a ten year length of service award by the National Weather Service. She has been recording temperature, precipitation and snowfall data for the Richfield station since 2009.
Stanley and Linda McGill are this year’s Stevens County Fair King and Queen. Ella Martin, daughter of Will and Shelby Martin, is crowned the 2019 Sorghum Queen.
The Hugoton Police Department hosted an Open House of their new Police Station. The new station is up to date with all the newest technology.
The High Plains Music Fest enjoyed their sixth annual year of country music concerts. Other activities were the High Plains BBQ Bash, Giant Balloon display and the Fall Fling Craft Show.
The Gas Capital Car, Truck and Bike Show brought many antique vehicles to town for all to enjoy.
The Hugoton High School FFA won the State Land Contest for the third year in a row.
Gary Rowden, Electical System Supervisor for the City of Hugoton, was presented with the Max Embree ‘Distinguished Service Award’ in Wichita for his leadership role in his community and to public power.
Hugoton Eagles football team won District Championship against Holcomb.
Henry Beesley was presented with the American FFA Degree at Indianapolis, In. This Degree is the highest a member can attain and is only awarded to less than the top 1/2 of 1% of all FFA members in the nation.
Retha Wagner is named Kappa Eta Sorority 2019 Woman of the Year.
Moscow Wildcats football team took 6-man State Championship against Cheylin.
The year 2020 is going to have to rise above the bar that was set this past year!