Whether 2016 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 2016 for the area.
In January, A.J. Madsen was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and HHS quarterback Tino Degollado was recognized by the Garden City Telegram with several awards for his prowess on the football field. Stevens County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Officer Kleio found 123 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop. The Hugoton Airport received over $63,000 for their runway resurfacing project – representing 90% of the total cost – from a KDOT grant. Best Western Stevens County Inn opened their doors Monday, January 18, 2016. At the January school board meeting, members discussed the HVAC needs at the elementary school.
Hugoton’s 2016 winter Homecoming court was ruled over by King Hunter Kerbow and Queen Keely Hittle. Sydney Beesley won the senior division at the Pancake Day talent contest with her rendition of “Let It Go”. Then, Hugoton’s Judy Lynch won first in the Pancake Day race in her division! Miss Kansas Hannah Wagner visited HES in February, and Richard Claggett won the 2015 Community Service award at the annual Conservation Banquet. Rolla’s Scholars Bowl team earned a trip to State, where they won the State Championship crown, marking the twelfth time in 24 years! In the February 18 issue, Jeff and Diane Crawford graced the front page after being named 2016 Sweetheart Sweepstakes winners. Several members of Moscow High’s Forensics team earned a trip to State Forensics, where Freddy and JJ Gonzalez won first in Improvised Duet Acting. Pedro Ordonez and Alfredo Luna also traveled to Salina for State wrestling. Pedro ended up with third place. HHS senior Carly Martin also got to compete in State Piano at Wichita State University after earning a I in Regional competition.
The 2016 Presidential race took over the airwaves for months, and the Kansas Republican Caucus took place in Ulysses March 5, while the Democratic Caucus was in Garden City the same day. The high school NHS chapter’s annual Mr. HHS contest was in March, and Hunter Kerbow won the crown. First prince went to Austin Nordyke, Ethan Bogan won second prince and Mark Persinger won Mr. Congeniality. After 65 years of difficult waiting, the HHS boys’ basketball team earned a trip to the State tournament, along with the girls’ team. The boys won second in their first State appearance since 1951, and the girls ended up third. Catie LeNeve was chosen to compete in the Miss Kansas pageant after winning Miss Midwest, February 20, at Baser.
