The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met via Zoom conference call Monday morning, April 27 with all members, Tron Stegman, Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson accounted for. Also accounted for were County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp, County Counselor Paul Kitzke and RoGlenda Coulter for The Hugoton Hermes. Many county entities were present via Zoom including Rodney Kelling, Eunice Schroeder, Stacey Strickland, Susan Schulte, Tony Martin and Vanessa Willis.

Commissioners looked over the bills, had a few questions, then made the motion to pay them.

Tron said he received a text from Paula Rowden – she would not be at this meeting – but she has some concerns about what the Governor says of how Stevens County is going to reopen Monday. It is believed that the Governor will surely have another announcement to make before Monday of how it is to be handled. Joe D. said he listened to the Governor last week and said the plan right now is to have three stages of opening. She is going to have them laid out and available in the middle of this week. She did not have the details yet. The state and KDHE have been working with restaurants, hotels and industries that had major layoffs, to figure out how to work this out. Local control may be needed.

Tron announced that Courthouse Facilities Supervisor Ross Sullivan had some information for them. Ross said the drop box is installed but some courthouse departments do not want any of their people putting anything in it. Ross assured that the box is heavy duty and connected to the building. Vanessa told of some of her concerns. After discussion – Commissioners said to take it down. Commissioners visited about Ross using his own push mower. Ross was told to purchase a push mower locally.

Minutes from last meeting were checked and given an okay. Tony Martin reported in for Road and Bridge. He said they have converted to ten hour days – four days a week.

They are heating up asphalt and filling the water pits. Road and Bridge will be ready to do some asphalt jobs in a couple of days. The guys have been doing a good job of social distancing. Tony reported about some roads and told of being in compliance with the drug testing and CDL checking. He said if they are looking for a place to go with the drop box – his department could put it to use.

Amy was asked if there are any changes she knows of for the election. She said not at this time. The state will help with funding of COVID-19 protection materials for elections.

As far as the Wellness Center is concerned – Commissioners are interested in what will be ordered for gyms. Rodney was asked if he can get extra PPE equipment for county entities for when they are allowed to open.

Rodney said they have to turn in a request to him and then he has to turn the request in to the state. The cleaning supplies are hard to find right now and chances are pretty slim to be able to get it. Amy said she may be able to find some.

Sheriff Heaton reported in. He said he was good and didn’t need anything.

Eunice reported in for the Library and said she sent in her budget. She told that since the new LED lights are in they are seeing a significant savings in the electricity bill. For a July update, they are going to up their bandwidth and it will cost around $30 a month more. People are using the WiFi outside the Library. All items that have been returned to the Library during the shut-down are in quarantine and will have to be sanitized upon opening day. So masks, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes will be needed to wipe these items down with. Commissioners told her to talk to Rodney. Four to six people are on staff at the Library, so this will limit those coming in if numbers are limited still. Motion was made to accept the new Library Board Member Jana Harris to replace Ashley Pearcy.

Amy told of what county entities’ budgets are not in yet: Airport, Noxious Weed, Landfill, Museum, Sheriff, Appraiser and Treasurer. Amy said Angela is working on the Appraiser Budget. These have to be to the auditors by May 4, to the Commissioners by May 25 and the Budget Workshop will be July 9.

Discussion followed from Paul about his budget.

Commissioners visited with Vanessa about tax collections. They kind of need to know how the funds will compare with last years’. They said they heard that some other counties are having to let employees go due to shortness in funds.

Commissioners talked of when to have another meeting. Whenever the Governor makes another announcement, they need to have a meeting the following day. Especially if she is going to give more control to the county. Paula will need to be present.

Next on the agenda was Jonathan Herald with WKCAC. He explained their services they provide for Stevens County and asked for the County’s support again. Commissioners told him they will check over the budget and let him know.

Meeting adjourned.

The Hugoton City Council convened for a special meeting via Zoom April 20, 2020 at 5:15. Monitoring the meeting were city council members Dean Banker, Frankie Thomas, Dan Corpening and Jason Teeter. Also monitoring were Hugoton City Clerk Carrie L. Baeza, Mayor Jack E. Rowden, Outside Utilities Supervisor Paul Nordyke, City Attorney Wayne R. Tate, Police Chief Courtney Leslie, Hugoton Hermes reporter Ruthie Winget and Alvin Riley, president of the Forewinds Golf Course Board. City council member Brad Nuehaus was not connected. Mayor Jack E. Rowden presided.

Stevens County Health Department Officer Paula Rowden recommended opening up the Forewinds Golf Course and the Frisbee Golf Course at Raydene Park, using the Guidance tool supplied from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management. The city council voted unanimously to approve these measures, effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

All ‘Social Distancing Rules’ should be followed at the golf course. The club house and restroom facilities will be closed to the public. No rental carts will be available.

From the Superintendent of United States Air Force Academy: “In this time of adversity and uncertainty, we are deeply grateful to be part of the Front Range community. So many people have reached out to ask what they could do to show their support for the Class of 2020.” Vance Thompson of Stevens County and a graduate of Moscow High School, is a member of this class. ⁣ ⁣

The Superintendent continued to say, “Please join the celebration April 18 by displaying an American flag or handmade banner in your window or on your front porch with hashtag #USAFAGrad2020. You can also tune into the Livestream and leave a comment for the graduates and their families.”

The Livestream can be found on Facebook or the Air Force Academy YouTube channel at 12:00 p.m. – MST for the public to view.

Vance is the son of Valerie and Joe D. Thompson, the grandson of Martha Thompson and Joyce Eckert and fiancé of Gabby Rawlins.

Vance’s next assignment in the Air Force is to continue his education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia in the fall to pursue his Master in Economics. He will then go on to Pilot Training.

Congratulations Vance! Your hometown is so very proud of you!

As we head into the spring months, the risk of severe thunderstorms increases across Kansas, including the risk for tornadoes. Unfortunately, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people who rely on public sheltering from tornadoes could be faced with the difficult choice of sheltering from the tornado in a community shelter or refraining from going to the shelter in order to limit potential exposure to COVID-19.

At this time, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management recommends that your first priority should be to protect yourself from a potential tornado. However, the decision to open a community shelter will ultimately be at the discretion of local officials. Before you decide to go to a community shelter, first check with local officials to ensure they will be open. This should be done ahead of any thunderstorm, well before any warnings are issued. If you rely on community shelters, now is a good time to explore other options that will help keep you safe from a tornado while also limiting your potential exposure to COVID-19.

“We should not let fear of the coronavirus blind us to the danger of an imminent tornado,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “If you have to seek refuge in a community shelter, try to practice social distancing and other precautions as much as possible to minimize your risk.”

“The onset of tornado season is also a good time to take stock of your family’s emergency supplies and review your emergency plan,” Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, said. “Above all, don’t let the threat of potential virus exposure outweigh the real threat of an approaching tornado.”

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coron avirus.

Since the governor’s shut down orders some local businesses are doing some things differently. Creative Specialities is considered an essential business since they are needed for funerals – etc. Cleo says they are taking orders by phone. They will still meet and consult with families and work with the funeral homes. If a home delivery is needed, they will call the person and leave it on the doorstep or hold it till they call back. The person then can come in and pick up the order. Cleo advises that they are fully stocked so far.

Hi-Plains Lumber is offering curbside service and delivery. They will do entry into their business only for emergencies. Yardmaster Gift, Greenhouse and Nursery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They offer delivery if you are not comfortable coming inside. Flatlanders is running their usual hours so far. They too are an essential business as they sell livestock feed – etc. They assure they are taking special precautions. NAPA advises they usually do not have more than ten customers at a time so they are running same as usual. They will do curbside if the customer would rather. They are willing to help as needed.

The local Stevens County Extension Office is closed. Ron and Nancy Honig are both available by phone. Ron can be reached at 620-453-1724 and Nancy at 620-544-6787. Ron can still go out and look at whatever someone needs advice with. Brian’s Auto and Diesel Service is open but limiting business to appointment only. Call 620-544-2886 for an appointment. Hugoton Tire advises they are open. Bultman Tire’s doors are closed but they are still offering their services. They are asking customers to stay in their vehicle and call for an appointment at 620-544-8473. Carquest is open for business. They are practicing the social distancing and will do curbside if needed. You may call 620-544-8820. The Hermes, since we do not have more than ten people in at once and we are considered an essential business, the media, is open limited hours.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is edging its way toward Stevens County. Already local businesses and churches are feeling the brunt. If some of our locals are able to stay open safely, please be sure to help them out whenever possible.

Most county entities are having their meetings via Zoom since the orders to limit group meetings.

The Hugoton Senior Center has closed their dining room. If you wish or need a meal from there, carry outs are being offered at a charge. To receive a carry out meal you need to call the day before or that day before 8:30 a.m. @544-8041 or 544-2283. Then you must pick the meal up between 11:30 to 12:30 at the kitchen door. If you are homebound or needing a meal for a homebound person, please call and they can set up deliveries for them.

The Stevens County Health Department has limited access. Individuals need to call ahead for an appointment – 544-7177. No walk-ins will be allowed – you must have an appointment.

Pioneer Manor is in total lock-down. No visitors are allowed. Visiting by phone or video chat is encouraged. All the regular church services at the Manor by outside churches have been canceled. Stevens County Hospital is limiting their visitors and doing screening before patients, visitors or employees are allowed in. The clinic is remaining open for all patients who are sick with urgent or emergency care needs. Call for an appointment.

Gary Baughman and his staff at Animal Health Center advises that they are open regular hours. They are not crowded so far, so all they are doing is extra cleaning and precautions. Prairie Pet Mobile Vet advises: Go back to your car and call them @ 620-655-4882 and they will be right out to escort your pet in while you wait. The staff will go over all your questions with you. Kates Dog Grooming is open regular hours and taking care of their regular customers. If you would like, Linda advises that if you pull up in front and honk she will come out and take you fur baby inside for you.

The Stevens County Courthouse is closed to the public. They will remain closed until April 27 unless something changes. You can call for an appointment.

Kansas schools are closed for the remainer of the year. Home schooling plans are in the works.

Eating establishments are taking hard hits. The Jet Drive In will be doing drive through orders only. They are observing their regular hours. Acosta’s/ Nieto’s will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m then back open from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. They will have delivery during the noon hour as well as in the evening. So far they are doing dine-in since it is not crowded. Lupe advises that he is trying to stay in touch with the Health Department for advice. His establishment is disinfecting every 15 minutes. Subway is doing carry out orders only. They will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Los Agaves is open for dine-in until further notice. Of course you can get carry-out also which they are doing a lot of. China is carry-out only, no dine-in. McDonalds is drive through only. Daylight Donut is drive through and carry out only. Pizza Hut is open regular hours with drive through only. If truck drivers want to order they can call the order in and it will be carried out to them – 544-8587. Home delivery is available from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Stumpy’s is open. They are doing lots of carry outs and constant disinfecting.

Well it happened! At press time the Health Department notified the restaurants that they cannot have dine in anymore. Stumpy’s advised to call in your order and it will be delivered to your home or to curbside.

Beginning Monday, March 23, Citizens State Bank will have restricted access to the lobby until at least April 6. Drive -up tellers remain open regular hours, Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lobby business will be by appointment only 544-4331 or online at CSBKS.com. Tammy said that Equity Bank lobby is still open until they are advised different. They are running regular hours.

Casey’s is open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There is no dining in and some items are limited.

Hugoton Drug advises they are open regular hours for right now. If the orders come through, they may have to go to delivery only. Stevens County Retail Pharmacy lobby is closed. They have drive through only from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can drop off your prescription or call it in.

Carter’s Thriftway is open from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. for senior citizens only. At 10:00 a.m. they are open to the public until 9:00 p.m. Dollar General is open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The first hour is reserved for senior citizens. DG advises that they do have a limit on basic items.

Stevens County Gas and Historical Museum is open regular hours. Check out the Library news for their hours. They are curbside service only.

Now for the area churches. A lot of churches will not be offering regular services, except for those that have small congregations. Many will be available through streaming services online. Assembly of God is streaming only Sunday mornings at 10:45 on Facebook. Bethel Friends Church is streaming at 10:30 a.m. on their website, bethelfriend schurch.net. Church of Christ is having their regular services until told otherwise. Some of their older folks are staying home which is fine. First Christian Church services are postponed for now. They are streaming their service to Facebook. There are no Wednesday services. Send a friend request to their Facebook page.

My Father’s House is offering their services in person and online. River of Life Church will be having their services as usual. St Helen Catholic Church has canceled their services as has Trinity Baptist Church.

Most all group meetings and events have been canceled including the health fairs, the Kiwanis Auction and Dermot Suppers. The LEPC meeting was turned into a ZOOM meeting. The Fitness Center is closed as is Hugoton Recreation.

The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met in special session Tuesday afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 issues. All members, Pat Hall, Joe D. Thompson and Tron Stegman were present. Also present were County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp, County Counselor Paul Kitzke, GIS Susan Schulte and RoGlenda Coulter from The Hugoton Hermes. Many other concerned members of the community were present representing the various county entities. The EMS / Fire Department, Senior Center, Library, county court system, Hugoton schools, Moscow schools, Stevens County Hospital and Manor, Economic Development, Banks, Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department were some of the departments represented.

Tron welcomed everyone. He introduced Paula Rowden as the main speaker as being the director of the Board of Health.

Paula said the virus was identified in the United States January 21 and in Kansas March 7. We now have 4,000 cases in the United States. There are possible cases as close as Ford County, Texas County, Grant County and a few counties in Colorado. The virus is spread person to person so suggestions are to establish at least six feet between people. The idea of handwashing is very important, cover coughs and do not touch your face. People who have been exposed have two to 14 days to develop the virus. Paula reminded that there are fatalities but there are more survivors than deaths. But she said don’t be mistaken, we will see it here in our community.

Paula said we have had lots of information packed in but there is lots of misinformation also out there. This has the potential to cripple local businesses. She emphasized that the Heath Department has a plan and they have things set up but the community has to help by following the suggested guidelines. A large outbreak in Stevens County is a grave concern.

Linda Stalcup told of locking down Pioneer Manor and limiting interaction of family at the hospital. These orders come from the state. All staff is screened upon coming in for work. Boyett Tablate from the hospital lab says they are begging for test kits. The reasons to test are a fever of 100.4 and over, and respiratory problems. Other problems will just be screened.

There are a lot of local people out of town now for spring break. They are urged to self quarantine upon returning home. This would be for the 14 days. It is believed this will be the most critical time frame for Stevens County.

At press time Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that all schools in the state are closed through the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. Superintendent Howie had already said in the meeting that there would not be a prom, graduation or sports. All practices had already been canceled. He stressed that lots of employees work through sickness – now if they are not feeling well they must not come to work.

Jack Rowden said it will probably come to pass that the banks will be limited to drive-through service.

Rodney Kelling said his departments will be checking with the different county entities to see what their needs are that they can help with. He has to send in a report to the state about all closings.

Karen Rich said the Senior Center is closed. They will be doing the meals on wheels and meals by order. These meals by order will be given out at the door, with no entrance into the center. She said the response of not being afraid is not an intelligent response to the virus. You have to think of your neighbors if not yourself.

Joe said information is pouring in but it changes fast. He feels the Commissioners have the responsibility to face the needs and support of the community. Commissioners are supposed to not meet without an announced meeting time and place but they may have to and it will just have to be ok. Amy informed that all minutes will be posted to their website: stevenscoks.org

Sheriff Heaton said they are careful to not cross contaminate new prisoners with present ones.

Paula Sosa and Kelsey Burnett said their court system will follow whatever the courthouse rules are.

After much discussion motion was made and passed to close the Fitness/Wellness Center for at least two weeks.

Following very much discussion motion was also made to close the courthouse to the public at noon Wednesday, March 18. Appointments can be made to the various offices by calling if need be. There will be signs posted on all the doors. The various meetings that were scheduled for the Memorial Hall will have to be canceled.

It was then discussed where overflow from the hospital would be sent. If it comes to it, screening can be done through the alley of the Health Department.

Many events have been postponed or canceled in the area. This includes, the Kiwanis Sale, Legislative Update and the Chamber Banquet. It was suggested that the Rec be closed for at least two weeks and possibly daycares.

Meeting adjourned.

This year’s Scholastic Art Competition winners for USD 210 were Hugoton Middle School Honorable Mention Bronze Key Winners: Grace Farris, Stocking Sculpture, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Monserrat Gonzalez, Painting, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Tristan Kiley, Digital Art, Honorable Mention Bronze Key, Photography, Honorable Mention Bronze Key, Digital Art, Honorable Mention Bronze Key, and Painting, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Lexi Knopp, Painting, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Adysen Norton, Mixed Media Foil Art, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Kaden Wagenseller, Found Object HandSculpture, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Silver Key Winner Tristan Kiley, Photography, Silver Key. Gold Key Winners for Hugoton Middle School, 2019-2020, these works will go on to compete in New York City at the national level. Winners were Grace Farris, Digital Art Design, Gold Key; and Tristan Kiley, Digital Art Design, Gold Key. Hugoton High School Honorable Mention Bronze Key Winners 2019-2020 were Maria Caraveo, Ebony Pencil Drawing Study, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Cynthia Garcia, Painting-Ink and Watercolor, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Tia Kalani, Acrylic Painting, Honorable Mention Bronze Key and White Pencil on Black Paper Drawing, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Emmi Lott, Acrylic Painting “La Vie En Bleu”, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; Jayden Salazar, Acrylic Painting “Snow Day”, Honorable Mention Bronze Key and Drawing titled “Origin, Honorable Mention Bronze Key; and Julienne Salazar, Ceramic Clay Sculpture “Starstruck”, Honorable Mention Bronze Key. Silver Key Winners 2019-2020 were Daycen Austin, Foam Block Sculpture titled “Nessie”, Silver Key; David Escalera, Digital Art Design titled “The Works”, Silver Key; Jayden Salazar, Acrylic Painting titled “I Found It”, Silver Key; and Cierra Yarbrough, Drawing in Pencil titled “Sacred Organs”, Silver Key. Gold Key Winners for 2019-2020 Scholastics for Hugoton High School, these works will go on to compete in New York City at the national level. Winners were Reygan Kiley, Foam Block Sculpture titled “Obsidian”, Gold Key; Emmi Lott, Digital Art Design “Drowning Inside Myself”, Gold Key; Nicole Piper, Pastel Drawing on Velour Paper “My Mind’s Chaos”, Gold Key; and Julienne Salazar, Digital Art Design “Trapped”, Gold Key, American Vision Best of Show.

Hugoton also had its first Best of Show winner in 15 years. This year a very special Best of Show award was received by a Hugoton High School Art student. This artist received a gold key award and what is known as the “American Vision” Top five Best Of Show awards. These are the top five winning pieces chosen out of all 164 winning artworks. It has been over 15 years since a Hugoton student has received this prestigious commendation. The 2019-2020 recipient of the Gold Key American Vision Award was Julienne Salazar for her Digital Art Design “Trapped”. Congratulations go to Julienne on her hard work and creativity in the USD 210 art department this year.

Congratulations to our Varsity Team for being named to the KVA All-Academic Team! Also, special shout-out to these ladies, Gianna Vos, Mikyn Hamlin and Summya Adigun for receiving All-Academic First Team and Breckyn Haar, McKenna Hamlin and Julienne Salazar for receiving All-Academic Honorable mention. To earn these honors you had to have earned a 4.0 grade point average for First Team or 3.99-3.75 grade point average for Honorable Mention. We had several girls that barely missed the 3.75 mark.

Carrie L. Baeza, CMC of City of Hugoton, has earned the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC), which is awarded by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), Inc.

IIMC grants the CMC designation only to those municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements; and who have a record of significant contributions to their local government, their community and state.

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks, founded in 1947, has 14,000 members throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries, and the mission of this global non-profit corporation is to enhance the education opportunities and professional development of its diverse membership.

In light of the speed and drastic nature of change these days, lifelong learning is not only desirable, it is necessary for all in local government to keep pace with growing demands and changing needs of the citizens we serve. Hugoton can take immense pride in Carrie’s educational accomplishments and achievement of this milestone.

“On behalf of the IIMC Board of Directors, I am honored to endorse the conferring of CMC to Carrie L. Baeza, CMC of City of Hugoton. We share your pride in this achievement and we applaud your support of the role Carrie plays in your city.” said Stephanie Carouthers Kelly, MMC, IIMC President.