The 2019 Park Day has numerous winners and activities. The Little Miss/Mr. Hugoton Contest announced its winners this year. The contest is sponsored by Flatlanders Farm & Home. The first division birth to six months Little Miss winners were first place Gracie Garcia and second place evie Ware. Little Mr. first place was Ryker Burnett, second place Madden Trujillo and third place Malakai Hurtado. The second division seven to 12 months Little Miss winners were first place Autumn Jorde, second place Brynlee Hemann and third place Milla Torres. Little Mr. first place was Cayden Miller and second place Carter Kiley. The third division 13 to 18 months Little Mr. winners were first place Drake Garcia and second place Ryker Clinesmith. the fourth division 19 to 24 months Little Miss winners were first place Lilianah Rose and second place adleigh Jo Moodie. In the fifth division two to three year winners were Little Miss first place Skylynn Hemann, second place Cambree Campbell and third place Riley crawford. The Little Mr. winners were first place Kellan Waugh, second place Eli Jorde and third place remington Clinesmith.

The 2019 CSB sack race winners were Four and under – first- TIE> Kimmy and Josellyne and second- Diego Alfaro. Five and six years – first- Ezra Tinoco, second- Emmaleigh Rotolo and third- Giovanni Don Juan. Seven and eight years – first- Carter Trujillo, second- TIE > Llair Martinez and Hayden Trujillo and third- TIE> Adien Macias and Abril Rodriguez. Nine and ten years – first- Bannor Stang, second- TIE >Daniel Alfaro and Jonas Mauk and third- Junior Martinez. Eleven years- first- Hayley Urquidi, second- Brynlee Williams and third- McKenna Titus. Twelve years – first- Daniella Alfaro, second- Tobias Grubbs and third- Preston Lee. In the 13-14 age group – first- Adam Mendoza, second- Izzy Garcia and third- Brayden Matheson. Adults – first- Mike Mendoza, second- Blake Trujillo and third- Abraham Garcia.

The 2019 Frog Jump sponsored by Pearcy Irrigation and the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners. Overall winner was Cecil Williams. In the one to four year old group – first Jocelyn Smith, second Teigan Hill and third Titus Hill. Five to eight year old – first Cecil Williams, second Lucas Williams and third Kyron Hackley. Nine to 12 year olds – Corde Stang, second Brinlee Williams and third Samantha Burt.

The 2019 Turtle races sponsored by Southwest Friends of the Arts Society and The Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce winners have been announced. Four to six year olds – first Camden Williams, second Mykenna Shelman and third Kimmie Beltz. Seven to nine year olds – Harper Riddlesperger, second Jayven Baeza and third Kaylee Shelman. Ten to 12 year olds – first Zachary Race, second Myka Evans and third Vaelynn Cox. Giant Turtles – first Elias Holcomb, second Emma Marquec and third Emmaleigh Rotolo.

The 2019 Egg Toss sponsored by Wolters Construction announced its winners. Division six to ten years – first Ryder Reza and Christopher Jenkens, second Hilda Neufeld and Angie Loewen and third Aiden McDaniels and Vincent Pretorius. Division 11 to 14 years – first Bryan Montoya and Braydon Matheson, second Lorenzo Martinez and Juan Rodriguez and third CJ Beard and Brad Allen. Division 15 and up – first Scott Allen and Brooks Allen, second Trevor B and Ethan F and third Jim Ghumm and Blake Trujillo. Division Parent and Child mixed – first Ryland Williams and Nik, second Bryan Montoya and Stefanny Villa and Clayton Grubbs and Josh Grubbs.

Believe it or not it’s just about time for the big event filled July Fourth Park Day 2019! The Fourth falls on Thursday this year. All these following times are approximate and subject to change but this is what the schedules say so far.

In the northeast corner of the park: The Opening Ceremony starts at 8:45 a.m. At 8:30 a.m. registration opens for Little Miss / Mr. Hugoton and 9:00 a.m. is when the contest will start. Get those little ones all spruced up in their red, white and blue patriotic outfits. Age groups are for boys and girls 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 13 to 18 months, 19 to 24 months and 2 to 3 years old. All contestants will be awarded a goody bag. Winners are asked to gather for a group photo following the cute little contest sponsored by Flatlanders Farm and Home.

The north side of the park is the location for the other usual events: 9:00 the Turtle Race, 9:30 Frog Jump, 10:00 Sack Races and 10:30 Egg Toss. The Ring Toss will take place all day.

Move on to the southwest corner of the park if you want to catch the annual Back Seat Driving Contest sponsored by the Stevens County Sheriff’s Department. You can also get in on the Dunk Tank and the Moon Jump sponsored by the Santa Committee.

Of course noon will bring out the “Ducks”. Hugoton Rotary members will set them free to make their way down Canal Street. There is still time to purchase your lucky ducky from a Rotary member.

After watching for the winning duck, at 1:00 p.m go take a free dip in the Hugoton Pool compliments of Edward Jones and Musgrove Insurance.

You can be sure that this is not a complete list of happenings this big park day. A showing of venders a mile long will be found all over the park. It’s a guarantee that you will not go hungry or thirsty. There will be about any kind of food you can think of from Mexican, Sushi, Corn, Cheesecake, BBQ, Ice Cream, Fruit, Hot Dogs, Cake, Pies, Rolled Ice Cream, Burgers, FREE Cotton Candy, Pucker Powder Sugar Sticks, Cookies and Kettle Corn. The drinks range from Lemon Shake-ups, Sodas and of course Michelle Heger’s famous Ice Chest Tea.

The venders are not all food stuff, there will be Trivets and Potholders from Friesen and Anna, Henna Tattoos by Hunter Dale, Clothes from Linda’s Treasures by Linda Kates, Lynnie’s Nest Rock Painting, Treny Lynn’s Paparazzi Jewelry, a Mechanical Bull, a Cake Walk by NCYC Youth Group, Crochet Scratchers and other handmade goodies from our own Pauline Murray, a Balloon Toss, and Horseshoe Art and Quilts by Marty Evans.

Oh yes! The Inflatables will be back! Features will be a 50’ obstacle course, a train combo, an 18’ slide and a large castle bouncer. A wristband will get you unlimited rides from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

It’s not too late! More booths may be added up until July 4!! The Grand Finale will be the giant fireworks display that will start near dark at the Hugoton High School. Remember – there is no alcohol allowed at any of these event locations.

Moscow will not be outdone, they will be having their events for the Fourth also. They will start off the day, July 4, with their Parade at 8:30 a.m. It will start at the high school parking lot. If you would like to participate in the parade call Tami at 544-9684.

Moscow will start their Fourth of July in the Park with a Treasure Dig at 9:00 a.m. A Watermelon eating contest will start at 10:00 and the Three-Legged Race at 10:30. At 1:30 p.m. at the Pool, the City of Moscow will have a releasing of the “Ducks” also. You can still get your little duckys from the City Office in Moscow, buy 1 for $5 or 6 for $25 First prize is $300 2nd- $200 3rd- $100 and a hard luck duck gets $25. It doesn’t stop there, Moscow will offer a Water Balloon Toss at 11:00 and Horseshoes and Cornhole at 2:00. Then to cool off, a Free Swim will start at 2:30. There will be contests there also: Biggest Splash, Biggest Flop/Bust and Best Trick. Drawing for prize giveaways with items such as bikes, pool, and fishing rods. Foods like Cotton candy, Gorditas, Fruit Cocktail, Breakfast Burritos, Taquitos, Corn on the Cob  and Popcorn and Bounce Houses, face painting, soda ring toss, bean bag toss and more games.Pull pork sandwiches 9:00 to 1:00 p.m.

The City of Rolla invites all to enjoy the Rolla Pool Fireworks show a couple days early, Tuesday, July 2 at dark.

The Dermot Community will be celebrating Fourth of July even earlier – Saturday, June 29. They will be having a covered dish dinner at 7:30 and the Fireworks Display at dark. For more information about this event you may call 593-4436 or 353-3643.

It looks like a wonderful event filled week of celebrating our Sweet Land of Liberty’s birthday in style. Get out and enjoy. Happy Fourth!!

The title of Super Dad 2019 goes to Jason Teeter! His name was drawn at Yardmaster Gifts, Greenhouse & Nursery during the first round of drawings then drawn out for Super Dad in the final drawing.

Jason was awarded a $25.00 gift certificate from Yardmaster as their lucky dad. Then because his name was drawn for Super Dad, he received a $50.00 gift certificate good anywhere in Hugoton which was donated by the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations Jason!

Other lucky dads include Kenny Burrows as the lucky winner whose name was drawn at Equity Bank earning him a $25.00 gift card. Dale Keeling will have fun picking through the wonderful store full of items at Creative Specialties with his $25.00 gift certificate as their winner. At Ghumm’s Auto Center, Ray Talbert’s name was drawn earning him a free oil change.

Johan Wolfe won a $50.00 gift certificate from American Implement he can spend when he decides to. Flatlanders Farm & Home drew out Brad Niehues’ name garnering him a $25.00 gift certificate to do with as he pleases. Twisted H’s winner was Claude Cerecero who was awarded a $25.00 gift certificate to put to good use. Mike Knox name was drawn at Acosta’s & Nieto’s Cafe earning him a wonderful meal to be paid for with his $25.00 gift certificate.

At Citizens State Bank, Elroy Pando can line his pocket as his name was drawn earning him 20 Gas Capital Dollars. Angeles Alfaro can fill his tummy as his name was drawn for a $25.00 gift card at Los Agaves.

At the Fitness Center, Calvin May can stay in shape being the lucky winner of a one month free membership. Ron Martin will be the lucky diner with his $25.00 gift card from Stumpy’s and Co.

Carter Cullison can run into Slim Pickens in Moscow and pick up his gift basket specially prepared for him from their homemade food and antiques. Jim Mothes gets his choice of jewelry as the winner of the Little Gift Shop in the Corner at the Stevens County Hospital.

Lana and her staff at The Jet will serve Rex Evans his two wonderful meals as their lucky dad of the year whenever he gets hungry. Hugoton Drug drew out Eric Haar’s name and will fix him up with a specially filled basket full of gifts from their wonderful goody filled store.

All our local dads are their own family’s super dads even if they didn’t get their name drawn this year. The Hermes appreciates all our Stevens County businesses that generously donated prizes this year for our Super Dad Contest.

Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, June 16…and Hugoton businesses are offering nearly $500 worth of prizes this year for their Super Dad participants. You better hurry to one of the following 16 Hugoton business places to sign your dad, grandpa or just favorite dad in the 2019 Super Dad Sweepstakes before Saturday, June 15. Your favorite Dad could win some great prizes and a chance to claim the title of Super Dad 2019!

No matter what kind of interests your most special dad possesses, the merchants of Hugoton have their gift lists covered! From gift certificates at his favorite shop to specially-created gift baskets or even a great meal at his favorite hometown restaurant. Cover your bases by registering all over town!

Participating businesses include American Implement, where the winning Dad can find just what he wants with some help from a $50 gift certificate. Citizens State Bank announced their winner will get $20 in Gas Capital Dollars.

Does your dad want to get in shape? Register him at the Stevens County Fitness Center for a free month’s membership! Also, Creative Specialties has plenty of “doodads” and “whatchamacallits” so their winner can have fun picking out his own Father’s Day present with his $25 gift certificate.

Ghumm’s Auto Center promises to get Dad on his way to that much- needed vacation with a free oil change. Give Dad a chance to relax and try a new craft brew or a tasty summer cocktail by registering him at Twisted H Liquor for a $25 gift certificate.

Equity Bank will fatten their winning dad’s wallet with a $25 gift card. Make sure you register him at Flatlanders next time you’re out there, as they have tons of stuff Dad and Grandpa want! If your special guy wins the $25 gift certificate, he can pick out any number of great items.

While in Moscow be sure to stop in at Slim Pickins and sign up for a chance to win a gift basket. Hugoton Drug also plans to give their winner a wonderful gift basket. The Jet Drive-In offers their lucky dad the chance to take his sweetie out with him for two free dinners complete with drinks.

Make sure to sign Dad or Granddad up at Los Agaves Bar & Grill for a $25 gift certificate. The Little Gift Shop in the Corner (located in the Stevens County Hospital) will award their winning Dad or Grandpa with the wonderful opportunity to pick the gift of his choice.

Acosta’s and Nieto’s Cafe will award their winner a $25 gift certificate. Yardmaster has lots for their lucky Dad or Grandpa to pick from with their $25 gift certificate.

Stumpy’s & Co. is awarding the winner in their restaurant a $25 gift card and a chance to be named Super Dad.

Winners at each business will be drawn Monday, June17 and Super Dad will be drawn the same day. This year’s Super Dad will also receive $50 in Chamber Bucks from the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Bucks can be spent at local businesses, enabling Dad to pick out his own present at countless Stevens County businesses!

Be sure to register your favorite Dad or Grandpa for Super Dad – you

by Tom Emery

Sitting in the choppy waters of the English Channel the day before D-Day, twenty-year-old Private James R. Lambeth wondered what would happen on the beaches of Normandy.

“We had no idea what we were getting into,” recalled Lambeth, who was born in Spring Creek, in Phelps County just east of Fort Leonard Wood. “I’d never seen combat before, and had no idea what it would be like.”

Thursday, June 6 marks the Seventy-fifth anniversary of the massive D-Day invasion and Lambeth, a member of the 37th Amphibious Combat Engineers, was one of 156,000 men on Omaha Beach at Normandy on that day in 1944. Over 70 years later, the action still touches a nerve with many Americans.

Lambeth, 95 now, has vivid memories of those fateful hours. “I don’t know how to explain it, but we really didn’t have time to get scared,” he remarked. “When the guns opened on us, we just had to find cover somewhere. When you saw your buddies start dropping all around you, you knew you’d better do something to make it through.”

The invasion was part of Operation Overlord, a massive offensive spearheaded by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower to land enormous Allied forces in western Europe. An estimated 50,000 vehicles, 13,000 planes, and 5,000 ships and landing craft were involved.

One of five beaches along Normandy that saw action, Omaha was the deadliest on D-Day, mainly because of the imposing German defense. Some 3,000 barricades were placed along the beach, while mines and mortars presented other hazards. Well-positioned machine gun nests instantly opened fire as the Allies stepped off their Higgins boats and other transports.

By nightfall, some 100,000 troops had made it ashore. Within five days, over 326,000 soldiers and 100,000 tons of equipment had landed as the beachhead became a key drop-off point for Allied supplies. The offensive ultimately proved successful, and 11 months later, the war in the European theater was over.

Bill Thien, a past national Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, credits Veterans of World War II, including those at Normandy, with changing the world. “Certainly, they influenced the world we know,” remarked Thien. “It all would have came out much differently if it wasn’t for what they did.”

The term D-Day had practical meaning. The ‘D’ stands for day, as the planned invasion date was unknown, and dependent on the weather. It was originally thought the landing would take place June 5, but a storm stranded the troops in the turbulent waters of the English Channel, leaving them soaked and seasick.

Lambeth, who later moved to central Illinois and farmed, suffered five severe shrapnel wounds at Omaha Beach, leading to a three-month stay in a military hospital in England. One injury caused nerve damage in his right arm, affecting his ability to farm his land after the war.

“A lot of us wouldn’t talk about Omaha, or the war on the whole, for years afterward,” commented Lambeth. “It was a memory that wasn’t too pleasant, and we didn’t want to think about it.”

The number of surviving veterans of D-Day is dwindling rapidly, as are numbers of World War II participants on the whole. According to the National World War II Museum, an average of 348 World War II veterans die each day in the United States.

“Calling them the “greatest generation” is something that holds up well,” remarked Thien, who had several relatives who fought and died in World War II. “They went from the Depression to World War II, then they came home, went to work, and raised their families. Very few of them ever complained. It’s just a different group, one that is really special.”

Three-quarters of a century later, Lambeth reflects on his experience on D-Day with great pride. “It means a lot to me,” he said. “I did the best that I could do, and I feel I did my share to preserve the life and freedoms we have today in this country.”

Tom Emery is a freelance writer and researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.

It’s time to prepare for the Twenty-ninth Annual Santa Fe Trail Fishing Derby on the Cimarron National Grassland north of Elkhart, Saturday, June 1. The Derby will take place at the Cimarron Recreation Area and is a free event for kids 0 to 16 years of age and adults 55 and over.

This is also Kansas Free Fishing Day so fishing licenses are not required. Partnership sponsors include the Rolla Recreation Commission and Elkhart Recreation Commission. The Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism will provide rods and reels for those who want to participate and need fishing gear.

Mobility-impaired anglers will find it easy to participate because one of the ponds has a handicap accessible fishing dock.

Cimarron National Grassland Ranger Kevin Taylor says, “The Cimarron National Grassland is proud to continue this fishing derby tradition. We encourage everyone to join us and enjoy their National Grassland. It’s a free day of fishing, family time and even a free lunch.”

Registration is at the gate as you enter. Fishing will take place 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m with the fish weigh-in by noon. A free hot dog lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. at the Group Site with awards after lunch. Prizes will be provided for the largest fish by weight in the following age categories: 0 to 4, 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 to 16 and 55 and over. There is also a prize for the overall largest fish.

“The National Grassland has received great support from local businesses and individuals. This event is only possible because of their contributions. We’re hoping the weather cooperates and we look forward to seeing each of you there,” said Taylor.

All fishing ponds at the Cimarron Recreation Area will be closed Thursday, May 30 through Saturday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m. They will reopen to the public at the conclusion of the Derby. Other locations on the Grassland open to fishing include the Wilburton, Mallard and Point of Rocks ponds.

Questions regarding the event can be directed to Cimarron National Grassland at 620-697-4521, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The 3A State Baseball Tournament will be in Emporia May 23 and 24. Hugoton will open play against Minneapolis at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The Hugoton High School baseball team competed in the Regional tournament in Scott City last week. The Eagles were able to win three games and advanced to the State tournament for the first time in school history.

The Class 3A State Track and Field meet will be at Wichita Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25. Hugoton has seven athletes that qualified for the State meet. In the 4 x 800m Relay there will be Jacob Eckert, JC Blakeley, Issac Valles, Bryan Gonzalez with alternates: Rafael Guereque and Luis Guerrero going. The relay team placed second at Regionals. Ashton Burrows qualified for State in the 300m hurdles placing fourth at Regionals. In the 800m run Jacob Eckert placed fourth at Regionals qualifing for State.

Local State bound athletes compete this weekend for medals and honors in 1A Track. Rolla athletes Alexandra Hart and Alec Langley will compete. Alexandra qualified for the high jump, triple jump, long jump and 100 meter hurdles. She is the number one seed in high jump. Alec will compete in the 100 meter run.

Congratulations to these athletes for placing at the Regional meet at Greensburg! Axel Granillo – first – discus; Adan Granillo – second – triple jump, and fourth – long jump; and Trenton Kennedy – fifth – triple jump.

Axel and Adan will compete at the State meet in Wichita . Friday, 9:45 a.m.-Axel will throw the discus. Adan will do the triple jump. Saturday, 1:15 p.m.-Adan will do the long jump.

Super Mom Margarita Baeza, in the center, accepts her winnings from Citizens State Bank employees Janett Peinado to the far left, and Robin Sullivan and Valeria Ruvalcaba on the right. Alisha Owens, second from the left, also awards Margarita with her Super Mom prize of 50 Chamber Bucks from the Chamber.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Hugoton Middle School hosted the 2019 Region 1 Team F Kansas Teacher of the Year recipients. The team consisted of, Kris Moore of Dodge City, Shannon Nordyke of Hugoton, Jane Culver of Dodge City, Julia Morales of Garden City, Jessica Ramos of Liberal, Stacey Magnett of Great Bend and Myron Tedford of Goodland. Each of these educators were chosen as their District representatives for
the 2018-2019 school year. The team was thrilled to visit each of the four buildings at USD210 and witness the great learning experiences happening throughout the district. Visiting each of the representatives’ districts has allowed the team members to collaborate on educational trends, see the diversity available in our schools, celebrate educational successes, as well as make valuable connections with other educators.

County farmer Eva Reynolds directed $2,500 to Hugoton FFA through America’s Farmers Grow Communities sponsored by the Bayer Fund. As part of their mission Hugoton FFA will use the funds to provide gardening plants to Senior Citizens and beautify the planter boxes at Pioneer Manor. “In addition, the funds will be used to continue the
development of leadership in our great organization by providing extra funding so that more FFA members may attend leadership development activities,” said Kynna Crawford, Hugoton FFA President.
Celebrating its tenth year, America’s Farmers Grow Communities,
partners with farmers to support nonprofit organizations strengthening rural communities. The program offers farmers the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice. It has awarded more than $33 million to over 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.
“A better life is Bayer’s goal. Farmers are invested in their communities, they root for their neighbors, and they know when and where there is a need,” said Al Mitchell, Vice President Corporate Engagement, Bayer. “Farmers are one of America’s best resources, which is why Grow Communities partners with them to direct donations to the organizations they are passionate about and that make a positive impact and a better life in communities.”
To learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.
Started in 2010, the America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, have been dedicated to partnering with farmers to strengthen rural communities. The programs provide funding for ag scholarships, nonprofit donations and school STEM grants. Since inception the fund has awarded over $50 million to rural communities. For more information visit AmericasFarmers.com.
The Bayer Fund, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Bayer employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education, and community development projects.