The Hugoton City Council met January 9, 2017 for their regular monthly session at the council meeting room. Present at the meeting were City Inspector Joshua Grubbs, Electric System Supervisor Gary Rowden, Outside Utilities Supervisor Paul Nordyke, Mayor Jack E. Rowden and councilmen Dean Banker, Frankie Thomas, Dan Corpening and Shannon Crawford. Also attending were City Clerk Thomas G. Hicks, City Attorney Wayne R. Tate, Police Chief Courtney Leslie, Carrie Baeza, KDI’s Matt Green and Hugoton Hermes reporter Ruthie Winget. Councilman Jason Teeter was absent.

The minutes of December 5, 2016 and December 27, 2016 were read and approved.

Each member of the governing body was provided a copy of Municipal Judge Paula Sosa’s report for the month of December, showing seven new cases brought before the court and $3,987. remitted to the city. The council voted to accept the report.

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The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday, January 3, 2017 for their first meeting of the year with all members, Pat Hall, Dave Bozone and Joe D. Thompson present. Also present were County Clerk Pam Bensel, District Three Commissioner Elect Tron Stegman, County Clerk Elect Amy Jo Tharp, Doris Bozone and RoGlenda Coulter from The Hugoton Hermes. County Counselor Paul Kitzke was absent.

The following is just the unofficial highlights for the morning. The agenda included Bills – 8:30; Phillip Willis – 9:00; Tony Martin – 9:30; Rodney Kelling – 10:00; retirement party for Dave – 10:30; and lunch – 12:00 noon.

When this reporter arrived, the Commissioners were visiting with Jack Rowden. Motion was made and passed to have Jack serve with the EcoDevo Board for another term. Read More →

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.

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Assembly of God
138 S. Main • Hugoton
Assembly of God will host “Christmas @ 6” both Saturday and Sunday. For December 24, a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. with members of the congregation sharing their special talents to honor Christ’s birth. Sunday, the Christmas service will be at 6:00 p.m.
There will be a special offering taken during both services to benefit Fire Bible ministries, a service providing Bible translations around the world.

Moscow United Methodist Church
300 Ransom • Moscow
Moscow United Methodist Church will have a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Saturday, December 24 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Kids are encouraged to bring a favorite toy. All are invited.

My Father’s House
207 E. Sixth • Hugoton
My Father’s House would like to invite the community to a Praise and Worship service honoring our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. under the direction of Ron and Pat Thrasher in the sanctuary at 207 E. Sixth Street in Hugoton.
Ron and Pat function in the offices of singers, songwriters and instrumentalists and worship in many locations both in the United States and internationally. Their ministry is called “Spring Songs” and is located out of Colorado Springs, Co.
Please feel free to join in! The congregation at My Father’s House would love to have your help and agreement in celebration of the Savior’s birth on His special day.

Trinity Baptist Church
516 NE Ave. • Hugoton
Pastor Larry Bradford and the Trinity Baptist Church welcome everyone to a Christmas morning worship service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, December 25.
Come a little early and enjoy Christmas goodies, coffee, hot cider and hot chocolate from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.
The following week, January 1, there will again be a time of fellowship from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. with worship service to follow at 10:45 a.m. Everyone is invited to come! The church is located at 516 Northeast Avenue, at the intersection of First and Washington.

You are invited to join the church of your choice this Sunday – and every Sunday – as worshippers gather
to remember the “reason for the season”.

The boys’ basketball team completed the sweep for the Eagles in the Blue and Red Classic. The Eagles, who ended last year as runner up in 4A II State, opened the season with strong performances from their returning seniors and contributions from new faces and role players. After the weekend the Eagles showed why their team earned top ten preseason honors. The team won against the Guymon Tigers Thursday, the Stratford Elks Friday and the Hooker Bulldogs Saturday.

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The Lady Eagles opened their season in Hugoton’s annual Blue and Red Classic looking to start off fresh after last year’s third place State finish. The team added Sydney Hein from Guymon, Ok. to add to an already strong veteran lineup. The Lady Eagles – who are ranked in some polls as first – wasted no time showing why they are the team to beat. The girls defeated the Guymon Tigers Thursday, the Gruver Greyhounds Friday and the Hooker Bulldogs Saturday.

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Wednesday, December 7, several members of the community gathered for an introduction to the buyers of the former Abengoa plant west of Hugoton. Karl Hoffman, Bill Horoszko and Martin Westerhuis with Synata Bio were on hand to announce their purchase of Abengoa’s last remaining asset in the United States. Synata Bio’s $48.5 million bid beat out Shell Oil’s bid of $40.75 million in the auction November 29. The sale was finalized Thursday, December 8.

The group gathering for the meeting included Stevens County Economic Development Director Neal Gillespie, Commissioners Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson, Commissioner – Elect Tron Stegman, City Councilman Shannon Crawford, City Inspector Joshua Grubbs, City Clerk Tom Hicks, Outside Utilities Supervisor Paul Nordyke, Emergency Services Director Rodney Kelling, Keri Morris, Chamber Director and EcoDevo Secretary Alisha Owens, EcoDevo President Curtis Crawford, EcoDevo members – USD 210 Superintendent Adrian Howie, Extension Agent Joshua Morris, Judy Parsons, Doug Martin, Ray Hoggatt and Jan Leonard and Hugoton Hermes reporter Marie Austin.

The group gathering for the meeting included Stevens County Economic Development Director Neal Gillespie, Commissioners Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson, Commissioner – Elect Tron Stegman, City Councilman Shannon Crawford, City Inspector Joshua Grubbs, City Clerk Tom Hicks, Outside Utilities Supervisor Paul Nordyke, Emergency Services Director Rodney Kelling, Keri Morris, Chamber Director and EcoDevo Secretary Alisha Owens, EcoDevo President Curtis Crawford, EcoDevo members – USD 210 Superintendent Adrian Howie, Extension Agent Joshua Morris, Judy Parsons, Doug Martin, Ray Hoggatt and Jan Leonard and Hugoton Hermes reporter Marie Austin.

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Stevens County Economic Development Board presented a Strategic Plan for young business people of Stevens County Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Senior Center Activity Center. A great meal was offered to all and was created by China Cafe.

EcoDevo Director Neal Gillespie and EcoDevo Board President Curtis Crawford presided.

Curtis began the meeting by stating they wanted to reach out to the young people in the community to get their input. He then asked each participant to introduce themselves.

Curtis then discussed the Strategic Plan put together by Liz Sosa which included the topics of Business, Churches, Housing and Education.

Neal remarked the young people are the future of the community. He would like to get more young people to join committees and get involved in the community.

Neal and Curtis informed the crowd of the Leadership Stevens County they are planning. When they had the last Leadership Stevens County, about 60 people graduated. When they had the six sessions, they took a lot of tours of different businesses, schools and hospital as well as local and regional government. They even went to Topeka to the State Capital. They hope this next Leadership Stevens County will be as successful.

Chamber of Commerce Director Alisha Owens stated after the meeting, “Please feel free to call the office, or better yet, stop by. We would love to discuss any concerns or ideas that you may have, answer any questions, or at least point you in the right direction. There are many boards and committees that make up the backbone of many businesses and organizations in Stevens County and your commitment to any board would be greatly appreciated, and we would love to get you in touch with those leaders should you be interested in joining. It takes everyone working together, and people such as yourselves to make Stevens County such a great place to reside.”

Curtis stated they plan to have another Strategic Plan in February 2017.

“Santa Claus is comin’ to town!” Help the big guy make his list and visit him at Flatlanders Farm & Home from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this Saturday! Flatlanders is located at 509 W. Eleventh in Hugoton. Bring the kids, bring your pets and take some memorable photos with Kris Kringle. The jolly fella will then stop by the Senior Citizens Activity Center, 624 S. Main in Hugoton! Children of all ages are welcome to present their requests to Ol’ Saint Nick from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., courtesy of the Santa Committee! Make sure to start your holiday season on the “nice list” by stopping by Flatlanders and the Senior Center this weekend to share your Christmas wishes with Mr. Claus! However, if you just can’t make either event, he also accepts present requests in letter form! Send your Santa letters to: Santa Claus % The Hermes 522 S. Main Hugoton, Ks. 67951

Whether you’re ready for it or not, Thanksgiving is here! In recognition, several businesses have announced special hours.

The restaurants closing for Thanksgiving Day are as follows: McDonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Ranchito Tex Mex, Sonic, Dominoes, Nieto’s and Antlers. These restaurants will resume regular business hours Friday, November 25.

The gas stations Toot N Totum and Kangaroo Express will remain open, with regular business hours both Thursday and Friday. Eagles Landing will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.

If you are needing any last minute items for your Thanksgiving dinner, Thrifty King will also be open Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Dollar General will be open Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Twisted H liquor will be closed for the holiday and will reopen Friday.

The Hugoton Chamber of Commerce and the Hugoton Hermes will both be closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25. Janet’s Bridal will be closing for the holiday and will reopen Friday, November 25.

Citizens State Bank will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday. They will be closed Thanksgiving Day and open Friday, November 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. First National Bank will be closed Thanks- giving Day, but will have regular business hours Wednesday and Friday.

Yardmaster is closing for the holiday, but will reopen for business Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Stevens County Retail Pharmacy will be closed Thursday and will be open Friday with their regular hours. Stevens County Clinic will be closed for the holidays, but will be open Friday, November 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The clinic will have Saturday clinic November 26.

Hugoton Drug will only be closed Thursday. The Animal Health Center will be closed for Thanksgiving Day and will reopen Friday.

The Post Office will be closed Thanksgiving and reopen with regular hours Friday. The Cities of Hugoton, Moscow and Rolla will all be closed Thursday and Friday. Stevens County offices will be also be closed Thursday and Friday.

Hi-Plains, American Implement, Bultman Tire, and Southwest Kansas Sales will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving. They will resume business Friday, November 25.

Hugoton Senior Center will be closed for Thursday and Friday. The Stevens County Library will be closed Thurday through Saturday. The library will reopen Monday.

Flatlanders will be closed Thursday, but will be open at 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for Black Friday. Bultman, Inc. will be closed Thursday and Friday and reopen Saturday with regular hours. Hometown Fabrics and More will be open Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stevens County Landfill will close Thursday and Friday, but will be open Saturday, November 26 with their regular business hours.

Creative Specialties will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but will be available all three days by appointment.

Hugoton Recreation Commission will be closed Thursday, November 24 and will reopen Friday, November 25 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will be open over the weekend.

The Hermes wants to hear from our readers!

Send your note -or notes- of thankfulness by Friday, November 18 at 12:00 noon.

You can submit by mail to:
The Hugoton Hermes
522 S. Main
Hugoton, Ks.  67951,
by telephone at 620-544-4321,
on The Hugoton Hermes’ Facebook page
OR by clicking here.

We want to hear about the best of Stevens County and its people.

Did someone give up their place in line, help you change a tire, pay it forward at a restaurant,
give you a ride, bring you a drink, make you feel special, or some other random act of kindness?

Tell us about it!

Submissions will be published in the November 24, 2016 issue of The Hugoton Hermes.
***Names can be included at the request of the writer. Submissions must be 120 words or less.***