The 2023 Pioneer King and Queen are Mike Willis and Ruthie Traver Winget. Mike was born at the Epworth Hospital in Liberal July 15, 1947 to Warren G. and Betty L. Willis. He was the second child, with Lynetta being his older sister. His mom always said he cut his teeth on a D John Deere Tractor because he was always riding along with his dad at a very young age.

Mike is a fourth generation Stevens County resident, and a lifetime farmer and rancher. He rented his first quarter of farm ground at 14 years old. His first tractor was a G John Deere. He was in the Hugoton High School graduating Class of 1966.

After high school, he attended Wichita WTI technical school, graduating with an electronics degree in 1968. Mike then enlisted in the Army reserves and served for six years.

He had a shop for about 10 years, selling and servicing TV’s. He met and married Kathy in 1973, they were married for 43 years and had three children, Warren, Jenny and Lisa. Mike has eight wonderful GRAND- children.

He took over his dad’s farm operation in 1983. Kathy and Mike operated a seed business for 41 years. Over the last few years, he turned over most of the farming operation to his son Warren.

Mike is semi-retired, but he would like to slow down even more. He is a member of the First Christian Church, and has previously served as deacon and member of the board.

Other community involvement includes serving on the Co-op board, member of the JC’s, member of the Fair Board, served on the Soil Conservation Board, the ASCS board, and Extension Council Board. Mike also taught Hunter’s Safety for many years.

His hobbies and interests outside of working are bowling, hunting, fishing, old cars, collecting arrowheads and Indian Artifacts, small scale tractors, his cattle herd, going to car shows with his friends, and most importantly, spending time with his family and grandkids.

Mike is thankful to have lived in a nice community and blessed to live in a free country.

Ruthie was born March 29, 1941 in the family home in West Stevens County to William M. “Bill” and Ferne A. Traver. She is the oldest child and has one brother Roger Traver, and two sisters, the late Vicki (Traver) Micheau and Beth (Traver) Stipe.

Ruthie’s early years, she lived with her family in the rural Moscow area, until the family moved to Hugoton when she was in the sixth grade. Ruthie loved riding her horse Daisy, (every kid in town wanted to ride Daisy) and enjoyed 4-H and helping her mom and sisters around the house.

In September of her senior year Ruthie got married and then graduated from Hugoton High School in 1959. Ruthie has three children, Jimmie, Kent and Lori. She has seven wonderful grandchildren.

After her kids were in school, Ruthie went to work at the Hugoton Post Office as a letter carrier and worked there for 35 years. She retired in 2004, and went to work at The Hugoton Hermes news- paper that same year and is still there! She has lived in Stevens County all of her life except a couple of years in Missouri.

Ruthie is a member of the First Christian Church. Her hobbies are waterskiing in her younger days and she continues to love reading, camping, traveling and spending time with her family and her grandkids.

Ruthie is very blessed to live in such a caring and warm-hearted community.

Commodities distributed in Hugoton Tuesday

Commodities will be distributed in Hugoton at the former VHF Building Tuesday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or until all food is distributed. There will be no need to get out of your vehicle, boxes will be delivered and loaded into your vehicle. There is no charge to participate in The Emergency Food Assistance Program or “TEMPA”. Eligibility will be based on need. Hugoton United Methodist Church is the sponsoring organization. For questions, call 620-544-8715.

Sorghum Queen Pageant Friday

Fifteen contestants to date will be competing in the Seventy-first Annual Sorghum Queen Pageant Friday, July 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium!  These beautiful young ladies are all vying for the title of Sorghum Queen 2023. Ladies and their sponsors on the front row from left to right are, Emily Tinoco- Citizens State Bank, Brianna Ordonez- Hugoton Drug, Olivia Salmans- ACG Storage, LLC, Kadence Hernandez- AK Roofing, Genesis Landa- Rebellious Boutique, Mary Beth Crawford- Main Revelation, Raquel Acuna- Settlemyer Properties and Alaina Gold- Ag 1st Crop Insurance. On the back row left to right, Amanda Farnum- Seaboard Energy- Kansas, Abigail Foreman- Tate, Kitzke, & Foreman, LLC, Jayden Burrows- Plus One Cattle Company, Shiloh Goetzinger- Hugoton Recreation Pool, Channing Dillinger- Settlemyer Tree Trimming, Jewels Noland- Janet’s Bridal & Boutique and Leslie Martinez- Lynnie’s Nest. Good luck ladies – you make Stevens County proud.

The Pollyannas would like to express their appreciation to the generous sponsors for their support. Proceeds from the Sorghum Queen pageant support various community projects throughout the year, including graduating high school scholarships.

The contest is open to the public and there is an admission cost per person.

Hugoton celebrated Independence Day with Park Day Tuesday, July 4. Boy Scout Troop 189 presented the Colors and the Hugoton High School Show Choir sang the National Anthem. Winners with vouchers need to go to the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce to pick up your winnings.

The winners in the Little Miss / Mr. Hugoton contest sponsored by Flatlanders Farm and Home were: birth to six months Little Miss first place Juliette Turner, second Thalia Ordonez and third Wrenley Maravilla; Little Mr. winner was Kord Luke Kallenbach. In the seven to 12 months Little Miss were: first place, Ryverlynn McDaniels, second Emersyn Fullerton and third Everly Sillivent; Little Mr. Adler Lazaro, first place, Chandler Peterson second and third Kreeden Gifford. Thirteen to 18 month winner was: Little Miss Kaleia Gifford first; Little Mr.: first place Slade Smith, Elias Watkins second and Brandon Montoya third. In the 19-24 month Little Miss: Madison Frazier first, Chloee Campbell second and Kinsley McCarter third; Little Mr. winner was Garrett Heston. The two to three year group: Little Miss, Lola Esarey first, Bessie Conley second and Oaklee Ryann Bohl third; and winner in the Little Mr. group was Grayson Heston first place.

The winners in the Sack Race sponsored by Citizens State Bank were four and under: first, Sage Jarvis, second, Faye Jarvis and third, Gracie Jarvis. In the five to six year olds, winners were first, Josiah Horton andsecond, Xzavien Maravilla. Seven to eight year winners were first, Kohen Kallenbach, second, Easton Jarvis and third, Diego Alfaro. Nine to ten year old winners were first place, Cade Jarvis, tied Zaden Maravilla and Kevin Alvarado for second, and third, Adrian Maravilla. The 11-12 year old winners were first place, Blake Salmans, second, Kash Kallenbach and third, Kennedy Jarvis. Thirteen to 14 year old winners were first, Isaac Alvarado, second, Wyatt Jarvis and third, Luis Alfaro. Fifteen to adult winners were tied for first place, Aiden Conner and Brandon Jarvis, tied for second, Wyatt Johnson and Aurie Perry and tied for third, Kash Kallenbach and Ryan Passmore.

Winners of the Turtle Races sponsored by SWFAS and the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce one to four year olds: first place, Derek, second, Rylee and third, Samuel Haar. In the five to eight age group first place went to Shane Morris, second, Jett Worthington and third, Sage Jarvis. The nine to 12 year old age group winners were first place Jaxx Worthington, second, Maddie Williams and third, Clara Morris.

Winners of the Hot Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Rock Bottom Addiction Services were first place, Emelio Ramirez, second, Elder Moya and third, Ashlin Bohl.

Winners of the Frog Jump sponsored by SWFAS and the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce were: one to four years, first place, Oakley Claggett, second, Camdyn Campbell and third, Tallon Hill. In the five to eight year old group first, went to Elly Johnson, second, Shane Morris and third, Easton Jarvis. Nine to 12 year old winners were: first, Kennedy Jarvis, second, Rory Esarey and third, Clara Morris.

Winners of the twenty-third annual Rotary duck race were first place, Clark Young, second, Ryan Scarniti, third ,Joe Holcomb Grandchildren and fourth Uptown Auto Body. Winners of the Hard Luck ducks were, Carla Brechbuhler, Shannon Crawford, Hugoton Hermes, Irrigated Acres and Karen Yoder.

July 21, 2023 marks the Seventy-first Annual Sorghum Queen Pageant! This event, sponsored by the Pollyanna’s organization, will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Middle School Auditorium.

Young ladies from Stevens County, at least 14 years of age, enrolled in high school or their freshman year of college/technical school, are encouraged to secure a sponsor and complete the registration forms, found at 213 N Jackson St. by July 17, 2023.

The evening promises to be a fun filled event that you won’t want to miss!

Tuesday is already the Fourth of July! But Hugoton will start the holiday off early with the Big Fireworks being set off at dark Monday, July 3!! Spectators are allowed to sit in their cars, bring chairs or sit in the HHS stands. There will be a concession stand at the football stadium opening at 9:00 p.m. The new Special Effects Fireworks by Victory Pyrotechnics are expected to start around 10:00 p.m. It is suggested for the audience to arrive around 8:15.

There will be choreographed pyrotechnics and Multi Shot Cakes. Enjoy IN-SYNC music while watching the fireworks by downloading the PyroCast App. Type in show code BX3F. Choose the music in-sync with the show.

Hugoton’s Annual Fourth of July Park Day will kick-off at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 when the registration for the Little Miss/Mr. Hugoton Pageant will open their registration. The registration and Opening Ceremonies will take place in the northeast corner of the City Park.

At 8:45 a.m. the official Opening Ceremonies start with Boy Scout Troops presenting the Colors and leading all in the Pledge of Allegiance. HHS Show Choir will perform followed by Tim Singer delivering the prayer.

The pageant will follow at approximately 9:00 a.m. and is sponsored by Flatlanders Farm and Home of Hugoton.

The popular Turtle Race, sponsored by SWFAS, will start off all the other events at exactly 9:00 a.m. on the north side of the park. The rest of the activities will follow upon completion of the activity that is scheduled before it. These include the Frog Jump – 9:30 sponsored by SWFAS; Sack Races – 10:00 sponsored by CSB; Little Starz Dance Performance – 10:15; Hot Pepper Eating Contest – 10:30; and the Egg Toss – 10:30 sponsored by Wolters Construction.

And of course do not forget the Rotary Duck Races at 12 noon in Canal Street. Be sure to purchase those lucky ducks before the race begins, from a Rotary member.

Many events will be taking place on the southwest corner of the park too, like the Dunk Tank, Robot Games and Large Inflatables.

There will be numerous booths all around the park including a photo booth and kids’ tattoos; sugar cookies, choco covered items/mini cakes, free water, free copies of the U.S. Constitution, kettle corn, homemade rusks, South African treats, cookies, Quesadilla burgers, ice cream in a cup, ice cream bars, red chile, tacos, candy, frozen fruit desserts, sloppy joes, pies, walking tacos, mini golf, hot dogs, ring toss, strawberries and cream, mangoneda, potatoes in a cup, carne seca, jams, salsas, spices, sauces, pickled foods, iron artwork, tools, hand forks, knives, carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, quesa- dillas, pizza, handmade jewelry, t-shirts, mugs, puppy chow snacks, pie sales, ice chest tea and cookies, massages, quesabirria tacos, dunk tank & jump houses, BBQ burgers, drinks, cowhide purses, wallets, wild rags, shorts, soaps, cake walk, free cotton candy, teas, protein balls, red / white / blue Italian cream sodas and fruit cocktail.

Also don’t miss the Spray the Fire Hose / Ambulance tour sponsored by the Stevens County Fire Department.

A complete itinerary can be found in the Park Day ad in this week’s Hermes.

Sno-ball, across the street from the park, will be open for Park Day! Michelle and the crew will be on hand making those yummy icy treats from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Morgan at Sunflower Nutrition advises she will be at the park Tuesday to fix you up with one of her wonderful life saving concoctions to keep you fueled up and cooled off.

The Dermot Community will be starting off their Fourth of July celebration Saturday, July 1 with a covered dish dinner at 7:30 p.m. followed up by their fireworks display at dark weather permitting. It is suggested to bring two or three covered dishes if possible and come join in on the fun!!

Since the Fourth of July falls on Tuesday this year, some of the area businesses will of course be taking the day off. All three banks, Citizens State Bank, Equity Bank and Dream First Bank plan to be closed Tuesday. All government offices will be closed Courthouse, Post Office, City Office, Medical Clinic, Museum and Senior Center.

If you need some groceries you are probably in luck. It sounds like most all will be open. These include Casey’s General Store, Toot’n Totum, Joe’s, Rolla’s Corner Stop and Carter’s Thrifty King. Moscow’s Slim Pickins will be located at the park with their delicious BBQ.

The Hugoton Hermes will be closed Friday through Tuesday, July 4. The deadline will be an early one Wednesday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. to get in the July 6 issue. The July 6 paper will be mailed out and in stores and the Hermes Office Wednesday as usual.

If you need some special outfits for the holiday, gift ideas or just feel that need for shopping, you are in luck! Main Revelations will be open July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Of course unforeseen repairs always pop up. Hopefully not during the Fourth of July though. Bultman Tire will be closed all day as a few of thier employees plan to participate in some of the events planned for that day. Matt advises they will be back with regular hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Cimarron Valley advises that they will be closed. Flatlanders will offer some assistance if needed by opening at noon Tuesday and closing at 5:00.

With it being harvest time, you can count on American Implement. They will be on the scene bright and early Tuesday morning as usual at 7:30 a.m. and not close until 5:30 p.m.

If you need some prescriptions filled or other medicine related needs, you better get it done before Tuesday. Hugoton Drug and Stevens County Pharmacy will both be closed for the Fourth.

If you plan to mail out anything and need assistance at the window of the Post Office, get it done before Tuesday. They will be closed July 4.

Flowers or gifts on your mind for the holiday? You better get them taken care of early too.

Yardmaster advises they will be closed for the Fourth but open regular hours Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Peddling Petals and Lynnie’s Nest will be doing the same.

Thirsty? Twisted H Liquor will be open from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Then reopen Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Lots of traditional cooking out will be done over the Fourth of July weekend. If you are not one of those marvelous cooks with big plans and want to go out and eat, you will have a few places to choose from. Restaurants open their regular hours Tuesday include: Bonnie and Clyde Grill and Sports Bar, Los Agaves, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. Daylight Donut will be open until noon. Acosta’s-Nietos will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Jet will be closed.

Sunday will be business as usual for Pigs R Us. They invite you in at 110 East Seventh where they will be serving up one of their delicious meals Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Of all the closings, the City Park will be open and adventure filled! Get out and enjoy all those fun events and happenings Tuesday morning and of course the fireworks Monday evening. There will be some great vendors who may not be listed in this issue of The Hermes. Also take part in all the visiting that will be taking place all day long.

We all here at The Hermes wish each of you a Happy and Safe Fourth of July – Independence Day – 2023!!!

Jason Teeter is the Stevens County 2023 Super Dad!! Jason’s name was originally drawn at The Jet Drive-In in the first round of drawings. Lana and the crew honored Dad Jason with Two Free Dinners and drinks to use whenever he wants a night out on the town!

The Hermes put all the participating businesses in a pot for the final drawing for Super Dad. The Jet Drive-In was drawn out making Jason the Super Dad of the Year!! Congratulations Jason!

Along with the title of Super Dad, Jason was also awarded a $50 Gift Certificate good anywhere in Hugoton donated by the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Tina Fernandez, Chamber Director.

The other lucky Dads / Grandfathers include: Mike Shelton as the lucky winner at Equity Bank winning him a $25 Gift Card that he can use any where he would like. Steve Lewis will have a great time picking from all of Flatlanders’ great items with his $25 Gift Certificate.

Main Revelation, LLC ‘s lucky Dad is Luke Kallenbach winning him a $25 Gift Card he can pick out something with in their fantastic little shop.

Stevens County Fitness Center promises Aquiles Aquilera a free Month Membership as their lucky Dad, sure to help him stay in shape this summer.

Beto Flores is sure to find something tasty or really cool at Slim Pickins. He will be awarded a $25 Gift Card to use in that little Homemade Food and Antiques Store in Moscow. Pat Hall can pretty up his yard or pick a special gift as he picks from Yardmaster’s many choices and spends his $25 Gift Certificate.

Citizens State Bank will be giving Dave Apsley, their lucky drawing winner, 20 Gas Capital Dollars. Jon Peterson is Hugoton Drug’s winning Dad garnering him a fun filled Gift Basket created with the unique gifts and treasures found by the drugstore crew.

Twisted H Liquor will help their lucky Dad Pete Fann find something sure to quench his thirst as he looks to spend his $25 Gift Certificate. Ralph Stoddard will surely be able to find something fabulous with his $25 Gift Certificate from the Little Gift Shop in the Corner at Stevens County Hospital.

Toby and the crew at NAPA drew out Felipe Miranda’s name as their lucky Dad. Felipe will be able to fix something up with the supplies he can get with his $25 Gift Certificate. Bonnie & Clyde Grill and Sports Bar will be awarding Evan Greenwood with a $30 Gift Certificate for being their drawing winner.

Servando Baeza is the lucky Dad that will be able to enjoy a great meal from Los Agaves with his $25 Gift Certificate.

Dream First Bank drew out Josh Jorde’s name as their lucky Dad. They will be awarding him with a $25 Gift Certificate.

Cary Gooch is Bultman Tire Center’s lucky Dad. Matt and the crew drew out Cary’s name winning him a generous $50 Gift Certificate!

All our local dads are their own family’s Super Dad 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 and all of you that entered that special Dad or Grandpa.

It’s Fathers Day this weekend. If you haven’t signed up for the great prizes at participating businesses you still have time. Get out there and shop and while you are doing that sign up your favorite Father for the 2023 Super Dad Sweepstakes!!

Yardmaster Garden and Gifts has a wide variety of wonderful items dad can pick from with the $25 gift certificate they will be awarding.

Dad can just go anywhere to pick out something he may want with his $25 gift card from Equity Bank. Hugoton Drug has a specially filled gift basket for their lucky dad or grandfather.

Dad can take himself, and maybe you too, out for a wonderful meal at Bonnie and Clyde’s with his $30 gift certificate. Citizens State Bank is offering their lucky winner $20 in Gas Capital Dollars. Flatlanders has a lot of items to pick from with their offered $25 gift card.

You will not believe the items dad or granddad can pick from at Main Revelation, LLC if they draw his name and give him a $25 gift card.

Does Dad want to get into shape? Sign him up at the Stevens County Fitness Center and he could get a free month of membership if his name is drawn.

Sign up Dad for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate at Napa Auto and Truck Parts. He could be picked as their lucky winner.

Bultman Tire Center will give their lucky winner a $50 gift certificate and a chance at being the 2023 Super Dad winner.

Dad will be so happy you registered him at Los Agaves if his name is drawn there and he is given a $25 gift certificate to enjoy anytime.

The lucky winner at Twisted H Liquor can receive a $25 gift certificate to spend however they wish and a chance to be picked as this year’s Super Dad.

That lucky dad, husband or granddad can enjoy spending his $15 gift card at Slim Pickins in Moscow if they draw his name. Dream First Bank will help fund dad or grandpa’s dreams with the $25 gift certificate they will award the winner in their facility.

All kinds of treasured items can be purchased with a $25 gift certificate if his name is drawn at The Little Gift Shop on the Corner in the Stevens County Hospital.

The Jet Drive-In will be the place to be if your dad or grandpa’s name is drawn, as they will be presenting him with two dinners and drinks.

The deadline to enter your favorite fella is Saturday, June 17. Drawing for Super Dad 2023 will take place Monday, June 19. Winners at each business will be notified by the merchant. Super Dad will need to have his picture taken and be featured in The Hugoton Hermes. The Hugoton Chamber will also give Super Dad $50 in Chamber Bucks.

So don’t forget your dad, grandfather or husband, get out and do your shopping from all these great suggested local places and sign that special gentleman up for the title of Super Dad 2023!!

Saturday, June 10, 2023, the Dust Bowl Riders will host the Brian Lamberson Memorial Motorcycle Run at Bullwackerz Saloon at 109 E. Sixth Street in Hugoton. This will be their twenty-seventh annual rally.

The riders will begin to gather at noon Saturday to register for the run. The motorcycle parade starts from Bullwackerz Saloon in Hugoton beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the bikes will parade down Main Street. There will be a freewill lunch provided. Pork is provided by Seaboard Foods.

The winning poker hand wins $1,000, second place is $500 and third place is $250. There will be a 50/50 pot, door prizes, live auction and music with DJ CLA Hammer all day. All money raised at this rally will go toward scholarships and charities.

The club members are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. They want to ‘party down’ with DJ – CLA Hammer and enjoy another year! All bikes are welcome.

Three athletes place at State

Five Hugoton High School track members competed at State in Wichita Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27. Summya Adigun competed in the Triple Jump placing fourth with (36-6 – PR).

Matthew Garcia competed in the Shot Put placing sixth with (49-3.75). He also competed in Discus but did not place.

Cade Reynolds competed also in Discus placing seventh with (146-1 which was a New School Record)).

Grant Niehues competed in the 110 M Hurdles (17.37) and Miguel Hernandez in the Triple Jump (41-1). Congratulations to all students competing at State.