Debbie Nordling is honored Monday as this year’s Delta Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi 2024 Woman of the Year. Congratulations Debbie!!

Debbie Nordling is this year’s Delta Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi 2024 Woman of the Year. Debbie grew up in Great Bend, the daughter of the late Jack and Nadine Foltz. She graduated from Great Bend High School in 1975 and attended Barton County Community College for one year. In the Fall of 1976, she entered KU as a transfer student. Debbie graduated from the Kansas University School of Education in 1979 with a degree in Elementary Education.

On her third day at KU, Debbie met Erick Nordling at the Hawk. After dating for a couple of years, they married in August of 1978. In the spring of 1980 Debbie and Erick walked the hill together during graduation at the University of Kansas. They have resided in Stevens County since 1985.

Debbie and Erick recently celebrated their forty-sixth anniversary. They have three children, Erica Nordling-Martin, Ryan Nordling and Burke Nordling. Erica has four children: Brayden, who is in his junior year at K-State working towards an Agronomy degree; Effie, who is in her sophomore year at McPherson College working on a degree in Physical Therapy; Bronsen, a seventh grader and Elise, a fifth grader. Erica is married to George Martin and resides in Hugoton.

Ryan lives in Wichita, and has a daughter, Bay, who is five years old. Burke is married to Anna, and they live in Olathe. They have two children, Audrey, 10; and Bradley, 5.

With a total of seven grandkids, Debbie is a busy lady. Adding to the kids and grandkids, Erick and Debbie are also parents to their two dogs, Blue and Maverick, two cows and two donkeys.

Debbie began her teaching career in 1981, teaching in Derby and Topeka, later moving to Hugoton to teach third grade.

In 1991, after teaching for 10 years, Debbie took a total career change and jumped into insurance and financial services with State Farm Insurance. State Farm has led her to many awards, travels and opportunities. She was named Rookie of the Year in 1991, after starting business in September! She has achieved “President’s Club” at least twice in her State Farm career, which means she was in the top 50 agents in the United States for State Farm. She also has earned State Farms’ Honor Club designation for twenty-six years. Debbie just celebrated her thirty-third anniversary as Hugoton’s local State Farm Agent.

In 1998, she was appointed by Governor Graves to serve on the Supreme Court Nominating Committee where she helped review and interview candidates to submit to the Governor for appointment as judges for the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court. She served two terms.

Debbie and Erick were the Stevens County coordinators for the KU Honors Program. Debbie has also served on a variety of KU alumni boards, including Southwest Kansas Alumni Chapter, the National Board, and the Chancellor search committee. They had great fun hosting the backyard generations picnic for our corner of the state for several years. They both are lifetime members of the Alumni Association and members of the President’s Club, and in 2007 received the Mildred Clodfelter Award.

Debbie is very active in the community and a great volunteer. She was the first female member of the Hugoton Rotary Club where she held many roles, one being the first female president. She has also served on the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce and Stevens County Economic Development Board.

Debbie was also a charter member and board of director for the Southwest Friends of the Arts, a 501(c)(3) which puts on community dinner theaters and plays.

She is an active member of the Hugoton Methodist Church, where she often helps with Sunday morning children’s messages and Praise Kids and has spent a number of years as a member and chair for the Church Trustees.

Debbie continues to volunteer and help the community kids. She occasionally hosts story time at the Elementary School, guest speaks at Middle School Civics, helps with Career Day and Reality U. Debbie is also a member of Chapter GC P.E.O., where she has been a past president.

During her teaching tenure at USD 210 she encountered and saw the ripple effects of child hunger. When she left teaching, her mission was to build better communication between businesses and the classroom regarding child hunger. In her journey to help with child hunger Debbie volunteered in the early stages of an effort by the then current Superintendent of Hugoton schools and Marsha Ousler to operate a non-profit organization called Unified Support Agency, or U.S.A., Inc. for a shortened name. The Unified Support Agency started as a food assistance program in a small room in the current fire station annex. After several years and changes, Unified Support Agency branched off from the school and is now known as Project Hope. Without Debbie’s dedication to feeding the families of Stevens County, Project Hope would not be what it is today. During 2019 Debbie and several other members of Project Hope started a weekend food distribution for students in the Hugoton Middle and High schools that were identified as “chronically weekend hungry.” Along with the school counselors, the Eagle Market was developed and is currently serving those students in need. Debbie has been a member and served as Project Hope’s President for many years and she just retired from the board this year.

In early 2020 Debbie and several community members had a dream to remodel the old movie theater in Hugoton. They formed a committee and the dream came alive. Many thought the group had lost their minds since the building was in great disrepair. But as COVID 19 struck the nation, Debbie continued gathering donations from the community to purchase the old movie theater building. In March of 2020 the committee was able to purchase the building. After a lot of hard work and dedication the High Plains Theater is a fully functional theater plus so much more. The High Plains Theater and this community would not be what it is today without Debbie Nordling.

In 2021, Debbie was the recipient of the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, Debbie saw a need for retail communication and came up with and started the group Retail Roundup. Once a month, local business owners gather to discuss how to bring our retail businesses together by hosting quarterly downtown events, seasonal games and open houses. The group later became Hugoton Impact.

There is undoubtedly a lot more that could be mentioned. She is a go- getter who gives herself fully to projects she undertakes. No job is ever too BIG. Debbie does a great job getting others involved to make the community better and Hugoton is lucky to have her in the community.

Congratulations Debbie.

Pictured from the left are Council Vice President Elisha Staggers, and Lalane, Ben, Lindy and Carter McClure.

Plus One Cattle Co. was selected as the Friend of 4-H at the yearly 4-H Achievement Banquet.

Their business has actively donated for many years to the Gas Capital Livestock Show, the Livestock Auction and sponsored buckles as well as horse awards at the fair. They have donated product to the Superstar show and various 4-H events and fundraisers.

Their family members are involved on the fair board, as fair superintendents, as community leader and project leaders. Stevens County 4-H council and its members would like to thank the McClure family and Plus One for their support.

American Implement recently participated in a John Deere national program called “Tech of the Year.” This program is aimed to recognize and highlight passionate technicians from across North America.

American Implement currently employees approximately 120 technicians throughout their 16 locations throughout Western Kansas and Southeast Colorado ranging in specialties and experience levels. The Service Team is rounded out by Service Admins/Writers, Service Managers and supporting specialist roles helping to maximize customer service and efficiency.

The John Deere Tech of the Year Program has several technician qualification standards to be nominated. American Implement was proud that several of their high preforming technicians were eligible and this year, Joe Beltz of Hugoton, was chosen to represent American Implement in this program.

The program had approximately 160 dealership nominees. Ninety-eight territory winners, then 12 divisional winners were selected through a blind, peer-dealership and John Deere field team review process based on how their passion for their customers, their peers, their communities, and their careers were portrayed through the submission.

Joe was the local Territory and then the Divisional Winner, representing a four-state area, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. He will travel to the John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, Il., to be recognized for his accomplishments. Joe felt humbled to be able to represent American Implement in this program and while this award speaks volumes of his career and skillsets, he refers to himself as just an, “Average Joe.”

American Implement is now “three for three,” having Divisional Champions in the John Deere Tech of the Year Award Program and currently is the only dealership to have multiple Divisional Champions in North America. To learn more about American Implement go to www.americanimplement.com, or like American Implement on Facebook, and follow on Instagram at @AmericanImplement.

Elsie Gonzales, Coach Rex Evans and Morgan Anderson. Photo courtesy of Rex Evans.

Congratulations to Morgan Anderson and Elsie Gonzales for qualifying for next week’s 4A State Golf Tournament in Hesston! Morgan finished sixth in Monday’s Regional in Ulysses and Elsie finished thirteenth! Monday, October 7 the golf team participated in the GWAC tournament at Goodland. Morgan placed ninth at the meet. Morgan and Aislee Austin earned Honorable Mention All-GWAC in girls golf. Morgan finished in seventh place and Aislee in twelfth. The results are based on the three qualifying tournaments.

The Stevens County Fire Department personnel from left to right are Rodney Kelling, Rickey Burrows, Carlos Rojo, Bailey Esarey, Hayden Harris, Phil Gooch, Rafael Maldonado and Tom Torrey. We thank each and every one of you for keeping our community safe.

October is Fire Prevention Month. Here are some tips for one of the most important things you can have in your home: properly working smoke alarms.

By Daniel Anderson, Cy-Fair Fire Department

While fire safety is important all year, Fire Prevention Month is the perfect time for a refresher on lifesaving steps to protect your family and home. One of the most important actions you can take is to make sure your home has working smoke alarms. In fact, smoke alarms are so critical that this year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12) theme is, “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you! TM”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than half of home fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that didn’t work.

Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in the event of a house fire, giving families the crucial time to escape safely. Our biggest priority is to make sure every home is safe and protected.

Here are safety tips on the correct use and management of smoke alarms:

Cover all the bases.

Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or high on the wall in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. If the smoke alarm is installed on the wall, make sure it isn’t covered by curtains or any other obstruction. If your home has multiple levels, smoke alarms should be installed on each one, including the attic. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing them.

All for one, one for all.

Interconnected smoke alarms offer the best protection—especially if you sleep with your bedroom door shut. When one sounds, they all sound. Every second counts during a house fire, and this may give you more time to get out.

Choose an alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

There are two common types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. Photoelectric alarms are more responsive to smoldering fires, and ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires. It’s recommended to have both types or alarms that combine both technologies for the best protection. For fewer false alarms, photoelectric are the best for kitchens and bathrooms.

Test smoke alarms regularly.

All smoke alarms should be tested once a month. You can do that by pressing the test button. If the alarm doesn’t sound, it’s time to replace the batteries (or the alarm itself). In addition to testing, smoke alarms should also be cleaned regularly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and clean carefully.

Make the proper replacements.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years, even if they appear to still be working properly. Batteries should be replaced every six months. If the alarm chirps, then the batteries should be replaced right away. Some smoke alarms have long-life batteries that are non-replaceable. These are designed to work for up to ten years and don’t need their batteries changed every six months. However, if the alarm chirps, you need to replace the whole smoke alarm.

Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of all in your household.

For those who are deaf or hearing-impaired, typical smoke alarms may not be reliable to alert them of danger. There are other options available, such as smoke alarms that have strobe lights that flash when the alarm sounds.

Research your options and different products, and find the best fit for your household. We want everyone to be alerted in the event of a fire. Again, make sure these devices are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

Working smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are installed correctly and maintained regularly. We want every family to make sure their home is equipped with functional smoke alarms in the right places.

About CFFD:

The Cy-Fair Fire Department (CFFD) provides professional fire and emergency medical services to the citizens of Northwest Harris County, Texas. From its beginnings in the late 1950s, the Cy-Fair FD is now one of the largest, busiest combination fire departments in the United States, with over 38,000 emergency responses each year. CFFD covers the 164-square-mile area of Harris County Emergency Services District #9 (HCESD9) in the unincorporated part of Northwest Harris County. Responding from 13 stations strategically located throughout the territory, the 550-plus men and women of the fire department are among the best trained and equipped firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and dispatchers in the nation.

The Class of 1974 gather for their fiftieth class reunion. The 2024 Class Photo in the front row left to right are Janis (James) Bangs, Teresa (Willis) James, Bethany (Greenwood) Roe, Cindy (Heaton) Galloway, Susan (Brasher) Smith, Patty (Ponder) French, Ramona (Cline) Webb and Kathy (Ray) Purcell. In row two are Kent Hagman, Marilyn (Colson) Zimmerman, Carla (Ashlock) Showers, Melanie (Nordling) Hickey, Judy (Nix) Heaton, Pam (Ledford) Bensel, Shelley (Carter) Phinney, Linda (Sutton) Barnes and Mark Klein. In the back row are Kelly Hagman, Keith Roehr, Kenny Burrows, Richard Rome, Bruce Christensen, Don Hickey, Don Riley, Wilbur Kinser, Ted Heaton, Doug Martin, Alfred Olinger, Hal Schechter and Mike Hollenback. Photo courtesy of Kathy Purcell.

Oh what a Day! The Hugoton High School Class of 1974 met September 21 to celebrate 50 years since graduation. As Kindergarteners they had 85 members in the photo. As the years went on they gained and lost members having a total of 98 different students that attended at one time or another. When they graduated they had 74 members. Of the 85 in the Kindergarten photo 49 in the class attended from Kindergarten to their Senior year.

As members came into the gathering they were greeted by a memorial of flags for members of the ones they had lost plus flags for two of the children of their class. Gone but not forgotten – they will never be forgotten. Thirty members plus spouses and children came to visit and it was enjoyed by all. As they sat down for supper they were reminded of “Second Chances”.

In Luke 7:11-17, there is reported a very special interaction between Jesus and a widow who was now grieving the loss of her only son. Apparently, the whole town of Nain felt sorry for her as they were mourning with her. Jesus had compassion on her – He raised her son from the dead and gave him back to his mother.

Can you imagine the scene? This mother was given a second chance. I wonder what she did. I wonder what she said. Do you think she used the days differently now? Do you think she valued her time with her son differently now? Do you think she spoke to her son differently now? Do you think she used the time to regularly talk to him about the Lord (Deut. 6:4-9)?

Most of us are missing “key people” from our lives (parents, spouses, children, friends who have passed away). Many of us wish we could say one or two more things to these people – but we will not be given a second chance like the widow of Nain.

We dare not take any of our blessings (like our families) for granted. Let us love more…forgive more…smile more…talk more. What would you do with a second chance like the one given to the widow of Nain? We better just take advantage of today instead. Bart Warren, South Green Street church of Christ, Glasgow, Ky. This was our “Second Chance”.

Representatives from Flora Food Group meet with county leaders last week. Flora Food Group announced the purchase of the manufacturing facility KDI. Photo courtesy of Tina Fernandez.

Flora Food Group B.V. (“Flora Food Group” or “the Company”), global branded food champion, Monday announced the purchase of a manufacturing facility located in Hugoton. This facility (KDI) closed earlier this year under its previous owner.

The facility will serve as the hub for Flora Food Group’s creams and cream cheeses products for the U.S. and Canada and across the rest of the Americas region over time, while its existing New Century, KS facility will continue to serve as the U.S. hub for Flora Food Group’s butters and spreads products. The intention is to bring back a fully operational facility and jobs to the Hugoton community.

The creams category is one of Flora Food Group’s four growing categories, and a priority for development. The acquisition of the Hugoton facility and further investments planned for the site will support the Company’s creams business in the region and help fulfill its growth plans.

“With the acquisition of this new facility, we are thrilled to have a unique opportunity to expand our creams business,” said Jim Breach, President of Flora Food Group’s North American business. “Building on the existing, state-of-the-art infrastructure and trained workforce residing in the local community, we look forward to bringing more folks into the Flora Food Group family as well as continuing to produce our kitchen and pantry staple items here in America’s heartland and across our broader Americas region.”

Including the Hugoton site, Flora Food Group, formerly known as Upfield Group, now has 15 owned sites across five continents, manufacturing over 90% of the products it sells.

About Flora Food Group:

Global branded food champion Flora Food Group offers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. Our products are more affordable and more sustainable than their dairy equivalents. We offer consumers a compelling choice in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, liquids and cheeses. We hold leadership positions in many of the 100+ countries we operate in, with iconic brands including Flora, Becel+ProActiv, BlueBand, Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, together with our local brands and Professional business. We have 150+ years of heritage, deep R&D expertise and a relentless commitment to delivering delicious, nutritious food. We own 15 manufacturing sites across five continents. Flora Food Group is headquartered in Amsterdam (Netherlands) and employs ~4,800 people; the company reported net sales of EUR 3.3 billion in 2023, making it the global leader in plant-based food.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to Flora Food Group’s future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of Flora Food Group and information currently available to the company. Flora Food Group cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance and position to differ materially from these statements. Flora Food Group has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. The English language version of the press release is leading.

The Community Impact Award goes to Brandi Lahey, The Wild Sage Ranch, LLC. Pictured with Brandi are Steve Morisse, Evan Lahey, Brandi and Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.

Minority- and women-owned businesses were honored and celebrated as a part of Kansas’ Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development hosted the thirty-ninth Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Gala Friday at The Wild Sage Ranch of Hugoton. This is the first time the gala has been in Southwest Kansas, it is usually in Wichita and Northeast Kansas. The gala recognizes companies and individuals from across the state in 14 categories, including the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

“Kansas’ minority- and women – owned businesses have greatly contributed to the economic development success our state has experienced over the past five years,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These companies and individuals are crucial to growing our economy and making Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family. These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we celebrate their efforts and their future success in our state.”

MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority-owned business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate more than $1.8 trillion in revenue annually. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development holds this annual gala to recognize the economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses in communities throughout Kansas.

“It is truly an honor to support such incredible businesses and the talents they bring to our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The efforts of these businesses and individuals are instrumental in the historic economic growth we continue to see in Kansas, and we are happy to highlight their stories and recognize their amazing work.”

Companies and individuals recognized by category during the awards gala include:

Business Advocate of the Year – Raquel Arellano

Seward County Development Corporation Community Arts Engagement Award – Catherine Bell, Sew Simple Sewing

Community Impact Award – Brandi Lahey, The Wild Sage Ranch

LLC Corporation of the Year – Tammy Martin, Burns & McDonnell

Entrepreneur of the Year – Troy Brooks, Greatness Vodka

Family Business Excellence Award – Breanna Bell, Curlology

Innovation Award – Ashley Bettis, PTMW, Inc.

Lifetime Achievement Award– Lisa Sisley, New Boston Creative Group, LLC

Media Achievement Award– Diana and Edward Reyes, Reyes Media Group

Minority-Owned Business of the Year– Junior Bridgeman, Heartland Coca-Cola

Women-Owned Business of the Year– Cori Kohlmeier, Advantage Marketing

Tourism Impact Award– Marcia Rozell, Visit Manhattan

Young Entrepreneur– Ellie Bowman, Prickly Pear Farm & Home

Governor’s Award of Excellence– Gabriel Munoz, The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center

“It’s incredibly rewarding being able to play a part in the future of these businesses,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Christian Hopkins said. “They play such a critical role in our state’s overall success, and I am ecstatic to continue supporting and assisting them in reaching for the stars. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

The Office of Minority and Women Business Development certifies businesses with designations of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs can participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office.

Click kansascommerce. gov to learn more about the Office of Minority and Women Business Development.