Luke Grubbs presents the honored 2025 Community Service Award to Marilyn and Tony Martin.
Stevens County Conservation District Board celebrated their 76 years of Conservation service with their annual meeting Saturday, January 24. Introductions were made by Luke Grubbs and Invocation was given by Loren Seaman.
Citizens State Bank sponsored the delicious meal prepared by Hunny’s. Guest Speaker Dale Younker was unable to attend due to the weather.
Scholarship recipient Elisha Staggers was introduced and gave a short speech. Elisha is the daughter of Kevin and Jodi Staggers and was the salutatorian of the Moscow High School Class of 2025.
Loren Seaman introduced the Windbreak, Grassland and Soil Conservation winners for 2025. The awards were presented to the winners by Grubbs and James Murray. Eagle RV Park- Tron Stegman and Jan Leonard were the Windbreak winners. The Grassland winner was Brandon Bozone and Chris Heger Family Farms won the Soil Conservation award.
The conservation poster winners were introduced and given their awards by Abel Sullivan. Door prizes were handed out by Nick
Martin and Tom Lahey.
The Stevens County Community Service Award was presented to Tony and Marilyn Martin.
Tony is the son of Jack and Wilda Martin and Marilyn, the daughter of Quintin and Gen Martin. Tony graduated Hugoton High School in 1979 and Marilyn graduated
Hugoton High School in 1982. The couple married August 13, 1983 (now 42 years). The couple has two daughters. Jeanna Winchester is married to Trevor Winchester and they have two children Lyla and Eli; and Melissa Sullivan, is married to Kenny Sullivan with two children, Elodie and Jack.
Tony worked for the City of Hugoton, then in 2013 went to work as
Supervisor of Stevens County Road and Bridge. He is also the Public Works Director for Landfill and also Noxious Weed Department.
Marilyn worked in the Farm Service Agency 42 years, and retired in March 2025.
Tony serves on the City Council; he is President of the Stevens County Fair Association; Chairman of Wild West Ext. Council; Member of Kansas Fairs and Festival Association Board of Directors; Hugoton Recreation Board Member; Member of the Hugoton Kiwanis Club; and Stevens County Zoning Board Administrator.
Marilyn is a member of Hugoton Kiwanis and the Alter Society for the Catholic Church.
Both are involved in FFA and 4-H Leaders for the Wrangler 4-H Club for 15 years (they are the ones that actually started the Wrangler 4-H Club in the late 90’s). Tony has been the Fair Board President, now for over 20 years and Marilyn the Fair Antiques Superintendent for 15 years.
Tony was inducted into Kansas Fair and Festival Hall of Fame in 2012. Other awards include Friend of Stevens County Fair 2012; Stevens County Citizen of Year 2012; and Friend of 4-H Award 2019. Marilyn received the Friend of Stevens County Fair in 2017.
The couple enjoy golfing and trips, spending time with the grandkids and attending their events. Tony raises pigs for 4-H members and keeps track of OU Sooners Football.
Congratulations Tony and Marilyn Martin.