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.

August 29, Richard and Gloria Martin will celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary. They celebrated their special occasion with family and friends Saturday. Their four children, Tammy, Gwen, Angela and Richard III, along with their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, would like to wish them a Happy Anniversary!

Troop 40 takes time for a picture with ACO Stephanie Smith. Pictured from left to right in the back row are Lindsay Fosdick, Robert Fosdick, ACO Smith, Lennox Torres, Alex Fierro, Jaxon Torres, Brendan Gill, Sarah Gill, Alma Fierro, Salvador Fierro, Jocelyn Shuck, Sheldon Shuck, and Pamela Garcia. Front row are Brendan Shuck, Toby Gill, Javy Garcia, and Leo Kitzke. Not pictured are Naomi Tinoco, Hailey Anton, and Taos Harris. Photo courtesy of Kyrie Esarey.

An Eagle Project or Eagle Scout Service Project is a project that Boy Scouts complete to demonstrate leadership skills and benefit their community. The project is a culmination of a scout’s leadership training, and it is considered the most difficult advancement requirement.

Lennox Torres’ beneficiary is the Hugoton Animal Shelter. For his project Lennox and his fellow scouts, leaders and volunteers built outdoor exercise equipment and play equipment for the dogs at the shelter. They also built and assembled six new dog beds for some of the senior dogs.

Lennox began his scouting career in 2015. He started as a Bear in Pack 59 in Garden City, Kansas. He was so excited to be a Boy Scout and learn new things. He soon crossed over into the troop after finishing his Arrow of Light.

After moving to Hugoton, he received his First-Class Rank with Troop 189. Shortly after he joined Troop 40 and received his Star and Life Scout Ranks. This is when he began his Eagle Scout Project planning. This was not his initial plan for his project, but after speaking to several officials in the community and the Animal Control Officer, Stephanie Smith, this was the right project for him. He worked out a plan with ACO Smith to build six softer dog beds for those dogs that are a little older. They also came up with a plan to build a Toy Cube with several toys on bungie cords, a “Seesaw” for them to walk across and jump on, a Tug of War Pole and a Tunnel for the dogs to run through. After meeting with the Eagle Board for approval he and some of his fellow scouts visited local businesses to do fundraising and get material donations. When all the donations were collected, he invited his Troop and volunteers to help him collect supplies, build, and deliver his Eagle project to the Animal Shelter.

Lennox would like to thank the Hugoton Animal Shelter, Troop 40, and all the donors and volunteers. We hope the dogs love the new toys!

Pictured from the left are Hadasa Hernandez, Principal Sonja Watkins, William Smith and Cristian Munoz.

The Hugoton USD 210 Board of Education met Monday night at 6:25 p.m. for a special session for a Budget Hearing. The board then went into its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. The agenda and consent agenda were approved.

The board approved the hires of Laura Rendon as daycare-lead teacher; Abby Tharp as daycare-assistant teacher; Marina Crawford, daycare-lead teacher; Kalesha Kester, daycare-assistant director/lead teacher; Rebeca Leija, MS/HS cook; Krista Renz, daycare-lead teacher; Nicole Swanson, daycare-asst. teacher; Pat Atkins, interim HHS principal; and Luke Harding, 5-12 instrumental music. The board accepted the resignations of Heber Jimenez, HS assistant boys basketball; Jackie Anderson, bus driver/transportation clerk, warehouse clerk; Sydney Hayes, MS girls basketball; and Liliana Chavez, custodian. The board approved the coaching hires of Gavin Williams, HS assistant football and HS assistant basketball; Kelsey Lazaro, MS assistant volleyball; and Brighton Clinesmith, MS assistant volleyball. One transfer was accepted, Felicia Moreland from bus driver to bus driver/transportation clerk.

The Intermediate school had a presentation on summer school. Principal Sonja Watkins and three students, Cristian Munoz, Hadasa Hernandez and William Smith, talked about some of the things the students did during summer school.

Olivia Salmans informed the board of her trip to Washington, DC. She applied for a leadership trip through Pioneer Electric called Leadership through Action.

Primary Principal Tiffany Boxum said LETRS training started Monday. She informed the board that back to school night is from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, preschool through second grade students will be able to bring their backpacks to school. She said 28 new students enrolled in the primary school this year in enrollment week. Out of that, eight are preschoolers, six are kindergarteners, nine are in first grade and five are in second grade. She knows of seven students no longer in primary.

Principal Watkins told the board of their 504 meeting Monday. She informed the board of the intermediate school numbers. The third grade lost one but gained seven with a total of 66 in third grade, fourth grade lost two and gained eight for a total of 68, fifth grade lost one and gained seven for a total of 68 students. Sixth grade lost four but gained eight for a total of 74 students. The total for the intermediate grades is 276 with the loss of eight students and a gain of a total of 30.

Middle School Principal Tina Salmans said there is a total of 166 students, up from last year which was 152 with 82 in eighth grade and a total of 84 in seventh grade. She said there will be a staff meeting Tuesday.

High School Principal Pat Atkins introduced himself at the meeting. He informed the board the high school has 332 students, with 89 seniors, 78 juniors, 91 sophomores and 74 freshmen.

Anthony Davis, Director of Student Learning, talked about the number of CTE students. He currently has 30 seniors in his program.

The board adopted the HMS and HHS schedules for the 2024-2025 school year.

Mr. Howie talked about the increase of cost with HPEC.

The board approved the ratification of the negotiated agreement of the 2024-2025 school year.

Superintendent Adrian Howie talked about the new teachers. He showed pictures of them and what they will be teaching. He did say that enrollment is up from last year.

Mr. Howie said the Daycare is progressing and hopefully ready by the end of this week for the state visit. The 2024-2025 budget adoption was approved.

The KASB policy updates were discussed.

The 2024-2025 calendar changes were looked over.

The board voted to adopt the changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

The 2024 Parade of Champions, front left to right, are Cade Eisenhour, Jack Sullivan, Lyla Winchester, Gracelynn Johnson, Quinnlee Salmans, Alex Moore and Conlee Eisenhour. In the second row are Alivia Grubbs, Jaycee Burrows, Micah Johnson, Faith Beesley, Jaelyn Miramontes, Clara Morris and Madison Niehues. In the back row are Kynli Crawford, Kathryn Brown, Jayden Burrows, Ella Beesley, Tobias Grubbs and Grant Niehues. Not pictured are Brek Colantonio, Braylee Kraisinger, Kadence Hernandez-Kolb and Kassidy Kirkham.

Meet your candidates for County Commissioner, District Two.

Walt Beesley is a fifth generation farmer raised in Stevens County. He married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Cutter, who is also a Hugoton native. They have three daughters: Britta, Jenna and Ella. Walt graduated from Hugoton High School in 1990. He then attended Kansas State University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Milling Science and Management. Upon graduation, Walt was employed by Cargill for 25 years which led the couple to live in six different states over their first ten years of marriage. Walt returned to Hugoton in 2004 overseeing operations of the Cargill country elevators between Plainview, Tx. to Denver, Co. Outside of his work and family, Walt has been actively involved in the community by serving on the board at First Christian Church, Stevens County Economic Development and Stevens County Foundation.

Shannon Crawford feels he is blessed to have lived in Hugoton his whole life. “I have always loved our small-town community and been very proud of where I came from.” After Shannon graduated from Hugoton High School, he joined the United States Air Force. While overseas, he served as a C-130 Crew Chief during Desert Storm. After his time in the Air Force, he moved back to Hugoton and began his career as a fourth generation farmer. For thirty years and counting, he has continued to love what he does every day. Shannon and his wife Diana were married in 1995, and were soon blessed with two beautiful daughters, Katie and Marybeth. Both of their daughters are also Hugoton High School graduates. “Diana and I feel incredibly blessed that we were able to raise our daughters in such a tight-knit community.” Over several decades, Shannon has served on many local boards. He is currently on the Stevens County Hospital Board and the Stevens County Zoning Board. Before that, he served on the Hugoton City Council and the Hugoton Airport Board. “I care deeply about our community and want nothing more than to see it prosper.”

Pat Hall is running for reelection for Stevens County Commissioner District 2. He is a lifelong resident of Stevens County and has been married to his wife LaDonna for 39 years. The couple raised three children and they all graduated from Hugoton High School. The high school prepared them for the demands of college and all three have gone on to have extremely successful careers. Pat has worked for the City of Hugoton for 25 years and he was employed by the Stevens County Road & Bridge Department for 17 years. Pat served four years on the Hugoton School Board and is currently serving his twelfth year as a Stevens County Commissioner District 2. He feels his years of working for the Stevens County Road and Bridge Department and for the City of Hugoton has prepared him for the role of county commissioner. This background he feels has provided him with a solid foundation in public service and problem-solving.

Pollyannas of Hugoton will host the seventy- second annual Sorghum Queen Contest Friday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m. There are a lot of beautiful young ladies in Stevens County and some of them will vie for the title of “Miss Sorghum Queen 2024!” The Sorghum Queen and her court will be seen the following week helping out at the Stevens County Fair. You will be able to see some beautiful young ladies and watch some excellent talent if you venture out to the Sorghum Queen Contest. Contest starts at 7:00 p.m. Entry fee into the door is $5.00. If you bought a band from a contestant, you have already paid, just come on down and enjoy the evening! Enter through the back doors by the auditorium at Hugoton High School. See you there!

Girls participating in the contest and their sponsors are, Raquel Acuna – Homestead Estates Home Plus; Addison Garza – Ag Oasis; Kayla Lewis – Mary Kay; Mylee Miller – Rebellious Nails; Alaina Gold – Ag 1st Crop Insurance; Saedy Arrendondo – Casey Settlemyer Tree Trimming; Farrah Gaskill – Janet’s Bridal and Boutique; Ella Beesley – Dr. Effie Gaskill Dentistry; Valeria Peinado – Citizens State Bank; Jayden Burrows – Ridge View Farms; Jasmine Sena – T.E.M.S. Training; Olivia Salmans – Heater’s Sprinklers; and Morgan Niehues – Don and Renee Beesley.

Pictured from the left are Monica Walker, Facilitator and commissioner candidates, Pat Hall, Tron Stegman, Shannon Crawford and Walt Beesley. Meet the Candidates Forum 2024 took place Thursday, July 11 in the Memorial Hall in Hugoton.

Meet the Candidates Forum 2024 took place in Memorial Hall Thursday, July 11. Facilitator for the event was Monica Walker, County Extension Agent from Ulysses. Candidates are County Commissioner District 2 incumbent Pat Hall, County Commissioner District 3 incumbent Tron Stegman, and Shannon Crawford and Walt Beesley, both running for County Commissioner District 2.

The candidates were asked questions with a two minute time limit to answer.

First question was an introduction of each candidate and why they felt they were qualified to hold the office of Commissioner for Stevens County. Each gave information on their families and how long they have been in Stevens County along with qualifications for the commissioner seat.

The next question asked was “what do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Stevens County and how would you address that challenge”. Taxes were the main challenge each candidate felt was facing the county. Trying to keep the taxes down and bringing in new businesses was the main topic addressed as a way to help.

“What do you see is the most pressing need for infrastructure or capital projects in the county” was the next question asked of the candidates. The candidates each felt there wasn’t a pressing need at the present time as they felt the county infrastructure is in good shape.

The fourth question was two parts. The first part was what are your views on the potential wind farm in Stevens County including what the set back rules should be and are you in favor or opposed to this development. The second part if the wind farm is not approved what industry or business can be brought into the county to replace that revenue to the landowners, county and school district.

Beesley, Stegman and Crawford each said they were for the wind farm. Hall stated he was against the wind farm. Beesley also talked about a solar farm and maybe getting KDI factory back up and running again. Hall talked about seeing consequences of failed corporations in the county like Abengoa and KDI. Crawford talked about the benefit of the wind farm and potential income for the county and school. He thought the setback should be 1500 feet. Stegman felt the wind farm would be good for the county as it would bring in revenue.

The fifth question was, “Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes and why”. The main topic was keeping the taxes as low as possible while maintaining the standard of living for the county residents.

The candidates each gave their closing remarks. Marty Long and Benjamin Fuentes introduced themselves to the audience and said a few words.

If you missed the forum, you can see it on Facebook.com/Hugoton ChamberofCommerce.

The Primary is August 6 and General Election is November 5. (The Primary votes will decide the commissioner candidate, since all are Republican candidates).

The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, July 8. Tron Stegman and Pat Hall were present. Joe D. Thompson was absent. Also present were County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp, County Attorney Paul Kitzke and RoGlenda Coulter from The Hugoton Hermes.

Agenda: 8:30 – Bills; 9:15 – Cimarron Basin – Tiffany Bowin; 9:30 – Tony Martin; 10:00 – Best Western in regard to taxes.

When this reporter arrived Rodney Kelling from EMS and Fire was finishing his report. He asked when to be present for the Budget Workshop tomorrow (Tuesday). Commissioners told him they would let him know.

Cammie Heaton came in and brought in the proposed budget for the Health Department. She talked about the alarm that keeps going off on the generator. Several have been out to check it out with different opinions. To fix may cost $4,000. She talked about grants and other expenses.

Cammie talked about the county Pharmacy possibly trying to do vaccines. Commissioners did not like the idea of two county entities competing against each other.

She asked if it would be ok if she talked to Ross about a weed issue. Commissioners told her yes. She also talked about the thermostats.

The Cimarron Basin representative presented paper information to the Commissioners. She said she will email the budget.

Amy asked the Commissioners to make a decision about dissolving Townships. The only one to keep would be Moscow. After much discussion, motion was made and passed to start the process of dissolving the Townships excluding Moscow Township. A notice will have to be ran in the paper.

Tony Martin came in for Public Works. He handed out good news information concerning the landfill. They can start working on the new pit.

In regard to the Zoning meeting. A date needs to be set and ran in the paper in regard to the Wind Turbine project. The public hearing will take place, then the Zoning Commission will make a decision.

Tony requested an executive session. A request for a raise for two of the employees was granted, as was a request for two of the Zoning employees. Motion was made and passed to grant the raises.

Tony then talked about the charges at the landfill at the request of the Commissioners. He said locals are not charged for pickup loads as long as they are not over done with load after load. Contractors are charged, like the city, Collectia, J&J, etc. Only stuff from Stevens County is supposed to be accepted. The landfill has had extra expenses in having to dig the new pit and fixing a tractor.

Sheriff Heaton checked in and brought in some paperwork.

Susan Schulte from the GIS Department requested an executive session.

Sam Bhakta, Praful Bhakta and Evelin Urquidi from the Best Western Motel, Sunrise Hospitality came in to discuss their tax situation. Paul and the Commissioners explained to them that they had told them if they caught up on their taxes – Stevens County would waive the interest. The whole thing was a misunderstanding as to why they were not receiving their tax statements. But the Commissioners found out that the Board of Taxes will not allow Stevens County to waive the interest. The motel will have to hire a tax attorney to get in touch with the Board of Tax Appeal to set up, request or file an appeal. Paul stressed that the Commissioners will back them up since it was a misunderstanding as to why the taxes were not paid on time. He told them to have the tax attorney to get in touch with him or the Board of Tax Appeal.

The budget workshop will be tomorrow – Tuesday. Meeting adjourned.