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.

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.