The title of Super Dad 2020 goes to Kenny Sullivan. His name was drawn at Bonnie and Clyde’s during the first round of drawings then drawn out for Super Dad in the final drawing at The Hermes.

Kenny was awarded a $40 gift certificate and a T-shirt from Bonnie and Clyde’s as their lucky dad. Then because his name was drawn for Super Dad, he received a $50 gift certificate good anywhere in Hugoton which was donated by the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations Kenny!

Other lucky dads include Pete Perez as the lucky winner whose name was drawn at Equity Bank earning him a $25 gift card. Javier Rosas will have fun picking through the wonderful store full of items at Creative Specialties with his $25 gift certificate as their winner.

Flatlanders Farm & Home drew out Jason Gonzales’ name garnering him a $25 gift certificate to do with as he pleases. Twisted H’s winner was Josh Evans who was awarded a $25 gift certificate to put to good use. Dave Apsley’s name was drawn at Acosta’s & Nieto’s Cafe earning him a wonderful meal to be paid for with his $25 gift certificate.

At Citizens State Bank, Antionio Romo can line his pocket as his name was drawn earning him 20 Gas Capital Dollars. Dean Brooks can fill his tummy as his name was drawn for a $25 gift certificate at Los Agaves. Jeff Beard will be the lucky diner with his $25 gift card from Stumpy’s and Co. Yardmaster’s lucky winner is Abraham Friesen. He will receive a $25 gift certificate.

The Hugoton Hermes awarded richard Sullivan a one year subscription to The Hermes for being their lucky winner. Bultman Tire awarded their winner Derek Wiggins with a $50 gift certificate.

Chris Pearson can run into Slim Pickens in Moscow and pick up his gift basket specially prepared for him from their homemade food and antiques.

Hugoton Drug drew out Cory Lewis’ name and will fix him up with a specially filled basket full of gifts from their wonderful goody filled store.

All our local dads are their own family’s super dads 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.

Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, June 21…and Hugoton businesses are offering nearly $400 worth of prizes this year for their Super Dad participants. You better hurry to one of the following 14 Hugoton business places to sign your dad, grandpa or just favorite dad in the 2020 Super Dad Sweepstakes by Saturday, June 20. Your favorite Dad could win some great prizes and a chance to claim the title of Super Dad 2020!

No matter what kind of interests your most special dad possesses, the merchants of Hugoton have their gift lists covered! From gift certificates at his favorite shop to specially-created gift baskets or even a great meal at his favorite hometown restaurant. Cover your bases by registering all over town.

Participating businesses include Citizens State Bank where their winner will get $20 in Gas Capital Dollars. Or Equity Bank will fatten their winning Dad’s wallet with a $25 gift card.

Creative Specialties has plenty of “doodads” and “whatchamacallits” so their winner can have fun picking out his own Father’s Day present with his $25 gift certificate.

Bonnie and Clyde Grill and Sports Bar will award their winner a $40 gift certificate and a T-shirt.

Bultman Tire Center will be giving away a $50 gift certificate that could go far on a new set of tires.

Give Dad a chance to relax and try a new craft brew or a tasty summer cocktail by registering him at Twisted H Liquor for a $25 gift certificate.

Make sure you register Dad at Flatlanders next time you’re out there, as they have tons of stuff Dad and Grandpa want! If your special guy wins the $25 gift certificate, he can pick out any number of great items.

While in Moscow be sure to stop in at Slim Pickins and sign up for a chance to win a specially filled gift basket. Hugoton Drug also plans to give their winner a wonderful gift basket.

Make sure Dad or Granddad gets fed well. Sign them up at Los Agaves Bar & Grill for a $25 gift certificate, or Acosta’s and Nieto’s Cafe will be awarding their winner a $25 gift certificate. They can also eat well at Stumpy’s & Co. by being their winner in their restaurant for a $25 gift card and a chance to be named Super Dad.

Yardmaster has lots for their lucky Dad or Grandpa to pick from with their $25 gift certificate. The Hugoton Hermes will also be getting in on the action by awarding their winning Dad a year subscription to the paper.

Winners at each business will be drawn Monday, June 22 and Super Dad will be drawn the same day. This year’s Super Dad will be receiving $50 in Chamber Bucks from the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Bucks are accepted at local businesses, enabling Dad to pick out his own present at countless Stevens County businesses! Be sure to register your favorite Dad or Grandpa for Super Dad – you’ve still got plenty of time!

Austin Michael Dale was born August 23, 2001 in Ulysses. He is the son of Angelia Dale and Jason and Sandra Dale; and the grandson of Bill and Kathy Dale and Steve and Carla Showers. During Austin’s time in school, he took an interest in playing sports such as football, basketball, golf, and he discovered a love for playing music. Just throughout high school, he has already played in two national honor bands, one in Boston under the conduction of The President’s Own Marine Band, Colonel Fetig, and one in New York City in Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, he has been a three year participant in the Kansas All State Honor Band and has traveled overseas to perform music with the Kansas Ambassadors of Music. Austin is attending Fort Hays State University in the fall and majoring in Saxophone Performance and Business Finance. Along with academics, Austin is going to continue playing football at FHSU, and in the future, plans to perform in a military band.

Sydney Beesley is the daughter of Don and Renee Beesley and the granddaughter of Doug and Rita Mills and Walter and Estella Beesley. Sydney has been involved at Hugoton High School as the Student Council president, National Honor Society secretary, varsity cheerleading, show choir, science club, FFA, FBLA, and yearbook. She was honored this fall as a KU Honors Scholar for being in the top 10% of her class. She has received various honors in choir including All-State Honor Choir three year member, superior solo ratings, and National FFA Talent Search Top 15. 4-H has been a huge part of Sydney’s life. She has been a member of the Cloverleaf Cowboys 4-H club for 12 years where she has served as president, vice president, treasurer, and various other offices. Through 4-H, she has had the opportunity to be a part of the National 4-H Congress, National Teen Entertainer, and provide entertainment at the National 4-H Hall of Fame Induction.  Sydney will be attending Kansas State University this fall and majoring in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Leadership Studies. She has plans to be on the Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team, and be a part of the Greek life at K-State. She is excited about the opportunities as an Ag Ambassador and 4-H Student Employment.  Sydney would like to thank Mr. Howie, the school board, principals, teachers and staff for an exceptional education and for helping her reach every goal she has set for herself. She would also like to thank her parents and family for supporting her in everything she sets her mind to, no matter how large.

Trevor Yeager Bogan is the son of Roy and Kathleen Bogan, and grandson of Bob and Joan Bogan. He has worked hard to achieve valedictorian of his 2020 Hugoton High School class with a number one class ranking, a 4.0 GPA, and a composite score of 32 on his ACT. He was also recognized as a 2020 Kansas Scholar, as well as a Governor’s Scholar. Throughout high school, he was an active member in National Honor Society, science club, Student Council, and various sports teams. He worked hard to be a letterman in football, basketball, golf, and NHS. In the 2019 football season, he was recognized as 1st Team All-League for both wide receiver and defensive back. He also broke the school record for passing yards in a single game with 210 yards. Being an analytically and mathematically minded person, he plans to attend Wichita State University in the fall and obtain his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Julienne Salazar, a Hugoton freshman art student, was a competitor in the Western Kansas Scholastic Art competition at Montezuma back in January of 2020. Her digital art design titled “Trapped” won what is known as a Gold Key Award at this local level art competition, as well as winning one of five Top Best of Show Awards known as the American Vision Award.

As a result of this, Julienne’s digital work went on to compete at the National level in New York City. This is the highest level of competition in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards show for art students in all 50 states.

Julienne is one of four National winners in the last 15 years to accomplish this feat. Her work will be displayed in various professional galleries, and published in the Scholastic Art and Writing Catalogue and on the Scholastic Art and Writing website for the competition year 2020.

In 2020 students submitted nearly 340,000 works of art and writing to the Scholastic Awards.

Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

Students receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions, or American Voices & Visions Nominations are celebrated within their communities through local exhibitions and ceremonies. Gold Key works are then judged nationally by an impressive panel of creative–industry experts to receive National Medals, including Gold Medals, Silver Medals, American Voices & Visions Medals, Gold Medal and Silver with Distinction Portfolio Medals, and Special Achievement Awards. National Medalists are recognized in part at the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

In past years, students would travel in person to the awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year the awards ceremony will be a virtual awards ceremony for all winning artists to be a part of online June 4 at 6:00 p.m. eastern standard time, 5:00 p.m. central standard time. Medals and awards will be sent out after the conclusion of the ceremony.

“I’ve taught Julienne in art for several years now. She demonstrates a natural ability to create freely and independently in everything she does in art class. She explores materials, ideas, and always creates to her full potential above and beyond. She has an innate natural ability to observe, focus and bring to life her ideas with her natural and instinctive abilities. Her digital art that won in this competition is an example of this gift. She is a wonderful art student that I am honored to work with each and every day. I am proud of her in this being one of the highest of accomplishments that one can achieve in the USD 210 art program. She has become not only accomplished at our level locally, but is now a nationally recognized artist and this award is well deserved as a result of her endeavours in the art program.” said Mr. Terrill

“Although with this challenging time and Scholastics having to cancel the awards ceremony in New York, I am still glad they will be having a virtual awards ceremony, and the award is just as important nonetheless and very well celebrated and recognized with true dignity and acknowledgment.” concluded Mr Terrill.

The ninty – second Kansas FFA Convention is happening this week. Because of precautions the convention is virtual. Special announcements will be shared via social media platforms to recognize and involve Kansas FFA members. Platforms include Facebook live, YouTube and Twitter.

The State Convention opening session started at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday with the new chapters chartering and retiring address by J.W, Wells, State Reporter.

The State Proficiency award winners were recognized for Agricultural Education through Dairy Production Placements. From Hugoton finalists were, Karina Rodriguez and Molly McClure. The retiring address was given by Elizabeth Wright, State Secretary. The National Chapter Awards – Building Communities followed and then the closing ceremony.

The State Convention delegate process official dress starts at 10:00 a.m. with committee meetings. Keynote address will be by Kilesen McCoy, National FFA President from Ohio starting at 11:00 a.m. The delegate business session will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The second session will start at 7:00 p.m. with the opening ceremony, and retiring address by Mason Prester, State Sentinel. National Chapter Awards – Strengthening Agriculture will be announced following the retiring address. State Proficiency award winners will be recognized. Hugoton finalists for Diversified Agriculture Production through Nursery Operations are Jacob Bell, Charlie Wettstein, Emma McClure, Megan Newlon and Grace Dillinger. The retiring address will be by Abby Goins, State Vice President followed by the Keynote speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby and the closing ceremony.

Friday, the opening ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. with Keynote speaker Walter Kinzie, Encore Live. The National Chapter Awards – Growing Leaders winners will be announced followed by the State of the State remarks by Kurt Dillon, State FFA Advisor. The State Degree ceremony will follow. Hugoton finalists are Kaleb, Grubbs, Laramie Brecheisen, Conner Wells, Luis Ramos and Jacob Bell. At 11:30 a.m. Keynote address will be by Tess Seibel, National FFA Easter Regional Vice President from Virginia.

Closing session will start at 7:00 p.m. with the opening ceremony. State Proficiency Award winners – Outdoor Recreation through Wildlife Production and Management will be announced. Finalists for this award from Hugoton are Jacob Bell and Kynna Crawford. The retiring address will be given by Lukas Sebesta, State Treasurer. The announcement of the Triple Crown Awards and Garlow Memorial Trophy Recipient will follow. Retiring address will be given by Logan Elliott, State President. Start Over Kansas Pageant is next with Hugoton finalists Luis Ramos and Jacob Bell.

Recognition of the 2019-2020 State FFA Officers and the announcement of the 2020-2021 State FFA Officers with greetings from the new State President will be next with closing ceremony to follow.

We Salute Our Fallen Soldiers On Memorial Day,

we pay special tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed to protect the lives and freedoms of Americans.

We celebrate their courage, honor their memories and thank them for all they gave.

Their legacy lives on, and we will never forget them.

The Hugoton USD 210 Board of Education met in a regular monthly session at ​6:30 p.m.​ Monday, May 11, 2020. The meeting was​ streamed live on the district’s YouTube Live page.

The meeting was called to order and the agenda was approved. The board discussed the Hugoton High School graduation date.

The board voted to approve July 11 for graduation at 9:00 a.m. at the football field. HLA graduation will be July 12 in the auditorium. Thursday, May 28 is set for the senior showcase. It will be at 7:00 p.m. and will be virtual.

Jalaa Miller with The IMA Financial Group discussed the health insurance renewal. The board voted to renew the insurance with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas for 2020-2021 school year. The monthly premiums with blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance for the 2020-2021 school year were set at $751 for single plan; $1,333 for employee and spouse, $1,230 for employee and children and $1,716 for family plan.

The board approved the monthly Cobra premiums rate for the 2020-2021 school year at $766.02 for single plan, $1,359.66 for employee and spouse, $1,254. 60 for employee and children and $1,750.32 for family plan.

The West Gym floor work was discussed. The floor will be sanded all the way down to the bare wood. All the court markings will be painted and staining the lane portion with a big power eagle in the center and Hugoton Eagles in the base lines. The floors were sanded down back in 2005. The board voted to approve the bid from Von Lintel refinishing and Flooring company for a total of $19,095.

The board discussed the Activity Bus interior work. The board approved the bid from Sardo Bus and Coach Upholstery for $24,467.19 to redo the interior of the activity buses.

Superintendent adrian Howie gave his report. He told the board that Drivers Ed is pushed to July. Summer school has been discussed. The grant for summer school will run out the end of June. No date for summer school has been set.

CJ Korf informed the board KSHSAA has stated that nothing can start before June 1 on athletics. The school can start June 1 with activities up to three hours a day per student. The second week is up to five hours. During the first and second weeks the students can’t do any organized competition. By the third week the students should have unlimited restrictions. Deadlines for coaches to work with the athletes has been extended. Usually the deadline is July 15. It has been extended to the end of July for basketball coaches. Football and volleyball practices have been extended all the way up to first day of practice.

The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met via Zoom conference call for a special meeting Monday morning, May 4 with all members, Tron Stegman, Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson accounted for. Also accounted for were County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp, County Counselor Paul Kitzke and RoGlenda Coulter for The Hugoton Hermes. Many county entities were present via Zoom also.

The Commissioners were discussing with Vanessa Willis of how to open the Treasurer’s Office to the public due to concerns of wearing a face mask. Vanessa stated she is too claustrophobic to wear a face mask and one of her employees is allergic to the face masks the courthouse has for usage. She did state she could do curbside appointments.

Amy Tharp stated she is purchasing some portable plexi-glass stands and asked Paula Rowden if those were put into place if face masks would need to be required. Paula said they would not have to wear a mask if they had the shield and those would actually be better than the masks. Paula also said even material masks or some sort of face covering works better than nothing, such as a scarf or bandana.

Discussion about the drop box was brought up. There is one department that doesn’t want a drop box for their customers, so that made the final determination – there will be no outside drop box at the courthouse.

The Appraisers Office said they prefer people to conduct their business by e-mail or phone but will work with the client if they need to be seen in person.

Jayme Muncy, deputy treasurer, said she can handle the public in person and can wear a mask long enough for such business. She also stated most business can be conducted over the phone, mail or email except for title work.

It has been determined that all departments in the courthouse are open to the public by appointment only. The customer must wear a mask when inside the building conducting business. Each courthouse employee will wear a mask when conducting business in person with a customer unless the plexi-glass has been implemented.

The department heads are in charge of conducting business how they see as safe for each of their employees whether it be curbside, meet at the door or in person. There will be screenings which have been approved by Paula Rowden and a temperature scan in order to enter the building. Also the person wanting to enter, must bring their own mask.

*Commissioners had met earlier for a special meeting, Friday, May 1 to discuss the speech from the governor. All three Commissioners were present as were Amy Jo, Paul, RoGlenda and approximately 36 other county residents, county department heads and employees via Zoom.

The governor’s orders were discussed. The phases of openings were talked over and it seems a lot of restrictions were the same for the first phase as in the beginning in March.

Pioneer Manor is still in lock-down. The courthouse will be by appointment only and they will have to bring their own masks. Most courthouse business can be done by mail or email. Motion was made and passed to limit no more than two people in an office at a time, must have face covering, be by appointment only and must pass a screening at the entrance before being allowed in. It was suggested that they also provide contact information.

The issue of property taxes was talked over. There is no extension provided in this area. They are due May 10 and late fees will be charged after that. Payments can be mailed in.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the doors of the offices. It was decided to leave details to the department heads.

Paula Rowden said the hospital is doing testing and her department is doing the follow-up work. She said that if a patient testing positive needs hospitalization – so far – they will be transferred. She suggested talking to hospital staff about that.

Linda Stalcup advised there will be no visitation in the Manor until after June 1. She said if a ventilator is needed the patient will be transferred. Linda advised that testing is going great – the staff is doing a great job.

Lupe with Acosta’s-Nietos discussed details for his possible opening dine-in for his business. He has been in constant contact with the Health Department. He is thinking of opening the west door of his business for coming and going and paying at the table to keep safe distancing.

Meeting adjourned.

The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met via Zoom conference call Monday morning, April 27 with all members, Tron Stegman, Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson accounted for. Also accounted for were County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp, County Counselor Paul Kitzke and RoGlenda Coulter for The Hugoton Hermes. Many county entities were present via Zoom including Rodney Kelling, Eunice Schroeder, Stacey Strickland, Susan Schulte, Tony Martin and Vanessa Willis.

Commissioners looked over the bills, had a few questions, then made the motion to pay them.

Tron said he received a text from Paula Rowden – she would not be at this meeting – but she has some concerns about what the Governor says of how Stevens County is going to reopen Monday. It is believed that the Governor will surely have another announcement to make before Monday of how it is to be handled. Joe D. said he listened to the Governor last week and said the plan right now is to have three stages of opening. She is going to have them laid out and available in the middle of this week. She did not have the details yet. The state and KDHE have been working with restaurants, hotels and industries that had major layoffs, to figure out how to work this out. Local control may be needed.

Tron announced that Courthouse Facilities Supervisor Ross Sullivan had some information for them. Ross said the drop box is installed but some courthouse departments do not want any of their people putting anything in it. Ross assured that the box is heavy duty and connected to the building. Vanessa told of some of her concerns. After discussion – Commissioners said to take it down. Commissioners visited about Ross using his own push mower. Ross was told to purchase a push mower locally.

Minutes from last meeting were checked and given an okay. Tony Martin reported in for Road and Bridge. He said they have converted to ten hour days – four days a week.

They are heating up asphalt and filling the water pits. Road and Bridge will be ready to do some asphalt jobs in a couple of days. The guys have been doing a good job of social distancing. Tony reported about some roads and told of being in compliance with the drug testing and CDL checking. He said if they are looking for a place to go with the drop box – his department could put it to use.

Amy was asked if there are any changes she knows of for the election. She said not at this time. The state will help with funding of COVID-19 protection materials for elections.

As far as the Wellness Center is concerned – Commissioners are interested in what will be ordered for gyms. Rodney was asked if he can get extra PPE equipment for county entities for when they are allowed to open.

Rodney said they have to turn in a request to him and then he has to turn the request in to the state. The cleaning supplies are hard to find right now and chances are pretty slim to be able to get it. Amy said she may be able to find some.

Sheriff Heaton reported in. He said he was good and didn’t need anything.

Eunice reported in for the Library and said she sent in her budget. She told that since the new LED lights are in they are seeing a significant savings in the electricity bill. For a July update, they are going to up their bandwidth and it will cost around $30 a month more. People are using the WiFi outside the Library. All items that have been returned to the Library during the shut-down are in quarantine and will have to be sanitized upon opening day. So masks, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes will be needed to wipe these items down with. Commissioners told her to talk to Rodney. Four to six people are on staff at the Library, so this will limit those coming in if numbers are limited still. Motion was made to accept the new Library Board Member Jana Harris to replace Ashley Pearcy.

Amy told of what county entities’ budgets are not in yet: Airport, Noxious Weed, Landfill, Museum, Sheriff, Appraiser and Treasurer. Amy said Angela is working on the Appraiser Budget. These have to be to the auditors by May 4, to the Commissioners by May 25 and the Budget Workshop will be July 9.

Discussion followed from Paul about his budget.

Commissioners visited with Vanessa about tax collections. They kind of need to know how the funds will compare with last years’. They said they heard that some other counties are having to let employees go due to shortness in funds.

Commissioners talked of when to have another meeting. Whenever the Governor makes another announcement, they need to have a meeting the following day. Especially if she is going to give more control to the county. Paula will need to be present.

Next on the agenda was Jonathan Herald with WKCAC. He explained their services they provide for Stevens County and asked for the County’s support again. Commissioners told him they will check over the budget and let him know.

Meeting adjourned.

The Hugoton City Council convened for a special meeting via Zoom April 20, 2020 at 5:15. Monitoring the meeting were city council members Dean Banker, Frankie Thomas, Dan Corpening and Jason Teeter. Also monitoring were Hugoton City Clerk Carrie L. Baeza, Mayor Jack E. Rowden, Outside Utilities Supervisor Paul Nordyke, City Attorney Wayne R. Tate, Police Chief Courtney Leslie, Hugoton Hermes reporter Ruthie Winget and Alvin Riley, president of the Forewinds Golf Course Board. City council member Brad Nuehaus was not connected. Mayor Jack E. Rowden presided.

Stevens County Health Department Officer Paula Rowden recommended opening up the Forewinds Golf Course and the Frisbee Golf Course at Raydene Park, using the Guidance tool supplied from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management. The city council voted unanimously to approve these measures, effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

All ‘Social Distancing Rules’ should be followed at the golf course. The club house and restroom facilities will be closed to the public. No rental carts will be available.