Whether 2019 was good, bad or neutral for you, everyone can agree – it certainly wasn’t boring. The year was chock full of news for the Stevens County community, and the Hermes has been there all along. Following is a rundown of 2019 for this area.
In January, Betty Rosel was re-sworn in as Register of Deeds. She had originally been sworn in January 13, 1969. She is honored to have served over half a century. In April of 1975, Betty became an EMT – forty-four years ago.
The Stevens County 4-H Horse Bowl Team represented Kansas at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Members of the team were Emily Headrick, Emma McClure, Toby McClure, Megan Newlon and Clair Clark. Their coach is Judy Parsons.
Chuck Holt of Hugoton made the long trip to Topeka to claim his $100,000 prize he won on the Kansas Lotto. The winning ticket was sold at Toot N Totum in Hugoton.
Randy Bane was recognized as the Morton County Museum Pioneer Man. He was one of the pioneers involved in the initiation and development of the Kansas Scholar’s Bowl Association.
Northwest Cotton Gin announced they are looking to double the size of their cotton gin. When it is completed, it will be the second largest cotton gin in North America.
Three Hugoton High School wrestlers qualified for State Competition. Michael Mendoza, Carter Cozlahr and David Cruz will travel to Salina for the competition.
Hugoton talent scored big at the 2019 Pancake Day talent show at Liberal. Alivia Grubbs, Maddy Neihues, Sidney Beesley, Renee Beesley and Sidni Root all were winners at the show.
Sergeant Gene Johnson retired from the Hugoton Police Department after twenty-five years of service.
Rafael Granillo of Moscow, is the proud recepient of the full ride scholarship from the Rudd Foundation. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books and room and board for the four year program.
Rolla students took nine science experiments to the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair and brought home several medals. Brynlee Williams, Rylan Williams, Samantha Dunn and Martha Martinez all earned gold medals. Hugoton’s eighth grader Claudia Clark also earned a gold and was second in Division II Overall.
The 2019 Twenty-First Annual Kansas Police Dog Association Seminar was hosted in Hugoton. Thirty-seven K-9 teams from all over Kansas participated in the training program.
Hugoton High School Band, which is comprised of 49 Hugoton students, competed at KSHAA State Large Group and received a I (superior rating) which is the highest rating that can be given.
Annha Eshbaugh won Best of Show for the sculpture at the Great Western Activities Conference League Art Show at Goodland.
Casle Heger earned the Superior Rating at State Piano for the second year in a row.
The Dust Bowl Riders hosted their Twenty-fifth Annual Motorcycle Rally. Around 200 cycles participated in the rally.
Michael Burrows traveled to the Dominican Republic for the Missionary Action project which is affiliated with the Church of God. Her group worked on erecting a new church building.
J.D. Robson qualified for the International Finals Youth Rodeo which will be in Shawnee, Ok.
Sue Claassen was presented with a ten year length of service award by the National Weather Service. She has been recording temperature, precipitation and snowfall data for the Richfield station since 2009.
Stanley and Linda McGill are this year’s Stevens County Fair King and Queen. Ella Martin, daughter of Will and Shelby Martin, is crowned the 2019 Sorghum Queen.
The Hugoton Police Department hosted an Open House of their new Police Station. The new station is up to date with all the newest technology.
The High Plains Music Fest enjoyed their sixth annual year of country music concerts. Other activities were the High Plains BBQ Bash, Giant Balloon display and the Fall Fling Craft Show.
The Gas Capital Car, Truck and Bike Show brought many antique vehicles to town for all to enjoy.
The Hugoton High School FFA won the State Land Contest for the third year in a row.
Gary Rowden, Electical System Supervisor for the City of Hugoton, was presented with the Max Embree ‘Distinguished Service Award’ in Wichita for his leadership role in his community and to public power.
Hugoton Eagles football team won District Championship against Holcomb.
Henry Beesley was presented with the American FFA Degree at Indianapolis, In. This Degree is the highest a member can attain and is only awarded to less than the top 1/2 of 1% of all FFA members in the nation.
Retha Wagner is named Kappa Eta Sorority 2019 Woman of the Year.
Moscow Wildcats football team took 6-man State Championship against Cheylin.
The year 2020 is going to have to rise above the bar that was set this past year!

During this season of giving, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the gift of life to help ensure patients don’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter. Blood and platelet donations of all types are needed, especially type O. You can give blood in Hugoton January 7, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the St Helen Catholic Church at 1011 Jefferson.

Holiday travel and severe winter weather often lead to a decline in blood donations. However, a patient’s need for lifesaving treatment doesn’t take a vacation or stop for nasty weather. Blood and platelets are needed every day for those receiving treatment for cancer and leukemia, accident and burn victims and surgical patients, among others.

As a special thank you for being the lifeline for patients this holiday season, those who come out to give blood with the Red Cross through January 5 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. blood donation opportunities: * Garden City, January 2, 2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Fleming St * Holcomb January 14, 2020: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Holcomb High School, 600 North Jones * Ulysses January 9, 2020: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Grant County Fairground, 1000 West Patterson Ave * Satanta January 16, 2020: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Satanta High School, 100 Caddo Street.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The Hugoton City Council met for their regular monthly meeting Monday, December 9, 2019 at the council meeting room. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jack E. Rowden and Councilmen DeanBanker, Frankie Thomas, Dan Corpening, Shannon Crawford and Jason Teeter. Also present at the meeting were City Clerk Carrie L. Baeza, City Inspector Josh Grubbs, Outside Utilities Supervisor Paul Nordyke, Electric and Park Systems Supervisor Gary Rowden, City Attorney Wayne R. Tate, Police Chief Courtney Leslie and Hugoton Hermes reporter Ruthie Winget. Guests attending were Jamie Gold, Gary Gold, Jan Leonard, Leslee Hoggett, Earl Dean Peterson, Debbie Nordling, Davonna Daharsh, Sue Smith, Miranda Williams, Effie Kolb and Rafael Guereque. Mayor Jack E. Rowden presided.

The council approved the minutes of November 12, 2019. They also approved the November municipal judge’s report. City Inspector Josh Grubbs reported KDI is running a foundation for another new building. The 3LG Holdings LLC restaurant is about to finish their remodel.

Economic Development Director Jan Leonard informed the council they had put together a board for the movie theater. Members of the board are Debbie Nordling, Leslee Hoggett, Davonna Daharsh, Sue Smith and Diane Crawford. They are working on some grants for the theater. Jan reported Stevens County Commissioners agreed to take the theater off the tax rolls. He was asking the city council to take the theater off the tax rolls also. They would then ask the school board to do the same.

He stated the commissioners agreed to allocate $7,500 to the theater for expenses. The city council voted to donate $7,500 also to the theater. The council voted to approve cereal malt beverage renewals for Stumpy’s and Sunrise Hospitality. The Planning Commission met November 19 to consider rezoning. According to their recommendation, the council voted to rezone Jamie Gold’s property from Heavy Industrial to Agricultural as he plans to put animals there. This is Ordinance 853 on page 7 of this issue of The Hugoton Hermes.

HP Oilfield Services (formerly Dillco) is planning to put in a small cement plant on their property for plugging wells.The Planning Commission recommended rezoning this property from Light Industrial to Heavy Industrial. The council voted to approve this rezoning. This is Ordinance 854, which is on page 4 of this issue of The Hugoton Hermes.

The council voted to pass Resolution 2019-2 which is a yearly waiver from Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.

After some discussion concerning Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurance rates, the council voted to stay on the grandfather status on the policy they now have.

The Convention & Tourism Board recommended giving a $1,000 grant to Annie, Get Your Gun. The council passed to motion to give the grant.

Police Chief Courtney Leslie informed the council that the price to purchase the new radios will be $7,498. The council approved the motion to pay for the radio project.

Police Chief Leslie reported that they will do the Shop with Cop. The Stevens County Fire Department and Stevens County EMS will help with the project. City Clerk Baeza suggested to create a Diversion Fund with the money to go to the Police Department for unexpected expenses. The council approved the motion.

The meeting adjourned. Their next meeting will be December 30, 2019.

The Stevens County Hospital Board met for their monthly meeting December 2.
Board members present were, Kirk Heger, Patty Lahey, Sandra Passmore, Johnnie Denton, Keith Rome, Seth Gillespie and Benny Cabrera.
Also attending were, Linda Stalcup CEO, Dave Piper CFO, Boyet Tablate laboratory, Dawn Maas director of nursing/hospital, Jennifer Featherston long term care unit
nursing, Stacy Helget clinic, Diane Mangels human resources, Jessica Reinerio health information managment, Lynnette Hageman infection control, Judy Lynch radiology, Michelle Martin surgery and Beverly Gerrond from The Hugoton Hermes.
Kirk called the meeting to order. The current agenda with one change and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved.
Dave Piper went over the financial report and reported that all was fairly stable.
Policies and procedures were presented from several departments for approval from the board. After the said policies were explained by each department the board
approved all.
Judy Lynch reported that the radiology department passed inspection with no discrepancies.
Michelle Martin said that the new surgery equipment had arrived and was in use.
Lynnette Hageman stated that some employees had not received their flu shot. She reported that influenza B and Strep had been really bad in October and the first part of November but had leveled off now.
Diane Mangels said that they had been busy with medical and dental open enrollment and
volunteer enrollment.
Dawn stated they still had an opening for night shift nurse. The hospital staff members are doing skills training and will continue through January.
Stacy Helget from the clinic reported that the clinic was really busy. October and early November was mostly flu and strep.
Medical staff credentialing was approved for the following staff. Appointment for Gary Morsch MD, reappointments for Charles Hardison, MD, Timothy Lawton, MD, Douglas Brown, DPM, Samer Al-Hashmi, MD, Lisa Steers, PA-C, Charles Frankum, MD, Matt Steel, CRNA, Shawn LeDoux, MD and Jeffery Lee, MD.
Kirk Heger informed the board that this was his last meeting due to his serving the allotted nine years on the board. He also thanked everyone for their service to the
community.
The meeting continued with Jennifer Featherston reporting that there are 74 residents with three beds available at the Pioneer Manor at this time.
Linda Stalcup started her report with thanking Kirk for his service and everyone present applauded and thanked him. Linda provided pizza and cake for a small party to celebrate. She then gave the report for the hospital and Pioneer Manor.
ER and on-call schedules were reviewed.
There was no old business, new business or public comments.
The board then went into executive session.

Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time of year in Hugoton. Friday, November 29 join the Santa Committee in front of the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce at 630 S. Main for their annual Christmas Caroling event. The singing will start at 6:00 p.m. You can also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies along with lots of good music and visiting.

Saturday, November 30 is Small Business Saturday. Be sure to visit the stores in town for some great Christmas gifts and maybe just something special for yourself. Following your shopping spree, at 5:30 p.m., the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a Christmas Parade.

Santa Claus will make his grand appearance in the parade and will stick around to visit with the kids afterwards. Yardmaster Lawn and Landscape will warm you up by giving out Hot Cider during the parade in front of State Farm Insurance.

Be sure to stop by and get a hot cup of their delicious cider. Santa will stay at the Senior Citizens Activity Center at 624 S Main after the parade until 7:30 p.m. So bring the kiddos by and visit with Santa so they can tell him what they want for Christmas. Santa’s visit is sponsored by the Santa Committee. Be sure to come out, see all the christmas lights on the floats, visit with Santa and just have a fun filled Friday and Saturday.

Moscow Wildcats brought home the six man State title after an undefeated season. This took place 41 years after the wildcats brought home an eight man title in an undefeated season back in 1978.

The wildcats traveled to Dodge City to play at the high school’s memorial stadium in a match up against undefeated Cheylin. The wild west bowl was sponsored by American implement.

Moscow ran away with the game scoring 52 points to Cheylin’s 6, bringing home the trophy for the six man State title. More story on page 1B.

The Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals (KASSP) is proud to recognize Melody Witt, Hugoton High School, as the KASSP Area VI High School Principal of the Year. She will be presented this award Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the South Ballroom of the Holiday Inn on Rock Road in Wichita.

KASSP is an organization of over 450 secondary school principals from across the state of Kansas. Witt was nominated and selected by peer principals. Candidates are evaluated on their school leadership, school improvement, dedication, professionalism, and service to students.

Congratulations are extended from the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals to Melody Witt.

The General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Voters in Moscow 1, 2 and 3 will vote at the Methodist Church at 304 Main in Moscow. Stevens County voters in all other voting precincts will vote at the Memorial Hall at 200 East Sixth in Hugoton.
In the election there will be a proposition to amend Section 1 of Article 10 of the Constitution for the State of Kansas.
Voters will also have a chance to vote in Stevens County for the USD 210 Board of Education, USD 209 Board of Education and Moscow and Hugoton Mayor positions and City Council.
USD 210 Board of Education candidates running are Todd Gayer, Barry D. Hittle, Mike Persinger, Paula M. Rowden and Ed Stevenson.
USD 209 Board of Education candidates running are Antonia “Toni” Crawford, Grace Eisenhower, Mark
Horyna, Brandi Lahey, Terry A. Pierson and Tammy L. Sutherland-Abbott.
For the Mayor position in Hugoton Jack E. Rowden is running and Moscow Mayor position Kevin Staggers is running.
Hugoton City Council has two positions open. Frankie D. Thomas and Jason Teeter are both running for the positions. In Moscow there are two positions open and only one candidate is running, Curtis R. Crawford.