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.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

By Gary Van Cleave

Special to Hugoton Hermes

Southwest Kansas say hey to one of the youngest All-Americans in America, and he’s one of your own.

Wrestling sensation Tallon Grubbs, an incoming Hugoton High freshman, etched his name in wrestling immortality this spring when he earned All-American honors as an eighth grader.

“Achieving middle school All-American status at the National Heartland Duals was an unforgettable milestone in my athletic career,” Grubbs said. “The sense of accomplishment was profound, a reward for countless hours of hard work, perseverance and dedication.”

“He has accomplished more stuff than most high schoolers ever will,” older brother Von Grubbs, incoming HHS junior, said.

A moment that stood still for a young man who dreams to wrestle someday at Oklahoma State.

“As my coach handed me the All-American plaque, the moment was surreal, his proud smile reflecting the immense pride I felt,” Grubbs continued. “The plaque was more than just an award, it was a symbol of my efforts, my resilience, my blood, my sweat and my tears put into every match. The cheers from my teammates and the applause from the audience added to the moment, creating an atmosphere filled with celebration and excitement. Standing there, plaque in hand, I felt an overwhelming mix of joy, pride and gratitude, knowing that this achievement was a significant step in my path as a wrestler.”

“Tallon walks on the mat believing he can beat anyone,” club coach Cody Hill said. “You can try to force kids to think that way, but you can tell who truly believes it. Tallon truly believes it and his aggression shows from the whistle. His opponent’s first step is backwards no matter who they are or what they have won.”

“I would say he has really grown in his wrestling these past two years more than anyone could have imagined,” Von said. “He just throws kids around like they weigh 90 pounds and it’s just crazy.”

“To achieve All-American status, dedication is essential,” Tallon said. “You must invest time and effort daily, pushing through challenges and staying committed. Hard work and perseverance are crucial, turning every sacrifice into progress toward reaching this accomplishment.”

It was one thing to win gold at Nationals. He went for the grand gold by registering pins in every match.

“Before each Nationals match, nerves would consume me, and my mind would be in the wrong place, filled with doubts and anxieties. I questioned my preparation and worried about the outcome, making it hard to stay calm,” Tallon said. “However, as soon as the match began, everything else faded away. The room seemed to go silent, and my focus sharpened.”

His laser-filled head and 175-pound frame had one thing on its mind.

“All distractions vanished, leaving only the drive and determination to succeed,” he said. “In those moments, my mind was clear and my goal was to pin every single kid. The thrill of competition and the clarity of purpose transformed my nervous energy into a powerful force, propelling me toward victory and I ended up pinning every kid including some State champs.”

He’s fashioned a 51-8 record this year in which he has 34 wins by pin, three techs, four majors and 10 by decision.

“Getting a pin in wrestling feels incredible, a proud accomplishment given its difficulty,” Tallon said. “Each opponent’s unique style of wrestling presents a new challenge, making a pin a testament to skill and adaptability. The moment the referee’s hand hits the mat, the rush of triumph is unbearable, validating all the hard work and strategy that led to that victory.”

“It’s just like it’s nothing to him anymore, he is so used to it,” Von said of his pin machine brother. “It’s as if it’s a regular thing to him.”

This winning thing on the National level is just starting.

“Well It makes me feel good, but I’m hoping of going back next year as a freshman and getting all American as a high schooler,” Tallon noted.

“I think getting All- American status before HS is very cool and a hefty accomplishment, but in HS I have bigger goals of getting different statuses including State champion,” Tallon said.

Tallon’s success on the mat is partly due to his beast mode presence in football. Last year, he had over 26 sacks as a defensive tackle for the middle school that went 14-0.

“Football and wrestling have both played crucial roles in developing my mental toughness,” Tallon said. “In football, the physical demands and strategic problems of the game have taught me resilience in the face of adversity. Whether it’s enduring hot practices or maintaining focus during intense competition, football has sharpened my ability to stay strong under pressure.”

He continued.

“Similarly, wrestling has reinforced mental toughness through its individual mindset and the need for quick decision-making and adaptability on the mat,” he lamented. “Both sports have taught me to fight through challenges, remain disciplined in training and cultivate a mindset that thrives on overcoming obstacles. Together, football and wrestling have shaped me into a stronger, more resilient athlete and individual.”

“Tallon has what many call ‘farm strength’, this means he is stronger than he looks,” Hill said. “That is saying a lot for a kid of his size and stature. That allows him to control opponents and his explosiveness as his weight class sets him apart from others. Another attribute that makes Tallon special is his motor. He never stops. If he is down on points or winning by eight, he never takes his foot off the petal. This breaks opponents and allows him to take advantage.”

Hill said Tallon’s leadership shows in practice.

“He will not allow his partner or others around to mess around,” Hill said. “Practice is a business to him and he does not waste time. I have seen him do another practice of football or track then come wrestle two hours and not complain or show tiredness. He asks how he can do better and in what areas to improve. Most kids his age are not as determined to be great, good is enough. But in wrestling you have to do more than the best to be great.”

Why is wrestling important to Tallon?

“Wrestling is important to me because it significantly enhances both my physical and mental health. The intense physical workouts keep me fit, build my strength and improves my endurance,” Tallon said. “Mentally, wrestling provides a constructive way out for stress and anxiety, teaching me discipline, resilience and focus.

“The challenges on the mat foster a sense of achievement and boost my confidence, while the relationship with teammates offers a strong support system. Altogether, wrestling not only keeps my body healthy but also sharpens my mind and strengthens my emotional well-being. Wrestling has helped me maintain a 4.0 GPA because it keeps my mind focused on not just the sport but more in classes and school work.”

“I’m very proud of my little brother even if I don’t show him,” Von said. “I try my best to push him, but he has done stuff I could only imagine doing myself.”

How does a kid from SW Kansas accomplish what he has?

“By putting in the hard work he has put in without any praise or recognition that some kids are looking for,” Von said. “He doesn’t care, he just grinds it out.”

“Becoming great in wrestling demands hard work, blood, sweat, time, commitment and relentless effort. Every practice involves pushing beyond my limits, enduring physical and mental challenges that test my well being,” Tallon said. “Though I’m not there yet, I train every day, striving to reach greatness. Each session is a step closer, each drop of sweat a reminder to my dedication. The journey is tough, but the pursuit of greatness keeps me motivated, fueling my determination to achieve my goals.”

Local artist and author Britny Arnett visited the Stevens County Library for Family Storytime June 22. Britny read one of her books, The Hippocampus Alphabet Book, to the eager audience. With the help of the kids, Britny created hybrid animal drawings combining a lion, an octopus, and a house cat and also a narwhal mixed with a dog and a turtle. Finally, everyone drew their own animals or colored pages from the book. What a great event!