January 7, 2016

The

Hugoton

Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016 Volume 129, Number 1 12 Pages, 69 Cents Plus Tax Per Copy

Commissioners agonize over Extension dilemma

Gideon Bibles were brought to the new Best Western Plus Stevens County Inn to be placed in each of the 56 rooms. Left to right are volunteers Carla Hanson and Rick Hanson,

both of Liberal, Stevens County Inn General Manager Rohit “Roy” Bombaywala, and Mike Smith, Virgea Smith, Walter McClure and Dorothy McClure, all of Hugoton.

Hospital Board discusses busy holiday season The Stevens County Hospital Board met Monday, January 4 in the Community Room at the SCH. Present were board members Benny Cabrera, Kirk Heger, Milton Gillespie, Patty Lahey, Seth Gillespie and Joyce Baughman. Dawn Maas, Jessica Reinerio, Dr. Samer Al-Hashmi, Dave Piper, Diane Mangels, Jennifer Featherston, Stacy Helget, Linda Stalcup and Marie Austin also attended.

Diane Mangels first reported about the Human Resources Department.

She said they had finished employee benefit enrollment in December, and stated county employees were signing up for biometric screenings in January at Pioneer Manor.

The screenings are preventive in nature. Joyce Baughman asked about new CNAs from local classes, and those present agreed the Health Department may offer a CNA class in the spring if there are enough participants.

Dawn Maas was next with the nursing report.

She said the holiday season had remained consistently busy, with more swing beds than usual as well.

The Emergency Room has also been busy, and has likely increased since 2014, even with Abengoa closing down.

Dawn also mentioned there has been much more pneumonia and less flu.

Stacy Helget reported for the Clinic, saying much the same as Dawn, i.e. the Clinic has remained busy throughout the month with cases of upper respiratory distress.

She also reported Stika Rapp will be back to full time next week. The board asked about Saturday clinic. Stacy and Dr. Sam were both in agreement that Saturday clinics are a definite asset to the community. Saturday morning shifts for the clinic are split between Dr. Sam and Dr. McGroarty. Regarding new patients, Dr. McGroarty had seven, Steika had 13 and Dr. Sam had 16 in December.

Dr. Sam was present to discuss the medical staff.

His report was more of the same; they have stayed very busy during the month of December and haven't seen any flu. He also said the numbers were good.

Long Term Care Nursing report came from Jennifer Featherston. Pioneer Manor had a surveyor come in due to a complaint about a fall. The Manor received four deficiencies, but their plan to revise the issues has already been accepted by the state. The biggest change will be a shift in policies regarding psychotropic/hypnotic drugs - or sleeping pills. The state would like to see less residents using sleeping aids. Both Jennifer and Linda Stalcup agreed the change in policy will help

the Manor and the residents. The current census is 70, with a new admission scheduled for January 6. Jennifer and Linda also informed the board about the terrific amount of paperwork necessary for every resident in order to assure the best care is being rendered. For example, a 42-page document the MDS - must be completed properly, for every resident, twice a year, as a beginning tool to assess the care for residents.

Michelle Martin came in as the operating room coordinator to get the annual approval for surgical policies. She reported in 2013, they had 125 cases; in 2014, they had 93; and in 2015, they had 150 cases. They have handled Continued to page 3

The Kansas Highway Patrol is releasing preliminary data from its New Year’s and Christmas weekend holiday activity.

The reporting period for the New Year’s holiday weekend ran from 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2015, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2016.

The reporting period for the holiday weekend ran from 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 24, 2015, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2015.

During the New Year’s weekend, the Patrol worked two fatal crashes, neither of which was alcohol-related.

During the Christmas weekend, the Patrol worked no fatal crashes.

Information in the tables is compared to the holiday weekend activity from the previous holiday weekend. Please keep in mind, both of the previous holiday weekends include one more day than this year’s holiday weekends.

The 2015 New Year’s weekend activity included Wednesday, December 31, 2014 and the 2014 Christmas weekend activity reporting period included Wednesday, December 24, 2014.

New Year’s Weekend A ctivity 2016 2015 Total Non-Alcohol Related Fatal Crashes 2 1 Total Non-Alcohol Related Fatalities 2 1 DUI Related Fatal Crashes 0 0 DUI Related Fatalities 0 0 DUI Arrests 26 26 Speed Citations 785 915 Speed Warnings 609 661 Adult Seatbelt Citations 90 137 Teen Seatbelt Citations 5 7 Child Restraint Citations 15 20 Motorists Assisted 703 1,152 Christmas Weekend Activity 2015 2014 Total Non-Alcohol Related Fatal Crashes 0 1 Total Non-Alcohol Related Fatalities 0 1 DUI Related Fatal Crashes 0 1 DUI Related Fatalities 0 1 DUI Arrests 7 17 Speed Citations 550 642 Speed Warnings 479 641 Adult Seatbelt Citations 58 70 Teen Seatbelt Citations 1 3 Child Restraint Citations 9 16 Motorists Assisted 731 988

KHP releases holiday stats

The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met in their first 2016 regular session Monday, January 4 with all members, Pat Hall, Dave Bozone and Joe D. Thompson present. Also present were County Clerk Pam Bensel and RoGlenda Coulter from The Hugoton Hermes. County Counselor Paul Kitzke was not present.

The following is just an agenda for the morning with a few of the unofficial highlights.

The agenda for the meeting this week was a short one again. It included Bills at 8:30; Lori Hensley at 9:00; Tony Martin at 9:30; and Josh Morris at 10:00.

When this reporter arrived, the Commissioners were finishing going over the bills. Motion was made and passed to accept and pay the bills.

Rodney Kelling brought in his department’s proposed budget. He talked about computers with the Commissioners. They visited about fire equipment you never know what the year may bring. Abengoa has some equipment but Rodney found out that it’s

leased. Encumbrance was talked about. Joe would like to see all the departments’ proposed encumbrance before making decisions in that matter. The subject turned to a new-to-the-department ambulance. A couple companies have offered to bring out demos, but these would be above what Stevens County needs.

It was agreed his budget looks good. The ambulance is needed. It was agreed to wait a month and see how it’s going. Rodney asked if they had noticed the big savings in the gas bill since the front remodeling.

Next on the agenda was Lori Hensley with LARC DVS and Jandi Head with SW KS Sexual Assault Services. They presented details of their services for domestic violence victims available and being used by several southwest Kansas counties since 1981. They told of how in the past they have had to take victims all the way to Hays or Great Bend since Garden City no longer offers the services they need. They are in the process of putting together a program in cooperation with Southwest Medical Center to have the

use of their equipment and nurses so the victim will not be further traumatized by the travel time. This will be possible with funds from the state, federal and local gathered from the counties being served. That was the reason for their visit - to ask for Stevens County to add them to their budget and to help as they can this year. They have already worked closely with Sheriff Heaton, Police Chief Leslie, Patty Bultman at Peace House, Paula Rowden at the Health Department and the County Attorney in Stevens County.

Commissioners agreed they think this is a really good service and to see what they can come up with.

Pam reminded the Commissioners that they had official business to designate different entities for the county. To designate a newspaper for the official county paper - motion was made and passed to disignate The Hugoton Hermes.

Motion was made and passed to disignate Citizens State Bank as the primary banking service and First National as secondary. Motion was made and passed Continued to page 4

Madsen to perform at Carnegie Hall Used by permission from Scott Aust at the Garden City Telegram.

AJ Madsen has been entertaining friends and family since he was old enough to stand on the dinner table and belt out a tune.

“Oh yeah, since a toddler he would perform,” his mother, Becky Madsen said. “We’d be at people’s houses and we’d stand him up on the counter and he’d sing. He’s always loved to sing.”

Now a senior at Hugoton High School, Madsen is headed to New York in February for the experience of a lifetime - performing at Carnegie Hall.

A.J., 17, was chosen earlier this fall to be a part of the 2016 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall February 4-8, an honors ensemble program that gathers the highest rated high school performers from across the country, Canada and several other countries.

More than 18,000 students auditioned for the honors program and just 750 were chosen.

Over the course of five days, attendees will learn from world-renowned conductors and work with other top students and performers in vocal, band and orchestra music, culminating in a February 7 performance at Carnegie Hall. Madsen will sing with the Bass 2 section of the vocal concert, which is the lower of two bass parts.

AJ Madsen Generally, the Honors Program invites students to apply and submit audition recordings after being nominated by a music

teacher.

Madsen was nominated by Hugoton choir director Trevor Waechter, who Madsen gave much credit to for encouraging him.

Madsen said he received a letter from the program after last spring’s state KMEA (Kansas Music Education Association) contest and he submitted the application material and audition at the end of June.

Then October 31 - at 6:00 p.m. to be exact Madsen received an email letting him know he had Continued to page 3

Donate blood Tuesday, January 12 This January, during National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

The American Red Cross will be in Hugoton January 12, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St Helen Catholic Church at 1011 Jefferson.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months.

Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout.

Karla Essmiller became a blood donor in college, but the importance of giving blood hit home when sev-

eral family members had medical emergencies. “It only takes once sitting in a hospital, praying that your loved one will live through the day, to know how thankful you are for every single thing done to help them,” she said. “Donating blood is a simple gift that I can make that may help up to three people live another day. That makes me feel like a hero.”

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Submitted by the American Red Cross.

The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 2

Obituaries Shirley Caudill Former Moscow resident Shirley D. Caudill, age 77, passed from this life Sunday, January 3, 2016 at The Legacy at Park View in Ulysses.

She was born July 21, 1938 in Grant County, the daughter of Carl Bradley and the former Bernice Christian.

Shirley grew up in Moscow and graduated from Moscow High School, later attending Garden City Community College. She worked at Kramer, Nordling and Nordling in Hugoton.

In 1961 Shirley married Felix Caudill in Moscow.

Shirley and Felix resided and worked in Moscow, Hawaii and California.

She is survived by her sister Carla Harris from Shawnee, Ok.; and her numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; husband Felix; and brothers, Donald Bradley, Larry Bradley and Jimmie Bradley.

Funeral services are planned for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 7 at the United Methodist Church in Moscow with Reverend Timothy McCrary officiating. Cremation will follow the service with inurnment at a later date in Moscow Cemetery. Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church of Moscow or United Methodist Women in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, Ks 67880.

Janice Creamer Dyke Former Hugoton resident Janice Creamer Dyke, age 75, of Montrose, Co., passed from this life Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Sunrise Creek Assisted Living in Montrose following a battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Born January 14, 1940 in Hugoton, she was the daughter of Charles Melvin Creamer and the former Pauline Margaret Ives. Hugoton is where she spent her childhood and received her education.

She went on to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Co. where she received her child psychology degree.

June 22, 1995 she married Robert Dyke and moved to Cedaredge, Co. where they made their home until his time of death. She then resided at the Memory Care Unit of Sunrise Creek Assisted Living in Montrose until her time of passing.

Janice was raised Methodist, and attended Panhandle Bible Center in Guymon, Ok. Her love for children was very involved and

her purpose each and every day, being active and giving monthly donations for many years. She taught them education and everyday skills by sewing various clothes from her sewing room. She loved gardening and landscaping and running her own daycare facility in Guymon.

Family members include her first husband Roger Bennett of Delta; her son Roy ‘Doug’ Bennett of Montrose; her brothers Butch, Larry and Roy Creamer, all of Hugoton; and sisters, Rose Ann, Charlene, Shirley, Sheila, Jo, Sharon and Robin Creamer.

Janice was preceded in death by her husbands, Leland Rowden and Robert Dyke; sisters Charlene, Sheila and Jo; her grandson Mark Anthony Bruce; and her parents.

Mrs. Dyke is survived by her five grandchildren, Tim, Garry, Tarah, Monique and Misty; and seven great grandchildren, Madison, Destiny, Dakota, Matt Jr., Tevania, Brett and Zach.

A funeral service in celebration of Janice’s life is planned for Friday, January 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose with Pastor Paul Nystrom officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pea Green Cemetery in Delta, Co. Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys and Girls Ranch, (800) 687-3722 or www.calfarley.org.

HUGOTON POLICE REPORT Business Hours, Call 544-4959 After Hours, Call 544-2020 Monday, December 21, 2015 • Vehicle Unlock, 1100 Block South Washington, Citizen Assist, Sergeant Johnson • Dog Complaint, 800 Block South Monroe, Officer Lamatsch Tuesday, December 22, 2015 • Welfare Check, 600 Block South Harrison, All Okay, Officer Crane Wednesday, December 23, 2015 • Dog at Large, 400 Block South Jefferson, Dog Impounded, Sergeant Johnson • Released Dog to Owner, 1600 Block South Washington, Public Service, Sergeant Johnson • Non Injury Accident, 300 Block South Harrison, Took Report, Officer Lamatsch Thursday, December 24, 2015 • NO NEWS Friday, December 25, 2015 • Vehicle Unlock, 500 Bock West Eleventh, Citizen Assist, Officer Crane • Dog at Large, 300 Block South Madison, Dog Impounded, Officer Crane • Vehicle Unlock, 1000 Block South Jefferson, Citizen Assist, Officer Crane • Vehicle Unlock, Citizen Assist, Officer Crane • Unwanted Subject, 900 Block South Coulter, Removed Subject, Officer Lamatsch Saturday, December 26, 2015 • Vehicle Unlock x2, 600 Block East Eleventh, Citizen Assist, Officer Crane • Bar Check, Officer Fedelin Sunday, December 27, 2015 • Dog at Large, 100 Block Jackson, Unable to Locate, Officer Crane • Bicycle Found, 500 Block West Ninth, Took to the Police Depart-

ment, Officer Crane • Dog at Large, 500 Block South Main, Dog Impounded, Officer Crane Monday, December 28, 2015 • Vehicle Unlock, 100 Block East Fourth, Citizen Assist, Sergeant Johnson • Civil, 900 Block South Coulter, Sergeant Johnson • Found Bicycle, 1000 Block West City Limits, Took Bicycle to Police Department, Sergeant Johnson Tuesday, December 29, 2015 • NO NEWS Wednesday, December 30, 2015 • NO NEWS Thursday, December 31, 2015 • Vehicle Unlock, 100 Block West Seventh, Citizen Assist, Officer Crane Friday, January 1, 2016 • Tail Lights on Truck, 500 West Fourth, Notified Owner, Sergeant Johnson * Unwanted Subject, 700 Block West City Limits, Subject Gone Before Arrival, Sergeant Johnson Saturday, January 2, 2016 * Gas Leak, 200 Block South Main, Notified Black Hills, Officer Hagman • Missing Person, Located Subject, Sergeant Johnson and Officer Crane Sunday, January 3, 2016 • Vehicle Unlock, 1700 Block South Main, Citizen Assist, Officer Hagman • Suspicious Vehicle, 900 Block South Monroe, Unable to Locate Vehicle, Sergeant Johnson • Dog At Large, 1000 Block South Main, Dog Impounded, Sergeant Johnson

Epifania Cometa Stevens County resident Epifania Fontabla Cometa passed from her earthly life Friday, December 25, 2015 at Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton at the age of 81.

Epifania was born July 12, 1934 at Tablas Island, Philippines. She had been a resident of Stevens County for eight and a half years.

Epifania was preceded in death by her mother Maxima Fernandez; father Juan Fontabla; two brothers; three sisters; husband Felix Reta Cometa; and son Samson Cometa.

Survivors include her daughter Eunice Lunceford of Hugoton; granddaughter Eana Castro of Hugoton;

David Cometa, Jonathan Cometa, Phoebe Hourani, Caleb Cometa, Jushua Cometa, James Cometa, and John Cometa all in the Philippines; a daughter in Austria, Grace Moestl and son-in-law Freddie and two granddaughters and one grandson; younger brother Dominique Fontabla and sister-in-law Luningning Fontabla; four nephews, Adriel, Roy, Junior and Tony of Grand Prairie, Tx.; niece Sonia Heebner of Houston, Tx.; eight great nieces and nephews; granddaughter, Monique Hourani; great grandson Bashar of Dubai, UAE; grandson Mazin of Lebanon; younger sister Linda Revert and brother-inlaw Darrell Revert of the Villages, Florida; nephew Billy Revert of Orlando, Fl.; and 14 grandchildren in the Philippines.

Memorial service will be at the Assembly of God Church in Hugoton, January 9 at 11:00 a.m.

Delores Morgan Friends and family gathered Tuesday afternoon to remember and honor Delores F. Morgan. Mrs. Morgan passed away Friday, January 1, 2016 at Pioneer Manor in Hugoton. She was 82.

The daughter of Ray Kallenbach and the former Claudine Jackson, she was born February 23, 1933 at Hill City.

She and Harold Morgan were married February 22, 1951 in Rolla. This nearly 65 year marriage was celebrated with love and three children were born of this union Connie, Ronald and Michael.

Delores was an Avon territory sales representative 17 years in Denver, Co., a commercial sales broker and a broker for Fidelity Investments.

Survivors include her husband Harold Morgan of Hugoton; two sons, Ronald

Morgan and partner Gayla and Michael Morgan and wife Emily; daughter Connie McPherson and husband Charles; brother Carroll wife and Kallenbach Charlotte of Rolla; her eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Maxine Edelman.

Graveside services were attended Tuesday afternoon, January 5 at the Rolla Paul’s–Robson Cemetery.

Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A memorial has been the for established or research Alzheimer’s donor’s choice. Memorials may be mailed to Paul’s– Robson Funeral Home, PO Box 236, Hugoton, Ks. 67951.

Charles “Andy” Alexander Word has been received of the death of Charles Andrew ''Andy' Alexander of Dumas, Tx. Mr. Alexander passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at the age of 89.

Andy was born February 17, 1926 to Bill Alexander and the former Ruby Fisk in Vincent, Ok. He was a Dumas High School graduate and a United States Navy Veteran.

He married Lois Emerson in 1944 and she preceded him in death in 1999.

Andy retired from Panhandle Eastern Pipeline after 32 years of service. One of his favorite hobbies was making Grandpa Andy's Beef Jerky.

In April of 2002, Andy remarried Norma Sherley.

Mr. Alexander was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge # 1009

and the VFW Post 9022. He attended Bible Baptist Church and will be dearly missed.

Those preceding Andy in death were his first wife Lois; two brothers, Leroy and Sylvester Alexander; sister Estelee Smith; and one stepson, Darryl Fagan.

Survivors include his wife Norma of the home; sister Ann Ballard and husband James of Dumas; two sons, Bob Alexander and wife Sheryl of Edmond, Ok. and Ron Alexander and wife Bonnie of Denison, Tx.; stepson Allen Fagan and wife Tish of Plano; stepdaughter Denise Norman and husband Stanley of Dumas; ten grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services were attended Saturday morning, January 2 at Morrison Memorial Chapel with Rev. Johnny Widener, pastor of Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

Interment followed at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors of Dumas.

The family suggests memorials be to the VFW, 330 West First, Dumas, Tx. 79029.

Robert Shoemaker Robert for Services Shoemaker of Big Bow were attended Tuesday morning.

Mr. Shoemaker passed from this life Thursday, December 31, 2015 at his residence. He was 90.

The son of Howard Shoemaker and the former Esther Cora Richardson, he was born February 10, 1925 in Liberal.

1946, 22, December Robert married Betty Butler in Liberal.

Mr. Shoemaker was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Hooker, Ok. From 1942 to 1946 he served his country in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his wife Betty Shoemaker of Big Bow; four sons, Joe Shoemaker and wife Judy of Lebo, Dan Shoemaker and wife Karen of Ozark, Mo., Sam Shoemaker

and husband Terry of Alton, Il. and John Shoemaker of Big Bow; daughter Sherry Thompson and husband Harrold of Ulysses; his two brothers, Stanley Shoemaker of Conroe, Tx. and Ted Shoemaker of Illinois; a sister, Helen Smith of Pampa, Tx.; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Shoemaker.

Graveside services were attended Tuesday morning, January 5 at Johnson Cemetery under the direction of Grant County Funeral Home of Ulysses.

A memorial has been established for Masonic Lodge 441 of Johnson. Memorials may be mailed to Grant County Funeral Home, 218 S. Main, Ulysses, Ks. 67880.

Elizabeth “Bessie” Fetsch The death of Elizabeth M. “Bessie” Fetsch has been learned. Mrs. Fetsch passed from this life Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal. She was 93.

Born March 3, 1922 in Red Cloud, Ne., she was the daughter of Vencil Maruska and the former Marie Kafka.

She attended school in Red Cloud.

March 7, 1943, Bessie married Thaddeus T. Sperry at Superior, Ne. He preceded her in death April 17, 1972.

December 9, 1978, she married John Edward Fetsch at Liberal. He preceded her in death December 9, 1982.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; five sisters; one stepdaughter; one step grandson; and one great granddaughter.

Bessie worked as a Nurse’s Aide at the Brodstone Hospital in Superior.

When she moved to Liberal, she cleaned homes, worked at Southwest Medical Center as a Nurse’s Aide, Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company cleaning offices, switchboard operator, mail clerk and was a homemaker. She was a resident of Liberal for 57 years.

Mrs. Fetsch was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church.

She Catholic enjoyed gardening, sewing and painting and was well known for her homemade cinnamon rolls.

Survivors include her two sons, James R. Sperry and wife Gay of Thornton, Co. and Thad A. Sperry and wife Kelly of Bethany, Ok.; daughter Therese M. Symons and husband Bill of Las Vegas, Nv.; her 11 grandchildren; and 33 great grandchildren.

Funeral Mass was attended Monday morning, January 4 at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Dieker presiding. Inurnment followed in Liberal Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in care of the Brenneman Funeral Home, 1212 West Second, Liberal, Ks. 67901.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brenne manfuneralhome.com

Edward Hanlon Death has claimed the life of Edward Hanlon of Turpin, Ok. Mr. Hanlon passed from this life Thursday December 31, 2015 at the age of 88.

He was born April 28, 1927 in Apache, Ok. He married Mildred “Sue” Patten July 1, 1951. She survives.

Mr. Hanlon served with the United States Army in Germany and France in World War II. He was a retired local business owner of Ed’s Diesel

Service.

Besides his wife, Edward is also survived by three children, David and Donna Hanlon of Magnolia, Tx., Richard and Tim Hanlon of Chinook, Wa. and Jackie and Bob Wesley of Turpin; four grandchildren, Michael and Christina Wesley of Liberal, John Wesley of Cheyenne, Wy., Bobby Wesley of Turpin and Angela and Josiah Smiddy of Turpin; three great grandchildren; and his sister Ellen Morrison of Conawango Valley, N.Y. Memorial services were attended Saturday, January 2 at Miller Mortuary Chapel in Liberal.

The family suggests memorials to Thomas E. Creek Hospice Organization of Amarillo, Tx. Cremation has taken place.

Friends may send condolences to the family through Edward's tribute Web page at millermortuary.net.

The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 3

Hospital Board Continued from page 1 gallbladder procedures, hernias, EGDs, colonoscopies, pacemaker battery changes, and even an appendectomy this year.

Dr. Charles Frankum out of Denver, Co. is the primary surgeon, while Dr. Hussam Farhoud handles the pacemaker battery changes.

Hospital CEO Linda Stalcup reported the State Fire Marshal had been by, and the hospital received two violations. The plan of care has been approved. She also stated the hospital had received a check from Medicare for the year ending 2013.

Linda then discussed the deficiencies received at Pioneer Manor, saying their deficiencies are among the top ten written in Kansas.

As part of the program to repay part of Steika Rapp's student loans, Stevens County Healthcare will be moving to a new policy regarding patients who are unable to pay. Instead of the former "charity" forms issued - where patients were asked to supply information about their income - SCH will move to a sliding scale system. They plan to use a HRSA form found on a government Web site, with a few tweaks for SCH. The change will be noted on the hospital's Web site, as well as posted signs on the hospital campus. The board approved the motion to adopt the sliding scale system.

CFO Dave Piper was next up, and apologized for not furnishing a report. He was unable to print out a complete report until the company that updated the system returns his phone call. He reported

“My Hope” group will now meet at HPPR building Tuesday, January 12, 2016 St Catherine Hospice chaplains Terry Major and Gerry Dupuis will co-facilitate “My HOPE”, a support group for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. The group will meet the second Tuesday of each month at a new location: High Plains Public Radio, 210 N. Seventh in Garden City from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

The goal of this support group is to help participants experience hope and healing in their life losses and be able to move into new meaning and purpose for their lives.

The sessions are open to the public and each participant is welcome to come and go as they like. If participants choose they may bring their lunch with them.

These sessions are not therapy, and they are not a replacement for individual and professional counseling for deep grief, but they are opportunities to share your story and learn from the stories of others.

Both Reverend Terry Major and Reverend Gerry Dupuis are graduates of the Center for Loss and Life Transition bereavement support group training and hold a certification in Death and Grief Studies.

the numbers were balanced, and the hospital's cash position remained stable in November. The operating cash flow was up in November, and, if not for the third payroll in December, would have gone up again last month.

Since July, the hospital's financial health is encouraging.

Dave expects a reduction in the amount received from the county this year, similar to past years. Board member Kirk Heger asked why SCH’s financial situation was better, and Dave replied it is due to many reasons: increased cen-

sus, hard work at the business office and medical coding office and decreased agency nurse use were among the chief reasons. Linda and Dave both informed the board SCH owes no money at this time.

Mr. Piper mentioned the hospital will likely have to pay for the electrical equipment in back, but hadn't yet received a total from the City. He told the board about 14 percent of the hospital's budget comes from the county, while the remainder is generated by the hospital. He also mentioned Stevens County's self-pay per-

centage is higher than the state average at 21%, while the rest of Kansas averages around 14-15 percent.

The board reviewed the Emergency Room and on-call schedules for January. There was no old business or new business, and the board moved to go into executive session for ten minutes regarding personnel privacy before adjourning.

The next hospital board meeting will be Monday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Manor conference room.

been accepted.

“I was very excited. I tried to trick my parents by saying, ‘Oh, no! I didn’t make it.’ But I was smiling way too big,” Madsen said.

It will be Madsen’s first trip to New York; in fact, it will be the first time he’s been anywhere near the east coast, he said. Madsen said an aunt sang at Carnegie Hall about seven years ago and has often talked about the experience.

“Honestly, it’s kind of unbelievable and breath taking. I think it’s going to be awesome,” he said.

To fund the trip, Madsen had to come up with around $3,000. He and several friends involved in Hugoton choir and band performed a fundraising concert December 13.

Madsen is the son of Becky and David Madsen. He also has an older sister, Katie. Becky Madsen said she and her husband like to sing,

as do several relatives on her side of the family.

“We are very, very, very proud of him. He’s worked hard. He loves music,” she said.

Madsen is involved in the high school choir and band, and piano outside of school.

One of the things Madsen finds interesting is how music affects people in different ways, noting that he may feel happy about a certain song but another person may feel a different emotion.

“When it comes to music, piano and singing are probably my favorite. It’s very expressive. I’m able to convey the feeling I get with music and show it to other people,” he said.

Madsen started taking singing lessons in fourth or fifth grade, but singing and music in general has been a part of his life as long as he can remember. His musical interests are always

changing. Right now, he said, he likes the group, Fall Out Boy and their songs, “Centuries” and “Immortals”.

After high school, Madsen hopes to go to college at BYUProvo in Utah and major in music education, specifically to become a high school choir teacher.

“I would love to be any type of music teacher but I guess I’m thinking choir because singing is my first love.

I want to be able to show others the joy of music.

Music has touched my life and I want to be able to do the same for others,” he said.

The Honors Performance Series is presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. More information about the organization is available at www.honors performance.org, and www.worldstrides.com.

Buying your first car, moving to a new state, losing or changing your job or starting a small business are a few of the life changes that should trigger a review of your insurance. But picking the right insurance coverage for you and your family is also about finding the right insurance agent.

We at the Kansas Insurance Department (KID) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offer these tips to help you find the right agent for your insurance needs.

First, understand that you have different types to choose from. You can pick an independent agent or an exclusive (sometimes called captive or direct) agent. An independent agent may write contracts with several different insurance companies. An exclusive agent writes exclusively with one company. Independent and exclusive agents represent the insurance company and receive a commission from the insurance company.

Whether you are looking for your first agent or thinking about switching agents or companies, it's a good idea to have several to choose from.

When evaluating your list, consider the following: • Personality - Have conversations with prospective agents. Explain your situation and ask for a quote. Simply asking does not mean you have to work with them. This is a chance for you to get a feel for how they work and if you

are comfortable with them.

• Credentials - Many agents will have letters behind their names on their business cards. These represent designations or credentials they have earned from various insurance groups or associations. Ask them what these letters mean. Also, ask them if they carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) coverage for themselves.

• Reputation – Do you know someone who is already a client with the agent you are considering? Ask that person what he/she thinks about the agent’s work.

• Licensing - Make sure the agents and the companies they are writing policies for are licensed in Kansas. You can check company licensing information by calling the KID Consumer Assistance Hotline, (in Kansas) 800-432-2484, or by going to the KID Web site, www.ksinsurance.org, and clicking the “Finding a Company or Agent” icon.

• Complaints - While you're checking whether the agent and the company are licensed, also check to see if they've had complaints filed against them.

For the company, you can check the KID hotline at the number above. The insurance department can also tell you if any complaints have been filed against the agent. You might also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any consumers have filed complaints - or compliments about the agents you're considering.

• Financial Strength of the Company - When evaluating a company, you also want to check the company’s financial rating. There are five major rating services. Go to the KID website and click the “Finding a Company or Agent” icon, which will take you to a page that provides links to major ratings services.

• References - When you're

applying for a job, you provide references, so don't be afraid to ask a prospective agent for the same.

• Ask Questions - If you've had a particularly interesting insurance experience, or have heard of one, ask the agent how he/she and the company the agent represents would have dealt with the situation.

• Choices - If you're using an independent agent, you'll have choices of companies and coverages. Evaluate the options with the agent to make sure you're choosing the policy best suited to your situation.

• Company Explanation - If the agent doesn't tell you about the company he/she is placing your coverage with and why that company has the best coverage for you, ask why he/she chose that company.

• Honest Sales - You shouldn't feel pressured to choose an agent, a company or a quote.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

We at the Kansas Insurance Department can also help. If you have questions or concerns, call us at 800-4322484 and speak to a Consumer Assistance Representative.

Begin your New Year right by making the right insurance moves.

AJ Madsen Continued from page 1

Stevens County Fire Department and Ambulance Report Stevens County Emergency Services run activity December 21 through January 3.

Fire Department No Actiity Ambulance Activity Four medical runs and one Life Flight.

AL-ANON Family Group meets at 1405 Cemetery Road Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Call 620544-2610 or 620-544-2854 for more information.

HUGOTON LIONS CLUB meets every Second and Fourth Thursday of the month at Memorial Hall at 7:00 p.m.

HUGOTON MASONIC LODGE #406 AF&AM meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. ***Change in Location*** MY HOPE Support Group for any adult grieving the death of a loved one meets the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1:00 p.m. at High Plains Public Radio, 210 N. Seventh in Garden. Call 620272-2519 for more information.

BREAST FRIENDS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP for breast cancer patients meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Legacy House, at 309 E. Walnut in Garden City. For more information call 620-272-2360.

Every fourth Tuesday - Stevens County Health Department is at the Senior Center every fourth Tuesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to Noon to do free blood pressure checks.

Wednesday nights - Inside Out Kids at the Hugoton Assembly of God, 138 S. Main, beginning with dinner at 6:45 p.m. Program will be from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Rides are available by calling Pastor Ben Coats at 620-428-1487 before

5:30 p.m.

Wednesday evenings.

Until January 15, 2016 - Heritage Christian Academy’s annual Matching Funds Grant.

Funds donated will be matched 100% up to $30,000. Contributions can be sent to HCA, PO Box 744, Hugoton, Ks. 67951 or visit the school at 505 E. First in Hugoton.

January 7 - The Church of the Nazarene at 500 S. Van Buren in Hugoton will host missionaries Ron and Sara Willard at 7:00 p.m. to hear about their duty in Swaziland, South Africa.

- Southwest Kansas Chapter of Sons of Thunder will meet at 6:30 p.m. for a meal, with a meeting to follow at 7:00 p.m. at the Grant County Civic Center, 1000 W. Patterson Ave. in Ulysses. The meal will be in the South Room, with the event in the Commercial Room. Larry Borthwick of the Patterson Avenue Church of God will speak.

Call Monty at 620-353-9507 or visit www.Sons OfThunderSWKS.com for more information.

January 11 - Hugoton City Council will meet at 5:15 p.m.

January 14 - Hugoton Aglow will meet at the Stevens County Activity Center, Seventh and Main in Hugoton. Enjoy coffee and fellowship at 7:00 p.m., then listen to speaker Peggy Brecheisen at 7:30 p.m. The community is encouraged to attend.

1540 West Industrial Park 620-544-2027 Come by our location or call Craig at 544-2027

Save 12.5% if paid within 10 days - 10% if paid within 30 days.

A new choice for your chemical, NH3, Liquid Fertilizer and Dry Fertilizer.

We now carry banjo parts for all your needs and have a large selection of banjo fittings and hoses.

We have 40 years of experience in both ground and air application.

Hugoton Elkhart 620-544-2027 620-697-4706 Lakin Ulysses 620-355-7700 620-356-1070

Stevens County Hospital

Specialty Clinics Scheduled for January 2016 New Years Day Dr. Plomaritis Dr. Farhoud Dr. Frankum Dr. Ansari Sam Gross Dr. Brown Dr. Farhoud Dr. Frankum Dr. Ansari Sam Gross

Closed Orthopedics Cardiology General Surgeon Orthopedics Dietitian Podiatry Cardiology General Surgeon Orthopedics Dietitian

Fri. Mon. Tue. Fri. Mon. Tue. Thu. Tue. Fri. Mon. Tue.

1/1 1/4 1/5 1/8 1/11 1/12 1/14 1/19 1/22 1/25 1/26

For appointments with: Dr. Ansari 624-6222; Dr. Brown 544-8339; Dr. Farhoud 1-855-969-8900; Dr. Plomaritis 275-3030; Dr. Frankum 544-8339; Dietitian 544-8339 For all other appointments please call 544-8339 or 544-6160.

Flu shots are now available in the Specialty Clinic.

Please bring your insurance cards with you.

The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 4

History From The Hermes Compiled by Ruthie Winget Thursday, January 19, 2006 Stevens County had the highest average yield in the state of Kansas with 52 bushels per acre for dryland farming, according to the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service for 2005.

Thursday, January 18, 2001 Dick Marquardt was presented the Hugoton Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chamber Banquet last week.

Marquardt moved to Hugoton 45 years ago to work as a pharmacist for Mac McClung at Bloodhart Drug. He later became a partner and eventually purchased the business.

Opal Hall, former Stevens County Clerk, swore in Gary Baker and David Bozone as the new Stevens County Commissioners. Bob Johnson was also sworn in as the incoming Stevens County Attorney.

Thursday, January 11, 1996 “Dr. Sam” has joined the staff at the Stevens County Hospital direct from completing his internal medicine res-

idency at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Samer Al-Hashmi, a native of Syria, is engaged to be married. He was born in Damascus in 1962.

Thursday, January 22, 1981 Leroy Higgins ended 31 years of Post Office service when he began his retirement this week. He began work at the Rolla Post Office in 1949 when he had to furnish his own adding machine and typewriter for his work.

Thursday, January 21, 1971 The four year old gelding belonging to Robin Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Young, was named Grand Champion Gelding of the Golden Spread Quarter Horse Association.

The horse competed against more than 250 other horses.

Thursday, January 13, 1966 Joan McClung took over the duties as school nurse at the Hugoton Elementary School this week. Miss McClung is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Farris McClung.

Thursday, January 12, 1956 Representative Paul Wolf of Hugoton returned to Topeka for the budget session of the Kansas legislature.

Friday, January 18, 1946 Mr. and Mrs. Dale McCoy have returned to Hugoton from California and have purchased Hoppe’s Cleaning Shop. Dale was recently released from the Armed Forces.

If any readers have pictures or memories for the history page of the Hermes, please bring them in to Ruthie Winget at the Hugoton Hermes Newspaper.

Resolve

to stay informed in 2016!

601 S. Main - Hugoton

David & Brandy Robson

314 S. Van Buren 544-4122

521 S. Main - Hugoton

Faith Publishing LLC 522 S. Main 620-544-4321

The first motorized mail hack driven from Hugoton to Liberal was driven by Guy Kimsey. The modified car was a 1908 REO. Jim Kelso, postmaster at that time, is standing on the post office porch. Guy stands by the mail hack and Clyde Davis is in front of the mail hack. The other two are unknown. The Hugoton Post Office was located at 621 S. Main, where Bloodhart Drug stood for many years. Taken from the January 12, 1956 issue of the Hugoton Hermes newspaper.

You are invited to join the residents and staff for Sunday afternoon worship beginning at 3 p.m. at Pioneer Manor.

What should women know about cervical cancer screening?

Cervical cancer screenings are an important component of preventative healthcare for women. Such screenings are often conducted at the same time as other routine checks performed by a woman’s primary care physician or gynecologist.

Cervical cancer screenings are two-fold. A doctor or nurse will examine the cervix to visually look for any indications of change, and he or she also will take a sampling of cervical cells to conduct a Pap test. These screenings are some of the most effective cancer screening tests available. Some women also get tested for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted disease, during the same visit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent, noting that screening is highly effective at detecting the presence of cervical cancer, even if it is in its early

stages.

While cervical examinations are recommended every year, in 2012 the American Cancer Society changed the rate of frequency for Pap tests. That’s because cervical cancer is a slow-developing cancer (sometimes taking 10 to 20 years to appear), and frequent testing is not always necessary.

Today, women should get their first Pap tests at age 21.

Patients who have never had a positive cervical cancer result and are between ages 21 and 29 should get a Pap test every three years. An HPV test is not necessary unless there is an abnormal Pap test result.

Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should receive both a Pap and HPV test every five years. Women also can receive a Pap test every three years.

According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who have had their uteruses and cervixes removed in hysterec-

Happy New Year from Hugoton Aglow Happy New Year! Hugoton Aglow will meet Thursday, January 14 at at the Stevens County Activity Center at Seventh and Main in Hugoton. Come at 7:00 p.m. for coffee and fellowship. The regular meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. with speaker Peggy Brecheisen. You are asked to use the Main Street entrance.

In keeping with Aglow’s past practice, January’s speaker Peggy Brecheisen and her talk - are highly anticipated! Peggy is “prayed up” and on target with her first question for all who will consider the question, which is directed to God’s People: “How are we starting this new year? Are we staying the same as we have been doing?

Are we ready or not?”

Peggy says, “I want to talk to God’s People. What will we do with this 2016 year? This may be the countdown. What will God’s People, who have

been walking with Him, do in this year that we’re starting?

If your plan is not God’s plan, it’s not going to work. If it is God’s plan - it can’t fail! I’m going to share some things that I know have worked, by way of God and his son, Jesus Christ, and by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost.”

How does one get in touch with God’s plan? Read His word, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you hear, and get going! Keep reading and listening to the Holy Spirit.

Reading, praying, listening . . . reading, praying, listening, and so on. Act on what you hear from the Holy Spirit!

Peggy also desires that, “. . .everyone in Hugoton will come and hear what God has laid on my heart. I have prayed much, listened much, and I can see Him working.

Please, you come too!”

tomy procedures who have no history of cervical cancer do not require screening. Also, after a woman reaches age 65 and has had no abnormal results, she no longer needs to be screened for cervical cancer.

Women who are at a high risk for cervical cancer may need to be screened more often.

Such women include individuals who have HIV, have undergone organ transplants or have had abnormal results from past screenings.

500 Monroe Hugoton, Ks. 67951-2639 Phone: 620.544.2301 • Fax: 620.544.2322 Email: svcolib@pld.com LIBRARY FEES Library fees have changed.

Overdue books, audios, and magazines are now ten cents per day per item. Overdue fees for videogames will DECREASE from $5.00 per day to $1.00 per day. All other overdue fees will remain the same.

KIDS’ WINTER READING PROGRAM “Fetch a Good Book”, the kids’ winter reading program, is now underway, and will run until January 30, 2016. Check out the progress in our front hallway! There is still time to participate - find the instructions for the program on Facebook!

ADULT WINTER READING PROGRAM The adult winter reading program “Fire It Up” is now underway. Register today and begin reading. Turn in what you have read for prizes! Prizes will be awarded weekly.

CIRCLE TIME Circle time will begin Wednesday, January 20. Miss Stacey is getting excited to see “her” kids again!

Commissioners Continued from page 1 to set the meetings for the Board of County Commissioners as the first and third Mondays of each month. Pat Hall was voted in as Chairman and Dave Bozone as Vice Chairman.

Tony Martin was next on the agenda. He informed the Commissioners that the truck that had been ordered with the snow blade is in Wichita now. He plans to call them and see if he can hurry along its completion. They visited about the KDI highway project. No work is being done

The Hugoton Hermes (USPS 253-820) 522 S. Main Hugoton, KS 67951 - 620-544-4321 Owner/Operator Faith Publishing LLC RoGlenda Coulter, Kay McDaniels and Ruthie Winget RoGlenda Coulter, Bookkeeper/ Classifieds/Obituaries Kay McDaniels, Advertising/ Circulation/Layout Ruthie Winget, Composition/Layout/Advertising

Rebecca Garza, Asst. Composition Marie Austin, Asst. Composition Gregg Tanner, Sports Toni Hamlin, Asst. Mailing Louressa Gill, Asst. Mailing Phoebe Brummett, Rolla Correspondent Judy Hickert, Moscow Correspondent Ads email: hermes10@pld.com Obituaries email: hermesro@pld.com Subscriptions $30.00 (including Kansas State Sales Tax) for Stevens and adjoining Kansas Counties, $35.00 elsewhere in state (including Kansas State Sales Tax), and for all out of state subscriptions. Online subscriptions are $25.00 a year. Online and printed subscriptions combined are $10.00 plus the cost of the subscription. Foreign Subscription Rate $40.00. School Subscriptions and Military Personnel $25.00 (including Kansas State Sales Tax) payable in advance. Advertising Rates Noncommissionable $5.00 per column inch, Commissionable Rates $6.25 per column inch, Classified $5.00 per column inch.

Frequency is weekly every Thursday. Periodicals Postage paid at Hugoton, Ks. 67951. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hugoton Hermes at 522 S. Main, Hugoton, Kansas 67951.

Opinion Page Our opinion page is open to the public. We encourage comments from readers in the form of letters to the editor or guest columns. All letters must be signed and must include the address and telephone number of the sender. (names will be published but not address & phone#) Letters should be no more than 300 words. No libelous or offensive letter will be published. The guest column or letter to the editor does not reflect the opinion of this newspaper or its representatives.

still. Tony thinks some changes need to be done to the detour barricades since the recent wreck. He has been visiting with KDOT about the reimbursements and checks are supposed to be coming. The subject changed to the width of county roads. Some of them seem to be getting narrower. Tony said he bought his guys tape measurers and has been addressing the situation already. Roads are supposed to be 21 to 24 feet wide.

They visited with Tony about money for the truck already on order. This would not be an encumbrance - it would be a transfer of funds already marked for this equipment. Motion was made and passed to make the transfer of funds. Materials was the next topic of discussion.

Josh Morris came in to talk about the Extension districting again. He urged the Commissioners to make a decision in the matter now so it could be done in 2016 instead of waiting until 2017. He said the Extension Board voted, and voted unanimously to do the districting. He said, time-wise, if the Commissioners did not make a decision at the current meeting - it would be too late. It has to be published in the newspaper for two weeks followed with a 60 day protest period. Dave asked about the new board members and if they were allowed to vote and was informed they were not. His opinion is that they should be allowed to vote for or against the issue. The new incoming members are Don Beesley, Walter Beesley and Ben McClure and the outgoing are Shelley French, Able Sullivan and Tony McBride.

The board is made up of nine members. Note: Following the meeting, Josh added that Brenda Frederick is also a new member, as Ruth Van Horn had vacated her position with the board earlier in 2015.

All three Commissioners were hesitant to give their approval yet. Josh stressed that if they did decide at the meeting, it could go into effect July 1, 2016. Other-

wise it will have to wait until 2017. When asked, he told the Commissioners that yes - the Morton County Commissioners had voted in favor of the districting. Commissioners said if a third county was to be included they would be more in favor so the distribution of funds would be more even. They stressed that this in no way says they do not care or want to support the Extension program. They do not like to go against the Extension Board, but they feel they really need to be more educated and informed on the subject. They would like to wait and see if the third county will join and not be so time-stressed to join for 2016.

When asked, Josh assured the Commissioners no COLA raises had been issued for the past two years, and he is worried about finances if no districting is done this year. They have trimmed everywhere they can, and the Extension just cannot take another cut to their budget.

Next it will have to be salaries.

Commissioners asked and discussed if it would help, and if it would even be possible, if they assured him of no budget cuts.

Yes it would, but any reserves will be depleted. Also the Extension will not receive extra funds from K-State if there is no districting. Discussion continued about the details that would have to be done in a short time for the districting. The valuation facts of Morton County would be appreciated - again - it would help so much if a third county was joining also. Commissioners thanked Josh for coming in and told him they will continue to discuss the matter.

Following much discussion, the Commissioners decided to not approve the Extension districting for this year.

Commissioners discussed adding insulation to the courtroom. Jorge can do the labor, it will just be the cost of the insulation. This was given the okay.

Commissioners moved into executive session with plans to adjourn following.

The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 5

Kansas Common Sense Kansas Common Sense

By Jerry Moran I hope you and your family have enjoyed this holiday season. Robba and I wish you a Happy New Year and send you our best wishes for the year ahead. I hope the New Year brings a Congress capable of working together for the well-being of our nation.

This week, I spoke with Cathy Dawes at 1350 KMAN in Manhattan about my hopes for 2016 in Washington, D.C. Seeking Answers About Allegations of Misconduct at Dole VA Monday afternoon, I met with officials from the Robert J. Dole Medical Center as a follow-up to my recent letter to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald requesting specific answers about allegations of harassment and misconduct made by University of Kansas (KU) surgical residents against a VA physician. Included in the meeting were: Medical Center Director Francisco Vazquez; Dole VA Chief of Staff, Dr. Syed Raffi; VA VISN 15 Director, Dr. Bill Patterson; Dean of the KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Dr. Garold Minns; and KU Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Paul Callaway.

During the meeting we discussed the actions taken in response to the accusa-

tions and the disciplinary process moving forward. Veterans deserve a VA worthy of their service, and that includes a safe working and learning environment for those who choose to serve them. I will continue to work with the VA to make certain they have the resources needed to hold bad actors accountable and to ensure those who serve our veterans have a safe environment from which to do so.

Kansas Listening Tour Continues This week, I continued my Kansas Listening Tour and completed the last five stops of 2015 with visits in Udall, Wellington, Clearwater, Haven, and Hillsboro.

It was good to round out this year’s Kansas Listening Tour in Hillsboro at the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center of Tabor College.

Thanks to the just more than 50 folks from around the area who turned out to share concerns and give feedback on the impact of the Choice Act, mental health care, and general dysfunction in Congress.

It was a pleasure to have Hillsboro Mayor Delores Dalke, Marion Mayor Todd Heitschmidt, McPherson Mayor Tom Brown, and State Senator Rick Wilbourn in attendance The issues I focus on and work I do in Washington,

D.C., are significantly based on the conversations I have with Kansans so making it back home to visit with folks is my top priority. 2016 will bring me to a community near you, and I hope you’ll come out and visit with me.

You can visit my website to learn more about these and other upcoming Kansas Listening Tour stops in your community.

Apply to be a Summer 2016 Intern My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works.

I am proud to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today where I have interns year-round who have a unique opportunity to work closely with my staff on behalf of Kansas. Applications are already being accepted for internships in my Washington, D.C., office for the summer 2016 term.

Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.

MUSEUM UPDATE from The Stevens County Gas & Historical Museum Beulah Carter, Curator Heather McCrary and Billy Woodworth

Carter's Thrifty King collects around 300 donated can goods plus some other food items for Project Hope’s food drive. Thank you's go

out to Justin Carter, Thrifty King staff and their customers.

DIY Decor with Creative Containers (Family Features) Containers come in all shapes and sizes with purposes ranging from helping organize your stuff to adding an extra element to your decor.

These simple DIY projects make it easy to transform basic containers into pretty accent pieces showcasing your personal style.

Re-imagine plain glass jars by adding texture and color with a project created by the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. Create a faux milk glass look and emulate the appearance of tree bark by simply using hot glue to make your design.

Finish with paint to match the palette of the room where your vessels will be displayed and add some dried or fresh vegetation for an added organic touch.

Then spruce up boring terra cotta pots using decorative paints and tape to add trendy patterns and designs.

The pots make a lovely addition to any room, or they’re perfect as hostess gifts or party favors.

Find more ways to get creative with the containers in your home at joann.com.

around knot to achieve a faux bois effect. Allow glue to harden.

Paint over glue on both glass surfaces. Apply several coats if needed, allowing drying time between applications.

Seal both pieces with a coat of Ultra Matte finish.

Allow to dry before applying any additional coats.

It is always fun to bring holiday guests to see all the displays at the Stevens County Gas and Historical Museum. Larry and Becky Allen brought their grand-

Julie Griffin and Jana Griffin from Knoxville, Tn. The little guy is Allen’s great grandson Jett Allen from Oklahoma City. Larry and Becky stand proudly in back.

daughters from Knoxville, Tn. and great grandson from Oklahoma City to the Museum last week.

The Stevens County Gas and Historical Museum is lo-

Supplies and Tools: Clay pots Decorative tapes Paint of choice Teresa Collins rub-on metallic

Market Report At the Close Tuesday Brought to you by:

Wheat . . . . . . . . . . . .3.95 Milo . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.91 Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.56 Soybeans . . . . . . . . .7.67

Pate Agency, LP The Crop Insurance Specialists

Don Beesley, Agent

Office: 620-544-8068 Cell: 620-544-6888 Equal Opportunity Provider

Stay Warm All Winter Firewood $70/rick

Supplies and Tools: Mason jar Glass milk jug Rubbing alcohol Hot glue gun and glue sticks 1/2-inch flat brush FolkArt Home Decor Chalk: White Adirondack Mod Podge Ultra Matte finish

cated at 905 S. Adams. You are invited to visit Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The museum is also open Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Decorate clay pots with paint and decorative tapes.

Allow to dry. Use rub-on letters to personalize pottery with a trendy aesthetic. Add plants.

Trendy Plant Pottery Crafting time: Under an hour Skill level: No experience necessary

Milk Glass Jar and Jug Crafting time: 3-5 hours Skill level: Some experience necessary

Larry and Becky Allen brought some of their company to visit the Stevens County Gas and Historical Museum. Left to right are Larry and Becky’s granddaughters Kara Griffin,

letters Plants

Delivery and Stacking available

Call 620-453-1139 Thank You The

Hugoton Police Department would like to say “THANK YOU” to the many sponsors and volunteers who helped with

January was not always the first month of the year. Earlier calendars, such as the Julian calendar used by the Romans, considered March the first month of the year. These calendars were based largely around weather and harvest schedules, and winter was considered to be a time without definitive months. Eventually, the calendar was expanded at around 713 BCE to include two additional months so it would equal a standard lunar year.

Romans also were integral in giving the months their names, and some months got their names from Roman mythology and the gods of that time, while others were named after prominent Roman emperors. January got its name from a Roman god named Janus, who was considered a god of transitions and beginnings. Janus was depicted as a two-faced god, which is appropriate in the present-day since January represents a time of saying good-

bye to the old year and looking ahead to the new year. **************** According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research has shown that strengthening exercises are safe and effective for men and women of all ages, including seniors. The CDC also notes that men and women with heart disease or arthritis may benefit the most from exercise regimens that include lifting weights several times per week.

A strength-training program at Tufts University enlisted older men and women with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. The program lasted 16 weeks, and by the end of those 16 weeks, participants reported that their pain had decreased by an average of 43 percent while also decreasing the disability caused by their conditions. In addition to the benefits uncovered in the Tufts program, strength training can benefit older men and women

by improving balance and flexibility, which can decrease their likelihood of falling and the severity of those falls if they do slip. **************** According to data from Statistics Brain, the American Cancer Society and Health Land, around 70 percent of smokers harbor a desire to quit altogether, while 40 percent of smokers will try to quit this year. Quitting smoking is a popular New Year’s resolution, and a choice that can improve smokers’ health dramatically.

Smokers can reduce their rate of dying from smoking by half just by quitting before age 50.

Although the percentage of smokers who will succeed in quitting the first time around is small, it is still worth the effort.

Today there are many different plans, medications and smoking-cessation support groups to help smokers as they attempt to quit.

ual th ann 9 e th

Shop With a Cop.

We were able to take 25 kids shopping Saturday afternoon!

Wash jar and jug with mild soap and water. Dry and wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue.

Create dots on Mason jar with hot glue. Work in sections to allow glue to harden.

Apply lines of hot glue to milk jug, starting with a swirl in the middle to create a tree knot design. Create lines

Sponsors

Pheasant Heaven Charities

Hugoton Masonic Lodge 406

Tate & Kitzke LLC

Hugoton Recreation Commission

Therlene Kindsvater

Volunteers

Roger Gillespie

Relay for Life: Nylene Johnson, Rhonda McBride, Emily Johnson, Lisa Nelson, Alisha Hinz, Mary Helen Minjarez, and Stacy Helget

APPLICATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS, SEEDING AND FERTILIZING

Agricultural Sales and Service, Local and Direct Moscow location (formerly Kubin Aerial)

598-2356

Hugoton location 1114 Road A

428-6086

The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 6

Top five pet New Year's resolutions for 2016 The new year is upon us.

It's time to take a look back on the past year and determine what we might want to change, do better or accomplish in 2016. For pet parents, much of this reflection applies to the lives they share with their pets.

TripsWithPets.com surveyed pet parents and asked them what resolutions they've made for 2016 relating to their pets.

Here are the top five 2016 Pet New Year's Resolutions.

1. Healthier Diet Feeding their pets better quality food is at the top of pet parents list this year! They've been doing their research and are wanting to do all they can to ensure their little ones live a long, happy and healthy life.

Whether it's gluten-free, grainfree, dairy-free, soy-free, cornfree, raw food, unprocessed food, or probiotics - pet parents are coming for you in 2016!

2. Daily Walks

Whether it's a walk through the park, a stroll around the neighborhood or a jog along hiking trails, 26% of pet parents surveyed plan to get outside each day and move with their pets this year. They sited exercise, maintaining their pack leader status, and bonding as their motivation for walking their pooch more often.

3 - More Outings More car rides, doggie bakery visits, beach outings, and family vacations, are among the activities that respondents said they are resolved to doing more of with their four-legged family members. Getting out and spending some quality time with their pets to make that bond even stronger is at the top of many pet parents minds this year!

4. Socialization As more pet parents opt to take their pets on more outings, there comes the need to

better socialize them. Fifteen percent of pet parents polled are committed to helping their shy, skittish, or fearful pet become more comfortable around people, other pets, and in public places.

5. Training A close cousin of socialization, training, comes in as the fifth most popular pet resolution of 2016. We all can't have the perfectly mannered pet but a good number of pet parents plan to devote the time to curb some not-so-favorable behavior. From teaching Rover not to bark at house guests and drag you while on walks to practicing better recall (getting your dog to come when called) and training your cat to stay off kitchen counters...pet parents are ready to put on their pet whisperer hat!

About TripsWithPets.com TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel

guide - providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.

When planning a trip, pet parents go to Trips WithPets.com for detailed, up-todate information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities. TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a userfriendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear.

About the Author Kim Salerno is the President and Founder of Trips WithPets.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel.

Her popular Web site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the US and Canada, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

Jay D's Satellite Ashley Coats, five year old daughter of Ben and Wendy Coats of Hugoton, is a winner in Ghumm’s Auto Center coloring contest and receives her prize which is almost as big as she is. (tfc11)

Kansas Weekly Gas Prices

The Little

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Alan Ornelas, seven year old son of Josefina Ornelas of Hugoton, can’t believe his luck after being named a winner of Ghumm’s Auto Center coloring contest.

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By Randy Ayers Social Security District Manager in Dodge City SOCIAL SECURITY EVOLVES TO SERVE CUSTOMERS Social Security is at the forefront of adapting and meeting the ever-changing needs of our customers.

Technology plays an important role in helping us provide the world-class customer service America expects and deserves. And we’re changing to keep current with new laws and judicial rulings as well.

One way we’ve evolved is by developing the my Social Security account. Once you enroll for a free account at www.socialsecurity.gov/my account, Social Security can help you estimate your future retirement or disability benefits, or manage them if you are already receiving benefits.

You can do all of this easily and securely from the comfort of your home or office.

Social Security listens to

your needs as we improve the technologies enhancing the customer experience. We continue to look for new services to add to my Social Security to make it an even more powerful resource for you and your family.

Another way we’re evolving is by adapting to legal and social changes. In 1935, when Social Security was created, the definition of “family” was different than it is today.

June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. As a result, more same-sex couples will be recognized as married for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits or eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

Not only have we adapted to provide benefits for samesex spouses, but transgender people can now change the gender marker on their Social Security records based on identity, with no requirement for reassignment surgery.

Our mission at Social Security is to deliver services to meet the changing needs of the public. By keeping the public informed of their benefit estimates with my Social Security and adapting to our changing society, we will continue to achieve our goals and help you achieve yours.

No matter who you are, you deserve the benefits of Social Security.

Find out more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Average retail gasoline prices in Kansas have risen 0.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.74 per gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 1,329 gas outlets in Kansas. This compares with the national average that has fallen 0.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $1.99 per gallon, according to gasoline price Web site Gas Buddy.com.

Areas nearby Kansas and their current gas price climate: Wichita- $1.66 per gallon, up 5.0 cents per gallon from last week's $1.61 per gallon; Lincoln- $2.00 per gallon, down 0.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.01 per gallon; Topeka- $1.75 per gallon, up 1.1 cents per gallon from last week's $1.74 per gallon.

Including the change in gas prices in Kansas during the past week, prices Sunday were 16.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 11.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago.

The national average has decreased 5.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 19.9 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Talk about starting the New Year off right,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “The national average at $1.99 is a great way to begin 2016, and over twenty cents lower than where we started 2015. The good news is that we could see even more price drops before the seasonal lift that will likely begin as we push towards Spring. For any Americans that made resolutions to try and spend less at the pump this year, I think they will be in good shape to achieve that. The fundamentals of oil remain weak which will contribute to low oil prices for some time, while gasoline demand will likely move lower now with the holidays behind us, putting downward pressure on gasoline prices,” DeHaan said.

GasBuddy will be unveiling its 2016 Fuel Outlook in the weeks ahead, which will shed light on what the fuel price climate will be for motorists in the year ahead.

For a complete listing of current averages and other fuel price data, visit http://media.gasbuddy.com.

For fuel news and alerts, follow @GasBuddyNews on Twitter.

Nine year old Jayden Burrows is thrilled to be one of the winners in Ghumm’s Auto Center’s recent coloring contest. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Jason Burrows of Hugoton.

The Hugoton Hermes

Brief History of Moscow Schools The first Moscow, called "Old Moscow", was located four miles south and a bit east of the present town. The town included a Post Office and a one room school. It is believed the abbreviation of the name Moscoso, Coronado's expedition that traveled through the west in 1541, is who received the credit for the town's name. The first postmaster, Joseph Rouse, claimed Moscoso to be correct. When the petition for the Post Office was sent to the postal department, the proposed name was spelled Mosco, but according to Rouse, a higher power in Washington, D.C. put the "W" on, and the name has stuck.

In 1912, when the Santa Fe Railroad came through Stevens County the town was moved to its present site on the railroad. Moscow is situated in the heart of the finest farmland of the southwest, in the northeast corner of Stevens County.

In 1913, the little white frame school opened its first term in Moscow. This little building accommodated two and sometimes three teachers. In 1918, a high school was established in the old "Brophy Building", long since gone. The new high school building was an imposing two-story red brick.

The present elementary school, a tan-brick structure designed with an appearance for the future was erected in 1936. The elementary staff increased to five teachers, with one serving as principal.

The staff number and arrangement was similar in the high school.

In 1950, an addition was made to the elementary school through a successful bond election. This provided two larger classrooms. In the same year, the old "Vanceville Rural School" was moved to the Moscow Elementary site and became the facility for the hot lunch program. A second addition was added behind the elementary gymnasium, which provided three more classrooms, plus some additional restrooms.

This allowed the combination grades to be discontinued, and one teacher was hired for each of the eight elementary grades, plus kindergarten.

In 1958, ground was broken for a new high school.

The most modern building has been the pride of the community. A later addition provided more dressing rooms for the Physical Education department, an expanded Industrial Arts department, and a large multi-purpose room with a

Moscow’s Early Education Center was added to the district in 2008, offering preschool classes

MOSCOW NEWS

and daycare for USD 209’s smallest residents.

Thursday, January 7 Junior High Boys’ Basketball at Hugoton 4:00 Friday, January 8 Junior High/High School Basketball at Yarbrough Monday, January 11 Junior High Basketball vs.

Walsh 4:00 Monday, January 11 Weigh-in for the Biggest Loser Contest at Moscow

Grade School at 8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, January 12 High School Basketball vs.

Syracuse Saturday, January 23 Mike the Hypnotist will perform at the Moscow High School Gym at 7:00 p.m.

Free admission is a non-perishable food item for Project Hope.

Jim and Lorene Bell entertain family over holiday weekend Lorene and Jim Bell were visited by their daughter and family Suzie and Tim VanBerkum and children, Sarah and Torrey from Huron, S.D. from Tuesday, December 29 through Sunday, January 3.

Son Allen Bell’s family came

Christmas Day from Flagler, Co. Grandson James stayed with Jim and Lorene through January 3. Daughter Trina and Nick Young were additional guests for a holiday dinner Saturday, January 2.

Moscow Baptist Church welcomes in the New Year with a potluck supper A nice crowd of people gathered at the Moscow Baptist Church New Years Eve to welcome in the New Year.

Everyone enjoyed the potluck supper, followed by games of pitch. Winning high for the men was Duane Williams, Barb Williams held the high

Pictured above is the Moscow Junior High and High School building. In 1994 additions to the high school included six classrooms, a modern kitchen.

An addition in the 1980's provided a spacious lunchroom with a modern kitchen and rooms. The old lunchroom was remodeled into a library. The old music room was converted into quarters for the school nurse, the computer lab, and the work space for personnel from the educational cooperative. And in the 1980's a separate Fine Arts building was built to house the elementary Music and Arts programs.

In 1994, additions to the high school included six classrooms, a community room, a district office, restrooms, locker rooms, and a new gymnasium. In 2008, the new Early Education Center was added. What a great place to raise children and be part of a community.

The information in this article was mostly obtained and compiled by Wayne Comer, superintendent of schools at Moscow for many years.

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score for the women. Roy Stoddard had men's low score, and Cheryl Feese the women's low score.

A crazy white elephant gift exchange was held with lots of stealing of gifts. It was a really fun way to bring in the New Year.

community room, a district office, restrooms, locker rooms and a new gymnasium.

Whites celebrate 30 years Brian and Tina White are celebrating 30 years of marriage. They were married January 4, 1986 at the Moscow Methodist Church in Moscow. Brian and Tina have three children. Their son Blake is 25, their daughter Emily is 23 and their youngest daughter Maggie is 17. Brian is a local farmer and Tina is a high school math teacher at Moscow High.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. White!

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Thursday, January 7, 2016

Rolla News

January 8 - High School Basketball at Fowler 4:00 p.m.

- High School Scholars’ Bowl leaves for Wichita - School in Session January 9 - High School Scholars’ Bowl at Bishop Carroll 9:00 a.m.

January 11 - Junior High Basketball vs

South Baca 4:30 p.m.

- Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

January 12 - Junior High/High School Basketball at Balko. Junior High at 4:00 p.m. and Hig hSchool at 6:30 p.m.

January 13 - Rolla Recreation Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Rolla will host Elkhart for “Black Out” Night Tuesday, February 2 Rolla will host Elkhart Tuesday, February 2 for an exciting game of basketball. This will also be Rolla’s “Black Out” night.

Rolla Hope will sponsor the night and all proceeds raised will be split between Rolla and Elkhart to help those with cancer in the two communities.

There are three ways you can help make this a wonderful event.

One, go watch the game. It’s a great way to support the players and the communities. There will also be a jar set out for you to place your donations in.

Two, you can play “Pick-APlayer”. You pick a player before the game starts and agree to pay $1 for every point that

player scores.

Three, you could help by ordering a Rolla Hope t-shirt like the one pictured below. If you would like a shirt, please let Cassie Thrall or Arleen Clinesmith know as soon as possible.

Page 8

“The Birthing of Rolla in the Tall Grass” Part 2 from David Stout

My name is David Stout. I was born in May 1945 and was raised on a farm a mileand-a-half north of Rolla, a farm originally homesteaded by my grandparents, Ed and Minnie Stout. They had all five of their children there, including my father, Virgil Stout. Ed and Minnie continued to live on the farm until the end of World War II when my dad returned from Europe, December 30, 1945. I was about seven or eight months old when my dad and mom took over the farm, and my grandparents moved into Rolla in the early part of 1946, just across the street to the north of the old original Methodist church.

My parents died within months of each other about ten years ago. Some of the stuff I inherited from them were old pictures and historical records of our family prior to the existence of Rolla. You see, it was my dad’s grandparents, Frank and “Lizzie” Stout, who first came to the Rolla area (before there was a “Rolla”), and they established Rolla with the help of their three sons, Ed, Elver and John.

In addition to the physical records and pictures, I also heard the stories from my Grandpa Ed Stout and my Great-uncle Elver about what it was like when they were kids. It occurred to me that all this information needed to be recorded somewhere. Otherwise, when I die, all of it will be lost. Having said that, I have to caution the reader that I’m not pretending to be a historian about these events. I’m not going to go through all the trouble of double-checking the stories for factual information - (and this is an important point, because one of the stories my mom used to tell stemmed from her “memory” of lying on the bed with my baby sister Sheryl to protect her when a tornado hit our farm.

The only problem with Mom’s memory was that the tornado hit us in June 1951, and Sheryl wasn’t even born yet. The baby she was protecting was my brother Darrell, then only three months old.)

With that caveat in mind, let’s turn our attention to another baby that wasn’t yet born – Rolla.

Frank and Lizzie Stout weren’t really Kansans. They

were eastern imports. By that I mean Francis “Frank” Stout was born in Iowa and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clinesmith was born in Ohio. They had a whole buncha’ sons, all born in Kansas, but the only three who survived to adulthood were: my grandfather Ed Stout, born in Wilson, County, Kansas, in 1882; and my great-uncles Elver Stout, born in Kingman County, Kansas, in 1884; and John Stout, born in Kingman County, Kansas, in 1886.

About a year after John was born, Frank and Lizzie decided to “Go West, young men, go west!” They packed up their covered wagon in 1887 and headed west. There isn’t a lot we know about this journey except that they stopped off in Dodge City. From there they headed to the southwest towards Stevens and Morton Counties. According to our family’s narrative, the family related how on this final leg of their journey they traveled through “black dust”, the result of a prairie fire that spread from the south and covered a vast territory with ashes settling all over the countryside.

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Food drive is planned for this Saturday

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Monday to Friday Manuel Caga-anan, M.D. Internal Medicine Office Hours 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Thursday

Haley McCammon, PA-C Office Hours 9:00 to 12:00 noon Friday

Supported and Sponsored by Morton County Health System Elkhart, KS

Now, unlike today, getting from Dodge City to Rolla can’t be done in an hour-and-ahalf. Didja’ ever wonder why there are so many little towns strung out about every ten or fifteen miles or so between Elkhart and Dodge City?

Starting with Elkhart, the next little place is Wilburton, then Rolla, Feterita after Rolla, then Hugoton. I don’t know, but I suspect the reason for this was because a covered wagon could only travel about ten or fifteen miles before it had to stop for the night. The point being, it probably took the family about a week or ten days to get from Dodge City to where they finally decided to claim their land.

This is the point where we get into some personal stories.

Grandpa Stout was only five years old, but he remembered arriving in Morton County and told me the thing he was most struck by was how tall the grass was. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but tall grass.

But I can’t help but wonder how tall the grass was. Keep in mind, he was only five years old. If the grass came halfway up his body, then it would have been only about 18” high. If it was over his head, then it could have been several feet high.

In any case, that was Grandpa’s first impression of southwestern Kansas: tall grass.

More in later installments

Left to right are Francis “Frank” David Stout, Ed Stout, John Stout, Elver Stout and Elizabeth

“Lizzy” Clinesmith Stout. Photo courtesy of David Stout.

Remembering Rolla’s 2015 Another year has come to a close. Our community had some fantastic events happen. The Rolla School received a check from the Knights of Columbus to help purchase some special education playground equipment. Marisela Pu won a Fire Safety Poster Contest and was featured in a statewide calendar. She was also able to travel to Topeka for the first time.

Scholars’ Bowl participated for only the second year at Bishop Carroll in Wichita and won fourth in the invitation only tournament.

A “King” was crowned queen for basketball when Janelle King earned the crown for homecoming queen. Baleigh Munsell of Ulysses, who has relatives in Rolla, Hugoton and Elkhart, won the title of Miss Southwest Kansas and competed in Pratt for the title of Miss Kansas. Maria Kroecker won the Morton County Spelling Bee. Marcus Light traveled to Israel.

Terry Hull, Mark Hull, Kopen Hull, Dakota Hull and Tom Warren had their 15 minutes of fame when Cassie Hull submitted a video to “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and they were aired on the show. The high school Scholars’ Bowl team qualified for State once again and was

also the winners of the Quest tournament. The members who played on the Quest team were Chandler Huddleston, Garry Norton, Chandler Burrows and Henry Wiebe.

Senior class members enjoyed a trip to Florida.

A squad of ten cheerleaders was chosen to keep the school spirit alive. Prom came and went and graduation was here before anyone knew it.

The high school golf team qualified for State for the first time and some members of the track teams traveled to State to win a few medals.

The pool opened with a new manager and summer was in full swing. Benefit softball tournaments were scheduled, although not all were able to happen as - for the first time in a long time - rains came!

Suddenly, August was here and college students returned to their schools, with

some students changing schools. A new group of seniors roamed the halls of Rolla as freshmen tried to learn the ropes. Kynsha “NeNe” Green was chosen as the football queen.

Cross country ended with Garry Norton placing his best time ever in his final run.

Show choir traveled to area schools for their annual concert. Brooke Hinds qualified for Regional KMEA. Basketball started and Santa Day arrived with the man in the red suit handing out gifts once again. The year 2015 was not without heartache as well but, in true Rolla fashion, it was handled with grace and dignity. We miss those we have lost, and celebrate those we have gained.

Goodbye, 2015. Hello, 2016!

May your year be blessed!

Celebrate RHS’s Winter Homecoming January 15 Friday, January 15 will be Rolla’s homecoming games against the Deerfield Spartans. First National Bank of Elkhart/Rolla and Pioneer Electric of Ulysses have generously provided a buyout for the evening’s games. The junior class will be serving

chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, and rolls as their meal. The Booster Club will be hosting their silent auction. And a queen shall be crowned!

Come out Friday, January 15 and enjoy the homecoming festivities!

The Boy Scouts of Rolla are doing a food drive Saturday, January 9 for the Pentecostal Holiness Church Wednesday night community dinners.

They feed over 70 families every Wednesday, and the boys want to see it keep going.

The boys will be at Emmanuel Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for drop off and they will go door to door from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Trina Fosdick or Georgina Brown.

Junior High will face South Baca Monday

Monday, January 11, the Rolla Junior High Pirates will be playing against South Baca in the Pirate Arena. The junior class will be serving delicious taquitos, beans and rice for the meal. Come out for supper and stay to cheer on the Pirates.

Boosters plan silent auction

The Rolla Booster Club will once again host a silent auction during the homecoming basketball games Friday, January 15 against Deerfield. If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Melody Ellis or Toni Easterwood. Your help is greatly appreciated!

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The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 9

AAA announces average gas price is lowest in Kansas since 2005 While the national average price of regular unleaded gasoline in 2015 was $2.40 per gallon, the second cheapest annual average of the past ten years, the Kansas average was $2.25, the cheapest annual average in Kansas since 2005. This year’s annual Kansas average was 94 cents per gallon less than 2014, a discount on the 2014 average of 29 percent.

AAA estimates Americans saved more than $115 billion on gasoline this year compared to 2014, which was an average of more than $550 per licensed driver.

The Kansas annual average price of gas in recent years was $3.19 - 2014, $3.39 - 2013, $3.47 - 2012, $3.42 2011, $2.70 - 2010 and $2.26 - 2009.

The most expensive daily Kansas average of the year was $2.67 per gallon July 22, while the lowest was $1.75 per gallon December 28.

Fuel prices remained relatively low throughout the year due to a worldwide glut in crude oil. There was more than enough oil to meet demand around the world, and that allowed oil prices to drop to the lowest levels since 2005 in Kansas.

Kansas Average Gas Prices Close Out the Year at $1.76 per Gallon Monday’s Kansas average price of gas was $1.76 per gallon, which was the lowest average for New Year’s Eve since 2008 ($1.53). Monday’s average was 24 cents per gallon less than a year ago.

The Kansas average price for gas in December was $1.81, the lowest December average in Kansas since 2008 - $1.58.

Gas prices are lower than $2 per gallon in most parts of the country. About 71 percent of U.S. stations are selling gas for less than $2 per gallon, and drivers can find at least one station selling gas for less than $2 in 47 states.

Monday, the highest price city average in Kansas was at Johnson - $2.049 per gallon, and the lowest price city average was at Haven and Hesston - $1.589 per gallon. The cheapest one percent of stations in the country are selling gas for an average of $1.56 per gallon, and more than 16,000 stations across the country are selling gas for less than $1.75 per gallon.

The five states with the lowest average prices Monday included the following states: Missouri - $1.72, Oklahoma $1.75, South Carolina $1.75, Arkansas - $1.75; Tennessee - $1.755. Kansas is at $1.759.

The five states with the highest prices Monday included the following: California - $2.85, Hawaii - $2.69, Nevada - $2.51, Washington $2.47 and Alaska - $2.47.

Drivers May Pay Even Less for Gasoline in 2016 Gas prices are likely to remain relatively low in 2016.

AAA estimates the annual average price of gas in 2016 is likely to end up between $2.25 and $2.45 per gallon, which would be cheaper or at

least comparable to this year’s average of $2.40 per gallon.

Based on typical seasonal trends, the national average price of gas could remain relatively flat or drop another ten cents per gallon over the next few weeks. By late winter, the national average could rise 50 cents per gallon or more as refineries conduct seasonal maintenance in advance of the busy summer driving season. Despite the likelihood of higher prices by spring, AAA does not expect the national average price of gas to rise above $3 per gallon in 2016.

Regional gas prices will continue to vary dramatically around the country in 2016.

Problems with local refinery production, especially during spring maintenance and the busy summer driving season, could temporarily send regional gas prices much higher than the national average.

Just as in 2015, it is possible some areas could see prices higher than $3 per gallon.

There is significant uncertainty over the potential cost of crude oil in 2016, though most analysts expect the market will remain oversupplied throughout the year. There currently is a glut of crude oil around the world that has grown faster than demand, and that situation is unlikely to change significantly as Iranian oil enters the marketplace and because the global economy is growing at a relatively weak pace.

It is possible gas prices could rise higher than expected if there are significant

changes in the oil markets.

Some analysts have predicted that low prices will significantly limit oil production in the United States and in other higher-cost production countries, which could allow supply and demand to rebalance by the end of 2016. Alternatively, it also is possible political events and conflict could unexpectedly disrupt oil production. Either of these possibilities could lead to higher than predicted oil and gasoline prices for Kansas and the rest of the country.

To find prices for any Kansas community, visit www.aaa.com, click on the “Fuel Resources” tab at the bottom of the home page, then the “Fuel Price Finder” tab on the page that follows.

To learn the latest information about gas prices and to see prices across the country visit AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.

For those planning vacations and long weekend getaways, find out how much to budget for gas on your trip at AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator – simply enter the destination city along with the make, model and year of your vehicle and let the calculator run the numbers for you using the most current gas prices available. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance.

Learn more at AAA.com/ mobile.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) encourages Kansans who use firewood to heat their homes to consider using local firewood to help prevent the spread of tree diseases and pests.

While it may seem harmless on the surface, transporting firewood can pose a threat to healthy, pest-free trees across the state of Kansas. Tree-killing insects and diseases can lurk in what appears to be harmless firewood. Even if the exterior of the firewood appears to be healthy, microscopic fungal spores or pin-head sized insect eggs could be lurking in the wood. These pests and diseases can emerge before the wood is burned and infest

trees in additional locations.

KDA recommends avoiding long distance transportation of untreated firewood due to the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut, and Pine Wilt. Douglas, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties all prohibit the transportation of hardwood firewood out of the contiguous boundary of their county borders to help prevent the spread of EAB. This insect disrupts the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, causing it to die. EAB and other harmful diseases, including Thousand Cankers of Walnut and Pine Wilt are of concern to homeowners and

foresters. Jeff Vogel, KDA Plant Protection and Weed Control program manager, says Kansas citizens play an important role in helping to slow the movement of these pests and diseases.

“It is imperative to take initiative when moving firewood,” said Vogel. “Preventing destructive pests is important not only for the health of our trees, but also for our economy.”

The United States Forest Service estimates that from 2009 to 2019 the response to eliminating the EAB will cost as much as $10.7 billion.

KDA is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses, and to protecting the state’s natural

resources. To learn more about the facts and general information of firewood transportation, visit http://agricul ture.ks.gov/divisions-pro grams/plant-protect-weedcontrol/firewood.

Buy local firewood to prevent spread of tree disease

AG seeks information about marijuana transported across Colorado line Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has launched a statewide project to collect information about how marijuana acquired in Colorado is entering and affecting Kansas.

Since Colorado’s widely publicized decision more than three years ago to “legalize” acquisition and possession of small amounts of marijuana under its state law, Kansas law enforcement agencies have consistently reported encounters in Kansas involving marijuana acquired in Colorado. Existing criminal justice information systems are inadequate to track the phenomenon because they do not collect information about the origin of marijuana encountered by Kansas law enforcement, and they cannot readily be modified to do so.

“There are numerous and persistent anecdotal accounts of marijuana acquired in Colorado and illegally transported into Kansas causing harm here,” Schmidt said.

“But because of technology limits, the confirming data is elusive. Since Colorado’s experiment with legalization is affecting Kansas, we need to know more about what is actually happening here so policymakers can make informed decisions.”

Under the authority of K.S.A. 21-2504(a), which allows the attorney general to gather statistics about potential crimes and circumstances surrounding them,

Schmidt has sent a request for information to all county and district attorneys, sheriffs and chiefs of police throughout the state surveying them about their experience with Colorado marijuana in their jurisdictions. More than 500 surveys were distributed last week.

Schmidt said when survey responses are received and compiled later this spring, he will make them publicly available so the data can be evaluated by the public, by law enforcement officials and by policymakers. A copy of the survey distributed to county and district attorneys is available at http://go.usa. gov/c5uRe, and a copy of the survey distributed to sheriffs and police chiefs is available at http://go.usa.gov/c5umV Anecdotal reports of the types of problems Kansas law enforcement has encountered with marijuana brought from Colorado include the following: people driving under the influence of Colorado marijuana, distribution in Kansas of edible food products laced with marijuana from Colorado, people who “bundle” marijuana acquired in Colorado into larger amounts and transport it into Kansas for illicit resale and distribution, and increased Kansas juvenile access to marijuana products. While the reports have been more numerous from counties near Colorado, they have come from throughout the state.

Although possession and sale of marijuana remains illegal nationwide under federal law, the U.S. Department of Justice has elected not to fully enforce federal law in states like Colorado that have “legalized” marijuana under their state law. However, federal enforcement guidelines state that federal enforcement remains appropriate if marijuana from states like Colorado comes into surrounding states and causes harm. Kansas state law prohibits the possession or distribution of marijuana.

Nebraska and Oklahoma have sued Colorado in the U.S. Supreme Court, pointing to harm caused in those states by the illegal importation of marijuana from Colorado. The Supreme Court has not yet stated whether it will hear the case. Kansas has not joined in that legal challenge, although Schmidt said his office continues to carefully monitor the case.

“We’re approaching this unprecedented situation methodically so we can assess and then, if needed, address the actual problems,” Schmidt said. “We need data that shows what is actually happening in Kansas as the result of Colorado’s experiment. In my view, any response needs to be thoughtful and informed by factual data, not emotions.”

Submitted by the Office of The Attorney General.

Here is an up-to-date chart showing the flow of national gas prices over the past several years compared to the current year.

FAA small unmanned aircraft registration is now underway The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry went live December 21. Please check the agency’s home page at www.faa.gov for updates.

In preparation for registering online, each owner must provide his or her name, home address and e-mail address. Upon completion of registration, the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership including a unique identification number for the UAS owner, which must be marked on the aircraft.

Owners using the model aircraft for hobby or recreation will only have to register once and may use the same identification number for all of their model UAS. The registration is valid for three years.

Registration is free for the first 30 days, then $5 after that.

By statute, all aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds, including payloads such as on-board cameras, must be registered.

Under this rule, owners who previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclu-

sively as a model aircraft prior to December 21, 2015, must register no later than February 19, 2016. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after December 21, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors. Owners may use either the paperbased process or the new streamlined, Web-based system. Owners using the new streamlined Web-based system must be at least 13 years old to register.

The FAA has partnered with several industry associations to educate the public about using unmanned aircraft safely and responsibly.

Remember these rules when you fly: • Fly below 400 feet altitude.

• Keep your unmanned aircraft in sight at all times.

• Never fly near manned aircraft, especially near airports.

• Never fly over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events.

• Never fly near emergency response efforts.

Working together, we can keep the skies safe for everyone.

Submitted by the Federal Aviation Association.

Non-profit seeks community members World Heritage International Student Exchange Program (WH) is seeking representatives to work with volunteer host families and international exchange students in your community. WH provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are l5 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their American adventure. Local Representatives also have the opportunity to support American high school students in their journey abroad.

Area Representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, supervise the exchange students in their community throughout the year, and interview American students who wish to live and learn abroad. Area Representatives are compensated based on the number of students they are supervising.

WH's primary goal is to contribute to international understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation in family, school and community life. Through sharing their home, host families and communities also gain new knowledge and appreciation of other cultures and languages. WH's Area Representatives are the cornerstone of the organization, making all of this possible!

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The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 10

Governor announces January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Kansas Kansas Governor Sam Brownback December 16 proclaimed January to be Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Governor Brownback was joined by Attorney General Derek Schmidt; Secretary Lana Gordon, Kansas Department of Labor; and Secretary Susan Mosier, M.D., MBA, FACS, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in issuing today’s proclamation.

“I take seriously the fight against human trafficking, “ Governor Sam Brownback said. “We have trained more than 500 child welfare professionals about human trafficking rings making Kansas a national model for preventing this horrendous crime.

We must change the perception that the youth and adults who are trafficked are criminals. They are not. They are victims of a terrible crime.”

Human trafficking, a modern form of slavery, is one of the largest and fastest-growing criminal industries in the world. It is based on recruiting, harboring and transporting people for the purpose of exploitation. Both sex trafficking and labor trafficking occur in Kansas and both adults and children are victims. Kansas’ location and interstate system make it a major transportation area for victims of human trafficking.

“Our office remains committed to efforts to thwart criminal activity, hold accountable both traffickers and buyers, and provide victim support. Awareness is also an important part of combating human trafficking,” Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said. “The public can assist by reporting suspicious activity to the national hotline at 888-3737888 or to local law enforcement in an emergency situation. The watchful eyes of Kansas citizens can help protect those who are vulnerable from this crime against human dignity.”

“The Kansas Department for Children and Families is proud to work closely with other State agencies to grow the awareness of this unfortunate reality in Kansas. No one deserves to be a victim of human trafficking,” said Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “Our staff is trained to watch for signs of human trafficking of children and work with local authorities to promptly and safely address it. We can all play a part in ending this crime in our state, by knowing how to identify human trafficking and reporting it.”

The 2013 Kansas human trafficking laws define commercial exploitation of children, which does not require a showing of force, fraud, threat or coercion and refer-

Solution to December 31, 2015, puzzle

ences the existing statutory definition of human trafficking and aggravated human trafficking.

“The legislators strengthened our ability to prosecute labor traffickers, but it is still a big problem,” KDOL Secretary Lana Gordon said.

“While we have made immense strides with the bill, we cannot stop there and need to continue fighting.

Nearly 20 percent of trafficking involves labor exploitation. If you or someone you know is working under unfair

conditions, please report it.”

Labor trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion.

“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is committed to educating child care and health care providers about the warning signs of human trafficking and how and where to report suspected activity,” said Dr. Susan Mosier, Secre-

tary of KDHE. “These efforts are important to help stop human trafficking in our state.”

The Governor along with the Attorney General’s office, DCF, KDHE, KDOC and KDOL are working together to educate Kansans about the presence of human trafficking, what to look for and how to report suspected human trafficking. Educational information is provided on the agencies’ websites.

“The Kansas Department of Corrections is working

closely with other state agencies to address human trafficking in Kansas by supporting those who have been victimized and incarcerating those found guilty in an effort to prevent future victimization,” Secretary Ray Roberts said.

For more information on Human Trafficking go to http://ag.ks.gov/humantrafficking.

Submitted by the Kansas Office of the Attorney General.

“Notes From Nancy”

by Stevens County FACS Agent Nancy Honig

Sorghum, Not Just for Animals In this part of the country we think of grain sorghum (also known as milo) as something to be used as feed for animals, but sorghum is finding its way into the grocery store aisles, in part due to the popularity of gluten free foods. Because its protein content is higher than corn and about equal to wheat, it provides a good flour substitute. Sorghum is ground, cracked, steam flaked, and/or roasted and can be cooked like rice, made into porridge, malted for beer, baked into flatbreads and popped like popcorn. For example, I believe milo doughnuts are a staple at the Home Products Dinner in Ulysses

each year.

Being gluten-free isn´t sorghum´s only bragging right. It´s also a whole grain that provides many other nutritional benefits. Sorghum, which doesn't have an inedible hull like some other grains, is commonly eaten with all its outer layers, thereby retaining the majority of its nutrients. Some specialty sorghums are high in antioxidants, which are believed to help lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and some neurological diseases. In addition, the wax surrounding the sorghum grain contains compounds called policosanols, that may have an impact on human cardiac health. Some researchers, in fact, believe that

policosanols have cholesterollowering potency comparable to that of statins.

You can also substitute sorghum in your existing recipes. Start with recipes that use relatively small amounts of wheat flour, such as brownies or pancakes.

Substituting sorghum takes some experimenting and patience, but the results can be very delicious. In substituting sorghum flour for wheat flour in recipes, a combination of flours often is used. It is possible to purchase alreadymixed all-purpose gluten-free baking flours. Or you can mix your own - following are three substitution possibilities which include sorghum flour.

Because sorghum does not contain gluten, a "binder"

such as xanthan gum, must be added when gluten is needed to create a successful product. Add one-half teaspoon xanthan gum per cup of sorghum flour for cookies and cakes or one teaspoon per cup of flour for breads. Other ingredients used as binders in some recipes include egg whites, unflavored gelatin, cornstarch and guar gum.

Store sorghum flour in moisture-vapor-proof, airtight glass or metal containers, or plastic freezer bags.

Keep in a cool, dry, dark place if it will be used within a few months; store in a refrigerator or freezer for longer storage.

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PUBLIC NOTICE (First Published in The Hugoton Hermes, Thursday, Janaury 7, 2016) 3t DISTRICT COURT OF STEVENS COUNTY STATE OF KANSAS (tfc40)

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Zelma Frances Colvin, DECEASED. Case No. 14-PR-47 NOTICE OF HEARING The State of Kansas To All Persons Concerned: You are notified that a petition has been filed in this Court by James Harold Allen, duly appointed, qualified and acting Executor of the Estate of Zelma Frances Colvin, deceased, requesting that Petitioner's acts be approved; account be settled and allowed; the heirs be determined; the Will be construed and the Estate be assigned to the persons entitled thereto; the Court find the allowances requested for attorneys' fees and expenses are reasonable and should be

The Hugoton Hermes www.hugotonhermes.com

PUBLIC NOTICE (First Published in The Hugoton Hermes, Thursday, January 7, 2016) 1t BEFORE THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS NOTICE OF FILING APPLICATION RE: AMERICAN WARRIOR, INC. – Application for an exception to the 10 year time limitation of K.A.R. 82-3-11 from the Marcellus Glen 2-C well (aka Glen Marcellus ‘C’ 2), located in Stevens County, Kansas.

TO: All Oil and Gas Producers, Unleased Mineral Interest Owners, Landowners, and all persons whosoever concerned.

You, and each of you, are hereby notified that American Warrior, Inc. has filed for an exception to the 10 year time limitation of K.A.R. 82-3-11 for the Marcellus Glen 2-C well (aka Glen Marcellus ‘C’ 2), located in SW/4 of Section 25-32S-35W, Stevens County, Kansas.

Any persons who object to or protest this application shall be required to file their objections or protests with the Conservation Division of the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas within fifteen (15) days from the date of the publication. These protests shall be filed pursuant to Commission regulations and must state specific reasons why the grant of the application may cause waste, violate correlative rights or pollute the natural resources of the state of Kansas. If no protests are received, this application may be granted through a summary proceeding. If valid protest are received, this matter will be set for hearing.

All persons interested or concerned shall take notice of the foregoing and shall govern themselves accordingly.

American Warrior, Inc. P.O. Box 399 Garden City, Kansas 67846 620/ 275-9231

allowed; the costs be determined and ordered paid; the administration of the Estate be closed; upon the filing of receipts the Petitioner be finally discharged as the Executor of the Estate of Zelma Frances Colvin, deceased, and the Petitioner be released from further liability. You are required to file your written defenses to the petition on or before January 29, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. in the District Court, in Hugoton, Stevens County, Kansas, at which time and place the cause will be heard. Should you fail to file your written defenses, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the petition.

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PUBLIC NOTICE (First Published in The Hugoton Hermes, Thursday, December 31, 2015) 3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF STEVENS COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Mary White, deceased, CASE NO. 15-PR-49 NOTICE OF HEARING AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are hereby notified that a Petition was been filed in this Court by Lillian Seaman, an heir, devisee and legatee, and executor named in the Last Will and Testament of Mary White, deceased, dated June 20, 2013, requesting the Will filed with the Petition be admitted to probate and record; petitioner be appointed as Executor, without bond; and petitioner be granted Letters Testamentary.

You are required to file your writ-

ten defenses thereto on or before January 22, 2016, at 9:30 A.M. in the District Court in the City of Hugoton, Stevens County, Kansas, at which time and place the cause will be heard. Should you fail to file your written defenses, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition.

All creditors are notified to exhibit their demands against the Estate within the latter of four months from the date of first publication of notice under K.S.A. 59-2236 and amendments thereto, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, 30 days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred.

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The Hugoton Hermes

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Page 12 NEWS FROM

STEVENS COUNTY SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

Hugoton Wow, it’s 2016, what happened? The New Year presents many opportunities to move forward and concentrate on growth for Hugoton and Steven’s County. I have lots of ideas but need help setting our goals for this year.

I would like to start off with an invitation for comments, concerns and suggestions for the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce. What would you like to see, what events do you miss, and what can we do to promote your business? Why have you not joined the Chamber? What should we offer to help change your mind? Give a call, email or comment on the Facebook page.

I am asked a lot what exactly the Chamber Director does and what the Chamber is so, if you can help me in figuring that out, it would be great!

No really, I am creating goals for the year which, once I re-

ceive some feedback from the community, I will publish on the January Chamber Page in The Hermes, our Facebook Page and in the newsletter, so please use those avenues or stop in to give me your two or three cents worth - a snack or Dr. Pepper would be great, too.

As I think about New Year’s resolutions I like to read and ponder the words of great American writer Mark Twain as he stated, “New Year’s is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drinks, friendly calls and humbug resolutions.”

It is great to have goals, but leave wiggle room and don’t beat yourself up if you slip up, even though it is only the first week of January. If you have messed up by now, face it, you aren’t gonna do it. Here are some crazy, comical and catchy resolutions for 2016 that I

Haley Rust, granddaughter of Hugoton’s Dana Swan, carefully feeds an animal at Featherdale Wildlife Park in Australia.

Haley’s roommate at K-State during her sophomore year was from Sydney, and Haley is visiting the continent. Haley commented, “[Mom and Dad] don’t have to stress because it’s not the Aussie men that I’m falling in love with or bringing home . . .”

Maybe she’s scouting new pets for the Rust household!

Shila Moore, Director 544-2283 - Activities 544-8041 - Meals 624 S. Main, Hugoton

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE found online for your weekly Chamber Chuckle. These are quoted directly from readers’ submissions.

1. “I resolve to continue to be prefect in my studies at the local university” (I am fairly sure he meant “perfect”).

2. “I will spend less time interacting with people and more time communicating by phone and social media.” (This one must have been popular last year.)

3. “I will NOT date any Victoria Secret models.” (I bet he has this one spot on.)

4. “I will not bore my boss anymore with the same excuses but create new ones for being

late or taking days off.”

5. “I will work with neglected children, MINE.” 6. “Draw up a list of people who were nasty to me in the past year, and get even.”

7. “Eat more nice things like sweets, hamburgers, popcorn and ice cream. Eat less healthy food.”

8. “I resolve not to swim in any swimming pool without water.”

9. ”I will not run while juggling knives anymore.”

10. “I will not pillow fight with a bag of spare change.”

11. “I will no longer shower while making toast on the edge of my bathtub.”

Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you to all who attended our New Year’s Eve dance! It was a huge success!

Also, we appreciate all those who donated prizes, etc.: Hansen-Mueller, First National Bank and Pioneer Communications.

If you missed our New Year’s Eve dance, please try to attend our dance coming up this Saturday, January 9. We are excited to have the 4-Hers as our sponsor. They will be providing the food, prom photos, and admission cost. Oklahoma Cowboy and Texas Lady will be playing live country music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

This Saturday is Sew All Day beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Also, the canasta players have their pot luck at 6:00 p.m. and

Consumer Corner

by Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

Safely spend those Christmas gift cards Sometimes, the perfect gift is one you get to pick out yourself. If you’re one of the thousands of Kansans who found a gift card in your stocking, you now have the opportunity to choose your own perfect gift!

Unfortunately, these gift cards do carry some fine print in how they can be used. Here are some things to keep in mind as you spend those holiday gifts: • Under Kansas law, gift cards cannot expire for at least five years. If the gift card does not have an expiration date printed on the card, then it is good until you redeem it, no matter how long that is.

• Merchants can begin charging inactivity fees

against the card’s balance 12 months after the card is issued. These fees are required to be printed on the card or the packaging it comes in.

• Pre-paid bank cards – the ones issued by a bank or credit card company, not by a specific store – can, and usually do, charge additional fees for purchasing the card, and on the balance.

• Be aware that even with legal protections in place, the value of a gift card may be lost if the store goes out of business before the card is used.

You should also remember to keep unused gift cards in a safe location. Treat them like cash. Unlike credit cards, if a gift card is lost or stolen, it can be difficult to prove the card belonged to you. Some retailers will allow you to reg-

ister your card online, which protects the value of the card if something does happen.

If you happen to receive a card for a place where you do not shop, it is unlikely that the retailer will let you exchange your card for cash.

However, there are Web sites that allow you to sell or exchange your unwanted gift cards. Use caution when dealing with these online sites to be sure you don’t become a victim of fraud. You can also consider donating your unwanted gift cards to a local charity, especially cards for grocery, clothing or department stores.

For more consumer tips or to file a complaint, visit our consumer protection Web site at www.InYourCorner Kansas.org or give us a call at 1-800-432-2310.

play cards afterwards.

We deliver lunch Monday through Friday to homebound people. If you are in need of our services or you know someone who is, please call the Senior Center. We will give you information about cost, menus, etc.

Senator Pat Roberts’ office is available to assist you with problems you may be having with federal agencies like Social Security, Veterans’/VA issues, military cases, Medicare, passports, and IRS. If you need help, please call his Dodge City office at 620-227-2244.

If you have questions concerning caregiving, legal matters, disability, health insurance, housing, etc., please call Michael Johnston at Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging at 620-2258240.

Menu Jan. 7 ...............Chicken Pot Pie Jan. 8 ....................Hamburgers Jan. 11 ..................Baked Ham Jan. 12...................Swiss Steak Jan. 13 ......Oven Fried Chicken .......................Birthday Meal Jan. 14...Spaghetti & Meatballs Activities Thursday, January 7 Exercise ...................10:30 a.m.

Friday, January 8 Exercise ...................10:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 9 Sew All Day ................8:30 a.m.

Cards & Games .........6:00 p.m.

Dance.........................7:00 p.m. ...........Oklahoma Cowboy & ..............Texas Lady will play Monday, January 11 Exercise....................10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing..............7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 12 Exercise....................10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, January 13 Exercise....................10:30 a.m.

Paint...........................1:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 14 Exercise ...................10:30 a.m.

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