Responder Of The Year Honored During Chamber Coffee

The Ulysses News welcomed community members January 30, to Grant County Senior Center for a combined Chamber Coffee and Responder of the Year presentation. The event brought together local leaders, first responders, and residents to recognize service, share upcoming community events, and honor those who stand ready to serve Grant County.

The morning began with a welcome from Nancy Borthwick of Grant County Senior Center, who thanked everyone for attending and encouraged the community to make use of the center’s facilities and programs. Nancy then invited new Grant County Chamber of Commerce Director Robin Leonard forward to highlight upcoming events and announcements.

Leonard shared several community updates, including that tickets for the Grant County Community Foundation Gala January 31 have officially sold out. A Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support class is planned for February 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Bear Creek Coffee, with registration available by calling the coffee shop. The Ulysses Ministerial Alliance will host a soup supper and pie auction February 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Civic Center South Room. The Bob Wilson Volunteers will host their annual Chocolate Affair February 13.

Additional announcements included the Ulysses Gun & Coin Show, scheduled for February 14–15 at the Civic Center, with doors open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grant County Library is collecting winter wear to distribute to families with children in need. Vendor contracts are now available through the Chamber for Spring Fling, set for April 17 and 18. Leonard also reminded organizations that information for the Chamber newsletter should be submitted to the Chamber office by Wednesdays at 3 p.m.

Following the announcements, the program was turned over to Ulysses News Publisher Nancy Kletecka. Kletecka shared the background behind the newspaper’s Responder of the Week and Responder of the Year program, explaining how her experience in dispatching and law enforcement inspired the initiative. She noted that nominations are accepted for individuals serving in the military, sheriff’s department, police department, hospital, emergency services, public health, and electric utilities. In 2026, the program will expand to include professionals in the mortuary field, with future plans to recognize gas company first responders as well.

Kletecka emphasized the sacrifices made by first responders, who often enter situations without knowing what—or who—awaits them, and reflected on the lasting emotional impact these experiences can have, sharing a personal example from her time as a dispatcher.

Amanda Wallace-Murphy, bookkeeper for The Ulysses News, assisted with the presentation of certificates to donors who contributed to the Responder of the Year gift basket and supported the advertising that makes the program possible. Donors recognized included American Implement, Catlett Automotive NAPA, Dream First Bank, Jeri Lynn Wells Agency, Pioneer

Communications, Sherry Farmer, The Ulysses News, and Ulysses Ace Hardware. Businesses interested in participating in future recognitions are encouraged to contact the newspaper.

All Responder of the Month recipients were then asked to stand and be recognized before the announcement of the 2025 Responder of the Year. Mona Gieseking, a longtime and beloved staff member of Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and a familiar face throughout the community, was named Responder of the Year. She was presented with a certificate, invited to cut the celebratory cake, and received a gift basket in appreciation of her service.

Before the event concluded, Murphy briefly highlighted upcoming newspaper promotions, including a Valentine’s Day feature recognizing local couples and advertising opportunities tied to the special edition.

With no further business, Leonard closed the event and announced the next Chamber Coffee will be February 6 at Sugar Momma’s Custom Cakes & Cupcakes, located at 107 South Main.