Two New Faces Join HPD Committee

There are two new faces on the local Home Products Dinner Committee who will be working on next year's event with current members: Tyler Hook and Britley Sierra.

Tyler Hook is a lifelong resident of Big Bow, Kan., and a seventh-generation resident of Western Kansas whose family helped pioneer and shape many communities across the region.

He began his schooling in Stanton County before transferring to Ulysses in seventh grade, where he graduated with the Class of 2018. During his school years, Tyler was active in both Stanton County 4-H Club—where he continues to help with club days and judging local fairs—and the Ulysses FFA chapter. His early passion for writing also earned him recognition, as he contributes regularly to the Ulysses News and was named one of the paper’s “Top 18 Under 18” in 2018.

Following high school, Tyler attended Wichita State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. While in college, he founded Hook’s Legacy Customs, a small manufacturing business specializing in replica farm models. Using advanced technologies such as 3D printing, plastic injection molding, and precision machining, his work has opened opportunities to contribute to machinery design and the future of agriculture and manufacturing.

Tyler has also been deeply involved in fraternal and community organizations. He is active in Ulysses Masonic Lodge #435, Eastern Star #471, several Oddfellows and Rebekah lodges in Kansas and Oklahoma, the Bayneville Grange, and the York Rite in Liberal. Within these organizations, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including being the current Deputy Grand Master of the Kansas Oddfellows and Grand Pursuivant for the Grand Lodge of Kansas AF&AM.

At just 21 years old, Tyler took over his family’s farming, custom farming, and custom harvesting operation after the sudden passing of his father, Darin Hook. Despite the challenges, he completed his degree and returned home to continue the family legacy. In 2022, he was appointed to the U.S. Selective Service Board as a Local Board Member. He has also written two manuscripts—one on the history of Gleaner combines and another on the history of Kansas manufacturing—both of which are in the process of being published.

Today, Tyler divides his time between farming, running Hook’s Legacy Customs, and working in the Operations Support Center for Scout Energy. A familiar face at local museums, libraries, and community events, he continues to contribute to the Ulysses News and magazines such as Heritage Iron. He also enjoys time with his nieces, being an avid film photographer, and makes it a priority to attend annual Miami Nation powwows, a tribe which he is a member of.

For 11 years, Tyler has been actively involved with the Home Products Dinner in different capacities, an event he regards as one of Grant County’s finest traditions. In 2025, he was honored to join the committee, furthering his dedication to preserving and celebrating local heritage.

Britley Sierra

For Britley Sierra, Grant County has always been home. A lifetime resident, she graduated from Ulysses High School and has built her life and career in the very community where her family’s roots run deep. She and her spouse, Sophia Sierra, are raising their daughter, Alex, surrounded by generations of family who have long called Grant County home. Her grandparents, Donald and Peggy Phelps, have also been lifelong residents, and Britley is the daughter of Shannan Phelps. She grew up alongside her three brothers—Brance, Bravane (Alex), and Brady—and her sister, ShaAne.

Rodeo has always been a defining part of Sierra’s life. She has been deeply involved with the Ulysses Bit & Spur Club as a board member, and her passion for agriculture and community youth programs led her to serve on the Grant County Extension Board. Her 4-H journey began with 12 years as a member, and since then she has volunteered for 17 more years, continuing to mentor and support the next generation.

Her dedication to service extends far beyond the arena. Sierra is active in the Ulysses Rotary Club and recently joined the Home Products Dinner committee as a 2025 inductee. She remembers helping with the event as a young 4-Her, and now, years later, she is proud to give back to an event that embodies the values of community togetherness.

Professionally, Sierra has worked for Pioneer Communications for the past seven years, first in the call center and now as a customer care specialist. She enjoys connecting with people daily and values the role she plays in helping serve local families and businesses.

Outside of work and service, Sierra cherishes time with her family, enjoys baking, and can often be found cheering on her nieces and nephews at sporting events. No matter what else fills her schedule, rodeo remains close to her heart—something she says is “in her blood.”

For Sierra, being part of Grant County means more than just living here. It’s about contributing to the community that has shaped her. “Community is all about supporting one another and coming together to achieve great things,” she said. “This event does exactly that, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”