The Ulysses News would like to welcome Tyler Hook, who has stepped up as Special Correspondent, helping the paper keep pace with everything happening across the community.
While not exactly a new face, Tyler has been a longtime contributor to The Ulysses News, having written numerous articles, histories, biographies, and editorials over the years. His work has also appeared in a variety of publications, including Toy Farmer and Heritage Iron Magazine, and he has even been featured in the High Plains Journal. Tyler’s writing has reached readers across the region through newspapers such as the Johnson Pioneer, Syracuse Journal, Butler County Times, and Rebekah 2 Rebekah.
Nancy Wallace-Kletecka, Managing Editor and Publisher at The Ulysses News, said Tyler has been a "good fit".
"Tyler's enthusiasm reminds me of me when I was much younger," Kletecka said. "I would turn in five to six stories a day at a daily newspaper and Tyler is constantly in that mode of looking for the next story as well. He has been a great addition to our staff."
A seventh-generation southwest Kansas native, Tyler has a gift for preserving and retelling the stories of the region’s roots — many of which tie directly to his own family’s history.
A longtime resident of Big Bow, Kan., Tyler graduated from Ulysses High School in 2018 before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University. At just 21, he took over the family farm following the passing of his father, Darin Hook. Today, he balances life on the farm with his role in the Operations Support Center at Scout Energy, where he works shift work supporting field operations.
When time allows, Tyler is rarely idle. An avid reader, he’s constantly learning — devouring books, articles, and papers each week. He’s also a passionate photographer, often seen shooting with a Pentax or vintage film camera, keeping alive the traditional arts of black-and-white and color darkroom photography, including the rare tintype process.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Tyler is an accomplished maker. Using his 3D printers and laser cutters, he builds and sells an average of 2,500 custom models each year. He also enjoys genealogy, which dovetails naturally with his love for local history, and spends his spare time tinkering with antique tractors, Wegele mowers, and just about anything mechanical. Known for his technical know-how, he’s often the first call when someone needs help with engines or GPS systems.
If you see Tyler around town, be sure to say hello — and if you have a story idea or something you’d like to see in the paper, he’ll be glad to hear it.!
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