Representatives of the Southern Pioneer Electric Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program awarded a $1,800 grant to Young at Heart, Inc. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to help the organization replace an electrical fuse box inside its building.

Center Director Alicia Cox says it is a necessary upgrade to keep the center open for the public.

“In order for us to continue providing essential services to our community, the electrical box must be replaced,” Cox said. “The current box is out of date. Replacing it will allow us to continue serving our community and also improve safety.”

To be considered for H.U.G.S. grants, an organization must demonstrate need in one of the focus areas listed within the program’s guidelines. Focus areas include: human needs, education, culture and art, civic and environment.

“The H.U.G.S. team felt that the Young At Heart electrical box project fit within multiple focus areas for the program,” said Ruby Terrazas, H.U.G.S. team member. “We are glad to be a small part, helping the center to continue its mission.”

The Southern Pioneer Electric Helping Us Give To Society (H.U.G.S.) team awarded the Seward County Sheriff’s Office with a $4,000 grant courtesy of the program and an additional $4,000 matching grant from CoBank’s Sharing Success program on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The grants will help the Sheriff’s office continue its K-9 Program after the retirement of its previous K-9 at the end of 2025.

“The K-9 program is incredibly beneficial to our department and community,” said Sgt. Bo Jacobs, K-9 Supervisor for the Seward County Sheriff’s Office. “This program provides a professional and lawful approach to criminal enforcement and deterrence.”

H.U.G.S grants are considered for projects that benefit residents and communities within Southern Pioneer Electric’s service territory. Projects must fall within one or more focus categories outlined in the program’s guidelines. Those include human needs, education, culture and arts, civic and environment.

“The H.U.G.S. team felt that the K-9 program is a huge asset to the Liberal community and others in the surrounding area,” said Ruby Terrazas, H.U.G.S. spokesperson. “We look forward to seeing how this program can grow and continue keeping residents safe.”

A reception for K9 Britt will be held on Thursday, February 26 at the Seward County Commission Chambers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Southern Pioneer Electric Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program presented the Comanche County Emergency Services with a $2,000 grant to further the development of their drone program. The program will provide aerial support in emergency situations.

“Our territory is predominantly rural with topographical challenges that make the drone an incredibly valuable tool,” said Jacob Bruckner, Comanche County Sheriff. “The drone will provide ground personnel with an aerial view and make identifying missing or lost persons more efficient. We will be able to better assess situations and determine interventions for any emergency without putting personnel in potentially hazardous situations.”

The H.U.G.S. program was designed to help support not-for-profit community organizations and programs in Southern Pioneer Electric’s service territory that may have financial needs. To qualify for a grant, organizations must meet the criteria outlined and apply to the program.

“H.U.G.S. is our way of giving back to our consumers and helping them bring projects like the Comanche County Sheriff’s Emergency Services’ drone program to life,” said Ruby Terrazas, H.U.G.S. team member. “Projects like this fulfill a vital need in the community, and we’re honored to be a small part of it.”

 

Learn more about H.U.G.S.