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Superior Essex STAR
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Pictured left to right are: Tony Szot, Plant Manager; Mike Potter, Manufacturing Supervisor; Joey Cotten, Production Manager; Dan Ukens, STAR Employee; John Glassman, Manufacturing Manager; Jennifer Dixon, Human Resources Manager.
Updated: Feb 1, 2015, 4:44 PM
Published: Jan 28, 2015, 4:45 PM

Superior Essex of Hoisington announces the latest recipient of the STAR Employee Recognition Award. Dan Ukens, Jacketing Operator, was named the fourth quarter 2014 STAR Employee and will be treated to a dinner in his honor, a customized gift pack, a plaque, and STAR Employee parking privileges.
The Superior Essex STAR Recognition Award Program is designed to recognize STAR employees (Superior Teamwork Attitude and Results) for their outstanding teamwork, service, attitude, performance, and commitment to achieving the Plant’s goals. One award is given quarterly to an outstanding employee, and the selection is based on peer nominations.   
Dan has worked at Superior Essex since February 1998. He consistently demonstrates all of the qualities expected of a ‘STAR’ employee such as high work quality, work ethic, safe work practices, initiative, attitude, teamwork, volunteerism, mentoring skills, patience, and dependability. His peer nomination stated, “Dan has a very positive attitude. He has helped train several operators on complex product lines and is always supportive of new products, helping create a positive work environment. He is a valued member of the safety committee and follows all safety rules and procedures. Furthermore, Dan is always willing to make suggestions which help to improve working conditions. His commitment to quality is persistent. He is quick to resolve quality issues helping to make sure customers receive quality products. Additionally, he volunteers for safety audits and helps with projects assigned to others. Dan deserves this award for his dedication to Superior Essex, for his willingness to help where he is needed, and for his commitment to quality. He is an outstanding employee who works well with all employees, volunteers for overtime, volunteers for audits, and helps engineering with product trials.”
Tony Szot, Plant Manager, said, “Dan is an exceptional employee with a positive attitude, strong commitment to quality, effective work habits, patience, and a great mentor. He has been a valuable asset in training other employees on one of the newer, more difficult processes. Additionally, Dan is always willing to make suggestions for improvements and is a valued member of the Safety Committee. Based upon his positive attitude, great work ethic, and dedication, Dan is a model of a STAR employee and is an excellent choice for the fourth quarter STAR employee award.”
Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.