“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

County Agent Tearle Lessenden and his Administrative Assistant, Krystal Eikenberg, organized a nice 4-H Achievement Day last Monday. For some time, they didn’t know if they would be allowed to have interviews, however the good news came down from the authorities that the judging could be conducted in the community building under quite restrictive rules. But it worked out nicely, with judges coming from other counties to do interview judging with the member about their projects. Ms. Eikenberg sent out a memo that 39 winning projects will be taken to the Colorado State Fair. Tearle and Krystal were so pleased to have a representative from 21^st Century Equipment Company of Cheyenne Wells leave a very generous check for youth awards. The members will receive gift awards later. The members who received Grand Champion in eight categories were Morgyn Johnson, Aspen Nelson, Case Nelson, Alexa Nelson, Hailee Trosper, Itzi Ramirez, and Alexa Nelson, who will represent Kiowa County in the state fashion show. Thank you to 4-H Leader Gloria Trosper, who narrated the fashion show and worked with many little Clover Bud members outside to make homemade ice cream!

Some Eads seniors met for brunch at the center last week, which was so tasty. One of the best foods to me was LaVerle Kelley’s delicious caramel pecan cinnamon rolls. Plus, they reminded me of what a hit it was when she made them for the teenagers in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and visiting Air Force cadets, who came from the academy in Colorado Springs for a rally. Although they were thrilled to get to go to the Kelley ranch in the Prairie Queen Community, they looked forward to those cinnamon rolls! Our director, Gail Voss, also served her well-liked sausage gravy and biscuits and scrambled eggs plus other pot luck entrees. Circle August 19 for the noon dinner.

When I was leaving JJ’s Restaurant, an attractive lady greeted me. She was Bernice (Criswell) Carlock of the Eads High School class of 1947. Bernice and two of her friends from Swink drove up to Eads to just look around her home town. She is a delightful lady who was glad to learn about other good things going on in the community.

Another lady who says she reads the Eads newspapers from cover to cover wrote a four page letter to me. This 90-year-old lady, LaVella Gadash, formerly of Wiley, told me about her children and grandchildren, and related a lot of history to me about our esteemed music teacher, Philomene Liesen. Philomene taught music in Eads and Wiley. Now, Mrs. Gadash lives in Lamar. She told me delightful stories of this music teacher who so impacted the lives of students and families in both communities. She also told me about her granddaughter, Chelsey Davis, who operates the Dematasse Coffee Shop on Maine Street Eads.

If you haven’t been to visit Cindy McLoud’s antique and vintage shop across from the Home Town Gas & Grill, this is a place that is so classy inside, with lovely dishes, historic tools, books, metals and food. The array of Schaaf Brothers salsa, steak sauces, and wine sundae toppings are impressive. Schaaf Brothers products have been produced in La Junta for years. 

At the Chamber of Commerce meeting last week, I learned that we will not be able to have the breakfasts or the barbeque at the county fair. However, the board hopes to have some food booths approved. There will be animal, homemaking, art, and gardening-type exhibits shown. The Chamber will get photos in the two newspapers of the six new businesses that we didn’t get taken in the last five months.

Having two streets repaved with black top is a huge improvement on Maine and Rittgers. It caused a lot of confusion for some people trying to find pathways to homes and meeting places Wednesday.

Many families and fans are feeling let down because we won’t have fall football or volleyball this season. However, a number of boys are out on the course practicing the game of golf. They have four tournaments in August in La Junta, Rocky Ford, Burlington, and Cheyenne Wells.

Last week, when Norma Emerson of Elizabeth drove her niece, April, from Grand Island, Nebraska, by Norma’s former Troue home southeast of Kit Carson, they saw some cows out of their pasture. April was excited to feel that she was in the wild west. Norma called Barry Koch, since he and Suzette live on her childhood farm site, to tell him. The Kochs had a good rain the night before and the cattle found a way out.

Joyce Berry wrote such an interesting article about gardening. That is a good thing because many Americans are trying to plant gardens for the first time. We have questions.

The Eads School students will start classes August 12-13, so let’s be aware if we are out driving around that we be careful about the little ones and the teenagers.

A note from Kas (Fischer) Stewart. In an abundance of caution – how many times have we heard that this year and it usually means the end of an event! I don’t believe this is the right time or place for us to have a reunion. So, cancel any plans you had to be in Eads this year for the class of ‘65’ fifty-five reunion and circle the second full weekend in September 2021 and we will celebrate our 56^th anniversary.  Gosh, what a number.  I thought getting old would take a little longer.  Best wishes to everyone – stay safe.

My thought is that God wants us to vote for the people, principles, and platforms that will uphold and advance His justice in the world. Please be informed and vote. Peace.