“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17

The Maine Street Bash will be held in Eads July 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Jan Richards, Director of the Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation, welcomed the community to the annual meeting that was held last Tuesday evening in the Prairie Pines dining room around attractive balloon festooned tables that fill the whole dining room. The guests enjoyed a buffet prepared by the Pines staff and hosted by KCEDF. Two young businesses were highlighted by their owners. Jennifer Stum told about her millet seed-based food mixes that she makes in her home. The packages are labeled “CJ Milling of Towner”. She told about the products that she sells. The other business, “719 Metal Works,” Brandon Hoffman related that he has moved his metal machinist’s business to the former sunflower oil building. He currently is employing four people where they have a tool shop and do jobs for farmers, oil well businesses and other metal related items. Then Director Richards gave updates on progress of the future Southeast Mental Health Office that will house an office for Hospice and a professional counselor in the new building just south of the USDA building. This will be shared by Dan Richard’s Well Calibration Company. Occupancy is slated for October. Another building site just west of the historic barn will be six apartment units which will be managed by SECED. Mrs. Richards also told about the Go Native Grant that Priscilla Waggoner wrote that is a marketing grant to promote Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers counties. Another much needed business is the Little Leaders Learning and Care Center, which will be housed this fall in the south wing of the Baptist Church. Their open house will be August 1 at 7:00 pm. The Chamber of Commerce Award were made by President, ennis Pearson giving the “Citizen of the Year” plaque to Marilyn Baxter and thanking her for her years of dedication to the town as an officer on the Chamber of Commerce and as the Mayor of the Town of Eads. Doris Lessenden presented The “Volunteers of the Year“ plaque and biography of Lane and Debbie Gooden for their years for service as educators in Haswell and Eads, and more recently as pastors of Praise Community Church, where they reach out in many ways to comfort and minister to others, as well as serve on several boards. KCDEF acknowledged Prairie Pines Assisted Living Center as the Business of the Year. Administrator Pam Weirich accepted the plaque and gave a review of the history of the Pines. She especially acknowledged her team, a term she prefers to use for her staff. Many of them were there to celebrate the award. What a lovely evening it was!

Town of Eads life guards are vital to the swimming pool. According to Shealynn McCracken, Assistant Clerk, at the Town Hall, the life guards this year are Chase Stolzenberger, Emily Gyurman, Kaylee Wilson, Kyra Sheridan, Mindi Uhland, and Rhealie Rittgers. Brittanie Newman is the swimming lesson instructor. Thank you, to these young people who enjoy their part time job and serve our community in this way.

Fried chicken by Gail Voss, our Director, made a real hit as the entrée at the Eads senior citizen noon dinner. Joyce Berry made mashed potatoes, and Madonna Pollreis brought potato salad and other ladies brought side dishes. Dr. Dennis Bartha was a guest who spoke to us about his work at Weisbrod as a Physical Therapists. He invited seniors to come for an evaluation and possible therapy. Char (Woelk) Korell warned people who are teachers or government workers on the new Medicare Advantage Insurance to be sure to get a doctor’s referral in advance of any treatment, surgery, or care because it may not be approved to be paid by insurance. Another visitor was Priscilla Waggoner, President of the Hospital Board. Doris Lessenden spoke about the newest floor plan that our architect, Belinda Zink, has designed for us. We are in the “waiting stage” now. She also gave a summary of many of the fun and entertaining vendors, games, music groups they could enjoy at the Maine Street Bash, as well as the Prairie Pines Color Run.

The Stolzenberger family, Darrell, Jodi, Chase, and Molly and her close friend, Nya Morgan of Missouri, went on a cruise last week. Both girls graduated from high school this year, so it was time to celebrate!

I have heard that the wheat harvest was very good for most farmers this year. It helps when we have had some of these showers. 

Eads Future Farmers of America members Hatch Nelson, Kaycee Ellenberger, Allison Spady, and Colby Stoker, returned from the national conference in Washington, D.C., last weekend. Thanks to their sponsors, Mrs. James and Ms Konig.

Renee Woods said she and Bob are still receiving cards and calls, which they do enjoy. 

The Maine Street Bash will be held Saturday, July 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is free. Activities include four bands, singers, vendors with goods to sell, Fabulous KidsZone, Corn Hole tournaments, poker run, Eaglet dancers at 5:30 p.m., terrific food booths, beer garden, flea market, and other features.

Welcome to Eads Harrison and Judy Fell, who have moved to a lovely home in Eads from Holly some time ago. It is so nice that they can be near to their grandsons, Rhett and Spencer, who are both talented singers like their mother, Monica Uhland.