Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love, Honor one another above your selves.” 

When I was visiting Patti (Dunlap) Richardson in her Prairie Pines room two weeks ago, we were delighted to hear the sound the of the train whistle passing through Eads. I counted about 20 cargo cars. We reminisced about our childhood memories of the Eagle train that used to traverse the county. After many years of no trains at all, we, locals need to be vigilant of trains when we drive over the two crossings in town. Sadly, for those of us who loved Pattie, she died February 23. Her funeral was lovely, with many floral arrangements, and the message and prayers offered by Pastor Janita Krayniack and Pastor Paul Floyd in the Eads United Methodist Church. We extend our sympathy to her children and their spouses, Debra, Monti, Monica, and Darla. 

Trevor Randel’s mother, Janelle Crow, has received word that her son has graduated from MCT school and is a Marine cadet.

Linda Trosper was busy Friday afternoon hanging one of Vi Koch’s beautiful, mostly green quilts that she made for one of Stephanie Buck’s daughters. It is perfect for March, with cute little kittens and spring motifs. The residents and visitors at the Weisbrod Extended Care Unit will enjoy this lovely wall hanging.

Last week, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members, Bill Trosper, Richard Glover, and Areta Laird, visited the seventh and eighth grade classes to present certificates to Patriot’s Pen essay contest winners, Ashlie Briggs (3^rd) and Arron Musgrave, (2^nd). The essays were judged by several people for several schools. Thanks to educator Kelly Courkamp, who encouraged the students to write on the topic, “What Makes America Great.” This is the topic all across the nation for middle school students. Other seventh grade Students are Kiera Coen, Koree Ellenberger, Zoie Kraft, Stockton Mitcheck, Case Nelson, Alessadera Pael, Katherine Trosper, and Spencer Uhland. Eighth grade students are Bo Arnold, Megan Briggs, William Elam, Kaylee Gough, Katie Johnson, Rachel Kopasz, Brentley Lening, Madison McDowell, Owen Sorter, Porter Spady, and Breanna Wilson. Ashlie and Arron’s essays will now be judged at the district level in the VFW competition.

It is rather a shock to drive into Haswell on the curve to see the former James and Cleta Englehardt home completely gone! Burned. When I asked why, I was told, “well, they can’t take the rubble to the landfill.” That is probably what the elevator company will do with the former home of Scotty and Valarie Briggs, which has been stripped. The elevator company needs the land to store grain.

It was nice to see brothers, Oscar and Ronnie Ridgeway, at Pattie Richardson’s funeral. They have always felt like family since their youth rodeo days. Oscar and Brandi’s son, Wyatt, has recently received a medal for winning the 2020 Colorado State JOAD Archery Championship and the 2020 USA Archery Championship. This young man, who is in middle school, is growing up quickly and winning many competitions in other states that his parents take him to compete from their home in Highlands Ranch.

Ryan and Lessa Trosper, formerly of Eads and Swink, moved last fall to Ruidoso, New Mexico, for a teaching job. I thought that was desert ranch land, but they are going to move into a new home on the side of a mountain. Ryan likes to fly fish for rainbow trout.

This is district basketball time in Lamar for three days for the winning teams. Our Lady Eagles played for the district championship. Coach Trey Eder and Coach Justin McLoud’s Eagles will move on to the regional playoffs in La Junta next Friday and Saturday. Lonnie and Debbie Eder, Trey’s parents, drove down from Fort Collins to watch the games.

Ash Wednesday was February 26, when some area churches had services. If worshipers want to attend Lent services, they are welcome to come to Trinity Lutheran Church on South Main in Kit Carson at 6:00 p.m. for the next six Wednesdays.

To have my home filled with lots of family members, food, and fun again has been one of my dreams for a long time. What fun it was to watch with my three siblings, our nieces and nephews, and little great great nephews and nieces as they became acquainted and played. What a blessing it was for us. We are happy that our Rachel (Buck) and husband, Bryan Matuski, are expecting twins this spring.

This week, the Eads Future Farmers of America have been celebrating National FFA week with a barn yard day, teacher appreciation breakfast, and evening game night. 

Brunch for senior citizens at the Eads Center is Thursday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Lexi and Hunter Uhland of south Haswell were hosted with a baby shower last Friday evening at the community center. They are also expecting twins, so their families and friends are excited for their growing family. They have two handsome little cowboys to welcome them home.

I have invited people before, now I am pleading for people to get out of bed Thursday mornings and come to coffee hour at 9:00 a.m. at the Weisbrod Extended Care Unit (nursing home). You could brighten the lives of the residents, and caretakers, too.

Try to show more love and kindness to others. It feels so good!