“All the people gave a loud shout of praise to the Lord.” Ezra 3:11

Our Weisbrod family Thanksgiving dinner was early this year - November 9 at the Kiowa County Community Building on the fairgrounds. Marla Darnell and her crew served over 210 guests the noon meal. Marla, Robyn Jorgensen, Trista Wood, J. B. Brown, and Brenden Refenschider worked many hours roasting turkeys, baking rolls, and preparing potatoes and gravy, as well as beverages and more wonderful foods. Many families bought salads or desserts to add to the delicious menu. We were entertained by the singing of Johnny Leon of Tribune, Kansas. We were happy to see his wife, Brenda Leon, Sunday on her electric scooter. Since Brenda had surgery on her feet, we had not seen her for three weeks, and we all do miss her cheerfulness and many entertaining ideas. We residents whose families who responded to the invitation to dine with us were very happy to see them. For me, it was the happiest day of this year to see so many of my dear family at one time.

Friday night, we watched the Eads girls play in the state volleyball tournament at Plateau Valley School, way over in the mountains. A little over hour drive from there and you will arrive in Utah. We won two games, and then lost two games, however we lost the fifth game. Our girls did well this year and had a nice weekend away.

At home, our football team played in the state quarterfinal game and lost. Even though several of our stronger players were out with injuries, the other players played well.

Sunday evening several people traveled over to Haswell to play cards with the Seniors at their Center.

The annual Veterans Day Banquet at the Kiowa County Community Building was cooked and served by the staff of Jennifer Rittgers Schofield’s JJ’s Restaurant. The guests were served by mostly junior high to high school age students. The first course was a chef salad, then a hamburger steak or pork loin with fresh vegetables, gravy, and homemade rolls with a delicious thick brownie. Four impressive looking- and sounding men from the state and/or national American Legion spoke to us on his area expertise. The most positive man spoke to us about his concern for so many service men and some women who commit suicide. He gave us tips on how to talk to a person we may be concerned about. Then Areta Blooding-Laird told is about her Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Since she had this wonderful experience of four days in the nation’s capitol, her mission has been to encourage other veterans to apply for this honor trip. Legion President Dan Richards went with his volunteer caretaker daughter, Amy Weirich, who took many memorable photos that have been published in the Kiowa County Press. Cindy Berry McLoud updated the audience on her progress with work on the American Legion Hall, and how Moe Sagner and his crew have repaired the historic hall. The finale of the evening was when Carole Spady and Michelle Nelson presented beautiful quilts they had made to honor National Guardsmen Duane Stoker and his brother, Eldon Stoker, who received quilts with an eagle design. Donnie Spady received a quilt made by his sister, Bobbie Wroblewski, and Kent Davis received a quilt constructed by his wife, Rhonda, and mother, Phyllis Griswould.

One of our main joys is each month when Charlene Gifford’s third grader students come to visit us. They sang “Star Spangled Banner,” “Thankful for the U.S.A.,” “Hip Hop Turkey” and “The Greatest Season.” They were proud to tell us that Trey Eder let them all sing from the football announcer’s tower for the first football game. After their performance, we enjoyed a treat together. Each adopted grandchild colored a placemat together with their adopted grandparent, which the child will finish at school and we will have them by Thanksgiving Day.

Tuesday morning on Veterans Day, Plainview School east of Sheridan Lake hosted a memorable assembly to honor the following men from their community: Eugene Splitter, Paul Corneleus, and John Robinson.

Eads High School’s former coach, Gail Crawford, has been inducted into Colorado Class of 2026 Hall of Fame. Coach Crawford’s teams brought home five state championships, five runners-up to state, and other awards. Mr. Crawford’s goal was to build character and leadership in his athletes. The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be officially inducted at a ceremony April 22, 2026, at the Douglas County School District’s Legacy Campus, 10035 S. Peoria Street in Lone Tree. To purchase tickets go to https://fs16.formsite.com/grAehi/hew2qyrxor/index

Our county extends our sympathy to the families of Merle Shalberg, who died November 10. His wife, Carol, is dear to many families, and his sister, Charlotte (Bill) Woelk and their families.

Remember Thursday, November 19, is our annual senior citizen Thanksgiving dinner at the Eads Senior Citizen Center. As usual, it is potluck, or leave a donation as you sign in. That same evening, the Haswell senior community will have their traditional Thanksgiving meal at their center.

The Weisbrod Health Auxiliary had their monthly meeting at JJ’s Restaurant to finalize their plans for the annual Bazaar November 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Leaders Diane Flory and Mary Ellen Englehardt reviewed the floor plan. They have had six or more calls warting space inside. There will be some booths on the outside. Come to our Bazaar for fun, great shopping, and a good lunch under the direction of Gloria Trosper! See you at the Bazaar November 22!