There can now be no doubt in Elm Springs or anywhere else that summer is over, with the Tuesday night cold front which produced the first heavy frost of the season and dropped several inches of snow in the Northern Black Hills, as the kind citizens rummaged through closets and attics, trying to locate their cold weather apparel.

The Country Red Hat Ladies, after a several-months-long hiatus, ventured forth Friday afternoon. As if it wasn’t enough that these Ladies defy conventional wisdom in their wardrobe selection, now they are recruiting younger women to join their ranks. One of these younger women, who wear pink hats until such time as they can become full-fledged members, is still in grade school. CRH Ladies on the outing to Rapid City, to watch a play entitled “South Pacific” at the Dahl Fine Arts Center Friday, inluded Sandy Fields, Jean Linn, Carolyn Anders, Caroline Wilsey, Norma Pellegrin, and Linda Tifft. Their Pink Hat counterparts were Kelli Linn, Charlotte Wilsey, and her daughter Laura Wilsey. If young Laura is not careful, she could find herself engaged in other activities such as crocheting or collecting figurines.

A handful of the kind citizens attended the REA annual meeting in Wall Saturday.

Marvin and Carolyn Anders went to the Livermont cabin in the Badlands Sunday, for a family barbecue.

Clyde and Connie Arneson attended the NUHS Homecoming crowning ceremony Tuesday night in New Underwood.

Lawrence and Doris Burke went to Sturgis Thursday on business, and entertained Clyde Arneson Friday morning at their home.

Lynn and Sandy Fields went to Sturgis on business Wednesday.

Sam and Cary Johnston , in celebration of their wedding anniversary, accompanied Roger and Tammy Bills to Deadwood Saturday night, staying all night, and visiting the Bills’ residence for supper Sunday night. The Johnston children stayed with Norma Pellegrin over the weekend.

Charlotte, Laura and Katie Wilsey came out to Elm Springs to visit the various Linn households over the weekend.

Clyde Arneson was a Wednesday dinner guest at the Morris Linns, and Jean Linn was a Thursday morning coffee visitor there. Friday, Shirrise and Kassandra went to Rapid City to help Grandma Arlene Talley. They were treated to supper in by the Kei Oberlander family. Charlotte Wilsey and girls were visitors both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday , they were joined at the Morris Linns by John and Jean Linn, to enjoy homemade donuts. Matt Trask of course, showed up to enjoy homemade donuts as well.

The Andy Linns went to Rapid City Sunday where they took in dinner and a movie.

The Pauleys took advantage of the first weather-related school cancellation Wednesday to spend the day in Rapid City. Bud and Emilee Pauley returned to Rapid City Friday.

Stacey Ferris was a supper guest at the Cary Tines residence Saturday night.

Tom Trask returned to the “Elk Creek Trask” ranch Thursday from a bear hunt in Alaska.

RoseMary and Maria Trask attended the Wall JV football game against Philip Monday afternoon. And on Friday, RoseMary and her three little girls went to Philip to visit Milton Trask in the hospital. Pat, Nick and Al Trask went to Rapid City Sunday night to visit Milton.

Matt Trask crashed a wedding rehearsal dinner for Carol Halter and Adam Somebody or Other Friday evening at the Rocking R Saloon in Hermosa. Ms. Halter, who by now is Mrs. Somebody or Other, was a grade ahead of Matt at St. Thomas More High School. Fortunately for the Halters and the Somebody or Others, Matt had just finished eating. And Matt visited the Larry Volmer residence in Wicksville for supper and more Halloween candy Saturday. Visitors at the Matt Trask residence were Joe Trask, Coby and Clay Tines, and Kody DeVries, all on Saturday night.

If all of the cattle work in Elm Springs were reported in the ESN, it would be very long indeed, but one cattle drive is worth mentioning, the Wilson Brothers cattle drive from Sage Creek south of Wasta, right through the town of Wasta, to Elm Springs. Except for the last two years, this two day drive has happened every year since 1991. Since it had been two years since the last drive, some in the community speculated that the cowboys could have difficulty herding the cattle through Wasta, as they did the first year, and some were dissappointed to learn that the drive went very smoothly.

Mary Kay Wilson and Shirley Kitterman attended the Custer State Park buffalo roundup Monday.

Jim and Caroline Wilsey took an automobile tour of the Black Hills Saturday afternoon, including a drive through Spearfish Canyon to see the renowned fall foliage there.

The kind citizens hope you have found your sweaters and stocking caps by now.