The weather was quite nice in Elm Springs this week.

The Elm Springs schoolchildren, accompanied mostly by their mothers or someone else’s mother, attended the unveiling of the long-awaited South Dakota quarter at a ceremony at Mt. Rushmore Monday. For their troubles, each kid received a free South Dakota quarter, although their mothers had to buy one if they wanted one.

Several of the kind citizens, including Matt Trask, accompanied by Hillary Krogman of Rapid City, attended the Don Williams Farewell Tour concert in Rapid City Tuesday. The sold-out crowd sat enchanted as Mr. Williams plunked his lanky frame in a chair surrounded by his very professional band and sang hit after hit, punctuated with comments like, “well boys, I guess we need to do one more.” Although age might be creeping into Don’s joints, it hasn’t got anywhere near those resonant vocal cords.

Several of the kind citizens seemed to be in a daze when called for news this week, giving vague answers as if they had just woke up.

For example, Marvin and Carolyn Anders went to town “Friday or maybe a different day” for groceries.

Rod and Kelly Anders and kids entertained Matt Trask Friday night. Rod and Kelly went to Deadwood Saturday night while the kids entertained Joe Trask and Tyler Wilson back at the ranch.

Clyde Arneson went to several towns Thursday on business, with the principal destination being Sturgis. Friday morning Clyde realized he’d made the whole trip in four wheel drive.

And Lawrence Burke reported somewhat fuzzily that Clyde was a coffee visitor at the Burke residence “Saturday and another day” and that he and Doris went to town “one day” for “groceries and the like.”

Ryan and Chrissy Elshere went to Philip Friday to attend an NFR send-off party for Ryan’s brother JJ, who will compete in the saddle bronc riding in Las Vegas.

Larry and Peggy Gravatt went to Rapid City Friday where they visited Jack before meeting Brett and Coral Erickson and Madi and Steele at the Outback Steakhouse for a celebration of Larry’s unquantified birthday. Carter Gravatt spent the weekend with Larry and Peggy.

Matt Trask and Uncle Jim Linn were the sole visitors at the Andy Linn residence for the week, both on Wednesday night. Jim was there for supper and Matt was there for a guitar lesson and supper.

John and Jean Linn joined a bus trip to Branson, MO, returning Friday. Kassandra stayed all night at the “Big House” Saturday night.

Max and Sarah Miller left the Cary Tines residence for Wyoming Monday. Throughout the week, John Moore of Sutherland, NE who is staying at the Wilma Moore residence with Wilma, was a frezuent coffee guest at the Cary Tines’. Pam took delivery of several chickens from the Hutterites on Friday, and Saturday, accompanied by Clay Tines and Sammi Stein, she delivered some of them to family in Wyoming.

Of course the “Elk Creek Trasks” plowed through week two of the Dakota Trophies madness, and didn’t have time for much else.

The “Upland Trasks,” in addition to hosting several hunters, had quite a week. RoseMary went to Rapid City for jury duty Tuesday. John Paul Trask left for Wyoming to begin working in the coal mines on Thursday. And Celine Trask attended Autumn Deering’s birthday party in Rapid City on Saturday, while Pat spent the afternoon at the Two Rivers Ranch on an informal tour given by Les Kirkham, who worked their years ago.

In addition to his other wanderings, Matt Trask went to Huron Thursday to watch the #8 Wall Lady Eagles in their first round loss to #1 Arlington at the State B Volleyball championships. The Lady Eagles got eighth place at the tournament. Maria Trask spent Saturday night with Matt, and Matt and Maria had to run to Wasta to pick up the returning Celine.

Tyler Wilson and young Saber were weekend visitors at the Kenny Wilsons and several other people, including Marsha Eisenbraun and Mrs. Curtis, were Sunday visitors.

The kind citizens wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.