It has been so unbelievably hot here in Elm Springs that man and beast alike have all they can do just to survive. We have been extremely fortunate to have only had one fire so far this summer, and we should probably stop to take stock of that.

Several of the kind citizens attended a cookout at Al and Bridget’s Castle on Thursday night, where they were required to help dispose of a beer keg. They did a very good job.

And several of the kind citizens attended a going-away party for Sean Troxel on Friday night at the Wasta Bar. Young Mr. Troxel is leaving for the U.S. Army boot camp Tuesday.

Marvin and Carolyn Anders hosted Justin Lineberry and family of Meckling for a few days last week.

Larry and Peggy Gravatt returned Wednesday from Lake Ganeva, WI, where Larry had been taking classes for the REA and Peggy had been relaxing. Friday, Larry and Peggy picked up granddaughter Abigail Miller, who spent the night with them in Elm Springs for the first time, while her parents Mike and Amber biked the entire Mickelson Trail. Larry and Peggy went to Deadwood Saturday to return Abigail to her parents. Sunday, they went to Rapid City to take Jack out for lunch.

The Andy Linns had so much fun in the Belle Fourche River last time that they returned with more people on Sunday. The Andy Linns, Brett Wilsey and his girls, Clyde Arneson, and Lonnie Arneson’s dog all had fun in the Belle Fourche River near the Lonnie Arneson residence. Lonnie, it should be noted, was not home.

John and Jean Linn returned home from Union, OR, Saturday.

Morris Linn hosted Nick Trask for supper and a haircut Tuesday night. Friday, Morris went to Deerfield, where he spent the weekend helping Dave Hicks build a garage.

Bunny Pauley and her girls went to the Playday rodeo in Enning on Tuesday, spent Thursday and Friday near Ft. Pierre helping Diana Melvin with the “Back at the Ranch” program, watched Jesse Bail at the Days of ‘76 Rodeo in Deadwood on Saturday, and competed in the 4-H rodeo in New Underwood on Sunday before hosting Jesse Sunday night.

Cary and Pam Tines helped with the going away party on Friday, went to Douglas WY to celebrate Max and Sarah Miller’s 50^th wedding anniversary and attend the Miller family reunion, and hosted motorcycling friends from Florida Sunday evening.

Young Tucker O’Rourke became the first guest at Al and Bridget’s Castle, staying overnight Friday. Al and Bridget have of course hosted several “Upland Trasks” during the day.

The “Upland Trasks” bid farewell to Mike and Steve Bucher and Jim Haneke of Sioux Falls Monday. RoseMary and Bridget Trask made a quick trip to Rapid City Friday to pick up a washer and dryer. Stephanie Trask set up a booth at the Farmer’s Market in Rapid City Saturday. And the “Upland Trasks” celebrated John Paul’s Friday birthday with supper at the Millstone and golf at Pirate’s Cove in Rapid City Sunday night.

While Matt Trask hosted fencing crews for lunch, packed from the “Upland Trask” residence, several days at his place.

Patty Ruff of Waco, TX and Steve and Tyler Fenner of Dallas arrived at the Jim Wilsey residence Wednesday and stayed until Sunday. On Friday, Jim Wilsey and the Fenners went to Pedro to visit Frank Wilsey, while Caroline and Patty entertained Ashley Wilsey and Faye Volmer, who arrived independently of each other.

Mandy Wilson and boyfriend Justin Tschetter were among those evacuated from their homes during the East Ridge/Piedmont Fire. They were very happy to have a home to return to, although they lost a shed which contained, among other things, all their Christmas decorations.

The kind citizens think thats a real shame.