There was no ESN last week because the author decided to take a mini vacation to the eastern end of the state to attend a wedding. The kind citizens offer their apologies.

The weather here in Elm Springs has been seasonable with rather warm days and a slim chance of rain every night. There have been no fires for at least a week and a half.

In the Interesting News department, the first urinal in Elm Springs was installed in the new fire hall, presumably in the men’s bathroom, this week. One has to wonder how long it will be before our pristine landscape is dotted with strip malls and condominiums.

Sgt. Dara Wrachford received word last Sunday that she was leaving for Guam on Thursday, by way of Tokyo, Japan. Wednesday night, a farewell party was held for her at the Tines residence, with many kind citizens of Elm Springs and New Underwood attending.

Several of the kind citizens attended the Cammack Ranch Supply Open House Saturday night, to enjoy a free steak and the musical comedy of the Ringling 5.

Marvin and Carolyn Anders went to Medora, ND where they met with their families during the first part of the week. Belva Reilly and family of Spokane, WA spent a few days in Elm Springs with the Anders upon their return.

Clyde Arneson attended a birthday party for young Talon Elshere in Wall Saturday night before spectating at the Invitational Rodeo there.

Lawrence and Doris Burke ran errands in Rapid City Friday before eating lunch with Melissa Burke.

The Elsheres had fun this week. On Thursday, they went to the Ranch Amusement Park near Rapid City, and on Friday they went to Evans Plunge in Hot Springs. Saturday they attended Talon’s birthday party before Ryan rode in the rodeo, and Sunday, Ryan traveled to Baker MT to another rodeo.

Brad Bookbinder was in Elm Springs over the weekend at the Larry and Peggy Gravatt residence, where he readied himself for his voyage to China, where he will spend a year teaching English. Byron, Cherry, Stacey and Monte Denke of Wall came out to wish him well Sunday. Jack Gravatt had supper with Larry and Peggy Sunday night.

Andy and Kelli Linn attended Dakotafest in Mitchell during the beginning of the week. And Sunday the Andy Linns attended Jim and Jean Ross’ surprise 45^th wedding anniversary party in the Black Hills. Pat, Matt and Julie Trask and Grandma Jean Linn were visitors at the Andy Linn residence Sunday morning.

John and Jean Linn attended the Lakeside Old Settlers Picnic Saturday afternoon.

Wednesday, Shirrise Linn hosted a stamping post convention party at her home. Most likely the guests were treated to a presentation on “Exciting New Trends in Stamping.” Thursday, Shirrise and Kassandra stayed overnight with Grandma Arlene Talley after taking entries in the stamp judging at the Central States Fair. Friday, Shirrise and Kassandra had supper with Peg Ireland in Rapid City, while Clyde Arneson was a visitor at the Morris Linn residence. Sunday, Jean Linn visited in the morning and Matt Trask visited in the evening.

The “Elk Creek Trasks” hosted Matt and Lynette Donelly and their kids Nick and Cody, and Josie Guptill, all of Philip on Sunday.

While the “Upland Trasks” took an outing to the Black Hills to pick raspberries with the Bruchs of Sturgis and the Hobarts of Custer, before Julie went back to Chadron for school. Matt was left in Elm Springs, most likely so the “Upland Trasks” could save a few handfuls of raspberries to bring home.

Matt Trask entertained no visitors this week, although he did find evidence of visitors who had apparently entertained themselves. Saturday Matt attended the Lakeside Old Settlers Picnic, and Sunday he visited the New Underwood Tines residence and the Bud Pauley residence.

Jim and Caroline Wilsey stayed at a bed and breakfast resort near Keystone Wednesday night. Saturday they went golfing in Wall with Bud Pauley before attending the wedding of Ronna Reeves to Charles Shiflet.

The kind citizens hope you have a pleasant week.