Memorial Day reminders, recognizing local success and hiking adventures

By Darla Buckhannon

Happy birthday to Danny Loucks, Kim Foulk, Kristie Lynn, Terry Curtis, Denny Graviett, April Stafford, Shelly Dooley, Wanda Perry, Jason Sadler, Leann Hudson, Jessica McFall, Tammy Erlbacher, Jasper Grant, Dierks Simmons, Ryan Goetz, Mike Eby II, Ben Davis, Patricia Moore, Dave VanToll, Pat Hindman, Seth Brown, Lee Horton, Mallory Dohogne, Joy Hooker, Megan Horman, Virginia Sides, Holly Hudson, Shane Dirnberger, Ann Hinkebein, Carla Lee, Logan Bollinger and Wesley Curtis. Also, Gordon Brown, Earl Chasteen, Virginia Dennis, Charles Lance, Doris Parker, Georgia Scherer and Joan Surface.

Happy anniversary to John and Debbie Gaines, Charlie and Nan Charleston, David and Tracy Kirchdoerfer, Larry and Vickie Goetz and Jason and Jill Morgan.

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Amid the picnics and outdoor fun, there will be patriotic activities as we remember and thank those who have served and continue to serve our country to keep us safe and protect our freedom. We especially will pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving and we are asked to fly our American flags at half-staff. On Monday, we will pause for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time for one minute.

The gazebo at Circle Park is looking especially nice with its fresh coat of paint. We thank the Parks Department for a job well done. A June 18 concert at the gazebo is planned. For more information, contact Ronnie Eichhorn.

After a brief scare for regulars last weekend, the Chaffee Drive-In was back up and running midweek.

Local congratulations

Congratulations to Austin Dirnberger and Cody Pepple for being accepted to Missouri Boys State! Only the best and brightest high school juniors are accepted for this eight-day program. Taking place in Warrensburg on the campus of the University of Central Missouri June 18 to 25, they will receive hands-on experience in the operation and fundamentals of our government. Austin and Cody -- we're proud of you!

Congratulations to Tim and Kristi Landewee, whose home in the first block of Helen was selected as the Chamber of Commerce Residence of the Month.

Adventures in hiking

I am back on the trails now that my foot fractures have healed, although somewhat more gingerly! Several of you have told me how much you enjoy the sights and sounds of hikes I share with you. Resolving not to overdo too soon, I am looking forward to hitting the trails.

I recall one very warm Memorial Day weekend when Richard and I first walked the trail at Trail of Tears State Park many years ago. I reported our experience at the time in The Signal, but thought it would be fun to revisit. We were novices when it came to hiking trails, and when I look back, we broke a few rules as far as preparation. Plus, what Richard referred to as the Peewee Trail, thinking it was for beginners, was actually the Peewah Trail. Also, unbeknown to us, someone had mixed up the trail signs and instead of hiking an hour or so, we were out for several hours. I knew something was amiss when the talkative Richard was quiet! Although we were crossing the same creek bed at different spots, I cringed at every approach, thinking we were going in circles. The sky was not visible because of the dense woods, so we couldn't get a read on our direction. We did, however, see some wildlife, and the view of the Mississippi River from the big rock above the quarry was spectacular. We came out at a different trailhead, sweaty and thirsty, and I will add, I was never so happy to see pavement and later, the Fruitland Dairy Queen!

Trail of Tears attractions

Visiting Trail of Tears, whether you hike any of the trails or not, is fun. Dropping by the visitor center and driving through the park gives you an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the history, check out the sights and wildlife and walk out on the overlook high above the mighty Mississippi.

Final thoughts

We wish everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend!

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

We thank our many brave men and women who have served our country here and abroad and those who continue to do so valiantly. We pray for the safe and timely return of all our servicemen and women. Please email your news and comments to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the church marquee: "Seven days without prayer makes one weak."