Winners of PCED’s microgrant awards are Aly Lock, Kaden Herman, Grace Gibson, Carter Van Overbeke, Caden Sporhase, Jaxson Hutches, Kelsie Hadeen, Kinsley Koberstein, Ethan Schneller, Tayla Martin and Teagan Martin.

Winners of the group awards are Jimena Nuñez, Hannah Lindholm and Fatima Nuñez for the Holyoke Shop Local campaign; and Michael Gerk, Kyle Fryrear and Maclin Tempel for Haxtun’s Small Business Showcase.

Winners of the individual awards are Ryan Davis for his business, “The Shirt Off My Back,” and Christopher Durbin for his business, “Duo Farms.”

— Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

— Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

— Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

— Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

Holyoke Elementary students emerge from the school on the last day of class, May 25, by all appearances ready for a well-earned summer break. — Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

— Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

Holyoke’s sixth graders took on the school staff in a kickball game on the last day of school, May 25. Pictured at top, Lili Vasquez takes her shot against teachers including, from left, Matt Ramirez, Kaylee Duvall, Jesus Trejo, Stefan Betley, Jordan Gerk and Yesenia Bencomo. In the bottom photo, Yesenia Bencomo hits one high, while Ricardo Moreno, Raia Sprague and Mason McCormick prepare to attempt a catch. — Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

Just beating the ball thrown by the Las Animas pitcher, Caiden Krueger dives safely back to first base. — Photo by Jes-c French

While the Crowley County infield waits for the ball to be thrown back in, Cash Weber rounds third base, sent home on a double hit by teammate Tyson Mosenteen. — Photo by Jes-c French

Educators, family and friends cheer as graduates throw their caps in the air, marking a milestone achievement for the Holyoke High School Class of 2023. — Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

Itzel Apodaca-Saenz, pictured at right, shakes hands with school board secretary Jessica Koch as she receives her diploma. — Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

Angel Carrasco grins ear to ear as he makes his way to the stage during the graduation processional. — Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

Capless HHS grads set forth at the end of the graduation ceremony with diplomas in hand. — Jerel Domer | The Holyoke Enterprise

The Queen of Spades balances swords upon each other the evening of Sunday, May 7, at Circus Wonderland in Holyoke. Performers wowed audiences with “Alice and Wonderland”-themed feats involving balancing, illusions and spinning objects. — Photo by Elly Brown

A clown, right, performs with a dad chosen from the audience. By combining four dads, the clown formed a tabletop. — Photo by Elly Brown

— Jerel Domer | the Holyoke Enterprise

— Jerel Domer | the Holyoke Enterprise

— Jerel Domer | the Holyoke Enterprise

Sew Blessed member Teri Wernsman holds up one of the sewing machine bags used to hold supplies for the machine pictured. It matches the machine’s cover. — Courtesy Photo

Sew Blessed founder Maureen Waite stands in front of one of the cabinets in the children’s play room used to store items set to be donated. She is holding up a pillow that can be used by nursing home residents to place in back of their neck. — Courtesy Photo

A Ford Police Interceptor belonging to Thomas Elliott, the late Phillips County sheriff, sits outside the County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon. People began to decorate the vehicle soon after it was parked. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

Attendees line the pews of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church during the Monday morning funeral for Phillips County Sheriff Thomas Elliott. Following the mass, he was interred at Holyoke Cemetery. — Frank Perea II | The Holyoke Enterprise

Hudson Koellner of Holyoke, wrestling heavyweight, wraps up Burlington’s Diego Estrada during his first match of the Class 2A Region 1 tournament on Friday in Sterling, Colo. He won by fall at 2:38. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

Tyson Mosenteen of Holyoke maintains control during his 157-pound match Saturday against Angel Vela of Burlington. He took the bout 8-2 in what Holyoke Head Coach Broc Pelle called “a very smart, technical match.” — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

Fire continues to smolder Thursday afternoon within the Nutrien Ag Solutions facility. Firefighters used limited water at the facility’s burnout areas to avoid runoff from hazardous chemicals. — Emmy Brown | The Holyoke Enterprise

Smoke escapes and billows upwards last Wednesday at an early afternoon fire at Nutrien Ag Solutions, located along Highway 6 in Lamar, Nebraska. — Diane Stamm | The Imperial Republican

A water drop falls in Holyoke from an icicle upon Hometown Liquors’ awning the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 4. Data compiled by Dan Kafka of the National Weather Service’s Cooperative Observer Program indicate Phillips County received just over half of its average 18 inches in precipitation. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

This graph shows annual precipitation for Phillips County recorded by Dan Kafka for the past decade. Before 2022, the county hit another low in 2012 with 10.34 inches. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

The trophy presentation at Budweiser Events Center in Loveland on Saturday, March 12, was cause for celebration for the Holyoke Lady Dragons, who won their first ever state title. Players are pictured from left, Leah Struckmeyer, Elyce Talavera, Grace Roberts, Hannah Lindholm, Audrey Talavera, Ava Koberstein and Kristin Vieselmeyer. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

In her home in Holyoke, Maria del Rosario Olivas, aka Chayo, shows how to make corn tamales, which use hand-ground corn masa and corn husks. She is also well known
for her traditional corn tortillas. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Jessie Owens competes in the sheep show at Phillips County Fair. The Holyoke High School sophomore died in a one-car accident March 21. She will be remembered for her love of animals, children, senior citizens, sports, welding and more. — Courtesy Photo

The house at 126 West 12th Street in Imperial, Nebraska, was the scene of a shooting Thanksgiving night close to midnight. Nineteen-year-old Jesse Krausnick died from his injuries after the incident. — Jan Schultz | The Imperial Republican

Jesse Krausnick is pictured at left, Tristan Ferguson is pictured at right. — Courtesy Photo

Photo by JR Krueger

Photo by JR Krueger

Isaiah Rueter, as Shrek, wards off fairy tale creatures fawning over him after his reluctant offer of assistance. Reuter has performed in multiple productions including “Clue,” “Damn Yankees,” “The Addams Family” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” — Andrew Turck

Kyrah McConachie, as the Fairy Godmother, gets into position during the “Story of My Life” musical number. For the high school senior, this production was her first time acting in a full musical. — Andrew Turck

Hailey Clapper, as Pinocchio, laments the state of life after being kicked out of Lord Farquaad’s kingdom and into a swamp. Before “Shrek,” Clapper acted in “Singing in the Rain.” — Andrew Turck

Fairy tale creatures reach a crescendo during the song “Story of My Life” near the play’s beginning. At the top of the rabble stands high school senior Daniela Fierro as the Wicked Witch. Fierro wrote in the program that she hopes to continue theatre in college. — Andrew Turck

Monserrato Conde III holds a photo of himself taken when he joined the Army National Guard. As a member of the 140th Signal Battalion in Sterling from 1989-98, he helped maintain a communication network through the city. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

Matt Meusborn of Holyoke helps resident Gary Herr cut a piece of door trim at his residence Saturday afternoon. Meusborn cites his work with the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery as helping him learn the importance of working well with others. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

Matt Meusborn’s scrapbook shows displays scenes from his time in the 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery unit. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise

Owen Ortner watches a camera lens intently while dressed as a Minion. He won $5 at the Holyoke Lions Club’s Halloween costume parade in the age 3 category.

Jasely Leyva, dressed as Frida Kahlo, expresses delight from First Pioneer National Bank’s candy stand as costumed residents pass by.

Kingsley Rowan pokes her head out between stuffed cats made in her likeness Monday evening to discern her surroundings. Later that day, she would take second in the Lions Club costume contest under the category of children age 2.

Christian Loya gets his hat adjusted while “riding” an inflatable tyrannosaur toward Trunk or Treat festivities in Holyoke. Dinosaur costumes were a regular occurrence both there and in Trick or Treat the Town along Interocean Avenue.

Jackie Hale defends against a sudden onrush by a man dressed as a giant pig. No animals were harmed that evening during Melissa Memorial Hospital’s annual Trunk or Treat event, though one goat was dressed up as a unicorn.

Holyoke sixth grader Kyle Goldenstein sits in the driver's seat of a JDX Racing vehicle. Her father Luke Goldenstein hosted an event Oct. 13 to teach local students about opportunities in the racing industry. — Courtesy photo

Luke Goldenstein shows students a vehicle's steering wheel. — Courtesy photo

Students take a look under the hood of a JDX racing car. All students in the district were welcome to attend. — Courtesy photo

Sarah Rueter, pictured in the center, waves to the crowd from the Dragon’s Wagon Preschool float in the Holyoke High homecoming parade on Thursday, Oct. 6. See Page 8 for more photos from the homecoming festivities. — Photo by Jes-c French

Alexis Nelson, at right, plays with the band at the homecoming pep rally following the parade on Thursday. — Photo by Jes-c French

Sophomores Brandon Talich and Parker Steggs, from left, have some fun during the homecoming Olympic games on Thursday morning last week. — Photo by Jes-c French

Freshmen Anessa Colglazier and Belle Kropp compete in the wheelbarrow race during homecoming Olympics last week. — Photo by Jes-c French

Dance instructor Alma Nydia Nuñez Montes mesmerizes the audience with a dance called El Polvorete that represents the Mexican state of Jalisco. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Junior high and high school dancers perform Las Alazanas/La Negra, which highlights the culture of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Pictured from left are Alma Alejandre, Michell Trejo, Fatima Castillo, Andrea Marquez, Vianey Jimenez and Vanessa Zapata. The folkloric dance recital was part of Phillips County Family Education Services’ 30th anniversary celebration Aug. 3 at the JR/SR high school auditorium. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Valentina Gonzalez dances to Sones de Ixtapa, a dance from Chiapas, Mexico. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Phillips County Family Education Services executive director Linda Jelden, at right, and Cecilia Marquez share about the 30-year history of the nonprofit. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Husband and wife dance instructors Alma Nydia Nuñez Montes and Ivan Olivas Castillo perform a folkloric dance from Chihuahua, Mexico. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Dick Ourada and his 1977 International Harvester cross from Nebraska to Colorado on Highway 6 last week as he and his wife, Carolee, begin a long tractor trip to their home in Fairbanks, Alaska, to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation to be earmarked for research. — Courtesy photo

Dick and Carolee Ourada are almost ready for their nearly 4,000-mile journey to Fairbanks, Alaska, in Aggie, their refurbished 1977 International Harvester 574. They left Holyoke last Wednesday, July 13, and plan to take 60 days to get to Alaska. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Dick Ourada modifies the cab he’s adding to his International Harvester at his workshop in Holyoke on July 7. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

At the Central Plains Equipment sendoff July 13 in Holyoke, Dick Ourada, at left, chats with DeeAnn Dubbert about the Tractor Trip for Kids. They were classmates in Grant, Nebraska. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Sporting a lime green swim cap, Jayden Goytia competes at the June 4 swim meet at Holyoke Swimming Pool. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Lilli Brinkema comes up for air in the breaststroke. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Emery Wolf focuses on the task at hand in the backstroke competition. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Lauren Herman takes first in the discus competition at the Holyoke Invitational. — Photo by Jes-c French

Holyoke High School track and field team member Ben Kleve clears the bar in the pole vault competition Saturday, April 9, at the Holyoke Invitational. — Photo by Jes-c French

For the first time in Holyoke High School history, the girls basketball team is bringing home a state championship trophy. Emotions are running high as senior team members Lauren Herman, Kristin Vieselmeyer and Elyce Talavera celebrate with a large Dragon crowd after defeating Sanford in the Colorado 2A championship game Saturday evening, March 12, at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Senior Kristin Vieselmeyer attacks the basket during Saturday’s championship game with Sanford. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Lauren Herman is up and over a Sanford defender. The senior led the Lady Dragons in scoring during the championship game. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Senior Elyce Talavera, at left, works her way around a Sanford player last Saturday in Loveland. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Junior Elise Krogmeier dribbles toward the basket during Saturday’s championship game. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

Audrey Talavera, a Holyoke sophomore, is on fire from behind the arc in the semifinal game against Limon on Friday. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

In Saturday’s championship with Sanford, junior Grace Roberts pushes inside to attempt a layup. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

The Lady Dragon bench holds its breath as a shot goes up in the state championship game against Sanford. Pictured from left are coach Kyle Carper, Elise Krogmeier, Hannah Lindholm, Ava Koberstein, Nicole Schlachter, coach John Baumgartner, Fatima Nuñez, Alma Alejandre, Emma Sprague, Anessa Colglazier and Courtlyn Kinnie. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

A large student section, including Michel Perez, in front, and Jadon Frost, cheers for the girls Saturday at Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

The trophy presentation at Budweiser Events Center in Loveland on Saturday, March 12, was cause for celebration for the Holyoke Lady Dragons, who won their first ever state title. Players are pictured from left, Leah Struckmeyer, Elyce Talavera, Grace Roberts, Hannah Lindholm, Audrey Talavera, Ava Koberstein and Kristin Vieselmeyer. — Darci Rodriguez | The Holyoke Enterprise

In her home in Holyoke, Maria del Rosario Olivas, aka Chayo, shows how to make corn tamales, which use hand-ground corn masa and corn husks. She’s also well known for her traditional corn tortillas. — The Holyoke Enterprise

Coltin Houghtelling, in front, celebrates a good round in an entertaining game featured at Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Escape to Margaritaville” Legacy Event on Saturday. Other contestants are pictured from left, Shanda Willmon, Jes-c French, Daniel Koch and Luke Garrett. After buying a spot in the game during the live auction, teams of two attempted shots to see who could get the most balls in the baskets. Each round added a new challenge, ending with a large cash prize for the winner. — The Holyoke Enterprise

A colorful Lane Looka served as emcee for the Legacy Event. He is standing next to a guitar autographed by Jimmy Buffett, one of the featured Margaritaville auction items. — The Holyoke Enterprise

Nancy Colglazier, Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation executive director, and husband Harvey kick off the evening’s dancing to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” — The Holyoke Enterprise

Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation board member Sarah Bornhoft shows off one of the live auction items last Saturday. — The Holyoke Enterprise

A dancing pink shark makes a surprise appearance at the Legacy Event and shows off the giant pink octopus that serves as the chandelier for the tropical Margaritaville decorations in the Phillips County Event Center. — The Holyoke Enterprise

Smoke billows from the north and south towers of the World Trade Center before they collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City, New York. — AP Photo/Amy Sancetta

Firefighters walk through the rubble in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. — AP Photo/Shawn Baldwin

This map of Holyoke at City Hall is from March 16, 1925. Many Holyoke streets and avenues were named after people who were influential in the county or in the railroad industry. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Carol Fleshman helps one of her alpacas back to its pen. It’s not easy to move alpacas, especially on shearing day.  After doing this once every year, however, Fleshman is used to the push and pull of her herd. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Top Knot Shearing Company lays the alpaca down gently before starting on the process where they begin to shear the head of one of Fleshman’s many alpacas. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

An alpaca in Fleshman’s herd looks out toward the volunteers after it has been shaved. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Two of Fleshman’s alpacas wait patiently for their turn with the shearer. Fleshman shears her alpacas every summer to help them combat the heat. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

A crew member of Top Knot Shearing gathers the fleece of an alpaca after it has been sheared. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Kelly Kinnie and Joe Kinnie are pictured from left about a half hour before kidney transplant surgery Jan. 27.

Joe Kinnie and his son Kelly Kinnie are pictured from left at their farm Feb. 23, less than a month after Kelly donated one of his kidneys to Joe in a successful transplant. Joe said farming is where his heart is, and he looks forward to getting back to work there.

Community excellence award winners are pictured from left, front row, FCCLA representatives Amy Mackay, Karen Ortner and LorenJo Oberle, Youth of the Year; Alexia Blake of Tuxedo Paws, New Business of the Year; Jan Hewitt, Citizen of the Years; Phillips County Commissioners Terry Hofmeister and Don Lock, Star of the Year; and Joan Owens of Regent Park, Employee of the Year; and back row, Help Holyoke Committee members Tom Bennett, Brenda Brandt, Holly Ferguson and Trisha Herman, Citizen of the Year; and Jake’s Feed representatives Pam Struckmeyer, Briana Worley, Erin Lebsack and Brenda Lebsack with Breck Worley, Business of the Year. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Holyoke Chamber of Commerce representatives are pictured from left, Julie Williams, treasurer; Holly Ferguson, executive director; Casey Blake, vice president; Margarita Fierro, secretary; Julie Haake, board member; and McKenna Heldenbrand, board member. Not pictured are Elizabeth Hutches, president, and Michelle Harms, board member. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Books are a traditional Christmas gift in Iceland. They are often given as gifts on Christmas Eve, and people generally spend the evening reading.

Holyoke Golf Club is pictured from the air in June, 1986. In the 1970s, an irrigation system was installed along with grass greens and bluegrass fairways. The land is located in the northeast part of Holyoke. — Source: Holyoke Golf Club

Elon Nelson leans against the counter in the room he has reimagined as a 1950’s diner. He has collected many pieces over the years to add to the room’s nostalgic atmosphere, including over 100 clocks. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Elon Nelson’s Pepsi double bubble clocks show the changes made to advertising Pepsi over the years. He has over 100 soda advertising clocks in his collection. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Jerry and Sue Cooper have been collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia for 40 years. Every piece in their collection has a story. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

This springbok figurine is made entirely of strips of Coca-Cola cans. Sue Cooper purchased it in Botswana while doing missionary work there in 2013. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

A July 16, 1920, cartoon in The Holyoke Enterprise captures the nation’s attitude about the women’s suffrage movement. In little more than a month’s time, women over the age of 21 in the U.S. would have the right to vote.

Kids are pictured from left, top row, Wes Kramer and Bode Fust; middle row, Brodyn Daniel, Bryce Worley with grandpa Curt Lebsack, and Dawsyn Daniel with dad Dylon Daniel; and bottom row, Miller Fust and Bryce Kramer.

In Rockland County, shaded in this map of New York state, 276 people had died from the coronavirus by April 20.

Believe it or not, this is a school assignment. Holyoke teachers are getting creative while providing instruction remotely in response to the coronavirus outbreak. One of first grader Evie Cooper’s recent art assignments was to create a color wheel out of items found at home and send a picture of the finished product to her teacher.

Using her Chromebook to access Google Classroom, Paxton Gatton-Pollock’s current schooling method bears similarities to a traditional school day despite being conducted at home.

Brenna Gatton spends one of her modified school days learning to till the garden. While Holyoke teachers provide instruction in their usual subjects online, Jennifer and Scott Cooper are taking advantage of their kids’ extra time at home to teach them about such things as gardening, cars and baking.

Though Dragon’s Wagon Preschool is no longer in session, Archie Cooper keeps learning at home.

Using headphones is something Hagan Gatton-Pollock and her sisters have found helpful while completing their schooling in close proximity to one another.

The opening of the Londa Wernet Bradford Cancer Center at Melissa Memorial Hospital is celebrated at an open house Wednesday, Oct. 23. Sitting in a comfortable caregiver chair, at left, is Boyce Wernet, Londa’s dad, and at right, in the chemotherapy treatment chair, is Brad Bradford, Londa’s husband. Pictured in back, from left, are Yvonne Wernet, Londa’s stepmom; Patty Wernet, Londa’s sister-in-law; Wes White, MMH chief financial officer; Cathy Harshbarger, MMH chief clinical officer; Ty Wernet, Londa’s brother; Cindy Lock, MMH registered nurse with chemotherapy/biotherapy certification; and Nancy Colglazier, MMH Foundation executive director. The center will soon be open for chemotherapy treatments in Holyoke. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

New equipment in the Londa Wernet Bradford Cancer Center is kept in a set of three sterile mixing rooms.

Librarian Kathy Bornhoft, at left, and staff member Laura Krogmeier admire the chandelier, reportedly from South Africa, that hangs above the circulation desk. A photograph of Will E. Heginbotham can be seen on the wall of what used to be his formal dining room. China cabinets now hold books, and through the doorway patrons can see the original breakfast room with a Dutch mural on the wall. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

The Craftsman style bungalow at 539 S. Baxter Ave. is one of the most recognizable buildings in Holyoke. It was built for Will E. Heginbotham, a prominent banker, 100 years ago. The mansion, which is pictured in its early days, has served as the local public library since Oct. 5, 1969, and is touted as a community treasure. — Source: Phillips County Museum

This recent display at Coors Field in Denver pays tribute to the 50th-year anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s walk on the moon. — Photo by Jes-c French

Survey respondents are pictured from left, top row, Tim Bartels, Carolyn Fisher and Gary Krumm; and bottom row, James Scholl, Jeff Tharp and Mary Tomky.

Bob Bledsoe holds up the electric iron used to mark cattle with Bledsoe Cattle Company’s distinctive left-bowed quarter-circle brand. The brand is one of a few single-character designs in Colorado and has been in the Bledsoe family since 1945. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
    

A photo and a rose honor Cassidy Hale in the memorial garden at the 2018 Donor Dash in Denver. Maggie Busch and Jackie, Tayler and Randy Hale, pictured from left, completed the 5K run/walk to honor Cassidy and other organ and tissue donors, to celebrate the lives of transplant recipients, and to recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant.

Though she transitioned to assisted living just a few months ago, 99-year-old Mary Allen  is making the Carriage House home. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

In 1940, parents Owen and Eppa Young are pictured with their daughters, from left, Margaret, Wanola, Myrtle, Mary and Stella. Four older half siblings and three brothers who had died by that time make up Mary Allen’s large family.

Adding $7,800 to the evening’s fundraising total, Spinning on the Bayou was a new game at this year’s Legacy Event. Six chances to play the game were auctioned off, and the six winning bidders sent designated “spinners” to the front of the room to play. Cheered on by his team, Brady Dirks spins the wheel, while Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation board members Jessie Ruiz Jr., Tiffany Weber and Brady Ring, pictured from left, wait to see his fate. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Southern Charm costumes at the Feb. 9 MMHF Legacy Event featured such things as hoop skirts, gunny sack dresses, cowboy hats and Confederate soldier uniforms and represented southern locales including New Orleans and Mexico, just to name a few. Enjoying the social hour in costume are Chad Huffman, Jennifer Cano, Heather Huffman and Jason Greenman, pictured from left. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Shayla Hecht, pictured at center, gets her game face on and competes as a blocker for the Flat Rock Roller Derby team based in North Platte, Nebraska.

While at a photo shoot for the Flat Rock Roller Derby Team, Molly Weils, at right, shows off the traditional roller skates used in the fast-paced contact sport.

It may not look like much to someone driving down a stretch of county road, but this mailbox has been standing throughout Bob Brandt’s entire mail carrying career — and that’s no small feat for a country box. The house that it accompanies has been home to three generations of a single family, and families with deep roots in Phillips County are commonplace on his route.

Usable vacant properties in Holyoke as of Jan. 1, are indicated on a map of the city. Out of the 41 properties listed by the Phillips County Assessor’s office as vacant, 36 properties, totaling about 26 acres were identified as buildable by City Superintendent Mark Brown.

Brittney Ferguson receives a few tips for successful paddling before her group sets out for some rafting.

Brittney Ferguson, at left, participates in one of the many activities at a Challenge by Choice camp.

Kaitlyn Thomas says her last goodbyes to her goat, Zach, before the junior livestock sale at the Phillips County Fair on July 28. The sale, which was held in the new Phillips County Pavilion and Education Center, was an emotional day for many in 4-H and FFA. — Johnson Publications

Cousins Brandon and Austin Durbin are pictured from left with Austin’s goat, Ty, before the junior livestock sale at the Phillips County Fair. — Johnson Publications

A new administrative team at Holyoke School District Re-1J is already at work to prepare for the start of the 2018-19 school year. Administrators are pictured from left, Shane Walkinshaw, JR/SR high principal; Kyle Stumpf, superintendent; and Andrea Kammer, elementary principal. — Johnson Publications

Recent CU graduate Max Levy joined the Holyoke Enterprise staff this week as a reporter. — Johnson Publications

Blye McCallum, decked out in one of his favorite Star Wars T-shirts, shares his infectious smile in a typical classroom setting several weeks ago at Holyoke Elementary School. (Johnson Publications)

The bullfighting featured in Bulls Gone Wild! will return to Phillips County on July 28 for the fair. — Johnson Publications file photo

In fierce Bible quizzing competition, the first person to stand up gets to answer the question. A typical quiz looks much like this, with quizzers attentively listening to the questions and physically ready to jump up as soon as they’re ready to answer. The team pictured competed in the Youth Challenge 2018 Jamaican Bible quizzing tournament earlier this month. — Photo by Emily Malmkar | EMDesign

Frances Patterson, seated at left, works with the team of students from Coronaldi School in Montego Bay, Jamaica, while students from last year’s Bible quizzing team look on. Formerly of Dailey, Patterson now lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and has traveled to Jamaica with Youth Challenge nine times. — Photo by Emily Malmkar | EMDesign
 

This particular photo was taken on a February 2014 trip to Jamaica, but such scenes are common, as Rick Cleaver, pictured at right, has served on close to 60 missions trips to Montego Bay with Youth Challenge.

Community Excellence Award winners at this year’s Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Gala are pictured from left, Citizen of the Year Casey Blake; STAR of the Year Star 92.3’s Marc Maelzer and Michelle Harms; Employee of the Year Earl Downing; Youth of the Year Shianne Willmon and Josie Herman; and Business of the Year Cobblestone Inn & Suites’ Sue Razo, Scott Murray, Amber Salas, Jorge Salas, Carol Kumm and Bailey Hamaker. Not pictured is Youth of the Year Emily Jelden. — Johnson Publications

Holyoke third-graders get their first glimpse of the solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21. Students are pictured from left, front row, Alexx Mateo Zazo and Claire Hubbard; second row, Ricardo Goytia, Elia Wear and Sophie Rahe; and back row, Peyton Adams, Maelynn Frost, Daniela Castillo Marquez, Jackie Santiesteban and Roxy Santos. — Johnson Publications file photo

This scorched semitruck lies on the Phillips-Logan county line, a fitting representation of the violent power of wildfires. No lives were lost in the March 6-8 incident, but extensive property damage covering 50 square miles became evident as the smoke cleared. — Johnson Publications file photo

Holyoke High School boys basketball team, led by head coach Scott Dille, brought home the championship trophy from the 2A state tournament in Loveland, giving them bragging rights alongside the two other HHS boys teams who won the title in 2010 and 1984. Team members get their hands on the coveted trophy after defeating Sedgwick County 44-41 Saturday, March 11, in front of a massive Holyoke crowd. Emotions are running high for team members, pictured from left, in front, Austin Herman, Tyler Camblin, Arturo Dominguez and Brendan Mayden; and in back, Alex Strauss, Slaten Burris, M.J. Taylor, Wyatt McCallum and Anthony Beltran. — Johnson Publications file photo

Holyoke High School alumnus and Army veteran Robbie Doman addresses students and community members at the Nov. 10 Veterans Day program, sharing his story of service and life after an injury sustained in Iraq. — Johnson Publications

Wages Church is pictured about one year ago.

Students gather at Wages’ last day of school in May 1921 with the Methodist church in the background.

Dragon Blake Mosenteen gains ground for the Dragons behind the blocking effort of Seth Watson in Holyoke’s 12-8 win over Bridgeport Friday, Sept. 1. Mosenteen led the HHS rushing stats with 140 yards in 22 carries and scored a touchdown in the season opener. — Johnson Publications

Dragon Trent Huffman (63) pulls down Bridgeport quarterback Drake DeMasters for a nice sack midway through the first quarter of Friday’s football opener. — Johnson Publications

In addition to helping line up the Phillips County Fair parade for many years, the Holyoke Lions Club often gets in on the candy-throwing action themselves. In the 2012 parade, Don Beckius drives a golf cart decorated with lions, offering a smile and a wave to everyone lining the street. — Johnson Publications file photo

Bingo nights from days gone by were made possible by Lions Club members, pictured from left, Don Beckius, Gene Hinck, Jean Brown, Larry Stein, Leroy Smith and Rich Brown. Bingo is not only fun to play but also raises money for a college scholarship.

Mothers sending their children to the next step in school hold their little students’ baby pictures close. Pictured clockwise from top left, Ashley Clayton and son Levi, who is entering kindergarten; Letty Penzing and daughter Juana, who will start at Purdue University; Tracy Steggs and son Bo, who is entering kindergarten; and Brenda Krueger and daughter Tara, who will start at Colorado State University. — Johnson Publications

This photo of two WWI soldiers in uniform is part of the Phillips County Museum collection, where actual uniforms are also on display. The man pictured at left is identified as Lauritz Peterson. (Source: Phillips County Museum)

This is only a portion of a giant panoramic photo housed at the Phillips County Museum. In its entirety, the photo is a sight worth seeing in person. It is one of the many items donated to the museum by Leslie Taylor, who served in World War I and later lived in Haxtun. According to the museum, the photo is probably of the 35th Infantry Regiment at Nogales, Arizona, in 1918. (Source: Phillips County Museum)

Pictured from left, Martha Nolan, Emily Ouillette, Christopher Burton, Julian Sanderson and Lara Milward walk through Holyoke as part of a pro-life cross-country protest walk. —Johnson Publications photo

See that small line running across the photo? Anchored between two trees about 6 feet off the ground, that slackline is Dylon Lousberg’s ticket to international trickline recognition. —Johnson Publications photo

The average trickline measures just 2 inches across, but Dylon Lousberg has no problem maintaining balance as he bounces from his back to his feet to his chest. —Johnson Publications photo