Travelers to distant places are blessed with the option of not being engaged with the rancorous politics of their homeland, having their minds made up already. Yet, the tragedies unfolding in the wake of the terrible hurricanes cannot be ignored. We will learn of heroic efforts of ordinary people and of the heartbreaking loss of so many. Loss comes with life. We have all experienced loss to some degree. Champions are feeling it now with the passing of a dear friend and neighbor.

Champions in Skyline R-2 School’s 5K Run/Walk were Kash Hurt, Ava Hurt, and Elaina Homer in first, second and third place in the 11 and under division. In the 12-17 division Ray Hurt took first and Evan Homer second. Rowdy Woods was first place in the adult division. Rowdy, a Skyline alumnus, during his first year of high school attended the Fun Run and was overheard offering encouragement to eighth graders saying they were going to love high school. Encouragement is a gift! Thanks, Rowdy. More fun will happen at Skyline’s Fall Carnival happening Friday October 11th. It will start with dinner at 5:00 and activities at 6:00 with food, games a bounce house and prizes. Come support one of the two little rural schools left in Douglas County. This sterling little outfit is preparing the leaders of tomorrow—those people who will be running the government, the banks, the hospitals and all the important things that make America tick!

Bud Hutchison’s Memorial Trail Ride happens Wednesday, heading up in Champion about 10:00 a.m. They will make a wide loop and return to the wide veranda in the afternoon for refreshment and good stories. Perhaps someone will recall the one about Bud backing his mare up to the church building and flanking her. She kicked the building with both hid feet during the church service. There are many stories about that good man. Those of us who only wish we could saddle up and ride look forward to the report and hope that it is a joyful amble with no bad dogs and plenty of water for the hot, dry trail.

Visiting Texans were delighted with the Pioneer Heritage Festival saying, “The jam session was delightful and the lunch fare delicious. Vendors were sharing demonstrations of their craft and wares for purchase at each stall. Who doesn’t need a pretty shawl made right while you watch the maker create other things? And the brooms – I want one of each!” We will challenge those Texans or anyone to answer this riddle: “If Hanna’s daughter is my daughter’s mother, what am I to Hanna?” Send your answer to The Champion News, Rt. 72 Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 and expect a prize for the earliest post marked correct answer. Not that we know what it is. That is why we are asking you. The prize will be some little treasure from Scotland to be awarded sometime in November.

Bluegrass promoter, Timothy Tamburino and his faithful companion, Sarah, passed through Champion last week, pausing for a little while to hear the Sometime Porch band. They were on their way to an adventure that has taken them all the way to New Mexico. The General reports that Thursday’s jam at Vanzant was great. He said there were listeners from Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. Meanwhile, over here in Scotland jams happen often. Many music venues in Edinburg have ‘open sessions’ where patrons are welcomed and encouraged to share a song or a poem. Many have house instruments, guitars and pianos, just for the use of any aspiring musician or one who used to be or one who is away from home. Music seems to be the universal language. We remember the great Kris Kristofferson who said, “Tell the truth. Sing with passion. Work with laughter. Love with heart. ‘Cause that’s all that matters in the end.” In the truest sense a Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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