Hello, everyone. I just returned from Oregon, where I visited my newest granddaughter, Hope Rose Hartley. She is darling, and her Grampa Bob and I plan to visit again in July. What fun - two beautiful new granddaughters born within a month of each other!

No Fireworks in Weston County and fireworks display

The Weston County Commissioners have issued a ban on the use of fireworks or open fires in the county. The area is simply too dry to risk the chance of starting a fire, which could easily become out of control. However, if you wish to see a beautiful display of fireworks, the volunteer firemen invite you to come to the Weston County Fairgrounds at dusk on Tuesday, July 3. I attended the display last year, and it was wonderful. I am sure this year's will be even better.

Newcastle city lots for sale

The City of Newcastle will be offering for sale six lots in the Elk Mountain Addition. The area is paved, with water and sewer service available.

The lots will be sold on a "first come, first served" basis and will be available for sale starting at 9 a.m. Monday, July 16 at the city's administrative 0ffices at 10 West Warwick, Newcastle.

The price for each lot and the terms of sale can be obtained by contacting the Newcastle city clerk/treasurer at the aforementioned address during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

Newcastle Stingrays swim team

I recently spoke with Craig Ausmann, who is the newly elected president of the Newcastle Stingrays swim team board of directors. The Newcastle Stingrays Swim Team has a long history in the area and has assisted the Newcastle High School boys and girls swim teams to earn many state honors and championships. The Stringrays are affiliated with USA Swimming, and participants attend USA sanctioned swim meets. Stingrays members range in age from 5 through 18, and there are 60 to 75 swimmers in the program.

During the past year or two, there has been a drop in membership, which is a major concern of Ausmann. He is very sincere in his desire to increase membership, as he believes swimming is a life-changing experience. It teaches self-discipline, develops self-esteem, results in excellent physical conditioning and the swimmer experiences the joy of belonging to a team whose members support and encourage each other to do their best.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Stingrays is encouraged to call Craig Ausmann.

There are several activities planned for the summer for members and those interested in becoming members. These activities include pizza parties, barbecues and a day trip to a water park in Rapid City.

Ausmann has another important concern. The Stingrays need a swim coach for the fall season, which begins in October.

The team is looking for an individual who has swimming experience either as coach or as a member of a swim team. They should have knowledge of physical conditioning and swimming techniques. They should be enthusiastic, able to promote growth, have a positive attitude and possess leadership skills.

The coach will set the times for the daily two hour practice sessions and he or she will be required to attend the majority of weekend swim meets. If anyone is interested, call Ausmann.

If anyone has any news to be included in the column, please call 746-4818 or email me at phartley_82701@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful week.