For the past couple of years we have been saying…what a year.  Successful Farming’s Jerry Nelson describes 2021 like this, 

The year 2021 has mercifully come to an end, dragging itself across the finish line like a flabby middle-aged guy who thought that he could run a marathon. 

 Many issues tested the country and world. Although we are mostly looking back at the headlines from the pages of the 2021 Plainsman Herald, we are listing a few items with impact in and outside of the county. Some items in the 2021 rearview mirror included:

Supply chain became a household term in 2021.  Remember when the big  ship got stuck in the Suez Canal in March? The world live-streamed as crews attempted to get the 1,300 foot /1/4mile long boat unstuck.  Well… that was maybe an omen of the problem of getting goods from the producers to the buyers. For decades businesses believed that outsourcing production was the key to success. That strategy worked: companies that honed their supply chains saw their costs drop and profits rise. Then came COVID-19. It exposed the downside of supply chains: shortages and stoppages far away create shortages and stoppages at home. When the pandemic first hit, factories closed and many companies let inventories dwindle to avoid being stuck with unsold goods. Hoarding of common household goods such as toilet paper did not help the matter either, But when consumer demand increased in 2021 as vaccines became available, many companies found themselves short on parts and supplies. Shortages of shipping containers and backups at ports around the world further complicated matters. 

The Taliban Return to Power. The U.S. war in Afghanistan ended as it started twenty years earlier: with the Taliban in power.

Immigration stays in the news. The downturn in international migration flows in 2020 triggered by COVID-19 continued into 2021. That didn’t translate, however, into the end of migration crises. A case in point was the southern U.S. border. By October, the number of people entering the United States illegally had hit 1.7 million over the prior year, the highest number since 1960.

Inflation grabs headlines and pocket books.  2021 will go down as one of the first years in recent memory that U.S. inflation grabbed headlines.  In general consumers are seeing higher prices on nearly everything.  And nearly every ag input – from fuel to equipment to labor-started heading higher in 2021. The price of fertilizer went through the roof and really stands out as the input whose prices have changed the most. By the end of the year, everywhere from social media to  coffee shops buzzed with the news of sky-high fertilizer prices. 

On to the headlines from the Herald…

January 2021 Highlights

• School updates greet Pritchett students coming back for the 2021 spring semester
• Opponents refuse to play on Branson’s hardscrabble football field. 
• Two Buttes Reservoir Update
• Bill Greathouse celebrated 100th Birthday!!
• Drought Brings Fear of Renewed Dust Bowl-like Era
• COMMISSIONERS SWORN IN JANUARY 12, 2021 – Glen “Spike” Ausmus, Rick Butler, Shiloh Freed
• Southeast Colorado Good Citizens Recognized for the 2020-2021 school year. Those senior students selected from their high school are: Yancy Lea Franklin, Campo High School; Mollie Marie Kelley, Eads High School; Jonathan Ian Rink, Granada High School; Sage Ann Higbee, Lamar High School; Kieley Lynn Stegman, Pritchett High School; Payton Rae Arbuthnot, Springfield High School; D’Neil Doyle, Walsh High School, Cadence Kain Zordel, Wiley High School
•  Eugene Alan Joseph Caros – August 4, 1986 – December 31, 2020
• Jeffery Dennis – August 05, 1971 – January 09, 2021
• Janice Bisel – July 22, 1943 – December 30, 2020
• Joe Ray Blundell –  Sept 28, 1973 – Jan 5, 2021
• Harold Mease, December 15, 1929 – Jan 5, 2021
• Kenneth Day – February 15, 1936 – January 12, 2021
• Mary Ann Snow – January 18, 1949 – January 16, 2021
• Bob Keenan September 11, 1961 – January 19, 2021
• Ray Loyd Haddock – November 3, 1935 – January 20, 2021
• Mike Jordan – August 31, 1956 – January 22, 2021

February 2021 Highlights

• Joanne Goodrich Honored at Stockman’s Annual Ball
• February Frigid Winter Temperatures Below freezing
• Campo Schools to receive a $295,000 RISE grant.
• Jentry Patrick and Yancie Franklin are  Daniels Scholarship Finalists
• Brinlyn Dukes, Hayli Mackey & Darian Schaller are Daniels Scholarship Finalists
• Hazel Brown – September 6, 1917 – February 4, 2021.
• Bob Wallace – May 31, 1947 – February 14, 2021
• Oscar Elvis King Jr.  – February 4, 1937 – February 15, 20211
• Paul Marion Coe – July 23, 1951 – February 15, 2021
• Elmer Briles – May 18, 1933 – Feb 15, 2021
• William Mathies Obituary – January 4, 1954 – February 18, 2021
• Kimberly G. Goode – January 11, 1962 – February 19, 2021
• Angela Strite – September 28, 1977 – February 20, 2021
• Betsy Irons – April 17, 1956 – February 20, 2021
• Paul Machlan – May 29, 1980 – February 21, 2021
• Elsie Bitner – April 12, 1941 – February 23, 2021 
• Karen Savage – May 18, 1945 – February 25, 2021

March 2021 Highlights

• State marks a year since the lab discovered the first COVID-19 case
• March 20th Events Scheduled Supporting Local Ranchers
• Meat in the Street March 20th
• Alissa Hebberd Reaches 1000 basketball career points
• South Baca, Springfield & Kim advance to the 2021 State Basketball
• Trails End Dining Celebrates 19 Years in Baca County The Plainsman touched base with our friends…
• Baca Seniors Awarded Daniels Scholarships – Campo High School seniors, Jentry Patrick,  and Yancie Franklin along with Walsh High School senior, Saul Carrillo, and Springfield Seniors Brinlyn Dukes, Hayli Mackey have been selected as recipients of the Daniels Foundation full ride Scholarship.
• Bart Humphreys – December 15, 1968 -March 3, 2021
• Darrel Wayne Utt –  April 23, 1943-March 6, 2021
• Lonita Ruth Schaller – January 28, 1952 – March 7, 20211
• Ronald Dwane Johnson – December 28, 1966 – March 10, 2021
• James Lyle Nidey – June 15, 1921 – March 12, 2021
• Fred Pierce -February 9, 1936 March 12, 2021
• Preston Fritzler – September 21, 1993 –  March 15, 2021

April 2021 Highlights

• Two Buttes Dam Construction provides
• Ron and Pam Masterson were presented with the Special Mission Recognition award Sunday, April 4. 
• RPM AUTO Opens
• SUSAN COCHELL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AS BACA COUNTY TREASURER/PUBLIC TRUSTEE
• Maxey Church to celebrate 100 years! 
• Local Dance Team (Spirit Dance) Invited to invited to participate in the World Dance Championship in New Jersey
• Leonard Hutches 
• Corey Bishop  May 9. 1974 – April 4, 2021
• Gregoria Gutierrez – passed away April 22, 2021
• Lois Lovell Lacy – November 27, 1930 – April 23, 2021
• Patricia Dean Giurlani – July 29, 1929 to April 23, 2021

May 2021 Highlights

• COVID Derails another Dream -Springfield’s Volleyballers forced Out of State Tourney because of Positive COVID test.
• Baca Countian sits number 5 in PRCA Standings – Laramie Mosley
• Springfield Futures, Springfield’s Main Street Planning Effort kicks off May 5th
• Mark Riddle Recognized by American Implement
• 37 Baca, & 5 Kim Seniors Graduate High School in 2021
• Pete and Charleene Hartley celebrates 70th wedding anniversary
• Baca County Commissioners sign resolution opposing Initiative 16!
• BIRTH NOTICE  – Ava Jo Hicks Born on  May 11, 2021 to Kamryn & Kidryn Hicks 
• Jef Shettron – August 23, 1948 –  May 2, 2021
• Frances Dodge – October 22, 1929 – May 7, 2021
• Jeff Blout – passed away May 12, 2021
• Doyle Tucker – January 5, 1940 – May 16, 2021
• Lydia Burciaga – January 7, 1952 – May 17, 2021
• Claude Schlager – October 23, 1938 – May 18, 2021
• Dwayne Baxter – May 27, 1936 – May 26, 2021

June 2021 Highlights

• Walsh Schools Awarded $27 million Best Grant for a New School
• Baca County Recieved much needed rain throughout the county from 1-4 inches!!
• Stegman Sworn in as Baca County Treasurer – Freed as Deputy Treasurer
• 2021 EMS Awards Recognize Five Baca Countians – Kevin Johnson, Matt Self, Kasey Johnson, Becky Trekel and Eric Holcomb
• Beki Schroder Recognized for Memorial Day Work
• Melon Miss 2021- Kendall Frazee, 1st attendant – Ellie Cohoon, 2nd attendant – Taylor Woodhouse, Melon Miss Princess 2021 – Eliana Mort, Princess Attendant- Peyton Dillinghan.
• Reggy Lusk receives Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Honorary Life Award
• Baca County Boys Make All-Star Baseball – Talon Evans, Chazwick Holcomb, Kaydon Evans, Mayz Gourley, Logan Piper, Hudson Gourley, Dallas Alley.
• Colorado Supreme Court UnanimouslyRules Initiative 16 can’t proceed
• JoAnn McEndree named Cattle Woman of the Year
• Springfield’s Brakelle Westphal and Relay Teams Bring Home State Track Meet Gold – Payton Arbuthnot, Brakelle Westphal, Lainee Leathers and Alayah Meltabarger. 
• Bill Greathouse recognized for 80 years as a Mason
• BIRTH NOTICE – Myles Moses Roscoe Edgecom Born on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 
• Kale Zane Nicodemus – December 9, 1989- June 1, 2021
• Joanne L. Goodrich July 23, 1939 – June 5, 2021
• Alma Ann McArthur – July 4, 1938 – June 5, 2021
• Philip Gordon – June 20, 1948 – June 7, 2021
• Nila Jean Gale – November 20, 1925 – June 10, 2021
• Donna Jett – September 29, 1939 – June 17, 2021
• Darrian Gruber July 29, 1995 – June 18, 2021
• Sheila Emick –  January 29, 1949 – June 20, 2021
• Leota Jean Ramirez-Campbell January 6, 1970 – June 27, 2021

July 2021 Highlights

• BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT – Hailey Mae Babbitt was born July 1, 2021 to Cole & Hunter Babbitt
• The Fabric Garden opened in Springfield owner Larkin Smith and Vicky Smith
• Longhorn Seniors Participate in 8-man All State Game – Hayden Lasley, Luke Hutches, Cahill Roberson
• Bob & Hallie Salzbrenners named 2021 Baca County Fair Parade Marshalls
• Mariah Stegman crowned Miss Baca County 2021
• 2021 Baca County Fair Team Results – follows: • 1st Ryan Bray & Porter Hall • 2 n d Cade Alton & Justin Wright • 3 r d Cole Thompson & Evan Mayo • 4th Ryan Bray & Howdy Huffman • 5th Allie Brenneman & Jacob Wright
• 2021 Ranch Family of the Year – Everett Ranch
• New Baca County Judge Lyudmyla Lishchuk Sworn In July 23rd 
• Velda Havens – Feb. 16, 1949 – July 2, 2021
• Iris M. Taff – November 28, 1931 –  July 5, 2021
• Lela Acre – October 1, 1930 – July 11, 2021
• Wanda Morris – March 5, 1945 – July 12, 2021
• Gaylene Clarkson – October 23, 1952 – July 20, 2021
• Bill Mundell – July 21, 2021
• Alvin Jenkins – December 14, 1932 – July 23, 2021 
• Joann Blunk April 17, 1932 – July 23, 2021

August 2021 Highlights

• 2021 Ranch Family of the Year – Everett Ranch
• Springfield Volunteer Fire Department receives new extraction gear
• Local Vet Clinic holds producer meeting
• Clifford Lorn Moody – October 22, 1955 – August 1, 2021
• Polletta Smith – July 15, 1954 – August 1, 2021
• John Waalkes – December 20, 1951 – August 3, 2021
• Raymond Burson January 24,1941 – August 5, 2021
• Kade Porter – November 20, 1979 – August 7, 2021
• Michael Rogge October 2, 1947 – August 8, 2021
• Donna Jeanne Noe Obituary June 21, 1947 – August 11, 2021
• Michael Jon Davis August 12, 1946 – August 12, 2021
• Teresa Pattie – November 2, 1951 – August 16, 2021
• James Tucker – October 3, 1950 – August 17, 2021
• Kathy Cook – July 30, 1964 – August 20, 2021 
• Patti Eskew – November 16, 1968 – August 20, 2021
• Eugene Noe – July 5, 1939 – August 25, 2021
• Jimmie Lee Eden – January 3, 1934 – August 28, 2021
• Jim Patterson – December 16, 1956 – August 29, 2021

September 2021 Highlights

• Aging Walsh School Facilities have Chance for Renewal with upcoming November Vote
• Body of Broomfield man found in Black Hole following 4 day search
• BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT –  Adeline Sue Huffman Born on September 16, 2021 to James Huffman and Ambrosia Rodgers
• Springfield Mayor Tyler Gibson signs the historic Arbor Day Proclamation for the Town of Springfield on September 21st
• Thomas Richard Goodrich – April 13, 1937 – September 13, 2021
• Les Horn – February 18, 1930 – September 14, 2021
• Steve Wright – October 16, 1954 – September 21, 2021
• Ruby Lois Nicodemus Brite Sept 26, 1923 -Sept 21, 2021
• Fern Rader – September 1, 1918 – September 22, 2021
• Lucas Walker – June 8, 1981 – September 26, 2021
• Larry Hanson August 7, 1948 – September 27, 2021
• Francis (Butch) L. Deen – May 18, 1944 – September 29, 2021

October 2021 Highlights

• Cobblestone Inn Breaks Ground in Springfield
• Springfield Celebrates 30 years as a Tree City USA Town
• Baca Business Backin the Blue
• Mylo Lovejoy Qualifies for State Cross Country Meet
• John Gordon – July 1, 1930 – October 1, 2021
• Michael Burk – September 7, 1965 – October 5, 2021
• Mike Gale – December 30, 1956 – October 6, 2021
• Melinda Jagger – October 13, 1962 – October 12, 2021
• Steve McCall –  July 24, 1973 –  October 20, 2021
• Jimmie Lee Moore – September 22, 1963 – October 21, 2021

November 2021 Highlights

• Fort Worth Man found Guilty of Murdering former Baca Countian
• Walsh School Bond Issue Passes
• Baca County Athletes to make Arkansas Valley All Conference Volleyball team! South Baca, Jadyn Patrick, Springfield,  Lainee Leathers, Alayah Meltabarger, Brakelle Westphal, Walsh, Brooke McDonald 
• Pritchett FFA takes an Agriculture Industry & College Tour!
• Baca County CelebratesVeterans Day
• Rama and Bill Self receive SMR Award
• Tamera Sanchez – December 17, 1958 – November 4, 2021 
• Donovan Fulbright – November 5, 2021
• Amy Birchler – September 28, 1981 – November 8, 2021
• Ronald Stephen Wren – March 21, 1956 – November 12, 2021
• Ella McCash – April 2, 1924 – November 16, 2021
• Carroll Steen- December 7, 1935 – November 17, 2021
• Virginia Bitner – April 16, 1937 – November 20, 2021
• John Clark – June 29, 1944 – November 21, 2021
• Scott Doyle – April 27, 1965 –  November 24, 2021
• Richard Frank “Buck” Bucklen – January 12, 1936 -November 30, 2021
• Derek Duaine Anderson – January 20, 1979 – November 30, 2021

December 2021 Highlights

• Baca County Sheriff’s Office Receives CPW Award
• Longhorn Football All Conference Awards – Jason Campbell, Emiliano Guetierez, and Malcom Lovejoy 
• Campo School to Discontinue Warrior Mascot
• JONAH WEST JOINS SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
• Wind and Dirt Pummels Baca County
• Eudora May Tucker West – November 8, 1939 – December 2, 2021
• Sherry Gregory – December 16, 1946 – December 10, 2021