So last week I was on the trail of the possibly missing headstone of Norman Walkhoff at the Forks Cemetery. I did indeed stop and look on my way home. And I could not find Mr. Walkhoff in the location he is supposed to be in; which is along the Merchant Road fence near one of the big trees. And for my reference he is/was about nine spaces away from John Sutherland’s rock.

I let his daughter in Montana know that she was correct when she said she was unable to locate him last August.

I contacted one of the American Legion guys, Joe Wright, and asked if when they placed flags for the various patriotic holidays did they recall placing a flag there? His wife Robin consulted their list and found that two years ago he was on the list but …Joe also said when they place the flags they are looking for the military graves but not always paying attention to the names as they go about the activity.

So I also consulted a webpage called Find-a Grave and found that in 2008 a photo had been taken of Walkhoff’s marker and placed on the website …so it had been there …so where did it go.

I plan another trip back when the weather is a bit better just to make sure the marker is not grown over …but the area was well mowed and didn’t look like it would be covered up.

Speaking of weather we are supposed to get something big this week …we will see…

And speaking of Veterans I forgot to mention last week that I did not do the Veteran photos this year. The number of photos has grown too big for the paper and I tried to make them fit ….but it just was not possible ….so, I plan to reorganize, update and add the new ones to a special edition next year. It will be a section with the photos organized better and more expanded information on some of the vets featured.

I also want to go back and talk a bit more about the Find a Grave website. It is a wonderful tool for anyone doing genealogy or even if you are not near your loved ones you can look up their graves, add photos, information and flowers.

And speaking of people who are still alive …I had mentioned Mike Gurling in the past tense last week and he contacted me and assured me that he is still alive and well. It was not intentional …Mondays can be …Mondays.

And today ..Monday.. I was tuning into District Court II on YouTube as I put the paper together and heard a really great exchange between a defendant, in custody, and his public defender … The defendant wanted to thank his public defender for always being helpful and just being a good person to him and for caring what happens to him….And the public defender said … “The best way you can thank me …is to NOT be wearing orange.”

It is a busy week ahead …and an early deadline because of Thanksgiving …. I hope the power stays on.

Christi Baron, Editor