Author Shiela Branson offers a glimpse into the busier-than-you'd-expect life of the small communities within North Dakota's Wells County. From a Harvest Bee to help friends and neighbors, to the poignant Last Homecoming the year before the local team is absorbed into that of a larger school, to accolades for winning readers, to ... well ... life in general for the area ... this collection of newspaper feature articles (with a few additions) introduces you to life in Small Town USA. Many of these families stem from homesteading pioneers from 'The Old Country', be it Germany, Norway, or Germans from Russia, as well as 'Back East'. Today's population reflects the values they grew up with: hard work, good food, steadfast loyalty, and a sense of humor. Reading this collection of stories, you will meet a group of the most incredible people in the world - although they don't view themselves that way ... they just do what they do. BUT - these farmers and ranchers and town people play a big part in feeding the world; in the process they take care of each other. 'That's just the way it is - it's just the way we are, the way our parents and grandparents did things.' The world changes and Wells County appreciates the value of electronics, of advances in all areas - but somehow the people in these pages have not lost the best of the old ways. Come, meet the friends and neighbors who live in Wells County, North Dakota. Dedicated to Charles Eldredge, long-time editor and publisher, this book presents a good look at Small Town USA, the small towns he spent his life helping via the local newspaper. A feature writer for this small newspaper, Shiela Branson found the stories of many of the people of this area both heart-rending and inspirational. Whether in tears or in laughter, these people tend to share their lives and help one another through. Generations pass, people move on, but tradition lives on, waiting for visits from those who have moved away - waiting as well for visits from those who might be interested in what Small Town USA is really all about. So if ever you're in the area, stop by ... have a cup of coffee, strike up a conversation ... I bet you'll like what you find.