Good morning from the historic Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne, Wyomng. Yesterday, we cooked in the first annual Peppers On The Plaza Chili Cookoff just across the street from the hotel. What an exciting first-time event. The plaza was filled with chili cooks, bands playing all day, food vendors, and thousands of spectators. We spoke to lots of people about the fun of chili cooking – even a few from the Austin area who were escaping the heat. The temperatures here are ranging from an overnight low in the 40’s to a high in the upper 70’s. That’s almost thirty degrees lower than the temps we left at home. Needless to say, we’re wearing jackets. I’ve got pictures that I’ll post after we get home.

We’ll be home Tuesday night so that will be the next edition of the CHN.

NEWS

“FYI -- James Dillard was head of the Silver Bullet Chili Team in the 1980s. James died last year. His sons Kirk and Mark were members of that team.

Gail Dillard, wife of Kirk Dillard of the Silver Bullet Chili Team of Pasadena, Texas, died Friday morning June 12, 2009 after a long illness. Viewing and the funeral will be at the Rosewood Funeral Home 3939 Pasadena Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77503. (713) 920-2171. Viewing will be Sunday at 4:00 PM and services will be Monday at noon.” (Ed Blair)

“Mel Neff went through his triple by-pass Thursday with flying colors. He was walking in the halls Friday. Has good color. Had a good meal but said he was ready for Nancy's pizza and a cold beer. Just goes to show you " You can't keep a good man down".
Bruce Stewart


RESULTS and UPCOMINGS

“MUSEUM OF THE KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD
CHILI COOK-OFF JUNE 13, 2009

CASI (15 COOKS)
1. PEGGY VELASQUEZ - MISSION, KS
2. FRED WIEDNER - KANSAS CITY, KS (1ST TIME COOK)
3. PEGGY KIRK-VELASQUEZ - KC, KS
4. EILEEN THOMPSON - TOPEKA, KS (1ST TIME COOK)
5. JEFF GADT - OVERLAND, KS
6. JULIE WIEDNER - KANSAS CITY, KS
7. MELISSA HERNDON - TULSA, OK (QUALIFIED)
8. LARRY VELASQUEZ - MISSION, KS
9. DON THOMPSON - TOPEKA, KS (1ST TIME COOK)
10. PENNY McCLENDON, CARBONDALE, KS

SHOWMANSHIP
1. JULIE WIEDNER - KANSAS CITY, KS
2. LARRY VELASQUEZ - MISSION, KS
3. MELISSA HERNDON - TULSA, KS

HOME-STYLE CHILI
1. SHELLEY KROENCKE - LENEXA, KS”
(LARRY VELASQUEZ)

POTPOURRI

“It's hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything.” - Unknown

News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net