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By Priscilla Waggoner

Kiowa County Independent

Sometimes, on the High Plains of Eastern Colorado, it’s easy to forget that the first day of spring falls in the month of March. Anyone familiar with the region understands why this is so. It’s during March that the biggest winter storms have, on occasion, landed like a sledgehammer on the broad expanse of prairie, testing the most optimistic heart that yearns for the beauty of spring, only to see snow clouds rolling in from the west that ultimately dump a hefty load of the wet and heavy stuff. Yet, despite the sudden blizzards that can wreak such havoc in so many ways, the reality remains that the first day of spring does come and with it the promise—delayed though it may be—of the bounty new possibilities can bring.

The story of Eastern Colorado Bank

By Priscilla Waggoner
Kiowa County Independent

The old black and white photos of Victor Leon Weed, founder of Eastern Colorado Bank, appear to have been taken in the first half of the 1900s, when his career as bank owner was just getting started. Nonetheless, he looks perfectly suited for the profession. Hair neatly barbered and combed, a nice suit and tie, his gaze behind rimless glasses stares directly into the camera, just a hint of a smile above a square jaw. By all appearances, he is the epitome of a smart, hardworking, dedicated businessman who’s worthy of the trust people have placed in him to handle their finances.

The story of Jim Weed and The Eastern Colorado Bank

By Priscilla Waggoner
Kiowa County Independent

For literally decades, much has been written about the differences that exist between life in the city and life in the country. In many ways, these differences are not nearly as great as might be portrayed, for, at our core, people are people. Certain commonalities exist. We all grow up with a measure of aspirations and dreams for our lives. We are born into families with dynamics between parents and children, between brothers, between one generation and another. We become part of a community with relationships and roles that we fill. In short, we are born; we live, and we die, and, to varying degrees, the world is changed because of what we did and did not do while we drew breath. That is the nature of human existence.

By Priscilla Waggoner
Kiowa County Independent

“There’s a saying about family businesses being like a tree,” says Greg Weed, CEO of the Eastern Colorado Bank in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. “The first generation plants the seed in the ground. The second generation waters it and makes it grow. And the third generation…” He pauses, knowing he speaks as the head of that third generation. “The third generation chops it down and uses it for firewood.” He pauses again, shaking his head. His tone carries a hint of sheer honesty. “I don’t want our generation to be the one that does that."