Odessa Lions Club awards home decorating prizes

ODESSA – "The Odessa Lions Club would like to give a big shout out to the local community for dressing up so nicely for Christmas. There are too many really great displays to give awards everyone that deserved one. The 700 block of Second St. gets the nod for best neighborhood," said Lions Club member Marlon Schafer.

The first-place award for the best decorated home went to Joel and Danielle Hardung. The home of Heath Voise took second place, and Ed and Dee Deife's home placed third. These top three were selected by a committee of Lions Club members. The top spot garnered a $150 prize, second place $100 and third place $50.

Honorable mention went to the homes of Pete and Lisa Martin and Karen Carlson/Tammy Tokas.

Many residents went all out this year, perhaps hoping the festive lights would chase away some of the negativity bombarding us all day long on various media. When driving into town after dark, it is a very pretty sight to see Odessa all lit up. Downtown merchants have also done their part with window displays, painted window scenes, colorful lights and decorated Christmas trees creating a festive atmosphere. And now that the Congress has finally agreed upon a relief package, we can all look forward to a small influx of cash to help us get through the winter.