December 2018 40 Sponsored by The Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. Sudoku Solution on page 56 Crossword Sudoku Cowpokes® by Ace Reid Cowboy Comics & Jokes Across --- verde (spiny tree) 1 Harsh treatment 5 Heebie-jeebies 10 Emphatic denial 12 Duration 13 Superior of a convent 14 Affirmative vote 16 Oil well equipment 17 Informal negative 19 Shoulder 20 Aware of 23 San ---, California 24 Astonish 25 Once around the track 26 Tone 27 Chaff 28 Somewhat drawn out 31 Watery part of milk 35 Small amount 36 Weapon 37 Classic Ford model 38 Ingot 39 German writer and statesman 40 Ahead 43 Watery swelling 46 Adorns 47 Ecclesiastical council 48 Inquires 49 Down Hunt for food 1 Defender of Troy 2 Stage 3 Plump 4 A very long time 5 Ladies' haircut 6 Type of computer connection 7 Earth tone 8 Synthetic 9 Silent film star --- Bow 10 Small fry 11 Loafer or sneaker, for example 15 Last phrase before wedlock 18 Postpone 21 Shredded cabbage 22 Leading watch brand 23 Father's sibling 25 Ballpark snack 27 Pirate's plunder 28 Pangs 29 Medicament 30 Illuminated 31 Cab passenger's place 32 Frightens 33 Groups of animals 34 Appeal 36 Half a Jackson 41 Medical insurer 42 Gun owners' grp. 44 Used to be 45 Crossword Solution on page 56