With more than half of the currently registered runners coming from out of state, next weekend’s St. Joe River Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K has the potential to be the most traveled-to event in its history.
“We have people coming from Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, New York, Alaska and even Hawaii,” marathon committee member Devon Barta said. “It is exciting to see people participating from so far away.”
The race has been a popular draw since its inception in 2011 when it boasted a participation of more than 500 runners. Each year numbers have hovered close to the inaugural race’s count and has always been popular with runners traveling from out-of-state, according to Mrs. Barta.
Mandi Mueller (far left), Toni Anderson (#479) and Jack Crane (far right) were among the runners to participate in the 2013 5K.
“And I think that’s a testament to our town, in general,” she said. “I’ve had runners tell me that they travel back here because of the beauty of the course and kindness of our people. As far as I’m concerned, that’s all because of our volunteers; the ones who work to put the race together for the six months leading up to race day and those who work along the course on the day itself.”
It takes close to 80 volunteers, Mrs. Barta said, and nearly all of them return each year to help. She believes that’s what gives the race its charm and attracts participants each year.
This year’s event is June 8 and begins with an early-start marathon at 6:30 a.m. The rest of the races start at 8 a.m. with the rest of the marathon runners and continue in staggered sections; half marathon at 8:15 and the 5K at 8:30. The cost to participate in the marathon is $60, half marathon is $55 and the 5K, $20. Registration is open right up to the starting gun, but prices increase on race day.
The start and finish line will be at the Cormana Building. Awards ceremonies follow later in the morning. Kiwanis will be serving food at the finish line; this year’s menu includes hamburgers.
Coy Sands and several others participated in the 2013 SuperKid River Run. Coy was the first one to finish the course.
The day before the marathon, on June 7, the third annual SuperKid River Run will start at 11 a.m. Participants 12 years of age and younger may participate and are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. Cost is $10 (with no price increase for runners who register on race day), and adults may run with their children at no cost.
More information and registration forms can be found at the marathon’s official site, here.
Drivers will have another shot to beat the defending champion from last year’s Race the Joe! this weekend at the second annual jet boat race on the St. Joe River.
Events begin with a boat show n’ shine and fireworks Friday starting at 6 p.m. followed by races all day Saturday and Sunday (starting at 10 a.m.). The weekend concludes with the awards banquet at 6 p.m. May 25 at the Eagle’s Lodge.
Twenty-nine committed race teams are organized into five different classes and featured in the event guide, published last week. Racers come from as far as New Zealand and Canada. Others are from California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Organizers expect this year’s race to be even bigger and better attended than last year.
“From what I am hearing, I think we are going to have more spectators,” chamber president Shirley Ackerman said. “Folks are already taking their campers up the river. I think we are going to see a big influx of visitors.”
Shirley Ackerman, Kristin Compton and Amy Reid-Scheer sport race shirts in front of the Eagles, where the awards banquet will conclude the second annual Race the Joe this weekend.
The first annual Race the Joe! had 17 teams participating and thousands of spectators.
Last year’s winner, Gord Humphrey of Canada driving Unnatural Disaster, will return to defend his title. Two hours and 31 seconds is the overall time to beat. His team won the Canadian World Championships in 2011 and were Canadian Points Champions in 2012.
Though the fastest boats top out at about 140 mph, it is unlikely that any of the racers will hit that speed. Sheriff’s deputies recorded boats hitting a top speed of 124 mph last year.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the banks of the St. Joe River during the races. There are several locations along the river open to the general public for viewing the race. They include Idaho Forest Industries Landing, Shadowy St. Joe Campground, Scott Park at St. Joe City, Falls Creek Bridge, the Big Eddy Resort and the Calder bridge.
Winners will be announced at the awards banquet Sunday evening. The public is also invited to the event. Tickets are being presold for $15 adults and $5 for children at Hills Cabin City Pizza. The meal includes an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar. Seats are limited. Call (208) 245-2561 for additional information.
Race merchandise including T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, hooded sweatshirts and various hats are available at the chamber office and will be available at the show n’ shine Friday evening and at the Idaho Forest Industries landing during both race days.
More than 75 local businesses helped sponsor this year’s race. Dave Smith Motors is this year’s official event sponsor.
Call (208) 596-1103 for additional information.
McBride, Napierala KHS NISTAR Teachers
Two teachers at Kootenai High School were honored by the school’s NISTAR students.
Seniors Shannon Riley and Savanna Dutton were chosen as part of the North Idaho Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition program. They, in turn, each selected teacher whom they felt had an impact on them during their high school career.
Kathryn McBride previously taught math and Spanish at the high school for three years. Though she now teaches at Lakeland High School, she was selected by Shannon. Shannon said Ms. McBride was her favorite teacher.
Former Kootenai High School teacher Kathryn McBride was selected by senior Shannon Riley as part of the NISTAR program. The pair were honored at a banquet May 5.
“Her classes were really fun and we always did a lot of different activities. Sheís good at explaining things and always had time to answer questions,” Shannon said.
Mrs. McBride said she was surprised to receive the recognition especially since she was one of the newer teachers at the district.
“Shannon is an exceptional student and a joy to have in class,” she said. “She is highly motivated in her studies as well as active in the school’s athletic programs … she does not hesitate to provide guidance and assistance to students, teachers and staff. I feel privileged to have had her in my class and glad to have formed a bond of friendship that continues today.”
Shannon plans to attend Oregon State University and study biology and science. She is the daughter of Lisa Hawdon and Dennis Riley.
Doug Napierala, who has coached and taught at Kootenai High School for 16 years, was chosen by Savanna.
“He’s always willing to listen and help you out,” she said. “Heís wise and gives good advice. He doesn’t judge you.”
Kootenai senior Savanna Dutton, who was selected for the NISTAR honor this year, chose teacher and coach Doug Napierala to share the honor with her. Students chosen for NITSTAR select a teacher who has impacted them during their high school career.
Mr. Napierala said it was an honor to be chosen by Savanna. He said she is a very good student and will do well.
“She’s motivated in anything she does,” he said. “She’s set on what she wants and has the drive and determination to get there.”
Savanna will study biology at the University of Idaho and plans to later attend medical school and become a surgeon. Savanna is the daughter of Sharon and Robert Dutton.
Teachers and students were honored at the NISTAR banquet May 5.
Broyles, Silflow Honored by SMHS Grads
Two St. Maries seniors and the teachers they selected were recognized at banquet May 5 as part of the North Idaho Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition program.
Each year, as part of the NISTAR program, St. Maries selects two seniors based on their academic performance and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Then, each student selects a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their academic development.
This year, students Ryan McNulty and Nathaniel Benham were selected for the honor. Ryan chose Kippy Silflow, and Nathaniel selected Jim Broyles.
St. Maries students and the teachers they selected were honored by the NISTAR program May 5. Nathaniel Benham selected Jim Broyles and Ryan McNulty selected Kippy Silflow.
Mrs. Silflow has taught at the high school for 25 years. She teaches math and also is the advisor for the drama club.
Ryan said he selected Mrs. Silflow because she always works hard, not only when it comes to teaching students math, but in everything she’s involved in. He said she makes a good teacher for several different reasons.
“She has an ability to understand what’s going on in your head, and she knows how to help you work through a problem,” he said.
Mrs. Silflow said she was honored to be selected by Ryan. She said he is a wonderful student who excels above and beyond anything he does.
“He is dedicated and always motivated,” she said. “He will do exceedingly well in whatever he sets out to accomplish.”
Ryan plans to attend the University of Idaho and major in business economics.
Nathaniel said he selected Mr. Broyles because of all he does for the school district. Mr. Broyles has worked at the district for four years and teaches Spanish, anatomy and physiology, honors biology and choir.
“He has done a great amount of service for the district, filling in to teach where needed,” Nathaniel said. “He always does extra stuff.”
Nathaniel said Mr. Broyles has the ability to go in-depth on the topics he covers, which makes him a great teacher.
Mr. Broyles said he has no doubts Nathaniel will succeed in the future. He said Nathaniel is a student who likes to learn.
“He’s a serious student and likes to take things to the next level. When there is a challenge, he rises to meet it and thrives on it,” he said.
After a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Nathaniel hopes to go to school to become a game writer.
Ryan is the son of Dr. John and Sharri McNulty. Nathaniel is the son of Curtis and Yvette Benham.
Lakeside’s Top Name Veile, Wilcoxson
A third grade teacher and high school history teacher were honored May 5 at a banquet for the North Idaho Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition program.
The two teachers who work for the Plummer-Worley school district were selected by seniors Jonathan Daman and Sheyenne Shamburg, who were also honored at the banquet.
The two seniors were selected based on their academic performance and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Then, each student selected a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their academic development.
Jonathan chose Brad Veile, who has been with the district for 24 years and teaches history. Sheyenne selected her fourth grade teacher, Bonnie Wilcoxson, who has been with the district for 12 years.
As part of the NISTAR program, Lakeside High School seniors Jonathan Daman and Sheyenne Shamburg each selected a teacher who had an impact on them. Jonathan selected Brad Veile and Bonnie Wilcoxson was chosen by Sheyenne.
“She was my favorite elementary teacher,” Sheyenne said. “She was really fun. We always took so many field trips, and we had a lot of stray animals.”
And even though Ms. Wilcoxson forgot about Sheyenne once when she took the class to lunch, Sheyenne didn’t forget about her favorite teacher when it came time to make her selection.
“I can’t let her live it down,” Sheyenne said. “I was doing advanced math and so I was in a different part of the classroom and she took the class to lunch. I thought it was quiet so I walked out and everyone was gone.”
Ms. Wilcoxson said she was very surprised and humbled to be selected by Sheyenne.
“I didn’t even know the award existed,” she said. “And seniors tend to forget they were ever in elementary school. I’m very humbled to have been selected.”
While Sheyenne has an “awesome senses of humor,” Ms. Wilcoxson said Sheyenne is very dedicated and very serious when it comes to school.
“It was obvious from the get-go that she excelled in math,” she said. “She deserves this award.”
Sheyenne is the daughter of Larinda Howard and Corey Shamburg. She plans to attend college and study physical therapy.
Jonathan selected Mr. Veile because he has become a “good friend.” He said Mr. Veile excels at teaching students because he finds unique ways to present the material.
“He’s always great about engaging people,” Jonathan said. “Not only have I had him for class, but he coaches track as well.”
Mr. Veile said it is always a surprise to be selected. He said Jonathan will do well in the future.
“He’s interested in learning. Grades aren’t just the bottom line for him. He’s interested and engaged. He’s got the study skills and habits to be successful in college,” Mr. Veile said.
Jonathan is the son of Paul and LeAnn Daman. He plans to study agriculture business in college.
Every November, a day is set aside for Americans to remember and honor those who have fought and died for this country.
Students in fifth through eighth grade expressed what Veterans Day means to them as their focus for their Americanism Essay contest, which is sponsored annually by the Elks. The contest is meant to promote patriotism.
Aubree Osier, Lucia Yegge and Dylan Miller placed in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest on both the local, regional and state level. Aubree’s essay placed first regionally and second in the state. Lucia was the local sixth grade winner. Her essay also placed third regionally. Dylan was the local winner for the eighth grade and his essay placed first regionally and second at the state level.
Pete Dirlam of the St. Maries Elks Lodge encourages local students to participate. The contest was open to students fro Heyburn Elementary, UpRiver Elementary, S.t Maries Middle School, Calder School, Harrison Elementary and Middle School and the Plummer-Worley school district.
“I usually go around and talk to the students and encourage them to write an essay,” Mr. Dirlam said. “And I always try to give them some ideas.”
He said this year’s essays were well done.
“I was real impressed. This was a good topic this year for them to write about. We had some really good essays,” Mr. Dirlam said.
Heyburn Elementary fifth grader Kirsten Miller was selected as the local winner for the Elks Lodge Essay contest for her grade. Her essay also placed third regionally.
This year the local winners were Kirsten Miller, a fifth grader at Heyburn Elementary and the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Miller; Lucia Yegge, a sixth grader at St. Maries Middle School and the daughter of John and Maria Yegge; Clayton McQuade, a seventh grader at Calder School and the son of Tom and Renee McQuade; and Dillon Miller, an eighth grader at St. Maries Middle School and the son of Brian and Jennifer Miller.
Each of the students received $25 cash. The essays were also sent to compete at the regional and state level.
Clayton McQuade was the local seventh grade winner of the Elks essay contest. He attends Calder School. He also placed second in the regional contest.
Kirsten placed third regionally, receiving $25. Her brother, Dylan, placed first regionally and received $75. At the state level, his essay was second, and he won $50.
Lucia’s essay placed third regionally, and she received $25. This was the second year she was a local winner. Clayton’s essay placed second at the regional level, and he won $50.
The Elks Lodge is able to send three essays to be judged regionally from each division (fifth and sixth grade, seventh and eighth grade).
Even though she was not a local winner, Aubree Osier’s essay placed first regionally and second in the state. She received a total of $150. She is a seventh grader at St. Maries Middle School and is the daughter of Kenny and Jennifer Osier. Aubree won locally as a sixth grader last year.
“The total money won by the five students is by far the highest amount from the St. Maries Elks Lodge in the last ten years and perhaps ever,” Mr. Dirlam said.
The students were honored at the Elks Mother’s Day Brunch. Each essay was printed in the May 7 print edition of the St. Maries Gazette Record.
Moms of all ages will be the guests of honor at the Elks Annual Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 11.
Milinda Witten is organizing the annual Ellks Mother’s Day Brunch. This year’s brunch is Sunday (May 11) at the Elks Lodge. The brunch begins with a ceremony at 10:30 and brunch is at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and you do not have to be an Elks member.
The event starts with an Elks ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Brunch follows at 11 a.m. and includes ham, salads, rolls, muffins, fruit, bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy and more.
Milinda Witten, esquire of the Elks, said every mother in attendance will receive flowers.
Brunch costs $12 for adults, $8 for children six to 12 years old, and children five and younger are free.
“Any money we make will go into our charitable events account,” Mrs. Witten said.
During the brunch the St. Maries Rotary Club will present the Mother of the Year award. Mariah Dunham said each year the group asks students in two different grades in the St. Maires school district to write a nomination letter.
Ms. Dunham said a group of Rotary members reads through all the letters and picks out those that stand out. From there, three finalists will be selected. The winner is announced at the Elks brunch at 11:30 The three finalists will receive flowers and the winner receives a clock, handmade by Joe Renaldo.
“If the kids don’t have stage fright, we also have them read the letters they wrote,” Ms. Dunham said.
Additionally, the winners of the Elks Americanism Essay Contest are honored at the brunch and awards are handed out.
