A local motocross rider will compete in a prominent event this weekend. And a recent injury won’t stop him.
Austin Schiermeister, a 2014 graduate of St. Maries High School, was invited to compete in the X Games in Austin, Texas. The X Games are June 4-7. Mr. Schiermeister will race in the pro-class June 5.
“It’s pretty much like the Olympics, but all of the motor sports,” he said. “There are bicycles, skateboards, rally cars, dirt bikes, Endurocross and more.”
Austin Schiermeister has been invited to compete at the X Games in Texas. He will compete in the pro-class for endurocross June 5.
To compete, a rider must be invited, Mr. Schiermeister said. This is the first time he has ever been invited to compete at the event.
“I’m really excited,” Mr. Schiermeister said. “I’m very excited to go down and see it. I’ve never been to the X Games or even been down to watch.”
Mr. Schiermeister earned his invitation by competing in the AMA Endurocross circuit. Throughout the circuit, riders earn points by competing at various races. Mr. Schiermeister was able to compete at two AMA events this season: the first was March 23 in Salt Lake City and the second was May 1 in Las Vegas.
At the Salt Lake City event, Mr. Schiermeister was sixth in the qualifier for the pro-class and fourth in the amateur open class. He took sixth in the qualifier for the pro-class in Las Vegas and was second in the amateur open class. The finishes ranked Mr. Schiermeister 24th out of 41 racers.
Mr. Schiermeister said usually the top 22 racers are invited to compete at the X Games. However, when someone is unable to go organizers continue down the list.
Big-time Endurocross racers will be at the event this weekend, Mr. Schiermeister said, including Colton Haaker, Cody Webb and Destry Abbott.
As he prepares for the competition, Mr. Schiermeister said he hasn’t put in as much riding as he would like. He fractured the top of his foot about two weeks ago riding at Orofino.
“I’ve been getting on a stationary bike, trying to keep my stamina up,” he said. “I’ve also been working on my bike. There’s been a lot of work to do.”
Mr. Schiermeister has raced since he was six years old. He got his first bike for his fifth birthday.
Austin Schiermeister
“I love the thrill of seeing new things and competing,” he said. “There’s always a chance to get better.”
Mr. Schiermeister said he would love to race professionally. He thanked his family, friends and girlfriend for their support. He also thanked all of his sponsors including SXS Slideplates, Tim Schiermeister Trucking, Masterson Construction, EKS Brand, Lucas Oil and the 127 Shop.
His mom, Candi Schiermeister, added the whole family is proud of Mr. Schiermeister for his accomplishments.
“This is not only a dream of Austin’s but for his whole family,” she said. “We have watched him work so hard for this. Hard work, dedication, the will, the strength and the heart.”
Fifteen days before accepting her high school diploma, Rhegan Humphrey walked across the stage at North Idaho College and received a college degree.
The St. Maries senior had been working toward the associate’s degree since her sophomore year of high school.
Rhegan Humphrey graduated from North Idaho College with her associate’s degree 15 days before receiving her high school diploma from St. Maries High School.
“It was really rewarding because this is something I had been planning for awhile,” Rhegan said. “It was a pretty new program when I started and I was pretty excited it all worked out and I was able to achieve my goal.”
Rhegan earned 65 college credits to obtain the associate’s degree all while working toward the high school diploma as well.
“I enjoy challenges and wanted to challenge myself,” Rhegan said. “I also enjoy learning.”
While some of the college credits counted toward the 49 credits required to graduate high school not all did. Rhegan admitted it took “a lot of hard work, time and dedication” and “a lot of planning” to achieve what she wanted as a dual-enrollment student.
“I definitely think this is something for students to consider,” she said. “It can give you a definite head start in your education.”
With her general classes finished, Rhegan expects to be able to immediately begin classes related to her field of study when she transfers to Lewis Clark State College to study pre-med.
“It is hard to say how long I will be there because I don’t know how it will map out yet,” she added. “But I don’t think I will be there a full four years.”
Rhegan thanked several of her teachers and advisors at St. Maries High School for supporting her and helping her to succeed including Merri Jo Gilmore, Ashley Tate, Megan Sindt, Jim Broyles, Kippy Silflow, Loy Felix and Kathy Kahn. She also thanked her family for their support.
“I hope this opens up the opportunity for others students from St. Maries to be able to this program as well,” Rhegan added.
Rhegan is the daughter of Darcy and Dale Humphrey of St. Maries.
A second grader at UpRiver School earned a first place finish in the 2015 PBS Kids Writers Contest.
This is the second time Cody Loe has placed in the contest for northern Idaho. He earned a third place finish last year as a first grader.
Cody Loe is pictured with Molly, left, his family’s Beagle, and Jake, right, his cousin’s Beagle. Cody’s story about the two Beagles who fight crime was the first place winner of the Idaho Public Television’s writing contest. His story, complete with illustrations, will compete at the national level.
When asked if he was excited, Cody replied, “Oh yeah.”
“I wasn’t really expecting anything,” he said.
This year’s story was a tale of two beagles that fight crime. Cody’s characters included his own beagle, Molly, and his cousin’s beagle, Jake. Cody also illustrated the book, drawing pictures for different scenes from his story. His third place story last year also featured Molly as a character.
“So Molly is famous twice and Jake is famous once,” Cody said.
When it comes to writing, Cody said at first he hesitates, but once a story gets started it’s hard for him to stop writing until it is finished. He wrote his winning story, The Super Beagles, in February.
“I like to use my imagination,” he said. “I like using my own thoughts not one from other people.”
As the second grade winner, Cody and other grade level winners were honored at BookPeople in Moscow May 9. Not only was he able to read his story to the audience, but Cody received a prize package that included a certificate, books, gift cards, pens and more. Cody’s story will also be published online in June at www.idahoptv.org/kids.
“I get to be famous for a year,” Cody said. “All the kids really admire me.”
Cody’s teacher sent the information home with students and then they decide if they want to enter the contest. Cody says he definately will enter next year’s contest and plans to continue writing.
Cody’s winning story was sent on to the national level as well. The results from the national competition will be available in July.
Cody is the son of Bobby and Calandra Loe of Fernwood.
Fallen soldiers will be remembered this weekend.
Memorial Day services have been scheduled in St. Maries and on the west side of the county.
Services in St. Maries will be conducted by American Legion Post 25. The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Warriors Society Post 5 and American Legion Post 69 will conduct services in Plummer, DeSmet and Worley.
Judd Wilson, far right, will be the guest speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony in St. Maries Sunday, May 24. Mr. Wilson is pictured with (from left) Jim Shubert, Donna and George Pfeifer. The day’s ceremony starts at 1 p.m. and is conducted by American Legion Post 25 and Ladies Auxiliary Unit 25 at the Benewah County Veterans Memorial.
Members of the St. Maries community are invited to attend Memorial Day services at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Benewah County Veterans Memorial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Veterans who want to take part in the ceremony should meet at noon at the Elks Lodge.
Residents are invited to help Heyburn Elementary fifth graders place flags on the graves of those who served in the military at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, at Woodlawn Cemetery. Jim Shubert said veterans who plan to help should arrive at noon.
“We are really hoping for a good turnout from both veterans and members of the public,” Mr. Shubert added. “It is a great way to honor those who have served.”
Judd Wilson, who served in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009, will speak at Sunday’s ceremony.
Mr. Wilson served as a public affairs officer with Marine Corps Bases Japan/III Marine Expeditionary Force from 2006 to 2008. He also served with Multi-National Corps – Iraq, located at Camp Victory in Baghdad in 2007. Mr. Wilson’s final promotion earned him the rank of captain.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak at this year’s service. Memorial Day is a time to remember our fallen and re-dedicate ourselves to what they lived and died for: the American people,” Mr. Wilson said.
During Sunday’s ceremony in St. Maries, John Ausmus will read poetry and the Ladies Auxiliary Unit 25 will present a wreath. Mr. Shubert said the names of all the veterans who have died since last year’s Memorial Day ceremony will be read.
Services will be held in Plummer, DeSmet and Worley Monday, May 25.
Veterans who would like to participate in rendering services should meet at Plummer City Hall at 9 a.m. The first service will be conducted near the American Legion building at about 9:15 a.m.
From there, the veterans will be at the Plummer Cemetery between 9:30 and 10 a.m. A ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the DeSmet Cemetery; at 11:45 a.m. at the Tribal Memorial in Plummer; at 12 p.m. at the tribal cemetery in Worley; and finally at 12:30 p.m. the veterans will be at the Worley Cemetery.
The Michael Family Memorial Lunch will be at 1 p.m. at the longhouse in Worley. It is a meal for veterans and their family members. It is provided by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Warriors Society Post 5.
“This is a day we should all remember,” John Wheaton, of Post 69, said. “It is important to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives. We should never forget their sacrifice.”
The local archery club has planned a 3-D archery competition in June. To make it happen, they will need more support from the surrounding communities.
The Jamboree is June 13 and 14 at H2H Bison Ranch in Worley and is organized by the Broken Trail Bowmen. The archery club formed in 2013 and serves the communities of St. Maries and Harrison.
Members of the local archery club are planning a shoot this summer with 40 3-D targets some of which are shown here. Pictured include (front, from left) Bret and Peter Nelson, James Plante, (back, from left) Scott Schiermeister, Kurtis Plante holding Brooke, Freddie Plante and Jason Brebner.
Last year, the Broken Trail Bowmen received funds and targets from the Priest River club when it dissolved. Rusty Riberich said Warren Howard, of the H2H Bison Ranch, contacted the club who offered to host a shoot.
“This got the ball rolling and the club members began raising money and donations to be able to purchase targets and hold an archery shoot,” Mr. Riberich said.
The archery shoot will include 40 targets. The competition shoot will be June 13 and 14. The local 4-H archery group, led by Rodey Hill, will have their own private shoot June 12.
The club has received donations from St. Maries Auto Parts (NAPA), Les Schwab, Harrison Water Adventures, Blue Goose, Potlatch, Silver Valley/ Benewah Veterinary Clinic, Benewah Community Hospital, Nelson Trucking, Boller Trucking and Whitney Trucking.
“We still need more funds and additional targets in order to be able to put on the shoot,” Mr. Riberich said.
Age groups for the competition shoot are Cub (up to 12 years), Youth (13-17), and Adult (18 and older).
“All ages groups are split by gender and the adult age group is split into the following classes: traditional, open, freestyle, free style limited,” Mr. Riberich said.
Metal plaques will be award as prizes. The plaque features a cutout of a bison and will include the competition’s name, individual placing, year of the shoot, an archery target and the club’s name.
“There will also be some different money competitions to be decided on the day of the event,” Mr. Riberich said.
To enter, it is $15 per day for an adult or $25 for the weekend. Youth pay $10 per day or $15 for the weekend. A family of four (two adults) will be $65 to compete. Mr. Riberich said there is no pre-registration. Those who plan to enter can register the day of the event. The competition will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Mr. Riberich said those who plan to attend should also make lodging reservations. Lodging is available onsite at H2H Bison Ranch. Call 755-6102 for more information.
Other places near Worley to stay include Conking Marina, 681-1151; Heyburn State Park, 686-1308; and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort, (800) 523-2464.
Businesses who would like to sponsor a target and have their name placed on a target may still do so. For more information about the archery shoot, business sponsorships or to make a donation, call 582-1068 or email brokentrailbowman@gmail.com.
Mr. Riberich said there is no pre-registration. Those who plan to enter can register the day of the event.
Area children are encouraged to enter a local story-writing contest.
The Wordless Book, a story writing contest sponsored by the St. Maries Public Library in honor of Children’s Book Week, will run May 4-15.
Leslee Adams stands behind a stack of picture books for the Wordless Book contest. The St. Maries Library has organized the literary endeavor in honor of Children’s Book Week.
Contestants must write a story to go along with one of the picture books that will be made available at the local library. The story may be written at the library or a book checked out for children to work on the project at home. Children in first through eighth grades are eligible to participate. Examples are available at the library.
Entries must be returned to the library by 5 p.m. Friday (May 15). Prizes including pizza, ice cream and a movie to be awarded to first, second and third place winners.
The week will conclude with a special activity day Friday where children may explore various activities that will be made available for individual discovery.
The winner will be announced Monday, May 18 and need not be present to win. Call the library at (208) 245-3732 for additional information.
With the help of their husbands, two women have organized the second annual Ride Because We Care Fun Run Saturday May 9.
Pam Sawver and Destrie Brown started the ride last year to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Both women have been affected by cancer and are passionate about the cause.
Destrie Brown and Pam Shawver are pictured with a mixture of raffle and silent auction items that will be up for grabs during the Ride Because We Care Fun Run, which is May 9.
Ms. Brown said she battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma and that it was a difficult experience for her and is for others as well. Ms. Shawver has lost family members to cancer.
Last year the ride netted close to $2,500. More than 100 people attended, and the women are hoping to raise even more money at this year’s event. The ride leaves Xmas Hills at 10 a.m. Breakfast will be served, beginning at 8 a.m., for $4 per person. To participate in the ride, organizers are asking this who come to pay $10. Lunch will be served halfway through the ride for $5.
For more information, call Ms. Shawver at 582-1900 or Ms. Brown at 568-0034.
The event organized to benefit the family of Sheryl Sullivan will be May 2.
Ms. Sullivan, 65, died April 19 at her home in Fernwood after a battle with cancer, leaving behind her husband Cleve at the family home, five siblings, 11 children, 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Her memorial service was Saturday.
Cleve Sullivan is pictured with his late wife, Sheryl, who died earlier this month after battling cancer. There is a benefit for Sheryl’s family to help with unpaid medical expenses. It is May 2.
Born in North Carolina, Ms. Sullivan attended school in Fernwood and graduated from St. Maries High School in 1969. During her life-time she was married three times and worked at various local businesses, including the Fernwood Mercantile (where she worked for 26 years), Archie’s IGA and Valley Vista Care Center.
She also served as a volunteer for various organizations including as an EMT for UpRiver Ambulance, a member of the water board, helped implement plans for the CAF Building and was involved in planning many Fernwood Day celebrations.
Friends and family are invited to gather again in support of the local family.
A spaghetti feed and live auction is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at the CAF Building in Fernwood. Proceeds from the event will go to help the family with medical expenses. Donations for a dinner and auction would be greatly appreciated.
Call Peggy Spray at (208) 245-0564, Linda Mitchell (208) 245-9311, Debby Powell at (208) 245-3097 or Dawn Marie Weber at (208) 245-5628 for additional information.
Two individuals, a business and an organization will be honored at the St. Maries Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Spring Fling Friday, May 1.
This year’s Business of the Year is Hughes Ace Hardware. The organization of the year is the Paul Bunyan Days committee and two individuals, Dan Hammes and Ginny Oakes, tied for Citizen of the Year.
The St. Maries Chamber of Commerce will recognize an organization, business and two individuals at its banquet Friday night. Hughes Ace Hardware, owned by Liz and John Hughes was named Business of the Year. The Paul Bunyan Days committeee represented by Kristi Wear, Dale Hill, Windy Sotin and Randy Nold was named Organization of the Year. Ginny Oakes and Dan Hammes share the Citizen of the Year honor.
“We always ask the business community to nominate who they feel are deserving and then we take the top four and send out a ballot,” Shirley Ackerman said.
Those who were selected this year will be recognized at the banquet, which begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Breaded, grilled chicken will be served. The live auction will wrap up the evening’s activities.
This year’s banquet will be at the Elks Lodge and tickets are $25. A table for up to eight may be reserved as well. Tickets are available by calling 245-3563 or stop by AmericanWest Bank or the St. Maries Department of Labor office.
John Hughes said he and his wife, Liz, who own Hughes Ace Hardware, were surprised by the honor.
“We had been nominated in the past, but it is one of those things you don’t really expect as a longtime established business,” Mr. Hughes said. “It made us proud and it felt good that the other members of the Chamber thought of us enough to vote for us as a business.”
Mr. Hughes took over the business from his father in 1980. He and his wife employ 15 people.
“Our goal at this point is to keep improving the business, adding new lines that our customers want,” he said. “We want to continue to offer the products and customer service that we always have.”
“Hughes Ace Hardware is a great asset to the community,” Mrs. Ackerman added. “They are always trying to meet the customer’s and community’s needs and always display excellent customer service.”
Mrs. Oakes has lived in St. Maries since 1978. She has owned and operated her own business, Premier Financial Services, since 1998.
In addition to running her business, Mrs. Oakes is involved with several service organizations including Kiwanis, Hospice, BetterCARE and teaching classes to Boy Scouts. She has been involved with Hospice and Kiwanis for more than 20 years.
“I was honored to be selected because there are so many more people that are deserving of it,” Mrs. Oakes said.
“She is very passionate about the kids in the community and St. Maries as a whole,” Mrs. Ackerman added. “She gives back so much.”
Mrs. Oakes said she believes it is important for individuals to be involved in their communities.
“If we didn’t help each other out, it wouldn’t be the community that we love,” she added.
Mr. Hammes has owned and operated the Gazette Record with his wife, Cindy, since 1992, though he was involved with the business many years prior. He said he was honored to be chosen.
“It’s quite an honor to be selected, especially since there are so many people in our community who deserve the recognition,” Mr. Hammes said.
Ms. Ackerman said those who nominated Mr. Hammes described him as an individual who has the “courage and conviction to stand up for what he believes.”
“I think Dan does so much behind the scenes,” she said. “He sits on the hospital board and he’s very involved with CASA. I think it was his involvement as a whole.”
Finally, the Paul Bunyan Days committee organizes the largest event in St. Maries. The 2015 event will be the 47th year the event has been held.
In the last five years, Dale Hill said the committee has donated around $50,000 to projects at St. Maries city park alone. That doesn’t include donations made to various organizations such as the Distinguished Young Women program, the Easter egg hunt, Grammies Jammies, the local ambulance, St. Maries Fire Department and more.
“It’s a huge event for the community and they give everything back to the community,” Mrs. Ackerman said. “The recent donation to the amphitheatre is a prime example.”
“We’re very honored to receive this,” Dale Hill said. “We’re here for St. Maries.”
Each year, 25 to 30 people sit on the Paul Bunyan Days committee to plan the annual event.
“When we first started this it was to promote the businesses and help them through the tough times and that’s still what it is,” Mr. Hill said. “We have some new plans this year that we are excited about.”
