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.
Band and choir students will cook breakfast for the community this weekend.
The second-annual breakfast and flea market, sponsored by the St. Maries Music Boosters, if from 7 a.m. to noon May 10 at the Walker Building at the Benewah Community Fairgrounds.
Shelby Holder, Conner Silflow, Hunter Megee and Dawson Marunde are band students at St. Maries High School. The St. Maries Music Boosters Club will serve breakfast and have a flea marker May 10 to help raise money to support music students, both band and choir.
Donations are needed for the flea market. If you have something you don’t need anymore, consider donating it to the St. Maries Music Boosters. Items that are welcome include gently used knick knacks, toys, games, kitchen items, furniture and more.
The breakfast menu the day of the sale includes pancakes, biscuits and gravy, ham, sausage, eggs, coffee, milk and orange mice. The cost is $5 per person and $3 for children 12 and younger.
“The first year we raised just over $1,000,” Mike Noyes said. Mr. Noyes teaches band and choir at St. Maries Middle and High Schools. “The breakfast is good, and we will have some great items as well.”
Money will help pay for uniforms, instruments and helps pay for travel to music activities.
To donate an item, call Mr. Noyes at 582-1427 or Calandra Loe at 245-6976.
The annual Muddy Butt is Sunday, May 4 and officially launches the St. Joe Cycle Club’s racing season. The race is at Xmas Hills Recreational Area, just southeast of St. Maries. The event is free for spectators and open to the public.
But those who plan to go to the race might want to give themselves extra time; new insurance requirements call for everyone who attends – both riders and spectators – to sign a liability waiver and wear a wristband. Insurance also requires more structure in the event including designated parking and camping areas.
Registration for the races begin at 7:30 a.m. The children’s races starts at 9 a.m., and the big bikes, at 11:30.
Kristin Compton displays this year’s Muddy Butt race apparel. The race is Sunday at Xmas Hills Recreation area. Only blue hooded-sweatshirts will be available at the race.
As many as 275 racers from as far as Washington, Montana and Oregon participate in the event each year. Last year approximately 220 bikes were registered. Organizers hope to beat that this ear.
Club member Mike Minier, with the help of Clayton, Ben and charlie Harvey, Dylan Julian and other club members, will build this year’s course, which will include a lap that will take from 20 to 40 minutes to ride. The race is expected to last approximately three hours.
The motocross racers have raced on Xmas Hills for more than 30 years. The St. Joe cycle Club offers three races each year; the Muddy Butt is the first in the series, followed by the Chuck Compton May 18 and the Jimmy Hansen Memorial on June 15.
The club offers a fourth race later in the year that is not included in the series. The Stix and Stones race has been scheduled for Oct. 12.
Rhegan Humphrey was named 2015 St. Maries Distinguished Young Woman Saturday night. As the winner, Ms. Rhegan was awarded a $1,500 scholarship, in addition to other monies she had earned throughout the night. Rhegan is the daughter of Dale and Darcy Humphrey.
Rhegan Humphrey, center, was named 2015 St. Maries Distinguished Young Woman Saturday. Kendall Brusseau, left, was first runner up, and Paytyn Wemhoff, right, won second runner up.
Other finalists, and the scholarship money associated with each category, are as follows:
First Runner Up: Kendall Brusseau $1,000
Second Runner Up: Paytyn Wemhoff $750
Be Your Best Self, in Honor of Karen Ebert:
Paytyn Wemhoff $200
Kendall Brusseau $200
Spirit Award:
Kaleena Harvey $200
Kristen Womack $200
Scholastic:
Kendall Brusseau $250
Paytyn Wemhoff $250
Rhegan Humphrey $250
Judges’ Interview:
Paytyn Wemhoff $250
McKenzie Rose $250
Rhegan Humphrey $250
Talent:
Jasmyn Shaw $250
Rhegan Humphrey $250
Kendall Brusseau $250
Fitness:
Jasmyn Shaw $200
Rhegan Humphrey $200
Kendall Brusseau $200
Self Expression:
Paytyn Wemhoff $200
Rhegan Humphrey $200
Catherine Flach $200
Ryan Kennelly, a 2012 graduate of St. Maries High School, was recently featured in the St. Maries Gazette Record. Ryan is a sophomore at the University of Idaho, and he is pursuing a degree in operations management and marketing with an entrepreneurial emphasis.
Ryan attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program as a senior at St. Maries High School. Each year, the local St. Maries Rotary Club selects a senior to attend the leadership conference.
Not only did Ryan attend as a camper, but he also attended as a staff member in 2013 and plans to do so again this year. He also helped start a Rotaract program for young adults at the University of Idaho.
This is reprinted with permission from the Gazette Record.
• • •
What is the RYLA Program?
RYLA stands for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. RYLA encourages servant leadership in youth by recognizing and rewarding students who attend the RYLA Camp in Castlegar, British Colombia.
• • •
When and where did you attend the RYLA Program?
I have attended RYLA twice thus far, once as a camper in 2012 and the other as a staff member in 2013. I am also returning this summer as a staff member.
• • •
What type of activities did you participate in during the program?
RYLA’s intent is to encourage students to be more effective servant leaders. RYLA participants engage in seminars in which keynote speakers elaborate on Rotary’s purpose to the community and world, fundamentals of leadership, ethics of positive leadership, qualities of a “servant leader,” conflict management, building self-esteem and self-confidence, and the elements of community and global citizenship. Participants also dive into a positive, friendly, and inspiring environment.
• • •
What did you gain from the program?
It is always a challenge answering this question. RYLA has provided me with an experience of a lifetime. Not only have I grown as an individual, but I have grown into a young, “Rotarian to be.”
• • •
What is the Rotaract Program?
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18-30. They are either community or university based, and are sponsored by a local Rotary Club. This makes them true “partners in service” and key members of the Rotary family.
• • •
What prompted you to help start a Rotaract Club at the University of Idaho?
My experience at RYLA was the main motivation to get involved in service organizations at the University of Idaho. At RYLA, I heard about a new and young Rotaract Club of the Palouse that had recently taken flight in Moscow and Pullman. Attending the U of I gave me the opportunity to hop right in and get involved. It has been an extraordinary experience.
• • •
What types of activities/projects has the club been involved since it started?
The Rotaract Club of the Palouse has helped serve in the communities of Moscow and Pullman since it started last year. In Moscow, we have helped clean day dare facilities, partnered with the local clubs and organizations to fundraise through a 5K Color Fun Run, gift wrapping around the holidays, ringing Salvation Army Bells, and also fundraise during the annual Relay for Life. Our club also had the opportunity to partner with the local Rotary Clubs of Moscow and Pullman to fundraise and implement “Project Tanzania”—a project that brought electricity to and connected five villages in the much needed area of Tanzania.
• • •
Why do you feel RYLA and Rotaract are good programs?
Rotaract is a good program because it allows young individuals to not only give back to their communities, but also make a difference in the lives of others throughout the world. RYLA is a good program because it emphasizes “service above self” while also inspiring and providing students with the resources to go out in the world and accomplish their dreams.
• • •
Both of these programs tend to focus on leadership. What qualities do you think make a good leader and why are leaders important?
A good leader has to be dynamic. A leader must be able to lead and follow, adapt to different situations, be honest, responsible, communicate well, and remain visible in their respective communities.
• • •
Had you been involved with Rotary prior to attending the RYLA Program? Do you plan to stay involved in similar activities later on in life and why?
Rotary has always been a part of my life. My parents have been involved in Rotary for as long as I can remember. When I was younger (and still in Wisconsin) my father would take us to help set up the city lights during the holidays – for me that meant hot chocolate, but now I see the bigger picture. And absolutely (I plan to stay involved). We have a funny saying at RYLA that I finally have understood. “I have drank the Kool-aid.” It is now a life goal of mine to serve the communities in which I live, as well as do my part in making this world a better place.
A longtime teacher at Lakeside Middle School was selected to replace John Brumley following his retirement as the middle and high school principal.
Jennifer Hall said she is excited and up to the challenge as she switches gears. She’s taught math and science to Plummer-Worley middle school students for more than 15 years.
After teaching math and science at Lakeside Middle School for more than 15 years, Jennifer Hall will assume the post as principal at Lakeside Middle School and High School this fall.
“I come from a generation of teachers. Both of my parents taught at Eastern Washington University. I graduated from there with my bachelor’s to teach math and science. I was hired to teach at Plummer-Worley in 1996,” she said.
Mrs. Hall will complete her master’s in administration in June. She said she was encouraged by some of her mentors to seek the post as principal.
“I’m also committed to serving this community,” she said.
Mrs. Hall’s children, as well as her husband Les’ children, have graduated or are attending Plummer-Worley schools. They also have grandchildren in the district.
“I think the strength of this district is its small size and the ability to know each and every one of our students as well as their parents,” she said. “There is a great sense of community here.”
Mrs. Hall anticipates it will be a challenge to step out of the classroom and into an administrative role, but she looks forward to it.
“In a lot of ways my classroom just gets larger,” she said. “I’ve been preparing students for high school for years, and now I’m going to be looking at getting them ready for college and a career. I’m going to be looking at the bigger picture. And it’s exciting.”
Mrs. Hall will be working closely with Mr. Brumley in the next few months. She will start as principal of the middle school and high school this fall.
In addition to preparing students for college and a career, she wants to see more use of technology in the classroom. She said she is also looking forward to working with the staff.
“Education is always changing,” she said. “It’s not like it was when I graduated. There are always a lot of new ideas and while I might not agree with all of them, I find them fascinating.I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.”
