Submitted by S. Falconer
The annual Stock Dog Trials were held at Mankota from August 16 to 19 near the rodeo grounds. There were 50 dogs competing in the classes. The open classes were held three days in a row in which the dogs worked with five sheep. The pro novice were held two consecutive days also with five sheep. From these classes, the top ten dogs were chosen for the double list which required the dogs to work with 20 sheep. The champion was 鈥楽weep鈥� owned by Milton Scott of Airdrie. The reserve champion was owned by Scott Glen of Dayton, Alta. The judges, Milton Scott, Scott Glen and Gordon Watt of Wisconsin, rotated this year. Competitors were from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, California, Michigan, Wisconsin and Kentucky. Organizer Wendy Schmaltz provided the sheep for the competition.
Wendy Schmaltz and her dogs Ky, Floss and Tim competed in the Canadian Championship at Medicine Hat from August 22 to 26. The dogs had some good runs but didn鈥檛 place.
Social Notes
Heather Pluecks visited her mother, Marna Riopel, in Kitchener where they were聽 joined by her son, Jon Pluecks of Lethbridge. They all drove to New Liskeard to spend a few days at her uncles鈥檚 cottage.
Diane Okraincee attended the Bida Mackow family reunion at Swift Current Fair Grounds where approximately 100 family members gathered. Diane was joined by her family, Karen and Tibor Takach and family of Regina, Brenda Boyes and her boys of Carnduff, Evan, Lenea and family and Myron and Laurie and family of Glentworth area. This聽 was their first reunion and it provided an opportunity to renew acquaintances and to meet new family members.
Mike and Sharon Sherven left Mankota the middle of August for their new home in Redcliff, Alta. Mike had served as the administrator for the RM of Mankota and the RM of Glen McPherson for 34 years. Sharon was a valued employee at the Big Sky Agencies for many years. Their four children had all attended school there. The Shervens were very involved in the church and many organizations in the area and they will be missed.
Loren Koller, who has worked with Mike at the RM office as an assistant since September 2017, has moved into the position of RM administrator as of July 20, 2018. Loren, originally from Assiniboia, has completed the Local Government Authority Program. She and her partner, Cam Schafer, live near Mankota. Good luck in your new career.
The Zak family met at Thomson Lake early this summer to celebrate Mike鈥檚 birthday and to enjoy a family reunion. Mike and Annette and Allen, Marilyn and boys hosted the event. They were joined by Cindy and family of Lumsden, Tammy and boys of Milestone and Dale, April and Finn of Saskatoon. Tracey and family were unable to attend because of previous commitments but they visited at the farm later.
Kelly and Lynn Howe holidayed at Cypress Hills this summer. They were joined by their boys, Ryan, Emily and family and Stewart, Cecily and family of Saskatoon and Kenny and Karissa of Vancouver. Also with them were Lynn鈥檚 brother, Garth and Irma Bell of Coaldale and their daughter Sharlene of Edmonton.
Lillian Klein was at Maple Creek on July 15 to attend the wedding of cousin Debbie Ridley and Wayne Ehret. She聽 drove to Medicine Hat on July 21 to attend the wedding of granddaughter Michaela Klein and Doug Christianson.
Crystal McLean attended the Musical Theatre Camp at Fort Peck this summer.
Shirley McLeod of Swift Current visited with her daughter, Dianne and Marty Falconer one weekend. Shirley and Dianne were among those who attended the performance that week.
Maureen Kuffner accompanied her sister, Shelley Achter to Consort, Alta. to attend the surprise birthday party for their brother-in-law, Larry Priddell. Larry and Lois had their family home.
Garth Flynn and Heather Pluecks spent a week at Waskesiu where they enjoyed camping and bicycling. They took their camper and bikes to Fernie for a 10-day聽 vacation.
Ann and Metro Borowetz of Weekes and their friend, Ed, were in the Glenworth area recently. They stayed with Diane Okraincee and visited with the other Okraincee families. They also attended the Parish Feast Day at the Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church on August 19.
Some young folk took advantage of the hockey camps this summer. Easton Lee attended the Notre Dame Hockey Camp in August. Among those attending the hockey camp in Shaunavon were Tanner Davies Okraincee, Kipton Lee and Andy and Abel Goodwin.
Mankota UCW held a successful Bake Sale and Garage Sale on August 26. There was a good crowd in attendance.
Museum Evening
Wood Mountain Rodeo Ranch Museum hosted an 鈥楨vening at the Museum鈥� on August 8. The evening began with a good crowd enjoying the barbecue supper behind the museum. Following the supper, there was a viewing of the National Film Board Documentary 鈥楻ide鈥� by Kristine Catherwood. This film featured the Marshall family of Big Beaver. Other films shown were 鈥楳edicine Line鈥� which was filmed at Wood Mountain, 鈥楤ronco Busters鈥� and 鈥楥orral鈥�. The films were shown the first time in the museum and the second time in the great outdoors. It was an enjoyable evening for old and young alike.
