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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 3, 2011)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, February 3, 2011 2011 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo queen has been chosen Once again Columbia Coun- ty was home to a joint rodeo royalty coronation. The 2011 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Court held joint corona- tion ceremonies with the 2011 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon. The 2011 Court consists of Queen Emily Simpson of St. Helens, Princess Kelsey Lan- phear of Deer Island, and Princess Emily Nodland of St. Helens. The 2011 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon is Haley Jones of St. Helens. The ceremonies took place at the Columbia County Pavil- ion on Saturday, January 22. The evening’s events included dinner, silent and live auctions, and coronation ceremonies. A special, fun highlight of the evening was a “Mr. Columbia County Pageant.” There was also a special display honoring Columbia County royalty of the last 20 years, highlighting those who have gone on to represent oth- er rodeos and organizations as royalty. In the past eight years, Columbia County has been home to three Miss Rodeo Ore- gons, three Miss Northwest Professional Rodeo Associa- tion (NPRA), three Miss Teen Rodeo Oregons, and three Ju- nior Miss Rodeo Oregons, as well as representing rodeos such as St. Paul Rodeo, Molal- la Buckeroo, Crooked River Roundup, Salem Rodeo, Santi- am Canyon Stampede, Tillam- ook Rodeo, Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo, Benton County Fair & Rodeo, and Umpqua Valley Roundup. The Columbia County Fair- board is accepting applications for the position of Fair and Rodeo Court Coordinator. If in- terested, please contact the fair office at 503-397-4231. Animal Control rescues Coconut With injuries to her feet that possibly came from a boat pro- peller, a female Chesapeake Bay Retriever rescued near Mayger Beach is now on the mend. Columbia County Animal Control officials recovered the dog January 17 with serious wounds to her hind feet and ap- pearing to be undernourished. Officials began cleansing and caring for the wounds with the help of the Companion Animal Hospital in Scappoose. Animal Control staff have given the re- triever the name, “Coconut”, and say she is very compliant with the medical staff dealing with her injuries. Once the dog is stable, it is expected she will need to have two of her toes removed for health reasons. After that, she will need more special treat- ment until she is ready for adoption. Even then, she will require an adoptive family that can provide her with a proper home for her full recovery. The Columbia County Ani- mal Control Unit is part of the Enforcement Division of the Sheriff’s Office, and operates with revenue from dog license fees and donations. If you would like more information about “Coconut,” or to make a donation to help the Columbia County Animal Control Shelter with the treatment and care of injured animals, contact the An- imal Control Shelter at 503- 397-3935. The Shelter is locat- ed at 2084 Oregon Street, St. Helens. V ALLEY V ETERINARY C LINIC R ABIES S PECIAL $ 50 10 Per vaccine, per animal Through February 2011 Thursdays 9 am - 5 pm 1-503-556-3084 58376 Nehalem Hwy. S. Vernonia Left to right; Princess Emily Nodland, Princess Kelsey Lanphear, and Queen Emily Simpson make up the 2011 Columbia County Rodeo Court. Photos courtesy of Creekside Studios. A farewell to a young cowboy’s pony “Pee Wee” was his name. A wonderful pony who was more than just a pony to a local little cowboy, Dustin Talbott, he was also one of his best friends and buddy. Even though he had only been a part of our family for a few short years, Pee Wee and Dustin have had a lot of good times together. From log- ging thousands of miles on the road in the truck with trailer in tow, hauling to youth rodeos, gaming days, poker rides, beach trips, camping trips, rop- ing lessons and trail rides. The two of them spent hours togeth- er running here, there and everywhere, having the time of their lives. The two of them were a team and seemed to love to be together. Sadly now his stall stands empty because we lost Pee Wee to colic on January 4th. He has played a big role in a lot of people’s lives over the years but has played a HUGE roll in Dustin’s life. He has left HUGE hoof prints to be filled. Some of you will remember Pee Wee from the Jamboree Parades where he and Dustin were all dressed up in different costumes. He would play any role Dustin wanted him to for those parades and never fuss. The two of them just went in the Forest Grove Christmas Light Parade and he was all lit up in Christmas lights. Others of you will remember him from the Ridge Rider Jamboree Horse Play Days or other little gaming days here in town. The two of them racing around the arena and having fun. At the youth rodeos, every- one knew Pee Wee either as Pee Wee or PW. Over the years Pee Wee taught many kids how to ride, rope, barrel race, pole bend and many oth- er events. He was great at his job and had won many, many Champion titles. When he was roping he would always come out of the box hard, fast and strong and would always put you where you needed to be on the steer. He could run with the best of them in all of his events and seem to have fun while he did it. He was a pony in size but had the heart and determina- tion bigger than any horse out there. Pee Wee and Dustin have been a team and have won many things these last few years from buckles to saddles. At the rodeos, when not in the rodeo arena competing, you would find Pee Wee with Dustin on his bare back running around the grounds playing and having fun with the other kids with their ponies and hors- es. He got along with everyone and always stole the hearts of all that met him. “Pee Wee, you stole the hearts of all who met you. You will be missed and never for- gotten. We love you buddy, and pray you have fun running in the Big Rodeo in the Sky,” said the Talbotts, and Dustin added, “I will love you forever Buddy.” (Editor’s Note: We are sad- dened and will greatly miss Pee Wee as he and Dustin have been favorites of ours in pa- rades since before Dustin could even walk.) See pictures of Pee Wee on page 24.