The weather has been rather nice, though rain has been spotty. My area is still in the grips of extreme drought according to the map. Hopefully that will change soon. The grass is starting thanks to some little showers of wet snow, but the wind sure dries it out quickly.
The good news is that the trial date has been rescheduled for July for Charles and Heather Maude. I believe there are details on that elsewhere in this paper. That gives more time for the new administration to investigate the situation and hopefully toss it out of court completely. In the mean time, Charles and Heather each had to procure an attorney to defend them since they are charged on separate counts, so the ongoing cost of the attorneys is undoubtedly a large sum. If you would like to help the Maude’s financially there are a couple of ways to do it. If you prefer the online approach, there is a GoFundMe account set up under “Help The Maude Family Preserve Their Legacy”. Or, if you’re more old style, like me, you can send a check to the Maude Legal Fund, First Interstate Bank, 404 S. Ave A., New Underwood, SD 57761. Of course, your prayers for them and this egregious situation are most appreciated.
The Crushin’ Cans and Ropin’ Calves series that is usually held at Oelrichs, S.D. will not be held this summer. They are planning on having some barrel and breakaway jackpots around the Black Hills area and as soon as I know when and where, I will be sharing that here.
Apr. 15 is the deadline to sign up for the Dave Elliot Bit Clinic to be held May 16-18 at Box Elder, S.D. May 16 is a sit-down discussion with Dave, open to all, for $75. May 17-18 is the clinic with 12 auditor spots for $275 with $50 non-refundable deposit, and 12 riding spots, $450 with $100 non-refundable deposit. To sign up you can either call KayTee Bleeker at 406-853-3450 or message her on Facebook. You can learn more about it all at www.BarOaBit.com.
Be getting your teams lined up for the Miles City Ranchh Rodeo as call ins are open May 1, 6-8 p.m., by calling Roxanne at 406-951-4735 or Erin at 406-489-4494. The Ranch Rodeo will be June 14 and will offer 14 open teams at $500/team, Womens at $400/team and Youth at $200/team. Ranch Broncs will be $150 fee. There’s 100% payout and this is a qualifier for the Eastern Montana Ranch Rodeo Finals in Sept.
Acord Quarter Horses out of Weston, Wyo. have their clinic dates set for this year. The first colt starting clinic in May is full, but the June 14 Kids Clinic is $100 and has a few spots open. The July 19-20 Horsemanship Clinic is $450; Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Colt Starting is $500. To sign up or get details, you can go to the website at www.acordqh.com.
There is a one day Youth Cow Horse Clinic with Matt Kelly on May 3. It’s $50 with $25 deposit required. It’s at Thermopolis, Wyo. To sign up call 307-851-3820, or email [email protected].
The White Earth Valley Saddle Club Barrels and Poles Series at White Earth, N.D., has set the dates which are May 8, June 6, July 3, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4.
These two clinics will fill really fast, so don’t delay. The 18th Annual Dane Kissack/Jay and Bodie Mattson Tie Down and Breakaway Roping clinics will be breakaway on May 26-27, $400, $200 deposit to hold spot; tie down roping on May 28-29 for $600, $300 deposit to hold spot. All four days will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided. To sign up, call Dane at 605-645-8298.
Forbes Rodeo Saddle Bronc School will be May 10-11 at Kaycee, Wyo. It will have top WNFR coaches and horses for all levels. The clinic will fill fast and costs $400. Contact John Forbes 307-421-4750 to learn more.
Parker Saddle Club’s Spring Playday will be May 11 starting at noon, at the Turner Co. Fairgrounds, Parker, S.D. There are fun events for all ages! Entries will be open 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Michelle at 605-750-0407.
The Chase The Ace Barrel Race dates are May 13, 20, 27; June 3, 10, 25 (finals). They will be held at the New Underwood Arena, New Underwood, S.D.
Well, that’s my circle for this week. Please pray for rain, and for our nation and it’s leadership. May God Bless America!