Payson Roundup

Courtesy photo

Getting pigs to the show ring at the Northern Gila County Fair usually involves several helping hands.

The Northern Gila County Fair hasn’t been held under the Pine ramada for some time now, but thanks to a group of dedicated 4H and FFA kids Pine and Strawberry were well represented at this year’s event.

Sarah Sprinkle of Pine won Grand Champion in Showmanship for her swine. Her sister Beth Sprinkle won Grand Champion for her lamb, and Reserve Grand Champion in Showmanship.

Nerissa Kueny of Strawberry won reserve Grand Champion for her steer and Grand Champion in Showmanship.

Katrina Kueny received the Reserve Grand Champion for her lamb and Grand Champion in Showmanship. Katrina also won Best in Show and Reserve in Show for her rabbits. Congratulations to all of the youth who participated in this year’s fair.

Construction delays

If you travel between Pine and Payson between Monday and Thursdays then you already know that delays are now inevitable due to the road construction.

Be sure to plan an extra half hour (at least) if you want to make it to your appointments on time, since lengthy stops are occurring outside of both towns on a regular basis.

Fortunately, the crew doesn’t work Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, so it’s easy to get around on the weekends.

Houston Mesa Road open

The Houston Mesa Road is now open and what a sad sight it is. Everything near the Water Wheel Campground is black, barren and dead.

I wish that all forest users could take a tour of the area so that they could see just how devastating an errant flame can be.

What a miracle that no structures or life was lost.

Octoberfest

The Rimside Grill is gearing up for its Sixth Annual Octoberfest Celebration. The event takes place from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26.

There will be authentic German food, beer, and lager, plus lots of fun and games.

You’ll have a chance to win several great prizes including free meals, cabin stays, gift certificates from several local businesses, and much, much more. DJ Josh Steel will provide entertainment from noon until 5 p.m., followed by the JD Madrid Band who will be performing from 6 p.m. until closing.

Admission tickets are only $1 each, so mark your calendars and head to the Rimside Grill on Highway 87 in Pine for a great evening out.

If you plan to stay at the one of the cabins on the premises be sure to make your reservations early by calling (928) 476-3349.

Quad run

Also coming up at the Rimside Grill is the Justice McNeeley Foundation 2009 Annual Quad Run.

This year’s quad run takes place Saturday, Oct. 10 and there is a whole day of fun activities planned for the entire family.

All proceeds from the event are donated to the Justice McNeeley Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to local children with medical needs or expenses.

Library happenings

The next movie madness event at the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library takes place next Friday, Sept. 25. G-rated “Jonas, Rockin’ the House #1” begins at 2 p.m.

Home-school Art Classes begin next Thursday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. in the library activity room.

The classes are free and all the materials are provided as well.

Flu and pneumonia shots

Don’t forget to schedule an appointment with Dr. York’s office (476-4633) if you would like to get a flu or pneumonia shot at the Senior Center on Monday, Sept. 21 or Oct. 5.

The shots will be given by Dr. York’s staff between 9 and 11 a.m.

Great Pine Cleanup

The Great Pine Cleanup will take place Oct. 3 and 4 this year. The goal of the event is to help elderly residents clear their properties of excess brush. Volunteers are welcome.

On Saturday there is a need for brush cleanup and removal. On Sunday, organizers are looking for trucks to haul the debris to the brush pit.

If you know someone who could use assistance clearing their property or if you would like to volunteer, call Julie Kosloski at (602) 770-8609.

Hope you all have a great week!