30 Years Ago

Thursday, April 13, 1989

Ridenour, Jones merge local businesses

Harlan Jones and Jack Ridenour have merged their businesses, along with over 70 combined years of experience in mechanics, to form Powder River Rebuilders.

“We got together by accident. We were in the Tastee Freez visiting and a week later we were working together,” said Ridenour. “Harlan needed help and I needed more space.”

The business will be headquartered at Jones’ shop in Crane Aces. He will still operate Harlan Jones Drilling Company, as a separate enterprise.

Jones got his start in the mechanics business some 33 years ago working on diesel motors and heavy equipment. He came to Montana and ran a business east of Hammond for six years. He then took over as shop foreman at Alzada and stayed there two years. Jones moved to Broadus with his family and took over as foreman of the Powder River Motor Company Shop, where he was employed for four years. Twenty-two years ago, Jones started his own business of drilling water wells, as well as continuing work in mechanics.

Ridenour got his start in mechanics in Baltimore, MD, several decades ago, where he did tune up and brake work. He moved back to Montana and worked in Charlie Stabio’s shop in Broadus for about six years. He then worked as a mechanic for Ken Jesse, at Joe McDowell’s truck stop and in the county shop for the next several years. After putting in about five years for Heart Three in Broadus he worked for Weeden Inc. for eight more years. Ridenour went into business for himself in 1984 and was self-employed until the recent merger.

The duo offers a wide variety of services and products. They specialize in general diesel and automotive repair, small engine repair and rebuilding, yard, garden and chain saw equipment sales and service, alternator and starter parts and rebuilding, and various submersible and above ground water well pump sales and service, along with other services.

A grand opening to introduce the public to the wide line of products and services available has been tentatively set for around mid to late May.

Talent show performers play to packed house

A packed house at the Broadus VFW Hall was entertained Saturday night by 23 separate local “acts” during the Post’s annual Talent Show.

The hours of practice put in by the musicians paid off in a big way for an appreciative audience. The show, in short, received rave reviews.

Emcees for the evening were Jack Ridenour and Cathy Ruland. The Classic Country Band, with members Ridenour, Bunnie Davis, Alvin Rashkow and Scott Burley, provided back-up music for the acts and played later for the dance which followed. Several talent show performers also joined the band, including Archie Richards, Vern Rice, Ginger Ridenour and Mrs. Ruland.

Near the mid-way point of the performances, the entertainment paused while Voice of Democracy Contest Chairperson Howard Allen and Elna Linville paid tribute and presented awards to this year’s winners. Shannon Rhodes placed first in the annual contest, Chad Harrington took second and Carla Considine, third. Named to the runner-up positions were Melinda Borla, Stacey Alderman and Curt Philip. Also honored were this year’s judges, which included Eleanor Crane, Wes Powell and Marie Gotfredson.

Performers for the evening included Ridenour, “Mansion on A Hill”; Amy Ullrich, “Jambalaya”; Joe Dent (on his musical saw) “Beautiful Ohio” and “Moonlight on the River Colorado”; Chelsea Davis, “I’ll Need Someone to Hold Me While I Cry”; Pam Nisley, accompanied by Sue Strehlow, “Father’s Eyes”; Alison Jurica and Ginger Ridenour, accompanied by Ms. Strehlow, “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again”; Luanda Taylor, “Strong Enough to Bend”; young Doug Ullrich, “Barbara Ann”; Bunnie Davis, “Rhythm of the Rain”; Charlee Mills, “Daddy’s Hands”; Alvin Raschkow, “Something In My Heart”; Rich Bieshevuel (on drums) “Wipe Out”; Vern Rice, “Get Along Cindy”; Ginger Ridenour, “Burned Like A Rocket”; Buzz Cooley (accordion) accompanied by Archie Richards and Willie Kogele, “Faded Love” and “Somewhere My Love”; Tedi Jo Elgin, accompanied by her parents Ted and Cathy, “Midnight Angel”; Cassie Elgin, also accompanied by her parents, “Timber”; Dianne Richards, “Are You Still IN Love With Me”; Tom Schmidt, “I’m A Believer”; and last but not least, Archie Richards, “Ragtime Annie” and “Little Crocquette”.

Girls open golf season

The Broadus Hawk Girl’s Golf Team opened their season last Friday at Forsyth with a third-place finish.

Miles City placed first with a 397, Glendive took second with a 452, Broadus placed third with a 503, Sidney followed with a 505 and Forsyth trailed with a 543.

Vanessa Richards led the local girls with 113 strokes over 18 holes, finishing the first nine with a 53 and the second with a 60. Jana Bogner golfed a 122 (64 and 58); Jeannie Richards followed with a 125 (62 and 63); Kristy Vallejo golfed a 143 (80 and 63) and Emily Hagedorn finished with a 155 (80 and 75).

Vanessa Richards was named a coach Sylvia Zimmer’s Golfer of the Week. “It was very cold and windy,” said Zimmer, “but Vanessa’s score was even better than all the scores during the last full season.”

The girls return to Forsyth for their second contest of the year on April 15.

Philip receives FFA state farmer degree

Rick Philip of the Broadus FFA Chapter was one of 62 FFA members that received the State Farmer Degree at the State Convention held in Great Falls last week.

Philip, son of Don and Peggy Johnstone of Broadus, is presently a freshman in college at Powell, WY.

The State Farmer Degree represents the top three percent of FFA members across the state. Applications for the degree are judged on FFA involvement, leadership, scholarship, involvement in agriculture and project growth. Philip also interviewed along with thirty-two other FFA members for the ten state offices. Although Philip did not receive an office he represented the Broadus FFA Chapter well, according to Advisor Marshall Williams.