30 Years Ago

Thursday, September 28, 1989

Jeannette Lei shakes hands with president

Otter Creek--- “Actually, it was three different handshakes altogether,” chuckled Jeannette Lei, ranchwoman from the Otter-Taylor Creek community. The Bureau of Indian Affairs at Helena had invited members of the Montana United Indian Association to participate in activities honoring President Bush when he visited Helena Monday. Jeannette was one of the eight persons selected from the Indian group who were invited to be part of the greeting ceremonies.

A platform and podium, decorated in red, white and blue, had been erected in front of the Capitol building for the outdoor program. When the President arrived from the Governor’s White House, he talked informally, shook hands beside the platform, and planted a tree.

President Bush made several trips from the platform to shake hands with people nearby, Jeannette said. He made a point of shaking hands with a number of school children who were attending that day. It was estimated that there were about 7000 school children present. There were about 50-75 school buses in evidence, Jeannette mentioned.

“He had a very firm handshake,” Jeannette said, “and he seemed like a real down-to-earth person. Some people in that sort of position would be polite but plainly anxious to get it over with, but he really seemed like he was interested.”

“Secret Service men were swarming like ants but he didn’t seem to care,” she continued. “He kind of went over to talk to several people, although not too many people got to shake hands. The Secret Service people were very protective, but he seemed to want to talk to people informally.”

“It was quite interesting to watch how the Secret Service men made sure everything went just right, and to see how everything worked and how they moved around. Everything went well. It was a good experience to be there, and I was quite well impressed with the President.”

The eight persons selected from the Indian group to greet the President represented the various tribes in Montana, such as the Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfeet and the Landless. Jeannette attended MUIA meetings and returned home Tuesday.

Average proves up at quarter horse sale

The average prices were up considerably over last year at the recent Horse Breeders Association 1989 Halter Futurity and Horse Sale.

According to organizers, baby colts averaged $324.16 per head, broodmares averaged $556.25, yearlings averaged $525 and broke horses, $741.66. Overall, the average was up about $100 a head for baby colts and broodmares and more than $400 a head for yearlings. Broke horses were down about $200.

The high selling horse at the sale was a 1986 bay gelding consigned by Chris and Diana Elwood, which sold to Bill Schaffer of Broadus for $1,250. The high selling colt was an ’89 sorrel filly from the McDonald consignment which brought $875, selling to Larry Denke of Long Valley, SD.

Volume buyers were Schaffer and Walter Scott of Lame Deer, who purchased four head each.

A very tough class of yearlings were shown in both classes at the Filly and Colt Classes at the Futurity.

The first place winner in the Colt Class was Fakey Dukas, sired by Two Eyed Jo Fax, owned and bred by Norman and Doris Turnbough. Prairies Laddy, sired by Prairie Music Bars, placed second. The animal was owned and bred by Bar M Quarter Horses. Third place went to Major Hunk, sired by Itza Rebel. The animal is owned by Cleve and Shirley Jacobs. Rick Turnbough was breeder. In fourth place was a colt sired by Two Eyed Jo Fax, bred by Norman Turnbough and owned by Matt and Diane Avery. Placing fifth was a colt sired by Go Destiny, bred by Archer Ranch, Inc., and owned by Betty Aye. Call Me Bullet, sired by Ruby Bullet, placed sixth. Breeder was Norman and Doris Turnbough and the owner is Alan Lloyd.

First place in the Filly Class went to Becky Music Bars, sired by Prairie Music Bars, bred by Bar M Quarter Horses and owned by Archer Ranch, Inc. Second place went to Maybe A Mandy, sired by Mr. Showdown Sugar, owned and bred by Bar M Quarter Horses. Bricka Sugar, sired by Prairie Music Bars, placed third. Owner and breeder is Bar M Quarter Horses. Fourth place went to Pocita Zee, sired by Mr. Showdown Sugar, owned and bred by Bar M Quarter Horses. The fifth place winner was a filly bred by Ruby Bullet, owned by Kolka Livestock and bred by Norman and Doris Turnbough.

A nice crowd was on hand for the sale and futurity, according to organizers. Dorvan Solberg of Ray, ND, judged the Colt and Filly Classes. Again this year, the auctioneering for the sale was handled by Lynn Weishaar with the announcing duties going to John Johnson.

There were twelve consignors from around the area on hand with animals at the sale, who, as usual, had top quality Quarter Horses in the offering.