2012 25th Lind Combine Derby

CELEBRATING

25 YEARSLIND, WACOMBINEDEMOLITION

DERBY

A supplement of the Ritzville Adams County Journal.Logo design by Mark Thorne, Former Lind Graduate.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Welcome!To LIND

THANK YOU for visiting us and the 25th Lind Combine Demolition Derby

THERE’S PLENTY TO SEE AND DO WHILE YOU’RE HERE:• Friday, June 8, 6 p.m.

CAR RACES

• Saturday, June 9, 10:45 a.m.

KID’S PARADE

• Saturday, June 9, 11 a.m.

GRAND PARADE

• Saturday, June 9, After Parades

BBQ IN CITY PARK

• Saturday, June 9, 3 p.m.

25TH COMBINE DEMOLITION DERBY

• Sunday, June 10, 2 p.m.

SOAP BOX CAR RACES

Town of Lind • 116 1/2 W. Second • (509) 677-3241Mayor: Jamie Schmunk. Town Council Members: Paula Bell,

Rosemary Elkington, Kindra Haase, PJ Jacobsen and DJ Williamson

June 9, 2012 • Lind Combine Demolition Derby 25th Anniversary • 3

Welcome by Mayor Jamie Schmunk ..............................Page 4

Greeting from County Commissioner Rudy Plager ........Page 5

2012 Combine Derby Driver Roster ................................Page 7

Combine Demoltion Derby History ..........................Pages 9-10

Meet the Lind Lions Club ...................................... Pages 11-12

25 Years of Derby Winners ...................................Pages 14-18

Memorial Tribute .........................................................Page 22

Car Derby .....................................................................Page 24

The Idea Man, Ruben Fode ...........................................Page 26

Event Committee Chairmen ..........................................Page 28

A Driving Force, Bill Loomis .........................................Page 29

Derby Voice, Bill Wills ..................................................Page 30

Barbecue in the Park ...................................................Page 32

Derby Chairman, Mike Doyle .......................................Page 33

Jaws Team Are Leaders ...............................................Page 34

Documentary Features Derby, Drivers ........................Page 38

Saturday is Parade Day ...............................................Page 40

Coaster Cars on Smart’s Hill ........................................Page 42

Grain Truck & Pickup Races ........................................Page 44

Sing the Derby Blues ....................................................Page 48

McBride’s Surprise ......................................................Page 49

The CoverThe cover design for the 25th anniversary of Lind Combine Demolition Derby Program was designed by Renae Wood of Spokane, Wash.

Photo/Content ContributorsCarol Kelly (We couldn’t do it without you), Mayor Jamie Schmunk and Adams County Commissioner Rudy Plager

The TeamStephen McFadden ........................PublisherKatelin Davidson ........................ News EditorJanis Rountree .........Customer Service Mgr.Lavonne Saunders ......................AccountingJennifer Saunders ...................... WebmasterDon Saunders ...............................Circulation

25th Lind Combine Demoltion Derby ProgramThis is a publication of The Ritzville Adams County Journal and McFadden Publishing, LLC. This publication is a celebration of the Derby’s history and success as well as a tribute to the Lind Lions Club for all their efforts on behalf of the Town of Lind and its residents. For additional copies or more infor-mation, please visit www.ritzvillejournal.com or e-mail us at [email protected]. You can call us at 509-659-1020. The content is copyright 2012. Reproduction of any component of this publication requires the expressed written consent of the publisher.

CELEBRATING

25 YEARSLIND, WACOMBINEDEMOLITION

DERBY

A supplement of the Ritzville Adams County Journal.Logo design by Mark Thorne, Former Lind Graduate.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Contents

A Special Thank YouRuss Dean Family RV

Sponsor of the Final Derby Heat Prizes

Nancy FranzSponsor of Prizes for Derby Heats 1, 2 & 3

Scarsella BrothersFor Providing 92 Concrete Barriers in the Arena

And all those who help make the derby a success!

4 • Lind Combine Demolition Derby 25th Anniversary • June 9, 2012

Dear Guests, Welcome to the Town of Lind!

Thanks for coming; we are happy to be your host. We hope you will take time to enjoy all that the Town of Lind has to offer.

Most come here for their first time to experience our world famous Combine Demolition Derby put on by the Lind Lions Club.

Thank you Lions Club and congratulations on your 25th year!

While you are here please take a stroll through our downtown and visit our businesses. You will find the small town hospitality charming and refreshing. Our business owners appreciate your patronage.

For a full list of our businesses and services visit our website at www.lindwa.com.

When visiting Lind, take time to enjoy our seasonal swimming pool, walking trail, four lovely parks, and a historical museum (opening soon).

If you prefer to fly into Lind, you will be landing on our 3,100 foot runway located just above the Combine Derby Grounds.

Here in Lind we are fortunate to

Mayor’s WelcoMehave a very active Senior Center that offers home cooked meals four days a week and lots of fun activities.

The Lind Chamber of Commerce hosts several community events during the year.

That list includes the Kiddie and Grand Parades during Combine Weekend, the Annual Dinner and Auction to raise funds, and the Lighted Christmas Parade and chili feed.

Our town is home to three prominent churches where you are always made to feel welcome. They include Lind Calvary Assembly of God, Lind Community Church, and Good Hope Lutheran Church.

The Lind community embraces a friendly small town attitude. You don’t have to look far to find folks ready to volunteer their time and efforts. I am especially proud of the youth in our town, they are kind hearted and responsible.

Living in Lind is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city lifestyle. Here you have time to relax and enjoy life and loved ones.

Thank you in advance for your visit to Lind and the stories you will share with friends and family.

Sincerely,Mayor Jamie Schmunk

Ground & AerialApplication

CALL:Travis

(509)760-1120

Big Bend Electric Cooperative

A Member Owned Corporation formed in 19391373 N. Highway 261, Ritzville

(509) 659-1700 • www.bbec.org

Mayor Jamie Schmunk


The Adams County Board of County Commissioners would like to welcome you to Adams County and the community of Lind. We hope you enjoy the 25th annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby.

Lind lies in the center of Adams County surrounded by broad wheat fields so it is appropriate that combines play an important role in Lind’s history and future.

The Northern Pacific Railroad began laying track through Adams County and Lind in 1881; settlers began arriving in Lind in about 1886. The early wheat variety raised was Turkey red, it was well suited for the Lind area and while some hard red winter wheat is still being planted, Turkey red is no longer used. The vast majority of wheat in the Lind area is soft white bearded and club

Mayor’s WelcoMe A County GreetinGwheat varieties. The area’s low rainfall limited the variety of crops that could be raised and with the exception of the introduction of new wheat varieties, very little has changed in cropping patterns in the last 125 years.

While the cropping patterns may have not changed, the crop production has changed dramatically from about two million bushels to around 20 million bushels. When you consider only half of the ground is in production in any given year due to our wheat summer fallow rotation, it is a dramatic increase and a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the farming families in Lind.

That increase in production did not come without a lot of heartache especially when the rainfall levels were particularly low; during the dust bowl years of the 1930s; the low wheat

price years that didn’t cover the cost of production and there was always the mechanical breakdowns of the combine.

So while you enjoy this 25th annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby, consider that the drivers are probably enjoying it far more. As they take their frustrations out on a machine that has and will break down when the temperature reaches 100 plus degrees and its cutting only half of the farm average while the market price for wheat is dropping faster then the rain ever did.

Adams County is proud of the community of Lind and the many volunteers that have created and sustained this 25th annual Combine Demolition Derby. Please enjoy.

Rudy PlagerChairman, Board of Adams

County Commissioners

Adams County Commissioner Rudy Plager, driving a tractor during the 2011 Lind Grand Parade.


2012 Derby

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Jason Hiebert ..................Harrington

Jeff Yerbich .........................Kahlotus

Keith Pouley ........................... Wilbur

Josh Wills.................................Pasco

Devin Hamilton .................... Prosser

Ryan Kulm ..................................Lind

Matt Miller ..................................Lind

Grady Gfeller .....................Chatteroy

Tyler Startin ....................... Diamond

Julie Schrum .............Airway Heights

Jim Oswald ......................... Spokane

Travis McBride .................... Ritzville

Gavin Johnson ...................... Othello

Nick Johnson ........................ Othello

Chris Olson .................................Lind

Travis Willson ......................Pullman

Palmer Phillips .................... Ritzville

Nathan Reinbold .............Davenport

Brian Jeske ......................... Spangle

Edward Savilla .......................Pasco

Frank Bren ..................................Lind

Dennis Starring .........................Lind

Kevin Lyle .............................. Othello

The drivers’ list is subject to change due to last minute additions or changes after press time

2012 Derby

GladiatorsLadies and Gentleman, here’s your list of drivers for this

anniversary edition of the derby.


DERBY HISTORYIt was 1988 and after nine days, Lind’s Centennial

Celebration was winding down. A huge crowd lined Lind’s streets for the Centennial Parade. The crowd was still buzzing, exchanging stories about Lind’s first combine demolition derby. Not only was the event a new experience for participants and spectators, it resulted in a record-breaking crowd and one of Lind’s only traffic jams. As the announcer introduced the combines and their drivers, a line of cars lined Highway 21 from city center to the new arena. And this was only the beginning.

Lions Club member, Ruben Fode, who had watched a derby in a nearby city, introduced the derby to the club. Bill Loomis, owner of Loomis Truck & Tractor Inc., the local implement dealer, was intrigued by his enthusiasm and a very supportive Lions Club accepted the suggestion.

The first derby competitors were all locals from the Lind community and one driver from a neighboring town. The original derby drivers were all friends and spent the competition laughing and making jokes at each other’s

expense, serving as a light-hearted activity versus the competition that it has become today.

During the fifth year of the derby, in 1992, two things happened for the first time: there was a tie for first and an out-of-towner was one of the winners. From 1988-1991, only Lind residents won the competition but in 1992, Jim Knott from Endicott tied for first.

As the derby continued to grow, the competition became more difficult. There has been only two final heats that resulted in a four-way tie. The first was in 1998 with Ritzville’s Mark Schoesler, and Lind’s Mike Doyle, Brad DeVore and Rod Melcher all received the first place honors. The second was in 2002 when Mike Hardung, Odessa; Dennis Starring and Frank Bren of Lind; and Chet Bauermeister of Basin City tied.

The derby continued to grow in popularity and in 1999 the Lind Lions Club decided it was time to update and expand to include the record amount of onlookers. The Lions demolished the old wooden bleachers and added metal bleachers.

Continued on Page 9

FULL HOUSE. There isn’t an empty seat on derby day. This view at the airport gives you an idea of the crowd.


In 1988-2004, the derby event was featured on a Friday night as Saturday’s events included the rodeo. In 2004, the car demolition derby was hosted on Saturday night. It was not until 2005 that the Lind Combine Demolition Derby was hosted on Saturday night, with car demolition on Friday night.

The event has grown and become a one of a kind sensation, bringing spectators from all over the nation, and occasionally other continents. In 2011, 18 combines entered the arena representing 11 towns and performed before a capacity crowd of approximately 5,000 spectators.

In 2011, the crowd of spectators were welcomed into the Lind Arena to sit in a state of the art facility with six metal bleachers and an efficient cook shack, a grilled oyster bar, the FFA Porker, a shaved ice booth and the ever-popular beer garden. The fans enjoy the camaraderie and watching the most incredible and unusual event in the Pacific Northwest, the Lind Combine Demolition Derby.

The winners in 2011 were pleased, and out of 18 combines, only nine were admitted into the championship round. It was a fight to the finish as the remaining combines succumbed to massive and destructive blows until only four were left running. It was a battle of the metal before the judges

finally made the call, crowning two winners, each splitting first and second place prizes, one third place finisher and one fourth place finisher.

Total purse for the event exceeds $10,000, and everyone who participates in a heat goes home with some cash. Drivers are paid for heat wins, best decorations and the final championship round serves as a huge award for the top drivers. The 2011 champions took home over $1,600 in the championship round, in addition to money for heat wins and having one of the top three best decorated combines.

It is a unique event and worth the $15 it takes to get inside the gate. Visitors can expect the opportunity to watch the demolition excitement on the second weekend in June every year at the Lions Club Arena in Lind.

For more pictures and more information, browse the entire Lind website at http://www.lindwa.com.

BEFORE DERBY. Here’s an aerial view before the rodeo ground’s transformation began.

EXPANSION. Metal replaces wood in 1999.

MORE SEATS. Volunteers finish welding a new section of 450 seats in May 2012.


24-Hour & Emergency Care• Emergency Room• Imaging Services

• CT Scanning• Full Service Laboratory

• In-Patient Medical Services• Swing Bed Rehabilitation Services

• Physical Therapy• Outpatient Treatments• Community Education

Programs• Care-A-Van Patient Transportation

• Ambulance & EMTs• Healthcare Education

24 Hours A Day, We’re Here When You Need Us

Ritzville Medical Clinic903 S. Adams St.Mon. thru Fri. — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk-In Clinic:Mon. thru Fri. — 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.Saturday — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.(509) 659-1200

Washtucna Medical Clinic545 S. Church StreetThursdays — 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.(509) 646-3290

Enjoy your Visit & PlEasE traVEl safEly

East Adams Rural Hospital903 S. Adams St. Ritzville, WA 99169 (509) 659-1200

Visit our website for more info: www.earh.comAdams County Public Hospital District No. 2

Just what does Lind have that would appeal to others? The answer is a tight knit community service organization that works to preserve the community its members love.

The Lind Lions Club holds the heart of its community in the palms of its collective hands. Those hard working hands, strong backs and sharp minds have played a major role in the financial

VOLUNTEERS WITH MUSCLE AND HEART. The Lind Lions Club’s membership roster is loaded with a list of men who are dedicated to their community and they give of their time and energy for the betterment of Lind. Pictured are many of the faces you will see on derby day! They are (front row, going downhill) Matt Miller, Josh Knodel, Tim Fritchle, Cliff Hays (behind Tim), Larry Koch, Bill Wills, Clarence Strohmaier and Alan Schlimmer (stand-


24-Hour & Emergency Care• Emergency Room• Imaging Services

• CT Scanning• Full Service Laboratory

• In-Patient Medical Services• Swing Bed Rehabilitation Services

• Physical Therapy• Outpatient Treatments• Community Education

Programs• Care-A-Van Patient Transportation

• Ambulance & EMTs• Healthcare Education

24 Hours A Day, We’re Here When You Need Us

Ritzville Medical Clinic903 S. Adams St.Mon. thru Fri. — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk-In Clinic:Mon. thru Fri. — 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.Saturday — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.(509) 659-1200

Washtucna Medical Clinic545 S. Church StreetThursdays — 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.(509) 646-3290

Enjoy your Visit & PlEasE traVEl safEly

East Adams Rural Hospital903 S. Adams St. Ritzville, WA 99169 (509) 659-1200

Visit our website for more info: www.earh.comAdams County Public Hospital District No. 2

Just what does Lind have that would appeal to others? The answer is a tight knit community service organization that works to preserve the community its members love.

The Lind Lions Club holds the heart of its community in the palms of its collective hands. Those hard working hands, strong backs and sharp minds have played a major role in the financial

and moral support of Lind for decades. Not only are they visible in the

community, they also take pride in quietly helping countless individuals and groups. In the fall of 1968, the Active Club reorganized to become the Lind Lions Club. The new slate of officers for the 1968-69 year were Kent Bucher, President; Ruben Fode, Vice President; Dick Nagamitsu, Secretary; Cliff Hays,

Treasurer; Harold Simonson, Lion Tamer; Merlin Wallace, Tail Twister.

And, of the 55 charter members, the following have been members since 1968. They are Jerry Branson, Ruben Fode, Joe Holland, Masami Nagamitsu, LeRoy Watson, Jr., and Bill Wills.

Continued on Page 12

Lind Lions: We Serve

VOLUNTEERS WITH MUSCLE AND HEART. The Lind Lions Club’s membership roster is loaded with a list of men who are dedicated to their community and they give of their time and energy for the betterment of Lind. Pictured are many of the faces you will see on derby day! They are (front row, going downhill) Matt Miller, Josh Knodel, Tim Fritchle, Cliff Hays (behind Tim), Larry Koch, Bill Wills, Clarence Strohmaier and Alan Schlimmer (stand-

ing behind Bill); (second row) Tyran Doyle, Al Hernandez, Steve Wahl, Joe Holland, LeRoy Watson and Jerry Bran-son; (third row) Dick Nagamitsu, Dale Stevenson, Mike Stelzer, Jim Kelly, Eric Lund (behind Jim), Bruce Sauer and Curt Gering; (fourth row) Josamy Blake, Kyle Young, Eric Labes, Nathan Wahl, James Wahl, Jacob Reeve and Chris Madison; (back row) Casey Michaels, Mike Gering and Mike Doyle.

Community Service is their specialty


Continued from Page 11

When the arena was built in 1985, its basic purpose was to provide an arena appealing to cowboys and other organizations. However, after the first derby in 1988, things began to change. In a few years, the Derby had become the club’s main moneymaker and popular attraction. The Lions put all of their efforts into making the arena bigger and more efficient for the ever-growing crowds.

In the spring of 1999, the club purchased metal bleachers from Oregon, replacing the old wooden bleachers. In 2006, the bucking chutes were sold. The money from that sale was used to buy and install more bleachers and to generally improve the arena. In 2011, the Lions Club spring committees installed another set of bleachers on the west side of the arena.

The objectives of the Lind Lions Club are simple: support all of the youth organizations in the community, and then give a helping hand to any other organization needing it. It is as simple as that. With 50 members strong, the Lind Lions Club continues to donate their time and effort to the Lind community.

Just what did the Lind Lions Club really do for the Lind community in 2011? They installed a new chain-link fence on the west and south sides of the Arena grounds, added some additional RV parking, provided space for the FFA and ASB concession stands, improved the main gate ticket booth, made preparations for another set of bleachers and sponsored and donated to the following:

In 2010-2011, the Lions Club gave meals to needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays

with food baskets, including turkeys, potatoes, vegetables, all the trimmings and homemade pie. They purchased many winter coats, gloves and hats for Lind kids and occasionally sports gear. They provide swimming passes to the Lind swimming pool in the summer. They purchase glasses for Lind’s children, donate to the Lind EMTs, Lind Fire District and they recently purchased a defibrillator for the high school building. School classes

and organizations are given the

opportunity to prepare and serve meals to the Lions Club on their regular meeting nights. These moneymaking dinners are financially beneficial to the class as well as good for the members.

In 2011, Multiple District 19F (Lind Lions Club) was presented the Competition Award for the most new members. Fifteen names were added to the membership role in 2010-2011.

This group of men is diligent about their purpose in the Lind community. As one member says, “That’s what we’re about... Seeing to it that our Lind kids have the support of our organization.”

The Lind Lions Club sponsored activities such as the 24th Combine Demolition Derby, eighth Car Race/Derby, Christmas lantern project, Christmas card board, community birthday calendar, kite flying contest, Easter egg hunt and Kiddie Parade. The club also sponsored the senior class scholarships, Girl Scouts, Santa Claus and treats for kids, and community barbeque.

They donated to the Lind Senior citizens, Lind Chamber of Commerce, Christmas parade, Lind Little League, Lind T-Ball, Lind girls’ sports, Lind Livestock 4-H, Lind FFA, Lions Club sight and hearing programs, Thanksgiving/Christmas certificates for the needy, Park and Recreation Department and various other youth and school organizations.

The Lions also support many in need. They purchase coats, gloves, hats, glasses, and food.

They work in the community, and for the community.

They are always looking for new members and welcome

all who show an interest in the Lind community.

The Lind Lions Club officers for the 2011-2012 year are Josh Knodel, President; Matt Miller, First Vice President; Kyle Young, Second Vice President; LeRoy Watson, Jr., Secretary; Alan Schlimmer, Treasurer; Bill Wills, Lion Tamer and Larry Koch, Tail Twister. The 2011-2012 board members are Dick Nagamitsu, Bruce Sauer, Joe Holland and Blake Bennett.

GIVING BACK. Lind Lions construct

covered picnic area in the town park.

Lind Lions: Extraordinary volunteers


Alan Schlimmer, CPA11 S. Alder Odessa, WA, 99159, 509-982-2370

220 E. 2nd Lind, WA, 99341, 509-677-5667528 W. Broadway, Moses Lake, WA, 98837, 509-765-5667

CONFIDENTIAL, PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES

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All Ages Welcome!

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Open Tuesday thru Saturday

116 W. Main Avenue • Ritzville • WA 659-4400

Tri-Cities ProduceBlake Bennett, President

Pasco, WA • (509) 544-9066

Welcome Derby Fans!This group of men is diligent about

their purpose in the Lind community. As one member says, “That’s what we’re about... Seeing to it that our Lind kids have the support of our organization.”

The Lind Lions Club sponsored activities such as the 24th Combine Demolition Derby, eighth Car Race/Derby, Christmas lantern project, Christmas card board, community birthday calendar, kite flying contest, Easter egg hunt and Kiddie Parade. The club also sponsored the senior class scholarships, Girl Scouts, Santa Claus and treats for kids, and community barbeque.

They donated to the Lind Senior citizens, Lind Chamber of Commerce, Christmas parade, Lind Little League, Lind T-Ball, Lind girls’ sports, Lind Livestock 4-H, Lind FFA, Lions Club sight and hearing programs, Thanksgiving/Christmas certificates for the needy, Park and Recreation Department and various other youth and school organizations.

The Lions also support many in need. They purchase coats, gloves, hats, glasses, and food.

They work in the community, and for the community.

They are always looking for new members and welcome

all who show an interest in the Lind community.

The Lind Lions Club officers for the 2011-2012 year are Josh Knodel, President; Matt Miller, First Vice President; Kyle Young, Second Vice President; LeRoy Watson, Jr., Secretary; Alan Schlimmer, Treasurer; Bill Wills, Lion Tamer and Larry Koch, Tail Twister. The 2011-2012 board members are Dick Nagamitsu, Bruce Sauer, Joe Holland and Blake Bennett.


1988:Driver Curt Franz, Lind, won first place in the first Lind

Combine Demolition Derby and received a payout of $750. Ron Kulm, Lind, received first place for the best decorated combine and won $100. Mike Doyle of Lind won second best decorated combine and received $50.

Other drivers in the first Derby included: Bill Loomis, Lind; Doug Rehn, Lind; Cliff Lund, Lind; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Gary Gfeller, Lind; and Jay Froese of Lind.

1989:Mike Doyle, Lind, finished in first during the second

annual Derby. The second place finish went to Curt Franz of Lind. Chet Bauermeister, Basin City, rounded out the top places with a third place finish.

The rest of the derby’s drivers included: Doug Rehn, Lind; Dennis Swinger, Lind; Chris Gering, Lind; Mark Elkington, Lind; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Bill Loomis, Lind; Bill Hartz, Ritzville; Cliff Lund, Lind; and Dave Greenwalt of Odessa.

1990:During the third derby, Mike Doyle of Lind took home

the first place finish in the competition and also won the best-decorated combine, winning a total of $750. Jim Knott, Colfax, placed second and received $500. Bill Loomis, Lind, took the third place finish and went home with $250.

The rest of the drivers at the event were: Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Ron Kulm, Lind; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Cliff Lund, Lind; Norm Willson, Colfax; and Dobie Burns of Pasco.

1991:The winning driver this year was Bill Loomis from Lind.

The first place title of best decorated was a tie between Steve Paslay, Lind, and Dawn Lobe of Lind.

Drivers in the competition were: Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Mike Doyle, Lind; Steve Wahl, Lind; Rod Melcher, Lind; and Dobie Burns from Pasco.

1992: For the first time in Lind Demolition Derby history, there

was a tie for first place. Jim Knott of Endicott tied for first with Steve Wahl of Lind. The best-decorated combine belonged to Steve Paslay of Lind and Dawn Lobe of Lind received second place for her decorations.

The derby drivers for this event were Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Bill Loomis, Lind; Mike Doyle, Lind, and Chet Bauermeister of Basin City.

1993:After six years of competing, Senator Mark Schoesler,

Ritzville, captured the first place trophy. Bill Loomis, Lind, placed second and Mike Ebert of Washtucna took third place.

The remainder of the large group of competitors were Don Bauermeister, Basin City; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Ron Kulm, Lind; Rod Melcher, Lind; Dave Panter, Lind; Teresa Panter, Lind; Mike Doyle, Lind; Dawn Lobe, Lind, and Bill Vienhage of Lind.

1994: Another tie for first place ensued in 1994 between two

Lind natives, Raul Martinez and Mike Doyle. First place for best decoration went to Martinez, and Moses Lake Lions Club won second and third with their two entries, driven by Sammy Stahl and Steve Johnson.

Competitors in this years’ event were Mike Ebert, Washtucna; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Rod Melcher, Lind; Steve Wahl, Lind; Dawn Lobe, Lind; Jason Panter, Lind; Erik Loomis, Lind, and Bill Loomis of Lind.


Winners’ CirCle25 Years of Bragging Rights

Big, dominating hits produce wins!

FIRST WINNER. The Pink Pig driven by Curt Franz



1995:Mike Ebert, Washtucna, took home the first place prize

of $750, followed by Jason Panter, Lind, who won $250 and Mike Doyle, Lind, who received $100 for his third place finish. Dawn Lobe won the best decorated for her “Fumin’ & Bloomin’” combine.

The remaining combine drivers were Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Skip Thompson, Lind; Ron Kulm, Lind; Steve Paslay, Lind; and Brad Wills of Lind.

1996:Ritzville resident, Mark Schoesler, won first place

followed by Mike Ebert of Washtucna and Brad Wills from Lind. Best decorated went to Dawn Lobe.

Other drivers in the derby were Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Mike Estes, Lind; Dave Panter, Lind; Mike Doyle, Lind, and Rod Melcher of Lind.

1997: For the second consecutive year, Mark Schoesler took

home the first place finish, with second place going to Brad DeVore, Lind, and third place went to Rod Melcher of Lind. The best-decorated award was given to Ron Kulm, Lind, and second place to Dawn Lobe of Lind.

Drivers in this year’s competition were Chet Bauermeister; Basin City; Justin Miller, Cheney, and Skip Thompson of Lind.

1998:The 2,000 spectators at the 1998 event witnessed

something for the record books: a four-way tie between local drivers. Ritzville’s Mark Schoesler, and Lind’s Mike Doyle,

Brad DeVore and Rod Melcher all received the first place honors. Dawn Lobe won $125 for the best decorated combine.

Drivers for this year included Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Matt Kulm, Lind; Justin Miller, Cheney; Skip Thompson, Lind, and Frank Bren of Lind.

1999:From the 18 drivers competing, Justin Miller from Cheney

took home the first place prize while Frank Bren of Lind received second place, and Mike Counsell, Moses Lake, got third. Mark Schoesler, Ritzville, and Skip Thompson, Lind, tied for fourth place. Dawn Lobe won best decorated and Gerry Schuler had the second best decorated combine.

The remaining competitors were Jim Bischoff, Lind; Mike Longmeier, Pasco; Mike Doyle, Lind; Kyle Cordill, Rockford; Howard Reimer, Ritzville; Dick Eichler, Lind; Mike Estes, Lind; Mike Counsell, Moses Lake; Brad DeVore, Lind; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Rod Melcher, Lind, and Bruce Sauer of Lind.

2000: A tie for first occurred between two Lind drivers Frank

Bren and Grant Miller, who split the prize of $1,750. Mike Estes of Lind received third place and best decorated went to Mike Counsell, Moses Lake. The second place best decorated was Chris Olson, Lind, and third went to Jim Bischoff of Lind.

Competing drivers in this year’s events were Brad DeVore, Lind; Howard Reimer, Ritzville; Rod Melcher, Lind; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Justin Miller, Cheney; Kyle Cordill, Rockford; Gerry Schuler, Lind; Keelan Dobbins, Cheney; Skip Thompson, Lind, and Bruce Sauer of Lind.


Winners’ CirCle Good Crunch Times

HARD HITS. When the rear axle is in the air, you know the drivers can feel the IMPACT!



2001:Jerry Knodel of Lind took home first place and a second

place tie between Kyle Cordill, Rockford, and Mike Hardung, Odessa, rounded out the top place finishes. First place for the best-decorated combine went to Josh Wills, Lind, second place went to Justin Miller, Cheney, and Keelan Dobbins of Cheney received third.

Drivers in the event were Chris Olson, Lind; Mike Longmeier, Pasco; Skip Thompson, Lind; Frank Bren, Lind; Brad DeVore, Lind; Mike Counsell, Moses Lake; Howard Reimer, Ritzville; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City, and Cliff McHugh of Pasco.

2002:A four way tie decided the winners of the 2002 event, and

competitors Mike Hardung, Odessa; Dennis Starring, Lind; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City, and Frank Bren of Lind, all received $600 for their effort. Best decorated went to Grant Miller, Lind, second best was Mark Schoesler, Ritzville, and Gerry Schuler of Lind received third place.

Other drivers at the competition were Casey Neilson, Odessa; Justin Miller, Cheney; Keelan Dobbins, Cheney; Chris Olson, Lind; Kyle Cordill, Rockford; Travis McKay, Sprague; John Jefferies, St. John; Erik Loomis, Kennewick; Brad DeVore, Lind; and Mike Longmeier of Pasco.

2003:Mike Hardung, Odessa, and Mark Schoesler, Ritzville,

tied for first place. Third place was awarded to Kyle Cordill of Rockford. Best decorated went to Lind native Chris Olson, Frank Bren from Lind received second place and third place

was awarded to Casey Neilson of Odessa. Competitors were Justin Miller, Cheney; Travis McKay,

Sprague; John Jefferies, St. John; Gary Bittick, Lind; Mike Longmeier, Pasco; Josh Knodel, Lind; Mark Gibler, Ritzville; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Jared Davis, Lind; Kevin Cochrane, Kahlotus, and Jeff Yerbich of Kahlotus.

2004:With a grand total of 23 competitors, two Lind residents

tied for first, Matt Miller and Dennis Starring. Best decorated went to Jason Echelbarger, Reardan, second place winner was Nick Johnson, Othello, and Gary Bittick, Lind, received third place.

The numerous other drivers were Jeff Yerbich, Kahlotus; Frank Bren, Lind; Mark Gibler, Ritzville; Travis McKay, Sprague; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Shawn Clausen, Warden; Amund Melville, Sprague; Travis Willson, St. John; Casey Michaels, Lind; Dan Jeppsen, Republic; Matt Humphrey, Edwall; Robert Little, Tri-Cities; Aaron Reimer, Ritzville; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Chris Olson, Lind; Mike Longmeier, Pasco; Casey Neilson, Odessa, and Justin Miller of Cheney.

2005:This is the year that the most competitors have ever

entered the derby with 25 combines entered and Josh Knodel, Lind, won the event with 4,700 in attendance. Second place went to Justin Miller, Cheney, and third place winner was Mike Hardung of Odessa. Best decorated went to Frank Bren, Lind, second best decorated went to Gary Bittick of Lind and third place went to Casey Michaels of Lind.


TRAFFIC JAM. Multiple combine collisions are a regular occurrence as drivers attempt to take out their opponents.


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Drivers during this momentous event were Gaven Heider, Connell; Dennis Starring, Lind; Kevin Cochrane, Kahlotus; Nick Johnson, Othello; Josh Wills, Lind; Jason Echelbarger, Reardan; Joe Skipper, Reardan; Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Shawn Clausen, Warden; Dan Gladwill, Colfax; Ty Lane, Walla Walla; Jim Oswald, Spokane; Matt Humphrey, Basin City; Robert Little, Tri-Cities; Travis Willson, St. John; Travis McKay, Sprague; Amund Melville, Sprague, and Mike Longmeier of Pasco.

2006:A tie for first place occurred between Mike Jensen, Nez

Perce, and Travis Willson of St. John. Third place went to Dennis Starring of Lind. The best-decorated combine went to Karlee Miller, Lind, second place to Willson and third place decoration went to Nick Johnson of Othello.

The drivers at this derby were Jason Echelbarger, Reardan; Dan Gladwill, Colfax; Matt Miller, Lind; Brian Finch, Wilbur; Matt Humphrey, Edwall; Jim Oswald, Spokane; Brian Jeske, Spangle; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Frank Bren, Lind; Josh Wills, Lind, and Aaron Reimer of Ritzville.

2007:The derby again ended in a tie for first place between Matt

Humphery, Edwall, and Josh Knodel of Lind. Third place was awarded to Brian Jeske of Spangle. Best-decorated awards went to Ashton Klein of Reardan, Frank Bren of Lind and Josh Wills of Lind.

Competitors in the event were Travis Willson, St. John; Aaron Reimer, Ritzville; Bernie Erickson, Moses Lake; Jim Oswald, Spokane; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Shawn Clausen, Warden; Jason Echelbarger, Reardan; Brian Finch, Wilbur, and Nick Johnson of Othello.

2008:Matt Miller, Lind native, won the derby with second place

going to another Lind resident, Josh Wills. Nick Johnson, Othello, received third, Jeff Yerbich of Kahlotus got fourth, and Jim Oswald of Spokane placed fifth. The best-decorated award went to Oswald, second place went to Miller and Chet Bauermeister, Basin City, received third.


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Drivers in the event were Travis McBride, Ritzville; Frank Bren, Lind; Travis Willson, St. John; Ben Bothman, Rosalia; Brian Jeske, Davenport; Chip Lembcke, Pasco; Shawn Clausen, Warden; Jason Echelbarger, Reardan, and Brian Finch of Wilbur.

2009:Josh Knodel, Lind, would win his second derby at this

event with Travis Willson of St. John receiving second place. Brandon Hamilton of Prosser placed third, Jim Oswald of Spokane got fourth place and Tyler Startin of Diamond placed fifth. The best-decorated combine belonged to Oswald, second best went to Cody Kramer of Reardan and third was awarded to Keith Pouley from Lind.

This year’s drivers were Chip Lembcke, Pasco; Spencer Gilmore, Kettle Falls; Travis McBride, Ritzville; Jeff Yerbich, Kahlotus; Brian Jeske, Spangle; Chad Overmyer, Davenport; Nick Johnson, Othello; Cody Kulm, Lind, and C. Thomas Howell of Los Angeles, Calif.

2010:Jim Oswald, Spokane, won the derby just above the

second and third place competitors, Gavin Johnson of Othello and Brian Jeske of Spangle. The decoration award was presented to Julie Duchow from Airway Heights, second place went to Jeske and third place was given to Oswald.

Drivers at this year’s event were Cory Kramer, Harrington; Jeff Yerbich, Kahlotus; Keith Pouley, Lind; Josh Wills, Lind; Brandon Hamilton, Prosser; Matt Kulm, Lind; Grady Gfeller, Lind; Matt Miller, Lind; Tyler Startin, Diamond; David Bradley, Marshall; Travis McBride, Ritzville; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Nathan Reinbold, Davenport, and Chad Overmyer of Davenport.

2011:A tie decided last year’s competition between Keith Pouley

of Lind and Nick Johnson of Othello. Third place went to Travis Willson, Pullman, and fourth place went to Jim Oswald of Spokane. The best-decorated combine was awarded to Brian Jeske, Spangle, second was Julie Duchow, Airway Heights, and third was awarded to Travis McBride, Ritzville.

Drivers in this event were Jason Hiebert, Harrington; Josh Wills, Lind; Devin Hamilton, Prosser; Ryan Kulm, Lind; Josh Knodel, Lind; Traven Smith, Lind; Gavin Johnson, Othello; Chris Olson, Lind; Andy Lee, Melbourne, Aust.; Nathan Reinbold, Davenport, and Chad Overmyer of Ritzville.

Who will sit in the winner’s circle this year?


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second and third place competitors, Gavin Johnson of Othello and Brian Jeske of Spangle. The decoration award was presented to Julie Duchow from Airway Heights, second place went to Jeske and third place was given to Oswald.

Drivers at this year’s event were Cory Kramer, Harrington; Jeff Yerbich, Kahlotus; Keith Pouley, Lind; Josh Wills, Lind; Brandon Hamilton, Prosser; Matt Kulm, Lind; Grady Gfeller, Lind; Matt Miller, Lind; Tyler Startin, Diamond; David Bradley, Marshall; Travis McBride, Ritzville; Chet Bauermeister, Basin City; Nathan Reinbold, Davenport, and Chad Overmyer of Davenport.

2011:A tie decided last year’s competition between Keith Pouley

of Lind and Nick Johnson of Othello. Third place went to Travis Willson, Pullman, and fourth place went to Jim Oswald of Spokane. The best-decorated combine was awarded to Brian Jeske, Spangle, second was Julie Duchow, Airway Heights, and third was awarded to Travis McBride, Ritzville.

Drivers in this event were Jason Hiebert, Harrington; Josh Wills, Lind; Devin Hamilton, Prosser; Ryan Kulm, Lind; Josh Knodel, Lind; Traven Smith, Lind; Gavin Johnson, Othello; Chris Olson, Lind; Andy Lee, Melbourne, Aust.; Nathan Reinbold, Davenport, and Chad Overmyer of Ritzville.

EYE-TO-EYE. Drivers usually get a good look at each other when combines collide. It adds to the fun!


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It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to two derby friends, Bill Loomis and Chet Bauermeister. We fondly remember Bill Loomis for his wonderful community spirit. When Ruben Fode suggested a combine derby, it was Bill who took the suggestion seriously and ran with it. Bill just happened to have some “over the hill” machines from his Loomis Truck and Tractor’s bone-yard and he was soon resurrecting a few of them for that first derby, 25 years ago.

It was a great time in Lind in 1988, as the community was celebrating their 100th birthday. As an extra activity to a rodeo, who would ever think it would become a huge success and soon gain national recognition? Of course, Bill was one of the first drivers.

“Hook,” as he was affectionately called, continued to participate in all the derbies following, always dressing to fit the theme of his combine. He enjoyed impersonating Captain Hook many times until he was sidelined from injuries sustained from crashing his helicopter. It was not to his liking when he was forced to watch the event from the bleachers.

However, Bill always remained loyal to the event. He was one heck of a social director, making it possible for other drivers to participate. Bill had many friends, and we all miss seeing him in his big black cowboy hat, in the cook shack, in the bleachers, in the “pits,” in the beer garden... always rolling dice for the Lion’s Club raffle tickets. Bill never went anywhere without his dice. It seems he was always one of the Lions’ high sellers, too. He also loved to socialize with

old friends, and he loved making new ones, too. He enjoyed everyone, and everyone loved Bill.

We know he’s here with us today, looking down and trying to finagle a way to get on one of those combines. He’s probably trying to convince God to roll the dice and bet on a driver. We’re proud of you, Bill, for helping

to make the 25 years a reality. We miss you, dear friend.

We also fondly remember derby driver, Chet Bauermeister and it saddens us to say good-bye to him. Although Chet lived in Basin City, he always called Lind his home during the derby weekend. Chet was always loyal and committed to the combine derby, and on occasion, he’d set up his camper and combine a few days early, just to be ready. He rarely complained about the rules but if he did, he’d listen to the reasoning behind the rules, and then totally cooperate with

all the derby committees. In 1988, when Lind was gearing

up for their nine-day Centennial Celebration, Chet agreed to be a part of the festivities, and he was one of the first to be called upon to participate as a judge. Nine local combines were driven in the first derby in 1988, and Chet was in the arena, on foot, waving warning flags, yelling at drivers (Bill being one of them) while dodging combines at the same time. Of course he was exhausted after the event, and it didn’t take him long to decide that the safest place in the arena would be on a combine. With the exception of two years, Chet participated as a driver for the next 23 years.

For many years, Chet advertised on his combine “Single and looking!” He never won a derby, but he did reap the rewards of some second and third place finishes, and occasionally he pocketed money in the Best Decorated category. By the way, Chet’s advertising did finally pay off when he changed his signs to “Happily Married.” We will never forget that beautiful purple combine, “The Purple People Eater” or will we ever forget Chet.

He will always be fondly remembered by all of us who were fortunate to call him a friend. Wherever you are, Chet, we know that you’re cheering for a successful and safe derby. We miss you, dear friend.

The Lind Lions Club proudly dedicated the 24th derby in memory of their good friends, Bill Loomis and Chet Bauermeister. The arena was silent when 5,000 spectators quietly reflected back, remembering the impact of two men who contributed unselfishly to make the Combine Demolition Derby a smashing success.


In Memory of: In 2011 the derby competitors paid tribute to two men who were important parts of the derby history. This is that tribute.


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The Car Demolition Derby kicks off the weekend Friday night, with time trials at 6 p.m. The main event takes off at 6:30 p.m. In previous years, about 30 cars raced and 17 competed in the demolition derby.

Entry fees are $30 for car and driver, $10 for the Australian Pursuit and $10 for Powder Puff.

A complete list of rules for drivers and more information about the event can be found at http://www.lindwa.com.

Friday is for cars!RACING FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS. Local drivers gather to hot lap Friday and put their steering skills to the test.

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Idea ManRuben Fode brought the concept to the clubRuben Fode beams when he

talks about his love for his wife and his community. Pat Fode has been by his side for 52 years of marriage and together they have been two of Lind’s biggest fans.

Ruben is soft spoken, kind and gentle. But inside there’s a fire that burns in him to give back to his community. Over his lifetime, he has accomplished many things — as an individual, as a Lind Lions Club member and as part of the Lind community.

In each of those instances, he is content to work on a project, see it to fruition and then quietly set about looking for something new to do to help his town.

At 81 years of age, Ruben will witness the 25 Lind Combine Demolition Derby — a community event he helped create. Ruben, along with Vivian and Bill Loomis hatched the idea for the combine derby while searching for a way to make rodeo weekend in Lind more successful.

After a trip to Benton City, a group of folks viewed an event there and then returned to Lind to develop what has grown to become the Lind Combine Demolition Derby. The new event would be added to rodeo weekend the same year the town celebrated its centennial. Ruben had stepped up to serve as president of the Lions Club for that year.

Born in 1931 and raised in Paha, Ruben attended school in Lind before heading to Washington State University, where he graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.

Along the way community service and leadership have been part of Ruben’s life. He was active in Lind’s FFA and

served as chapter president, later going on to receive the honor of the American Farmer Degree.

Even at WSU Fode was a leader. He is a charter member of the WSU chapter of the fraternity known as Farmhouse International.

“When the college kids join Farmhouse at WSU, they even have to memorize Ruben’s name as one of the charter members,” Pat said.

After college and ROTC, Ruben enlisted in the Air Force and served two years before mustering out. He eventually resigned his commission with the rank of captain. During his time in the service Ruben was in Cheyenne, Wyo.

When he returned home to Paha he set to work on the family farm, raising wheat, pigs and cattle.

In the fall of 1958, he embarked on a major journey when he met Pat Smith, while she was working at the Lucky Lane Drive-in, which eventually became Sharon’s Drive-In.

“He came up to the window, ordered a burger for himself and asked for an old

crusty piece of bread,” Pat recalls. Ruben had asked a lifeguard at the swimming pool if she was hungry. That gal’s response was to ask for the bread.

The lifeguard didn’t necessary appreciate his delivery of the dried bread, but if spawned a new relationship between Pat and Ruben.

The following Valentine’s Day was a time for romantic gestures.

“Valentine’s Day fell on a Sunday,” Pat explained. “We went to a movie on Saturday night and he brought me a box of candy and said he forgot my card and that he would give it to me on Sunday. We were going to visit his relatives so I could meet the family. On Sunday when he picked me up he gave me this card, it was a big, silly looking cuckoo clock. It said ‘I’m cuckoo over you,’ and when I opened it up, my ring was in there. He was just howling with laughter.”

The Fodes Have two children, David Fode and Bonnie Holce. They also have four grandchildren.

Before the Lind Lions Club was chartered, Ruben was

president of the Active Club there. He and Kent Boucher spawned the idea to launch the Lions Club. They were joined by Merlin Wallace in presenting the idea for the initial formation of the club.

Boucher was the first president of the Lions and Ruben was the second.

Another major undertaking in Lind was the construction of large candle lanterns that are displayed along the main streets during the holiday season. Ruben led the charge with a small army of volunteers who constructed the lanterns and installed them.

Everything he does is for the betterment of the town.


Ruben and Pat Fode


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During the 25 successful years of the Lind Combine Demolition Derby, there have been multiple Lind Lions Club members who have worked on the same committee since the beginning.

Steve Wahl had served as arena director for many of the rodeos before the creation of the Combine Demolition Derby. When the Derby began, Wahl continued to serve as arena director and continued his responsibility of maintaining the grounds.

With the immediate success of the Derby, RV parking became a requirement for the ground and Wahl became responsible for providing adequate parking spaces for the over 100 RVs that park at the arena annually. Wahl can be seen on a tractor, preparing the arena and grounds, before the upcoming event.

The co-chairman for the Cook Shack committee for the entire history of the Derby has been Jim Kelly and LeRoy Watson, with continuous assistance from Curtis Gering and grill master Alan Schlimmer. The responsibilities include cleaning, stocking, grilling and arranging a crew to work during the weekend event.

For 25 years, Larry Koch has chaired the ticket committee. Koch’s responsibilities include ordering and purchasing tickets, handling pre-sale orders, coordinating three ticket booths and maintaining a reliable crew.

Bill Wills serves on the derby committee and records all drive assignments. Wills maintains records of heat winners, derby winners, decoration winners and participants.

Mike Doyle has served as chairman of the Derby since its start in 1988. Doyle’s job begins months before the Derby when he starts contacting potential drivers, scheduling driver meetings, overseeing derby rules and regulations, arranging pit crews and handling any potential derby issues.

Doyle has served as the Lions Club president multiple times, has judged the derby, been a driver in the derby, repaired combines and worked hard to fulfill his regular Lions Club committee duties. Doyle remains active in the community yearlong with his wife

Tammy and two children.The barbeque in City Park has

become famous because of the cooking of Tim Fritchle and Joe Holland. The barbeque committee serves 500 to 600

visitors a year. Dick and Gladie Nagamitu have

maintained the ticket counter for the barbeque, recorded visitors and served royalty meals.

Committee chairmen, crews work hard for the derby


Driving Force Bill Loomis had the passion to make it happen

For many of the Lind community, one of the first words that comes to mind when mentioning Bill Loomis, is founder.

Loomis was born and raised in St. John, Wash., and came to Lind in 1960 and founded his business, Loomis Truck and Tractor, Inc. To this day, Loomis T&T supports the rural economy of Lind by providing farm equipment and supplies to farmers and ranchers throughout Eastern Washington. Loomis himself enjoyed traveling the countryside while befriending his customers along the way.

He met and married Vivian (Largent) Loomis and they combined their happy family with seven children between them. They have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

“Bill was a people person in every sense of the way,” said Vivian. “He did absolutely everything, was interested in everything and enjoyed people so much.”

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed the luxuries of life and there was nothing that could hold him back, even after suffering injuries and illness.

On an early November morning in 1973, he was hunting with a group of friends in the Blue Mountains and was mistaken for moving game by another group of hunters. Bill was shot and sustained injuries that would later cause him to lose his left eye and his right arm, below the elbow. Some 23 hunters gathered to tend to Bill and keep him comfortable while someone called for help.

The Spokane Rescue Mission flew the area until dark, passing over the group of hunters several times but never stopping. Floyd “Mose” Carr, of Pomeroy, Wash., who worked with the forestry service, decided to brave the negative weather conditions to fly in and

make the rescue by helicopter. It was a rescue that started a life-long friendship between Bill and Carr. At one point Bill eventually owned three helicopters and it was his friend, Carr that would teach him to fly.

In 1988, when the Lind community was making preparations for the town Centennial Celebration, the idea came to the table to have a combine demolition derby during intermission of the regular Friday night rodeo. Bill and Ruben Fode

had a friend that worked for the Benton Franklin County Fair at the time, and had seen their combine derby. Putting into consideration the number of retired combines Bill had in his “combine graveyard” he decided that he could donate enough machines to kick off the event. Bill’s contributions to the derby continued for many years through his donations, his dedication and even as a driver.

Twenty-five years later, the Lind Combine Demolition Derby has grown to a huge success for the local community. When it began, there were a mere nine combines and a crowd of spectators nearing 1,000. Today it has grown to embrace nearly 25 combines and 5,000

fans from all over the world.Bill was a derby driver for the first

eight years of the derby and his best finish was first place in 1991. He began the derby as “Blue Thunder” and in his final years as a driver, he proudly played the role of “Captain Hook.” A nickname started by his friend Carr, since losing his arm in the hunting accident it was replaced by a prosthetic replacement that featured a hook. In 1995 however, Bill had to sit and watch. He had crashed his

helicopter earlier in the spring and Vivian insisted he sit that one out, and he did.

“The success of the derby has been so rewarding,” said Vivian. “We all worked so hard in the beginning to make it work, in any way possible. It’s very heart-warming to see the young boys today continuing the tradition and the dream that Bill once had. It was such a huge part of his life.”

Bill passed away at the age of 77 on October 27, 2009, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was a charter member of the Lind Lions Club, a Lind Gun Club member and outstanding citizen.

Throughout his lifetime, as a member of the Lind community, Bill received many honors. In December of 2000, the Lind Lions Club honored Bill with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his “outstanding commitment and dedication to Lind Lions Club and the Lind community.” In August 2001, Bill was honored, alongside Bill Wills, by receiving Community Citizen of the Year awards, sponsored by the Lind Chamber of Commerce.

The legacy of Bill “Captain Hook” Loomis continues to live on every second weekend in June, when the Lind Lions Arena fills with rumbling engines of decorated combines and large crowds eager to see some action.

Vivian and Bill Loomis


The Voice Announcer Bill Wills delivers with personality!

In the entire history of the Lind Combine Demolition Derby, the voice of the derby has always remained the same; it even comes complete with a slight hint of a southern accent.

Bill Wills, a former Kentucky native, has announced every combine derby competition since the beginning of the event 25 years ago, and he has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Wills moved to the area while in the service in 1951, and soon after met his future wife, Jeanette. The Wills’ celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last December and have been honored as grand marshals in the Lind Derby Parade as well as the Lind Lighted Christmas Parade in 2011.

In 2000, the Wills’ were the marshals for the Lind Derby Parade and Bill’s favorite answer for why they were honored as grand marshals is, “They have to ask all the old people first!”

Together, Bill and Jeanette have owned Wills Merchandise for 54 years and added a liquor store to the shop 40 years ago. While Bill is announcing at the derby, Jeanette manages the store as business drastically increases during the three-day event.

For Wills, announcing is a hobby and not a profession, as he has spent his career as a businessman and community leader. Wills has been involved in the septic tank business for 50 years, but recently sold out of his business last year. Wills was also Adams County Commissioner for 12 years as well as a Lind City Council member, and a dedicated Lind Lions Club member.

He learned how to become a good announcer from his practice announcing the Lind Rodeo for many years and by listening to other announcers in the area.

“The best part announcing is that with all that noise, they can’t hear me,” joked Wills. Wills is known for his humor and it is evident during his time as announcer at the derby.

During the derby, Wills is in charge of recording the results and making sure that the appropriate drivers are in the heat. He communicates with the judges and derby committee to verify information and keep updated on all that is happening in the arena.

Wills is also in charge of picking a representative from the crowd to serve as the judge for the best decorated combine competition. The best decoration combine winner used to be decided by applause, but it was not efficient, so Wills selects an audience member the day of the event to judge.

The derby started with small combines, and now as Wills says “they’re up to the big boys.” The massive combines crashing together keep Wills energized and excited throughout the program.

“I enjoy it, there’s a lot of people and lifestyles. I always like finding those

that are the farthest away and the oldest driver,” said Wills. “The crowd likes to see the lady drivers win, so sometimes I lean towards them when I’m announcing, until someone tells me to stop.”

Among the drivers in the competition is Wills’ grandson Josh, a six-time competitor in the derby.

Wills believes this is his grandson’s last time in the derby, but enjoys seeing him out in the arena each year.

Wills plans to announce the derby for as long as he can in order to show his community support and continue to be a part of the successful event. And if he achieves his lifelong goal, he will continue to be the voice of the derby for many years to come.

“My ambition is to be the oldest man to die in Lind. I think that means I have to be 103-years-old,” Wills said with a smile. “I have 23 years until then, and if I can, I’ll keep announcing through all of them.”

His pride in the community is evident, and he has a great appreciation for all of the community members he works beside that help create a quality

event.Due to the constant increase of

crowds, and noise, at the derby two more voices have been added to the announcers booth and have been a huge part of the derby’s success over the years. Chuck Hall, from KORD radio out of Pasco, is in his 12 year and Adam Lamberd of 97Rock, also from Pasco, is in his eighth year. Hall and Lamberd not only support Wills in the booth they promote the derby on the radio by advertising the derby and ticket giveaways to their listeners. All three men are an outstanding asset to the derby announcer booth!

Bill Wills

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Lind Combine Demolition Derby

Welcome to the

Town of LindLind is a great place to live, with a rural lifestyle. Lind has room for growth and business expansion. We’re easy to find just off U.S. 395 in Eastern Adams County.

Join us for one of our family activities or events including the

Combine Demolition Derby, Coaster Car Races, Lighted Christmas Parade,

Family Fun Fair, Chamber Banquet & Auction or the Community Yard Sale.

For more information:Lind Chamber of Commerce:

P.O. Box 561, Lind, WA 99341-0561;or (509) 677-3655

email: [email protected]

We take great pride in our children. Our schools have small class sizes taught by highly qualified teachers. Our FFA chapter is highly regarded as one of the best in the state.

Visit us at www.lindwa.com


Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Lind Combine Demolition Derby

Welcome to the

Town of LindLind is a great place to live, with a rural lifestyle. Lind has room for growth and business expansion. We’re easy to find just off U.S. 395 in Eastern Adams County.

Join us for one of our family activities or events including the

Combine Demolition Derby, Coaster Car Races, Lighted Christmas Parade,

Family Fun Fair, Chamber Banquet & Auction or the Community Yard Sale.

For more information:Lind Chamber of Commerce:

P.O. Box 561, Lind, WA 99341-0561;or (509) 677-3655

email: [email protected]

We take great pride in our children. Our schools have small class sizes taught by highly qualified teachers. Our FFA chapter is highly regarded as one of the best in the state.

Visit us at www.lindwa.com


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Saturday afternoon proves to be the best time to find a patch of grass, grab a delicious meal and enjoy free entertainment in the Lind City Park. The Lind Lions Club cooks the delicious meal each year, and to celebrate the 25 anniversary, Alex Zerbe is performing for visitors.

The barbeque begins immediately following the Grand Parade and the meal is $7 a plate. The meal includes barbeque pork sandwiches, baked beans and potato salad, while youth groups are selling dessert and beverages alongside.

The Lind community has invited Zerbe to perform and entertain the group that attends the barbeque. Zerbe is a two-time Guinness World Record holder and has been voted as Seattle’s Funniest Prop Comic.

His comic show is filled with stunts, physical comedy and he always includes audience participation in his routines. Zerbe is primarily known for his juggling skills, which includes juggling two ping-pong balls with his mouth.

All of Zerbe’s performances are family-friendly as he switches from juggling, to beat boxing, to dancing and funny rap songs. Zerbe is performing for the first time in Lind and the community welcomes him and hopes visitors enjoy his routine.

For more information about the Lind Lions Club barbeque, visit http://www.lindwa.com. For more information or to watch Zerbe’s past performances, visit the website http://www.alexzerbe.com.

BBQ Lovers Wanted


Derby Man Mike Doyle herds combines, drivers

As the combines roll into the arena and consume the audience’s attention, there are a small group of individuals behind the scenes that have already turned their focus to the next heat of competitors. At the head of this committee is derby chairman, Mike Doyle.

A former driver in the derby, Doyle now serves as the “jack of all trades,” working tirelessly to make the derby run smoothly, both before the action begins and during the derby. As derby chairman, all of the drivers contact Doyle for information and he coordinates meetings for them.

“I’m the go to guy for the drivers. I tell them what they can and cannot do,” explained Doyle.

Doyle presents each driver with a rulebook at the beginning of the competition of everything they have to adhere too. The most important list in the rulebook is all of the safety qualifications that each combine must meet. Before the combines are allowed to entire the arena, Doyle does a safety inspection of each entry.

Previously a resident of Moscow, Idaho, Doyle has lived in Lind for 27 years and did not waste any time becoming involved in the community. Doyle competed in the first derby with a combine donated from Bill Loomis, the owner of the local implement dealership.

“That was fun, for never doing it before,” said Doyle about the first year’s experience. “It was all friends out there, smiles on their faces as they’re hitting

and crashing together.” Doyle competed in the derby for

the first 10 years, and remembers fondly all of the bumps and bruises he received after getting hit by his neighbor’s 18,000-pound combine. He also recalls letting off the clutch too fast since he had not driven a combine until he began competing.

But even with his lack of field experience with a combine, Doyle proved to be a

tough competitor, winning the derby twice,

tying for first multiple times, and placing third once with his combine, “Red Barron.”

Doyle lives in Lind with his wife Tammy, and children Tyran and Micheala. The entire family is active in the community and helps with derby each year, specifically Tyran as he is following in his father’s footsteps by helping on the derby committee.

Being active in the community has always been important to Doyle and he has served as Lind Lions Club president three times during his time in Lind. During his last two presidencies, the Lind Combine Demolition Derby had record attendance and he continues to be an active Lions Club member.

Before derby begins, Doyle can usually be found at St. John Hardware

where he works, but he spends the months before derby updating the arena and working with the drivers. Doyle and his committee work together to make the signage for the parking lots, repairing the bleachers, and doing maintenance work in the arena.

The best part of derby for Doyle is the steak feed, when all of the drivers come and enjoy a meal provided by the Lions Club. The steak feed serves as one of the last overview meetings in preparation for the derby.

During the derby, Doyle runs the main arena gate and ensures that each driver is in the appropriate heat. Even though Doyle spends the majority of time coordinating drivers for the next competition, the main

gate serves as one of the best viewpoints on the arena floor.

Doyle looks forward to the derby continuing to grow, and with 23 combines entered in this year’s event he anticipates an exciting competition to be taking place inside the Lind Lions Arena. The majority of drivers are returning competitors and Doyle is expecting some hard hits and memorable moments.


Mike Doyle runs the drivers’ meeting


Team JawsJosh Knodel, Matt Miller — They’re the derby team to beat — and now they lead with a desire to give back

Two friends, as teens, shared a connection to combines 12-plus years ago. They grew up on family farms near Lind and drove combines during harvest and were quickly learning how important the machine was to their family’s livelihoods.

Josh Knodel and Matt Miller also looked forward to the Lind Combine Demolition Derby. As fans of the event, they vowed as youngsters to build their own combine and eventually compete. They were driven to become a part of an event that now serves as a major attraction and huge fundraiser for the Lind Lions Club.

“We had been going to the derby since we were little kids,” said Josh, who is now 27 years of age. “We always sat together. It was kind of a big event in Lind. We never missed the derby. We always said we were going to do it when we were old enough.”

The pair was eager to prepare and enter a combine in the derby, they set to work long before they were even old enough to drive their creation in the derby. For three years their fathers piloted the combine during the derby.

“We always wanted to have a derby combine,” Matt said. “We played on combines all growing up and we finally had a combine we could enter in the derby that ran, so we just started working on it. We couldn’t even drive cars so our parents had to take us back and forth to each other’s house.”

Grant Miller rolled the combine out into the arena the very first time in 2000 and won the event in a tie with Frank Bren. Jerry Knodel took the helm and won in 2001. Grant drove again in 2002 before the young men finally reached the point where they could climb aboard and compete.

Constructing a derby combine seemed like a natural progression for the pair. Matt, now 26 years of age, was already running his own business, dismantling aging combines and selling parts. He purchased the business from his dad as a middle school entrepreneur.

“Dad started it because we ran so many combines,” Matt

recalls. “We had a couple of parts ones and just kept getting more and more parts combines. I’d take off all the parts and then customers would come and get them. When I was in junior high I figured I was taking all those parts off, I should get the money from it. So, I asked dad if I could buy all his parts combines. Since then I’ve wrecked out over 50 combines. It made the derby nice because we had all the parts we needed and we could save out combines for it too.”

Matt and Josh spent their weekends together dismantling combines for fun and building a strong friendship that has carried into their young adult lives.

Together they have built a combine derby dynasty of sorts. They were the first crew to use a John Deere 6602 combine. It was the biggest combine to compete in the derby that first year. Since 2000 the pair have used three different combines, constantly evolving and mastering new methods of fabrication in an effort to stay ahead of the pack.

The first year the combine was dubbed the USS American Rat. Before its second year in the derby Josh’s younger brother, Brandon, suggested

the combine needed a better name. He was a fan of sharks and one night at the dinner table suggested the combine be named Jaws. The suggestion was a good one and the blue painted combine has been Jaws ever since.

The teamwork has paid off in wins. Matt tied for first place in 2004 with Dennis Starring. Josh captured wins in 2005 and then again in 2007 when he tied with Matt Humphrey.

Matt returned to the winner’s circle of sorts — the center of the arena — in 2008. Josh would win again in 2009.

All told, the team, including the dads, picked up seven wins since 2000.

The camaraderie between Matt and Josh has grown and branched out.


Josh Knodel and Matt Miller


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HAVING FUN. Josh Knodel (right) has some fun with a competitor as he delivers a hit.



“You’ll see good hits and guys that get really into it. The goal is to keep the rear end of the combine away from headers. Hopefully a big tire gets blown out or flames start shooting out, that’s what the crowd likes to see,” said Doyle.

Doyle believes the derby continues to be successful because of the determination of the community and the affordability of the three-day event. Doyle plans to remain being involved as derby chairman until it is time to pass the torch and will always remain a proud member of the Lind Lions Club.

Doyle: Managing the action for the drivers and the fans


Josh went to Washington State University and graduated in 2007 with degrees in agriculture technology and business administration. Matt picked up his degree in agriculture technology and management in 2008.

Along the way their list of friends grew. Now the derby serves as a reunion.

“All through high school and college Matt and I just did it together,” Josh said of the derby. “As we got older we started involving our college buddies. Now it’s a social gathering for all of us college friends. In that aspect, it’s great because we get to see all our friends. We have probably close to 60 people stay at our place throughout the weekend.

“It has been good for our families and for Matt and I being friends and spending time together,” Josh continued. “Now it’s even better. It has kept our college buddies all together.”

Movie starsThe connection between Josh and

Matt and the derby caught the attention of a documentary film crew in 2003. Sue Arbuthnot and Richard Wilhelm of Hare in the Gate Productions are about to roll out a film that centers around the Miller and Knodel families, farming and the derby. The production is entitled “Amber Waves and Checkered Flags.”

“They showed up in 2003 and we met them in town at the steak feed,” Josh said. “They just fit in with the family. Then it evolved. I think they have a pretty neat story.”

“It has been interesting to watch how they’ve changed,” Matt said. “When they started realizing what all went into the derby and what all went into our lives during that time and all the stuff we

do, they were pretty amazed. They are very nice people. They have been a part of our lives for nine years. You build a friendship in that amount of time.”

Giving backJosh and Matt have taken their

connection to the combine derby a big step further. During the past three years they have evolved from derby competitors to active volunteers and members of the Lind Lions Club, a community service organization that hosts the derby.

In fact, in just three years the two men have climbed the ranks and now lead the group with Josh as president and Matt as first vice president.

“When I came home and started farming that was the first thing on my list,” Josh said. “The combine has kind of backed off. It’s not priority, Lions Club is now the priority. Since we’ve been home there have been some big projects. We did the fencing and now the last set of bleachers, plus some things at the cook shack so we have been busy.”

Busy is an understatement. In addition to all the hours and work it takes to keep the arena in good shape and host the derby, the Lions Club is the cornerstone of support for the town’s community organizations, its senior citizens and its youths.

“It makes it nice where we are getting the income to give back to the community,” Matt said. “For one day a year everybody works pretty hard, plus on the stuff leading up to it (derby) and the return we get on it is just huge. It’s community service and as long as you can see what your work is going toward, that’s why we do it.”

Both Josh and Matt saw that the club needed young blood, strong backs

and more manpower to continue to keep the derby successful and provide critical community support throughout the year.

“To me personally, that’s why I value the Lions Club so strongly, because we do provide pretty much all the financial backing for all the non-profit organizations in town,” Josh said.

The pair realizes that without a successful derby, the town would suffer.

“If we didn’t have this event that generated the type of revenue it did, things would be different,” Josh said.

Both men also plan to remain on the family farms and raise their families in the Lind community.

“I want my kids to have somewhat the experience that I had in Lind. I want to raise a family there. I see the Lions Club as the organization that’s going to help keep that alive. I want my kids to feel like they are part of something,” Josh said.

“I had a good life growing up and I just want to give back to that community so that when my kids are around there’s something decent for them,” Matt added.

Building their own families is already in progress.

Josh met his wife, Lyndenn, while in college. They were married in 2010 and have since purchased a farm together. Matt and Shelley Ruddell will exchange vows on Jan. 5, 2013.

During this year’s derby weekend, you can expect both men to be eager for Matt to pilot the combine to the team’s eighth win. They will also be working hard, alongside all the other Lions Club members to make the derby a success for the fans and the community.

Josh Knodel and Matt Miller are serious derby competitors and dedicated to Lind, two traits their family and the community can be proud of.

Knodel and Miller: Loyal to Lind, derby


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Doyle: Managing the action for the drivers and the fans

and more manpower to continue to keep the derby successful and provide critical community support throughout the year.

“To me personally, that’s why I value the Lions Club so strongly, because we do provide pretty much all the financial backing for all the non-profit organizations in town,” Josh said.

The pair realizes that without a successful derby, the town would suffer.

“If we didn’t have this event that generated the type of revenue it did, things would be different,” Josh said.

Both men also plan to remain on the family farms and raise their families in the Lind community.

“I want my kids to have somewhat the experience that I had in Lind. I want to raise a family there. I see the Lions Club as the organization that’s going to help keep that alive. I want my kids to feel like they are part of something,” Josh said.

“I had a good life growing up and I just want to give back to that community so that when my kids are around there’s something decent for them,” Matt added.

Building their own families is already in progress.

Josh met his wife, Lyndenn, while in college. They were married in 2010 and have since purchased a farm together. Matt and Shelley Ruddell will exchange vows on Jan. 5, 2013.

During this year’s derby weekend, you can expect both men to be eager for Matt to pilot the combine to the team’s eighth win. They will also be working hard, alongside all the other Lions Club members to make the derby a success for the fans and the community.

Josh Knodel and Matt Miller are serious derby competitors and dedicated to Lind, two traits their family and the community can be proud of.


Nine years may seem like a long time to have to produce a movie, but that is exactly what it has taken for Sue Arbuthnot and Richard Wilhelm of Hare in the Gate Productions, to create their latest film, “Amber Waves and Checkered Flags.” The documentary film features stories on rural farming and highlights Josh Knodel and Matt Miller, as they began their journey as derby competitors and farmers, to leading the community as Lions Club officers today.

Arbuthnot had traveled through the area for many years, on her way to Coeur d’Alene for music school, and had remembered the signs posted off U.S. 395, near Lind, welcoming travelers to “Drop in, Mt. St. Helens did,” with brightly colored letters under it reading, Combine Demolition Derby!

The remembrance of those signs led Arbuthnot to follow her curiosity and search for Lind and their derby on the Internet. She told Wilhelm about this discovery and they decided to contact Carol Kelly about coming up to see what it was all about.

Arbuthnot and Wilhelm made the journey to their first derby in 2003. They were invited to the drivers’ meeting earlier in the week, where they met best friends and eager competitors, Miller and Knodel.

It was at that meeting that Arbuthnot and Wilhelm chose the young team to be the featured characters in their next documentary project. Inspired by the derby and the situation within today’s agriculture, Arbuthnot and Wilhelm,

heard the calling to take on this project.Over the course of the last nine

years, Arbuthnot and Wilhelm have formed a strong professional relationship through the making of the film, but now consider the Knodels and Millers to be more like family.

They make about three trips a year to Lind to see the two families and spend time on the farms. They also

have attended Knodel and Miller’s graduations, were guests at Knodel’s wedding and plan to return this June for the graduation of Brandon, Knodel’s younger brother.

The film duo explained that over time they have witnessed first hand the journeys taken by the two young competitors and how the boys have gone through so much in their lives to be able to return to the community and to help sustain the derby that keeps the community flourishing.

“Watching Josh leave the farm was extremely tough,” said Arbuthnot and Wilhelm. “But seeing him be able to return to do what he truly loves has been a success story all in itself.”

“It’s a completed circle now,” added Arbuthnot. “We met Josh and Matt the year of their first derby as competitors, when they were still in high school. Now they are grown and have grown

to be leaders of the Lind community.”

The film, that will come to its completion at the end of this summer, not only follows the farm and derby lives of Miller and Knodel, but has a much larger story nestled within.

“The growing concern of what is happening with our rural communities,” said Arbuthnot. “And what can we do to bring awareness to the challenges and possible solutions to maintaining agriculture.”

Arbuthnot and Wilhelm’s film not only captures the triumphant spirit of the derby, but it also reveals the emotional struggle of towns like Lind, and young farmers

like Miller and Knodel, to hold on to an endangered way of life, as Lind’s population, and the global economy, continues to shrink.

A complete list of films by Hare in the Gate Productions can be found on their website at http://www.hareinthegate.com.

There is a link to follow on the website to view a trailer of the upcoming “Amber Waves and Checkered Flags,” or visit the direct website for the film at http://amberwavesmovie.com.

Amber Waves & Checkered FlagsDocumentary film team has spent nine

years at derby with Knodel, Miller

Sue Arbuthnot (center) runs the video while Richard Wilhelm (right) waits for a photo op.


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“Watching Josh leave the farm was extremely tough,” said Arbuthnot and Wilhelm. “But seeing him be able to return to do what he truly loves has been a success story all in itself.”

“It’s a completed circle now,” added Arbuthnot. “We met Josh and Matt the year of their first derby as competitors, when they were still in high school. Now they are grown and have grown

to be leaders of the Lind community.”

The film, that will come to its completion at the end of this summer, not only follows the farm and derby lives of Miller and Knodel, but has a much larger story nestled within.

“The growing concern of what is happening with our rural communities,” said Arbuthnot. “And what can we do to bring awareness to the challenges and possible solutions to maintaining agriculture.”

Arbuthnot and Wilhelm’s film not only captures the triumphant spirit of the derby, but it also reveals the emotional struggle of towns like Lind, and young farmers

like Miller and Knodel, to hold on to an endangered way of life, as Lind’s population, and the global economy, continues to shrink.

A complete list of films by Hare in the Gate Productions can be found on their website at http://www.hareinthegate.com.

There is a link to follow on the website to view a trailer of the upcoming “Amber Waves and Checkered Flags,” or visit the direct website for the film at http://amberwavesmovie.com.

Amber Waves & Checkered FlagsDocumentary film team has spent nine

years at derby with Knodel, Miller


Even though the town of Lind is small, the Kiddie and Grand Parade shows the big of heart the community. The Kiddie Parade begins promptly at 10:45 a.m. on June 9 and visitors can expect to see the smiling faces of many youngsters as they proudly walk, drive or ride the parade route.

The theme for this year’s Kiddie Parade is “Story Book Characters Come Alive.” Each of the participants receives an award and a grand prize will be awarded just before the start of the parade.

Immediately following the adorable display of local youngsters, combines and floats alike take to the streets in the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. All of the combine drivers maneuver the equipment through the streets with supporters, family and friends on the combines with them.

The grand marshals for this year’s event are Ruben and Pat Fode, who were chosen because of their dedication, participation, commitment in the community and for being

PARADEEverybody loves a

an instrumental part of the start and success of the derby. The Fodes were also Lind Derby Parade grand marshals in 2004.

COMBINE PROCESSION. The parades provide fun and excitement on derby day


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e-mail: [email protected] • (509) 659-1936

Settled in the early 1880s, the City of Ritzville is located in Central Washington just off Interstate 90 and US 395. The city is 40 minutes from Moses Lake and an hour west of Spokane. A vibrant agricul-tural community, the city has a historic 19th Century Business District. Ritzville is a popular stop for vacationers, historians and archeological buffs.

Memorial Day Weekend:Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show

Labor Day Weekend:Wheat Land Communities’ Fair,

Ritzville Rodeo & Community Parade

Christmas SeasonHoliday Bazaar & Christmas at the Clock

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Historic Walking TourBike and Walking Path

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Movie Theater • Bowling CenterRestaurants • Hotels & Motels

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an instrumental part of the start and success of the derby. The Fodes were also Lind Derby Parade grand marshals in 2004.


Coaster Car races top Sunday entertainment

After the Saturday night excitement of crunching combines has ended, visitors are invited to watch an equally entertaining event the next day as the local youth take to Smart’s Hill to compete in the thrilling Coaster Car Race.

The Coaster Car Races begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, at the top of Smart’s Hill on E Street, near the Lind Elementary School. The street is closed for the event so bystanders are encouraged to park elsewhere and walk to the race.

The Lind Calvary Assembly of God sponsors the event and competitors come from as far away as Kirkland, Wash. For more information about the event, visit http://www.lindwa.com.

Young drivers tame Smart’s Hill on Sunday afternoon


ENJOY THE DERBY!

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the anniversary poster for the derby.He will be

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with the design on

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Intermission Thrills

Don’t leave your seats for long on derby day! Even

the intermissions are hair raising with Grain Truck Races, Pickup Truck Races and maybe even a

motorized bar stool tearing up the arena

IT’S AWESOME!


Templin Terminal, 110-car shuttle loading facility east of Ritzville

Phone: (509) 659-0130 • Fax: (509) 659-1101www.ritzwhse.com • 201 East First Ave., Ritzville, WA 99169


FUTURE COMBINE DRIVERS? These youngsters are sure to be lifelong derby fans!


“I just like the community of Lind,” Ruben said. “The reward is giving. When you give and they appreciate it, you want to do more and it just kind of builds. It’s a little town but we all know each other. The reward is to see something finished like the candles.”

Over the years the Fodes have been active in the community. They were honored once before as grand marshals for the parade. They will be grand marshals again this year during the Grand Parade.

The derby is major source of pride for Ruben. He looks forward to seeing the arrival of the 25 year.

“Just seeing how those guys put their combines together and get out there and really go after it is great,” he said. “It’s something people have never seen

before and will say ‘wow’ and you get a big chuckle out of the reaction of the crowd.”

Pat said the group of volunteers are accomplishing something great.

“It’s the camaraderie of everybody coming together. Yeah, they are tired when it is all over with, but everybody seems to enjoy the whole idea of working together with one another,” she said. “Even though you guys were tired you could see the look of accomplishment and satisfaction on your faces.”

This year’s derby is bitter sweet for Pat and Ruben. As he ages, Ruben is beginning to suffer from memory loss. The pictures in his mind of things that have happened in his life are sometimes foggy and other times completely gone. Pat provides a bridge for Ruben to his fondest memories.

“It’s frustrating,” Ruben said. “I don’t like it. I’m living in the moment.”

What he does like, is the power of his memories of Lind.

“My little town. I love Lind,” he said. “I went to school there. I played football there. I was in FFA. And I’m definitely proud of the Lind Lions Club. And now, there are some young guys stepping up to the plate to keep it going.”

Without a doubt, this year’s derby will be an emotional experience for the Fodes. It will also be a moment Ruben will not miss.

Seeing the combines in the arena and the crowds in the seats fill him with a sense of pride.

If you have a chance to meet him, you will be taken by his smile and warmed by his infectious laughter. Ruben Fode epitomizes community service.

Ruben Fode: Lind’s biggest fan


The Civil War Artillery

Demonstration by Keystone Battery A and First Michigan Light Artillery

$10.00 Registration Fee You can download registration at www.washtucna.com or call (509) 646-3449

EVENTS to be held at the BALL FIELD 7:00-10:00 am Breakfast served by Washtucna Volunteer Firefighters 8:00 am Car Show Registration

10:00 am-3:30 pm

11:00 am Lunch by Cathy Jo’s Catering Concessions by Senior Class

11:00 am Civil War Artillery Demonstrations 3:00 pm AWARDS presented for Car Show 5:00 pm Entertainment at Franks downtown Washtucna

AUTO SHOW ACTIVITIES

Concessions Various Vendors S & T Crafts Benches and Horseshoe Art Door Prizes throughout the Day!

On display will be Pak Rat Racing Car 1968 Camaro, ¼ mile at 160MPH Their goal is to bring awareness to the public of the need to support Children’s Charities

Thank you Washtucna Classic Auto Show Sponsors and Supporters: Jacklin Seed Connell Grain Growers Busch Distributors Harvest Foods Home Depot Lowe’s Ranch and Home Avista Hagerty Ins. Legacy Ford Les Schwab Tire Zips

Java Bloom Northern Quest Resort and Casino Jones Truck and Implement Best Western Plus Bronco Inn Odessa Trading AG Tech Services Washtucna Volunteer Firefighters NAPA-Clearwater St. Kennewick, WA NAPA-Colfax Auto Parts Sullivan Petroleum Taco Del Mar Starbucks

Ritzville Warehouse Headlines Full Service Hair McCurley Auto Dealership Evergreen Implement ACE Hardware Four Star Supply O’Reilly Auto Parts Ritzville Parts House Rosauers Fastenal Com. Washtucna Lion Club Pepsi Cola

Columbia Bank Cruzin Magazine Louis Dreyfus Com. McGregor Com. Union Elevator Big Bend Electric Pete’s Garage Cow Creek Deli Connell Oil Big Bend Bowl Old World Industries Ritzville Auto Shop

FUTURE COMBINE DRIVERS? These youngsters are sure to be lifelong derby fans!

Carol Kelly is the glue that holds all the pieces together for several members of the committee that coordinates the annual derby. She is reluctant to accept recognition for her efforts, but many of the men involved with the derby have great things to say about her.

“I work with Carol a lot,” said Mike Doyle. “She’s been involved since day one. She does everything: coordinates everything and takes lots of pictures. She handles paperwork, builds programs and inserts all of the information, and keeps everything updated, like the release forms. I’ve got to give her credit, if it wasn’t for her, the derby wouldn’t run as smoothly.”

Matt Miller credits Kelly with lots

of work behind the scenes.“She does a lot more than anybody

probably knows,” he said.Kelly plays a key role in spreading

the word about the derby.“She takes care of the publicity stuff

and does and amazing job with it,” said Josh Knodel, president of the Lind Lions Club. “If it weren’t for the scrapbooks she has kept, a lot of that stuff would be lost. She plays it off that it’s not a big deal. She’s been doing it a long time and hasn’t taken any recognition. People need to know.”

Doyle sees the humorous side of Kelly’s stress level as the event nears.

“My favorite part of the derby is the steak feed. It’s when we cover the last

minute rules and by then Carol’s starting to stress out,” joked Doyle. “She’s always muttering something about them ‘dang kids’ when trying to collect all of the drivers paperwork.”


In 2005, six Lind residents teamed up to write a song to perform for the County Music Television (CMT) crew that would be visiting the town. Annie Trunkle-Smart, Blake Bennet, Dwayne Fowles, Carol Kelly, Andrea Bennett and Alexis Fowles wrote the lyrics.

CMT had presented the town with a challenge: find a local artist who can compose and perform a song that represents the Lind Combine Demolition Derby. The group wrote the lyrics and asked local resident Annie Trunkle-Smart if she would perform the song.

Trunkle-Smart lives on a wheat farm a few miles outside of Lind and also plays guitar. It took the five

volunteer writers only four hours to write Lind’s first, and only, derby song and two days later, Trunkle-Smart traveled to Spokane to have the song professionally recorded.

Trunkle-Smart performed the song in front of a CMT crew and the song aired on the station later that year. The song still serves as the Lind community’s claim to fame and copies of the song are available for purchase at the arena during the derby.

More information and photos from the recording of the song can be viewed at http://www.lindwa.com/2005derbyblues.html.

Sing the Derby Blues!

The Derby Blues

Let me tell you a little story about a town named Lind.Nestled in the scablands, not much rain but lots of wind

We were fading really fast, we had to sink or swim.

Then along came a man, and he had a hook.Let’s have a Combine Derby, and the idea really took.Wheat not worth a dime, combines past their prime,

Let’s have a Derby.

In 1988 we started small. Now they come from Spokane,St. John, Ritzville & Edwall.

Old combines never the same,Weld ‘em up and give them a name,

Come to the Derby.

From Pasture Prime, to the Concubine.The Miller Machine took out Old Gang Green.It was kinda sad when Frank ran over his dad

Down at the Derby.

They sit in the stands till their butts get sore.When the combines crash, hear the Beer Garden roar.

Pit crew work to get their driver back,Hungry people gather at the ol’ cook shack

Down at the derby!

Four thousand people come to this town’s traditionIt even made the pages of Playboy’s fifty-year edition.

Rain or shine we’ll have a helluva a timeRain or shine we had a helluva time

At the derby!

Thank you, Carol

Carol and Jim Kelly


In 2011, Travis McBride rolled into the Lind Lions Area with a beautifully decorated combine.

However he did not initially go home with one of the best-decorated prize winnings, but the Hamilton family of Prosser did.

“Three days after the derby I got a call from Carol Kelly,” said McBride. “She went on to say that the Hamiltons

wanted to surrender the third place decoration winnings they received derby night, to me. Because they felt I had worked harder on decorations.”

McBride is competing in his fifth derby this year and the theme of his combine is “Ford ‘n Bine,” as he has utilized Ford truck parts to spruce up his combine.

McBride is hopeful that this is his

year to place in the top three of the final heat.

He almost stopped competing a couple of years ago but was encouraged to continue by his grandmother. Since her passing, McBride has kept his promise to continue competing.

“It feels good to be a part of something that has grown so big.” said McBride.

Combine drivers: A story of camraderieROLLING IN. Travis McBride pilots his combine into the arena in 2010.

Thank you, Carol


Congratulations Lind Lions Club on

25 years of the Lind Combine Demolition Derby

Phone 509-545-1388 • Fax 509-545-13625207 N Railroad Ave. • Pasco, WA 99301

Bulk fuels, oils, lubricants

Welcome Combine

Derby Fans!

Gavilon Grain, LLC dba

Trucks unloading wheat in Lind

Wheat wagons on parade

Grain train at Schrag Elevator

Proudly serving our customers since 1908

Handling and marketing grain in

Adams County for 103 years

A leading regional country grain company

with 8.5 million bushels of storage

Office: (509) 677-3441Toll Free: (800) 423-4001www.unionelevator.com

[email protected]

THANK YOU!The FANS make the

Lind Combine Demolition Derby a success!ENJOY the Derby Weekend and be safe!

—Lind Lions Club

The LindLions Club

“We Serve”Proceeds from the annual combine derby

generate vital funds to support a long list of community events, organizations and endeavors.

In 2011 the Club sponsored:• 24th Combine Demolition Derby• 8th Car Race/Derby• Christmas Lantern Project• Santa Claus & Treats• Community Calendar• Kite Flying Contest• Easter Egg Hunt• Kiddie Parade• Senior Class Scholarships• Girl Scouts• Community BBQ

In 2011 the Club donated to:• Lind Senior Center• Lind Chamber of Commerce• Lind Lighted Parade• Lind Little League• Lind T-Ball• Lind Girls’ Sports• Lind Livestock 4-H• Lind FFA• Lions Sight & Hearing Programs• Thanksgiving/Christmas certificates for needy families• Parks & Recreation Dept.

YOU help make all of this possible!We thank you!

2011-2012Lions Club Officers:

Josh Knodel, PresidentMatt Miller, 1st Vice President

Kyle Young, 2nd Vice PresidentLeRoy Watson, Jr., Secretary

Alan Schlimmer, TreasurerBill Wills, Lion Tamer

Larry Koch, Tail TwisterDick Nagamitsu, Board Member

Bruce Sauer, Board MemberJoe Holland, Board Member

Blake Bennett, Board Member

Make Plans NOW to Join Us Next Year!

Watch for details at www.lindwa.com

Look for hundreds of photos from the

derby on the website!

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2012 25th Lind Combine Derby

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