Ellsworth Independent-Reporter

Ellsworth boys rescued from train car
Two five-year-old Ellsworth boys were rescued from the inside of a coal car July 28 on the rairoad tracks in Ellsworth. No injuries were reported.

Friday July 30

After Harvest Czech Festival

Wilson
Wilson celebrates its 50th annual festival this year. The festival continues Saturday, July 30, and include a large parade and many other activities.

Ranch Rodeo rides into town Saturday
By Alan Rusch
Last Updated: April 23, 2008

The south edge of Ellsworth will be buzzing with activity Saturday, April 26, as the first El-Kan Western Riders Ranch Rodeo takes place in the El-Kan Rodeo Arena on South Douglas Ave.

“I think it’s going to be good,” Bruce Miller, event chairman, said. “We’ve got some good teams coming.”
The day’s events kick off at 9:30 a.m., with the women’s ranch rodeo.

Miller said seven teams of cowgirls will compete in events such as trailer loading, cattle doctoring, sorting, calf branding and steer mugging. The winning team gets trophy buckles. Awards will also be given to the top hand and top horse.

At 1 p.m., the open ranch horse competition will begin.

“I think we will have a good turnout,” Miller said.

The competition is open to any man or women who wishes to enter. It is split into two parts — a junior class, for horses five years and younger, and a senior class, for horses six years and older. There is a $50 entry fee to take part in the competition.

At 6:30 p.m., the men’s ranch rodeo starts with a calcutta auction where members of the public can bid on their favorite team in each event.

At 7 p.m., the men’s ranch rodeo begins. Miller said 13 teams, including the local Bar Cross Rolling Hills team consisting of himself, Bill and Clint Donley and John Kueser, will be competing. Buckles will be awarded to the winning team. And two judges in the stands will select a top hand (an all-around cowboy) as well as the best horse in the ranch rodeo. Miller noted there will be an 80 percent entrance fee pay back for those who enter the competition.

The Ranch Rodeo will also feature a trade show, which will be on the rodeo grounds and possibly in the Ellsworth Recreation Center, as well as a concession stand.

There is no admission charge.

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