The Courier
News
Bronze Memorial for Cowboy Capital Next Wednesday, August 13th, a bronze sculpture by former bareback and bull rider, Jeff Wolf, will be unveiled at the Gooding County Fairgrounds in honor of Leo & May Rice and their love of cowboys and automobiles. Most people associate the Leo Rice Motor Co. with the early days of Gooding, but the story really began a bit farther north. If you drive through Hill City, Idaho (13 miles west of Fairfield), it’s hard to imagine that ninety years ago, Hill City was a town of nearly 300 people and home to several garages (service stations), one of which belonged to Leo Rice.
Leo soon moved his garage to Fairfield, then started selling automobiles in the 1920’s. In 1932, Leo and his wife, moved to Gooding where they established the Leo Rice Motor Co. During all of this, they ran a 7000 acre cattle ranch with winter quarters in Tuttle and summer grazing on the Camas prairie. Mr. Rice knew as much about horses and cows as he did trucks and cars, and knew how to dress the part bolo ties, a five gallon hat, woolen shirts, and rugged sweaters. In 1955, Leo Rice was named ”Idaho’s Grassman of the Year.”
While serving as the Mayor of Gooding (1959 to 1966 and 1974 to 1975) Mr. Rice helped bring several new businesses to the Gooding area, including the bowling alley and a meat packing plant (now the site of Glanbia Cheese). Leo’s love of cowboys and Gooding County Rodeo prompted his family to donate the bronze sculpture titled “Rodeo” to the fairgrounds. After the Main Street Parade (7:00 p.m.) you are invited to the dedication ceremony which will take place at 8:30 p.m. near the front gate of the rodeo arena.
Gooding County Fair & Rodeo This Friday, August 8th, the 4H Oral Presentation Contest will be held at the Gooding Extension office at 1 p.m. At 5 p.m. the 4H Dog Show will take place. The 4H Horse Show will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 9th, at the fairgrounds. continued on page 3.....
August 6
,2014
Volume 38 ~ Number 32 News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
CourierNews.webs.com
Wendell School Bond The Wendell School Bond Citizens’ Committee has scheduled several community information meetings over the next few weeks. This is your oportunity to learn about the issues surrounding the bonds and the needs of the school district to preserve the facilities. The bonds, if approved by a 2/3 majority, will provide funds for continuing maintenance needs as well as fund four major projects to restore school facilities. According to the Citizens’ Committee, the key issue for the August 26th election is whether the voters will elect to protect the community’s $31 million investment now or deny the improvements needed and incur a heavier debt for future construction costs. The public is invited to attend any and all of the following meetings:
August 13:
American Legion Hall (hosted by the American Legion)
also at the
New Life Community Church continued on page 2.....