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Show Page 2 The Gunnison Valley Gazette Thursday, July 30, 2009 Beard growing contest Into all the World ends in ugly tirade by STANILAUS IGNATSIUS In what might be considered one the greatest victories in Gunnison Valley over the past fifty years, Mark Henline of Gunnison was crowned the Sesquicentennial Beard Growing Champion this past Friday at the Mayfield 24th of July celebration. Henline not only won, he dominated the contest, sweeping all four categories, Best Groomed, Most Unique, Scraggliest, and Longest Beard. Not since Cameron Thorpe won the contest in 1959 with his luxuriant full-season beard has the valley seen such domination. This year’s contest was simple and had only a few rules. First, you had to show up at Gunnison City Hall on or after June 24th with a clean shaven face and register for the contest. Next, you had to show up at the Mayfield July 24th celebration to be judged. The contest took place at Mayfield Park just after the annual auction. The auction by the way, was was a great success with many donated hand-made quilts and wood working items being auctioned off. The auction also included an original Les Bogh painting of the Nipple that went for a little over $400. Lynn Pickett, of Lynn Pickett’s Backhoe Service (528-3278), was the sponsor of the beard growing contest. He took his place on the stage to introduce the contestants. Pickett announced that only three people had officially registered for the contest: himself, Kim Pickett and Mark Henline. He then said, as the sponsor, he didn’t feel it was right to compete and judge so he officially withdrew his name from the contest. That was too bad because most people in attendance felt that his beard was by far the best. Crystal Fonville said, “It’s a shame, Lynn’s grey and white beard made him look refined and kinda smart.” Lynn then announced that there was a surprise contestant, his 13 year-old nephew, Ryker. The audience immediately became suspicious when Ryker walked on stage sporting a beard that would make Brother Brigham green with envy. When asked how he managed to grow such a long, thick beard in only a month, Ryker responded, “My secret weapon is to rub cow manure on my face.” This little slip of the tongue immediately exposed Ryker’s fraud because anyone who knows Ryker’s mother, knows that she is a God fearing woman known for her cleanliness. Kay would never allow her little Ryker to smear bovine plop on his face. With Ryker and Lynn thus eliminated, it left only Kim and Mark to compete for bragging rights. This left the audience a bit confused as Kim’s face was as smooth as a baby’s bottom. When asked about his beardless condition, Kim responded, “I forgot about the contest and I’ve been shaving my face.” Courtesy Photo Henline, in his home far from the taunts and jeers, shows off his $100 grand prize. With this development, Lynn had no choice but to announce the winner in all four categories as Henline. Henline stepped forward and received from Lynn Pickett of Lynn Pickett’s Backhoe Service (528-3278), his four certificates, one for each category. Then in a surprise move, Lynn of Lynn Pickett’s Backhoe Service (528-3278), reached into his pocket and pulled out four, not so crisp, twenty dollar bills and four, kind of moist, five dollar bills and presented them to Henline. Henline, who appeared shocked said, “Wow! Cool!” When speaking of it later, Henline said, “I didn’t know there was that much cash in all of Sanpete County.” As Henline left the stage with his major cash prize and his four certificates, things began to turn ugly. Almost immediately he was taunted with hateful words like, “My sister can grow a nicer beard than that” and “Don’t let the cat lick that off” and “Hey ugly dude with the beard.” Henline, who moments be- fore was jubilant, now appeared dazed and confused. He looked around the crowd for the support of his wife and children, but was suddenly sickened when he remembered they had all stayed home to watch reruns of The Ace of Cakes on the Food Network. As the taunting continued Henline wandered aimlessly looking for a friendly face. When he could take it no longer he snapped and yelled, “Shut up you big jerks. You’re all just a bunch of babies.” He then stomped off to his Buick and was last seen driving through the Order on his way home to Gunnison. Analee Knudsen, who witnessed the ugly scene, said, “We were just having fun. We didn’t realize how sensitive Mark is. But in defense of the towns people, that so called “beard” was pretty darn ugly. It’s a shame to see an ending like this to such a wonderful event. In time Henline will heal and come to realize that no matter what people say, he is the Sesquicentennial Beard Growing Champion. Axtell News by AUDREY BOORE The community extends condolences to the family of Gary Ellis of Mayfield, the father of Kathy Westover, former Axtell resident. Mr. Ellis passed away July 20, 2009. He married Cleoa Clark in 1954 and they spent most of their married life in the Salt Lake City area before moving to Mayfield when he retired. Gary continued to be active in the Mayfield Lions Club and in his church callings. He and his wife had four children. Kathy and Kevin Westover now make their home in Apache Junction, Arizona. The Axtell 1st Ward’s annual Pioneer Day celebration was held the afternoon and evening of the 24th at Anthony’s Flat in Willow Creek Canyon with games, a program and dinner. The new 2009 pioneer chosen is Neil Nielson. Although there was a light rain shower around 4 p.m., it soon cleared and was a lovely evening. A large number of families were camped up there and many more drove up for the evening dinner with members of their families who were visiting from out of town. A big thank you goes to the committee that prepared the dinner. The weather has turned very hot with a few afternoon wind and rain showers. It seems that this has been a spring and summer of changing and unusual weather, but the many kinds of bugs have been constant. Elder Michael Oliver spent the last six months in Santarem, Brazil, which is on the Amazon river. He loves missionary work and all the wonderful people he is meeting. Michael, is the son of Shelle and Jeff Oliver. The all Scouting Newsis is Sponsored Into the World sponsored by ACE Paints Sporting Goods Whirpool Appliances by 528-7513 435 South Main • Gunnison Remember When... Photo contributed by Diane Funk Members of the Double Trio appeared on the Eugene Jelesnik Show • 1970 Kathleen Fullmer (accompanist), Marsha Rasmussen, Jeri Peterson, Barbara Nay, JoAnn Jensen, Kathy Beck and Barbara Bogh. Sponsored by HERMANSEN’S MILL 204 South 1st East • Gunnison 528-3136 Feeds • Grain Storage • Fertilizer Seeds • Farm Supplies • Chemicals HEAP WEEK Ty ew bartholom of the This week’s Heap of the Week goes to Ty Bartholomew! Ty rode this sweet scooter in the Mayfield 24th of July parade. What’s your favorite Sub? WEATHER Thursday 85/55 Mostly Sunny Wendy Gonzales and Savannah Anderson of Gunnison Subway pass out goodies at both the Centerfield and Mayfield parades! Friday 88/55 Mostly Sunny Saturday 90/54 Mostly Sunny Sunday 90/56 Partly Cloudy Gunnison’s Weather brought to you by Gunnison Telephone Co. Now Playing At The Casino Star Theatre Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Rated PG-13 Playing July 31 though August 6 Weekdays - 7 pm • Friday & Saturday - 7 & 9:45 pm Tuesday is Free Popcorn Night. Thursday ~ All Seats $3.50 Coming Soon... The Proposal on August 7th GForce on August 14th Movie Ticket Prices 78 South Main Street, Gunnison 528-STAR www.casinostartheatre.com $6 - Adults $4 - Children under 12 & Seniors |
