| Maders
are grand marshals
Idaho County Free Press 
That comfort comes from years of riding, working and rounding up cattle on his Salmon River ranch. “I had my first trip on a horse when I was 6 weeks old,” he grinned. Chuck and his wife, Betty, will serve as the 2009 Idaho County Fair grand marshals. Born and raised on the breaks of the Salmon River near Keuterville, Chuck has lived the true cowboy life. He helped on the family farm and ranch and attended school at Timber School, west of Keuterville, where his mother taught him in grades one through eight. At about age 10 he started in the 4-H program and had several steer projects. After graduating from high school, he attended Gonzaga University. He taught high school government, history, physical education, health and speech at St. Gertrude’s Academy, Gonzaga Prepatory School and at Prairie High School for a total of 27 years. During that time he also coached basketball for 20 years and baseball for a number of years. Along with his educational duties, he continued to ranch and run cattle. “I cannot stand not being busy,” he said. “I get gimped up sitting around, but on that saddle I feel great.” In 1984 he and Betty Hoene were married. “So she came back to God’s Country,” Chuck smiled. Betty is an insurance agent; for the past 20 years, she has worked for Harman Agency (previously Wemhoff Insurance). Throughout the years Chuck has been involved with 4-H as he as helped nieces and nephews with getting and working their project animals. Since 1980, he has also helped run the livestock sale at the fair. “I tried to quit the last several years, but Jim Church let me know it’s a lifetime appointment,” smiled Chuck. “This might be my last year with it, though.” Chuck explained a lot of behind-the scenes work goes into making the livestock sale a success. “It’s work and it takes time to get all the buyers lined up and to make sure each kid gets a fair price,” he said. He said he would not allow some kids to get a lot less per pound than others. “That’s not fair; it’s not a popularity contest,” he said. “I’d rather buy a dozen animals myself than to see that happen.” Chuck works with Cottonwood Livestock Auction owner Dennis Rowland and others to make sure there are enough buyers as each year the number of animals sold becomes higher. “Even in difficult economic times, we have a great community/county that supports its kids and the 4-H program,” Betty said. |
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