Emma Roach is Border Days Queen
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to represent Idaho County as Border Days Queen, and I hope I meet the communities’ expectations,” smiled 18-year-old Emma Roach.
Roach, the daughter of Chris and Jody Roach, attended Grangeville High School, graduating early and enrolling in Lewis-Clark State College.
“I am currently in a prenursing program, and following graduation from nursing school, I plan on coming back to Idaho County because of the amazing community,” she said.
Roach rides her 8-year-old quarter horse, Stiletto, and said she has learned a lot from her sister-in-law, Kristin Kaschmitter VonBargen, a former Border Days queen.
When she isn’t attending school or riding her horse, Roach is busy with church where she was a youth leader until she turned 18. She also works as a certified nursing assistant for Syringa Hospital.
Roach has been sponsored by architect Rhonda Wemhoff. Her grandma Judy lives in Grangeville and Grandpa Leroy in Craigmont, and she has five siblings: Miranda, 32; Kade, 29; Dylan, 25; Sydney, 16; and Zak, 15.

Who will win the Super Egg Toss?
Who will be standing in the final line of this year’s Border Days Super Egg Toss?
One name that can be seen more than once in the winners’ circle is Grangeville’s Cooper Wright.
“I’ve been participating in the egg toss for as long as I can remember,” smiled Wright. “I always look forward to the egg toss. It’s such a fun event for the community.”
He said his wife, Amy, is his favorite partner in the toss.
“We have made it to the final two lines the past few years. Maybe this year will be our year to win together,” he said.
“Our 1-year-old-son, Cameron, and I plan to be future father-son champions as he gets older,” he laughed.
He said he and Amy and will sometimes practice the “Pirate Throw” and “Behind the Back” toss.
“These are pretty difficult,” he stated.
Border Days Street Sports and Super Egg Toss announcer Mike Johnson has been taking on that task downtown each day for years. He dubbed his duties “the funnest irresponsible responsibility in the world.”
“I moved back to Grangeville in 1995 to settle down and start a life in one place. I began working at KORT that year, and shortly thereafter, got involved with street sports and the parade,” he said. “I believe 1998 was my first egg toss announcing opportunity. It was after Jack Marek retired.”
Johnson has a few favorite throws up his sleeve.
“My favorite throw to call out? That's really a ‘toss-up,’” he laughed.
Remember that Pirate Throw Cooper Wright talked about earlier?
“My favorite is probably the Pirate Throw — because it's my wife's least favorite,” Johnson smiled. “It's the one where participants are ‘supposed’ to cover one eye — though not many people actually do that — it's also the easiest toss to detect people cheating.”
Johnson said the whole event is “just a blast.” 
“Seeing the sea of people spanning Main Street and spotting familiar faces as well as new faces is certainly a highlight,” he said. “It really brings together a community for a celebration we all cherish.  And seeing how serious some people are about winning definitely tickles my funny bone...it brings out people's true character.”
Cash and Carry Market provides the eggs for the Super Egg Toss, something they have done for years. Last year alone, the store donated more than 1,800 for this popular community event.

GHS Class of 82 accepts donation challenge 
Grangeville High School’s classes of 1981 and 1982 are in a rivalry. However, it’s a very friendly one and it has a great cause attached to it.
“About this time last year, I got a call from Joann (Cole) Hanson, the senior class president of GHS’s class of 1981,” said Kathy Rae Ackerman, GHS senior class president for the class of 1982.
As the class of 1981 geared up for its 40th class reunion, members came up with the idea to start a new tradition—a challenge for each class returning for their 40th reunion to raise money for a local charity. 
This year, that 40^th milestone will be celebrated by the class of 1982, with the “Come Back, Give Back” campaign.
“The idea is that by the time we hit that 40th milestone, with children raised and retirement on the horizon, we are well-positioned to give back to the community that supported us through high school and beyond,” Ackerman explained.
And the class of 1982 has accepted the challenge from the class above them to join this cause.
“The class of 1982 is working toward exceeding the funds raised last year for the Camas Prairie Food Bank,” Ackerman said.
This year, the classmates made the decision to raise funds for both the Camas Prairie Food Bank and Animal Rescue Foundation. Their goal is to contribute a combined total of at least $1,500. 
“This is such a great idea—I wish I’d thought of it,” laughed Ackerman.
Those who would like to make a donation can do so by writing a check (write Class of ’82 in the subject line) or by going on PayPal (see photo) and making a donation. Checks can be made directly to the Camas Prairie Food Bank, 411 E North St. Grangeville or Animal Rescue Foundation, PO Box 72, Grangeville ID 83530. If making a donation on behalf of the class of 1982, note "Come Back-Give Back Challenge" on the memo line.