UMW Mach 15/16 2008, 20/SW

The midwest region would like to congratulate the handlers for their time and effort for wich they put into the dogs and test in the 20. hour bloodtrack

Jorg Kalteneggr  PA, Travis Burget KY, Jeff Henke IA,

 Also we like Thank  Rich Dobey, and the Judges for taking the time and making it happen.

UMW September Solms/AZP, Seneca, IL 22-23.09.07

We had two full days of testing with 6 dogs evaluated each day. Ken Willis(IL) and Jim Seidl(WI) volunteered their services for the weekend. Kenny served as Senior Judge and this was Jim’s first judging assignment since receiving his VR card in June. Thank you Gentlemen for taking the time and making it happen.

Entries came from literally across North America with the Rehrmann’s coming in from California, Yannick Beaudoin from Montreal, Canada, the McConnors from Virginia, Julie Raus and Dan Vining from Michigan, Ron Rabuck from Wisconsin, and the Calandras and Steve Kosmicki from Illinois. We saw some fine dogs. Thank you all for preparing and testing your dogs. The breeders are equally grateful to see the product of their work. 

The 85-90 degree afternoon heat made for poor testing conditions. Add to that a coon at the end of a drag, things are never dull or easy. Individual test results are available elsewhere on the web site. The Region netted about $250 on the tests.

Special thanks to Regional Treasurer Lark Frederiksen for securing ducks for the test. Thanks to Ed Rygasiewicz, John Rachford, Manny Boutsikakis, and Jim Ritze for gunning, bird planting, and pond cleanup. It makes life easy when there is such good help around.

Regional “Meathunt” and Annual Meeting

On January 12, 2008 some 35 members and friends gathered in Birmingham, IL for the 8^th Annual Alan VanFleet Memorial Challenge. The weather cooperated and 15 teams took aim on some 300 birds and 3000 clays. With fun and comradeship the main goal, no one was disappointed. Lots of good dog work and shooting made for a great day and supplied plenty of material for tales around the campfire. As usual, the Barn Course with its bumblebees took its toll on clay shooters. The Annie Oakleys were a big hit as usual and the pots keep growing! Local residents Brad Cludray and Ryan VanFleet were this years overall winners with but 1 bird separating them from the second place team of Mike Murphy and Butch Carver. Craig Jones and Dan Vining, who made a 7 hour trip from Michigan, won the clays honors (and that also was decided by 1 clay pigeon) over the second place team of Kevin Cashman and Manny Boutsikakis. Brad Cludray was high point individual and received the “Jägermeister Award”. The event added some $200 to the Regional bank account and a great time was had by all.

That evening the Regional Annual Meeting was held. Seventeen Regional members were present: Steve Kosmicki, Joe Gallo, Manny Boutsikakis, Lark Frederiksen,  Rob Engelking, Rich Dobey, Lenny Chase, Kevin Cashman, Jim Ritze, Rick Medina, Ed Rygasiewicz, Rich Runge, Clayton Carver, Josh Carver, Bob Gerstner, Mike Murphy, and Butch Carver. NADKC members on hand from other Regions included Steve Remspecher (MS Region), Butch Grover, Larry Kravat, Craig Jones, and Dan Vining (all from the GL Region).

Outgoing Director Steve Kosmicki turned the stewardship over to Joe Gallo. Those present thanked Steve for his efforts over the last 4 years and presented him with a gift in  appreciation for all he has done. 

Regional Director Joe Gallo proceeded to address the immediate concerns of testing and training. Rich Runge brought us up to speed on the booth we have at Pheasant Fest 1/18-20/2008 in St. Paul, MN. Manny Boutsikakis discussed the pros and cons of using our web site vs. the regional web page on the national site. Treasurer Lark Frederiksen updated us on our financial status. We are running even with last year. Joe solicited input from the group at which time a proposal was made to name Herman Schomaker and Margitta Albertsen Honorary Life Paid Members. The vote was unanimous in favor of the proposal and will be forwarded to the Board for approval. The meeting was adjourned.

To those who helped out with the Meathunt this year:

 -Bird planters, Steve Kosmicki, Josh Carver, Jim Ritze, Mike Murphy

 -4 wheelers from Steve Kosmicki, Rick Medina, and the VanFleets

 -Trap equipment from John Rachford who also kept it organized

 -Lighting equipment from Rich Runge (maybe next year)

 -World Class lasagne prepared by Michelle Rachford

 -Cookies and desserts from other folks (?)

 -Prizes from Purina (Steve Remspecher & Bob West)

 -The cleanup crew and all who cleaned birds

Thank you all. May you have a very healthy and prosperous NEW YEAR!

                                                                                                          Waidmannsheil