Building a bridge to the 19th century...
On the night of Oct. 4, 2012, at the Paso Robles Inn, Dakota Skellenger was crowned Miss Rodeo California 2013. She entered the pageant representing the Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo where she had the pleasure of promoting her beloved hometown.
At the pageant, Dakota won the categories of appearance, personality, speech, photogenic and horsemanship. Born and raised in the city of Bakersfield, Dakota is honored to have the privilege of symbolizing the western way of life and promoting the Professional Cowboys Association as Miss Rodeo 2013.
Dakota is a long time 4-H member where her love of horses and rodeo blossomed. She has ridden in multiple disciplines including both Western and English pleasure, and equitation, hunter jumping, equestrian drill team and reining. Dakota entered her first rodeo queen pageant when she was 15 and has been in love with the industry ever since.
Winning the title of Miss Rodeo California was a dream come true for her and she will do her all to exude the characteristics and traditional values that has made rodeo what it is today.
“To me, rodeo is so much more than a sport; it is really about people. The PRCA does so much for our communities with programs like the Wrangler National Patriot and Tough Enough To Wear Pink. I am proud to promote this aspect of our organization as the platform for my year. Representing such a philanthropic and honorable organization is a task that I will treasure!”
After receiving her associate’s degree in agriculture business, Dakota plans on transferring to California State University, Fresno, to earn her Bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. Her career goal is to become a representative in the horse or rodeo industry that she loves. She’ll be at the Springville Sierra Rodeo
COWBOY CUISINE
Babcock Waldorf Salad
1 Package apple pasta (10 ounces), 1 Cup red apple, chopped, 1/2 Cup green grapes, halved, 1, 8 ounce can chunk pineapple (drain, reserve juice for dressing), 1/2 Cup celery, chopped, 2 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped, ∏ Cup raisins or chopped dates (optional), 1/4 Cup cocoanut. Low Fat Dressing: 1 Cup low fat vanilla yogurt, 1 Teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 Cup light or regular mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons reserved pineapple juice, Honey or sugar to taste, 2/3 Cup light Cool Whip. Simply mix the dressing ingredients, except the Cool Whip and set aside. In a large kettle, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add pasta and 2 teaspoons salt and simmer 5 to 7 minutes or until done. DO NOT OVERCOOK - pasta should be soft yet firm. Rinse with cold water until cool. Drain thoroughly and toss with fruit, celery and nuts. Add prepared dressing and gently toss again. Gently fold in the Cool Whip. Serve immediately or cover and chill.
Tim & Betty Babcock
Helena, Montana
COYOTES OF THE WEEK
California’s Franchise Tax Board reinterpreted a tax break in December, following a court decision striking down part of the code, and decided to bill anyone who had taken advantage of the law for the previous five years, Fox News reported. Instead of consulting the state legislature, the board suspended the break entirely and is seeking back taxes totaling $120 million from some 2,500 business owners.
Ohio school shooter T.J. Lane flipped off the families of the three victims he is accused of killing. At the sentencing hearing for the shooting, which took place in February 2012, Lane first took off his button-down shirt to reveal a white T-shirt with the word “killer” written on it. Then when asked for a statement, he stuck up his middle finger at the families and had a smirk on his face. Lane plead guilty to the shooting on February 26 and is facing life in prison.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools in Maryland has banned hugging unless you’re the parent. Birthday party invitations are also banned along with cupcakes for everyone. Liberals are looking out for us.
SAYIN’S
“We’re learning more about the dead Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. It seems he amassed about $2 billion in a personal fortune while president, and he was a socialist. Imagine how rich he could have been if he didn’t believe in redistribution of wealth.” — Jay Leno.
Send us a sayin’ or quote and if we use it, we’ll both be surprised.
CAMPAIGN ’16
New bumper sticker: Hillary Clinton/Michelle Obama ’16. Scary.
WHERE TO BUNCH UP
Springville Sierra Rodeo April 26-28.
