Horse Lake Elementary School students and teachers of were elated with end of the year celebrations, and the Grade 7 graduation appeared to be the highlight.
Students got wet and pretty wound up from a water fight that caught principal Donna Rodger by surprise with a cold bucket of liquid being tossed her way.
Parents organized a farewell dinner complete with some great cake creations, and some several high achieving students were awarded for their diligence.
Athletes of the year were Devin Martin, Cassidy Gagnon and Sarah Zailo. Brandon McEwan, Sara Newstead and Katelyn Cleave also took home awards.
Grade 7s moving up
Kyra Hopson's graduating Grade 7 class includes Maggie Bernard, Katelyn Cleave, Kayla Cumiskey, Cassidy Gagnon, Harry Gale, Cameron Gallaher, Mikaela Goodwillie, Madelyn Gunn, Aaron Hartard, Jesse Laity, Justine Lowgood, Jesse Maltesen, Devin Martin, Tayler McCullough, Brandon McEwen, Sara Newstead, Josh Owen, Kaitlyn Ray, Tory Rivard, Ben Ryan, Josh Sentes, Ethan Shorsky, Taylor Simpkins, Jesse Stich, Sarah Zailo and Justyne Zimmerman.
Happy retirement
Julian Willsey will be leaving a cavernous hole in the teaching staff, as he is retiring after 35 years as an educator, including the last 18 at Horse Lake Elementary School.
Willsey says he hopes to do some travelling with his wife, Judy, and have more time to enjoy friends and family.
He will be missed come September and everyone wishes him the best on his retirement.
New fire chief
As of July 1, Mike Collinge will still be serving, but is no longer the fire chief of the Lone Butte Volunteer fire Department.
Jaret Scott was the fire chief before Collinge was voted in six years ago. Scott is returning to the role of leader and chief for the brave volunteers who serve our community.
His first report for the column states it has been "nice a quiet" with all the rain we have had, with only a few medical calls and a toppled tree on a power line.
Iron Horse fundraisers
Even though the rain on Lone Butte Rocks day put a damper on several fundraising events the pub owners had planned for that day, they were still successful in collecting more than $300 through a 50/50 draw and their Father's Day 80-yard pitch.
The money was donated to a young girl from the area who suffers from neurofibromatosis.
The deadline for the best portrait of Lone Butte's water tower and train has been extended. Folks could earn $200 by entering. Stop in at the pub to find out more details.
Celebrations
Belated birthday greetings go out to Kelsey Schuurman who turned 12 on June 30, and special birthday wishes to Heather Nelson on July 16.