DEDICATION: It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to two derby friends, Bill Loomis and Chet Bauermeister.  We fondly remember Bill Loomis for his incredible community spirit and his innovative effort to make an idea into a reality. In 1988, 12 "over the hill" machines from Loomis Truck and Tractor's 'bone-yard' were resurrected to be used in that first derby, 24 years ago. It was a great time in the Lind Community as everyone was celebrating Lind's 100th birthday. To be a 'sideline' event along with the annual rodeo, no one even dreamed about the future growth and success of the event. Well, Bill probably knew it would "fly".  Of course, Bill was in the arena on a combine on the first maiden voyage of the combine derby. "Hook" as he was affectionately called, participated in many derbies following the first in 1988, and with the help of his family, he  always tried to win the 'best decorated' category as well. He really enjoyed impersonating Captain Hook many times until he crashed his helicopter. Serious injuries stopped "Hook" from driving his combine, and it was NOT to his liking. Forced to watch the event from the bleachers was not what he had in mind! To soften the blow, a pickup with recliner was parked near the arena fence so Bill could have a 'bird's eye view of the activity. Bill always remained loyal to the event.  He was one heck of a social director and he had many friends. We miss seeing Bill in his big black cowboy hat, in the cook shack, in the bleachers, in the 'pits', in the beer garden...and always rolling dice for tickets. Bill never went anywhere without his dice! Seems he was always the Lions Club's high ticket seller, too. He loved to socialize, so spent a lot of his 'derby time' in the stands visiting with life-long friends. We know he's here with us today...looking down and trying to finagle a way to get on one of those combines, and for certain he's probably arguing with God and trying to convince Him to roll the dice and bet on a driver. We miss you, dear friend.

We also fondly remember derby driver,  Chet Bauermeister and it saddens us to say good bye to him.  Although Chet lived in Basin City, he always called Lind his home during the derby weekend. Chet was loyal and committed to the combine derby, and on occasion, he'd set up his camper and combine a few days early, just to be ready! He rarely complained about the rules, and if he did, he explained his issue, listened to the answer, and then totally cooperated with the derby committees!  In 1988, when Lind was  gearing up for their 9 day Centennial Celebration, Chet agreed to be a part of the festivities, and he was one of the 1st to be called upon to participate as a judge in the first ever derby. Twelve local combines were driven that first year, and Chet was in the arena, on foot, waving warning flags, yelling at drivers (Bill being one of them) while dodging combines at the same time!  Of course he was exhausted after the event, and it didn't take him long to decide that the safest place in the arena would be on a combine. With the exception of one year Chet participated as a driver for the next 23 years. We will never forget that beautiful purple combine, "The Purple People Eater". For many years, Chet advertised on his combine...."Single and Looking!"  He never won a derby, but his advertising finally got results and he changed his signs to  "Happily Married".  It goes without saying that we will we will never forget him!  Please take note that many of the combines in this derby recognize their good friend, Chet Bauermeister. Where ever you are, Chet, we know that you're cheering for a successful derby. We miss you, dear friend!

The Lind Lions Club proudly dedicates the  24th demolition derby our good friends, Bill Loomis and Chet Bauermeister!  We ask for a minute of silence to recognize these two special men.