A crowning achievement

Saturday night, the people of Southwest Nebraska will have an opportunity to show their pride in the accomplishments of Ashley Rice, who will reign as Miss Rodeo Nebraska in 2006.

During coronation ceremonies at the Republican River Valley Events Center in McCook, Ashley will receive the state's Miss Rodeo crown from her predecessor, Alesa Chrisman of North Platte.

It will be a festive evening, with activities including a buffet supper, benefit auction and dance. Among the featured guests will be Ginger ten Bensel, Miss Rodeo Nebraska in 1981, who is now a television personality with KHAS-TV in Hastings.

Ashley, 20, is the daughter of Tony and Patricia Rice of Wilsonville. In college, she is a member of the scholastic honorary society, Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. Her goal is to obtain a Business Administration degree, then study corporate law in preparation for establishing a Christian-based law practice.

It will be a special evening for a special young lady. The social hour will begin at 5 p.m., with dinner following at 6. Tickets will be available at the door. Cost is $25 for adults, $12 for children under 12, and $40 for a couple. For further information, you may call Ashley at 308-349-4303. All proceeds will be used for Ashley's travel expenses during her year as Miss Rodeo Nebraska.

Timber Creek Featured

When Charlie Pelkey established Timber Creek Homes in Stratton, his dream was to produce houses that did not have the appearance of typical, manufactured modular units.

From the start, it was evident that he would be successful as unique Timber Creek homes began emerging from the production facility on the east side of Stratton.

Now, Timber Creek is gaining national recognition. The Hitchcock County News reports this week that a book, called "Modular Mansions," will feature one of Timber Creek's creations.

The house, built for an owner in Telluride, Colo., consists of barn board siding, a slate roof, luxury stone flooring, fossils embedded in the kitchen countertop, a hand carved door and many other luxury features.

The home contains 3,540 square feet of space. The author of "Modular Mansions," Sherri Koones, said the homeowner told her she chose to build a modular home because of the cost saving and the fact the home was mainly constructed in a controlled environment. In fact, Timber Creek had to build the house twice because the first home was destroyed by fire before the owner moved in.

It is a compliment to Timber Creek and this region that the Stratton plant's creations have been so widely accepted and acclaimed. Since opening in 2001, Timber Creek's staff has grown to 65 employees, with plans to grow to 95 employees in the future.

Timber Creek's success is further proof that -- almost without exception -- business success starts with a vision for providing better products and service.