The Saturday, August 17, 2013, Demolition Derby was a huge draw, concluding the 143rd Annual Whiteside County Fair. There were 76 entries. “About 120 t-shirts” donated by Community State Bank were tossed to the well-trained, cheering crowd between contests. Trumpeter Mike McCoy played “The Star Spangled Banner” and then “Happy Birthday” to a female in the audience. He is Band Director at Sterling High School and a two-time winner at this derby.
Joel Jones was “born and raised in Morrison, [IL,]” but lives in Rock Falls, IL. He “raced weld and wire cars and trucks for 30 years. It’s a fun hobby.” Then he added, “It’s expensive, and fun, and abusive!” Jones helped on the track and offered an opinion about the “Jake Marsden Wild Driver Award” nominee.
Topping that, hundreds were witness to an unexpected proposal of marriage between heats. Steven Kuehl, 22 of Morrison, walked onto the dirt and stood in the middle of the track. He looked to the south, where a few young women escorted his girlfriend part-way towards him. Jessica Ann Fortune, age 21 of Sterling, IL, proceeded alone to meet Kuehl. They faced each other for a moment, and then Kuehl dropped to one knee. One did not need to hear what he asked Jessica, because it was obvious what she replied! Later, Kuehl said, “It was a surprise to Jessica. We have no plans” as yet for the marriage ceremony.
The Demo Derby is conducted by ERRJR Demo Promotions, Inc., with Char Johnson in charge of prize money and trophies. From the scoring tower, she is in constant contact with Gene Ryan on the ground. He owns Ryan’s Tree Service, Inc., rural Sterling. Ryan is a former derby contender and now oversees the contests from start to finish. His able flagmen assist. Although numerous first responders were on hand, their specialized training was unneeded.
Todd Mickley submitted these Demolition Derby Class results. All towns are in Illinois unless noted. The photos reflect Ryan with first place finishers where trophies were awarded.
13-28 / SATURDAY DEMO DERBY
Compact
1. Jamie Bertolozzi, Rock Falls; 2. Mart Wegenter, Morrison; 3. Tyler Klein, Savanna
Midsize Special Weld–no trophy
1. Jessie Lilly, [age 14] Morrison; 2. Dylan Willet, Rock Falls; 3. Logan Wilkins, Morrison
Midsize
1. Jimmy Muntean, Rock Falls; 2. Bill Jones, Greenrock, IA; 3. Bob Bertolozzi, Rock Falls
Full Size Weld
1. Jake Benters, Morrison; 2. Dail Blasdell, Morrison; 3. Kenny Blasdell, Victoria, TX
Full Size Wire
1. Scott Shepard, Morrison; 2. Richard McCain, Belt, IA; 3. Brian Frank, Miles, IA
Full Size Special Weld–no trophy
1. Jason Vander Eide, Morrison; 2. Jeremy Robinson, Manchester, IA; 3. Troy Wagenecht, Milledgeville
Trucks
1. Matt Ward, Prophetstown; 2. Robert Edwards, Polo; 3. Chris Cade, IL. Morrison firefighter Joe Bielema, at left, donated and spray painted this old truck for Ward. Click here to read more.
To end the show, the “Jake Marsden Wild Driver Award 2013” was presented by Marsden’s mother, in the blue jacket. Char Johnson is to her left. The derby staff concur to select one driver who is “aggressive and gives a spirited performance,” stated Johnson. That award and a checkered flag were presented to Jason Vander Eide, Morrison.
