Karen Mohney Honored in Memorial Ride

WAITSBURG – The Waitsburg Celebration Days Planning Committee has named the Celebration Days weekend ATV ride the “Karen Huwe Mohney Memorial ATV Poker Ride” in honor of Waitsburg native Karen Huwe Mohney, who passed away, unexpectedly, on March 15.

“Karen was the idea-woman behind this event and motivated everyone she touched,” said fellow organizer Lisa Naylor.

The ride is planned for Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. Riders will depart from the Waitsburg Fairgrounds to follow the 35-plus mile course that proceeds up Wilson Hollow Road to Nordheim Road, to Whiskey Creek Road and through the mountains. The course dips into Columbia County and reaches the highest point near Dent Road and Mt. Pleasant Road before proceeding north to McCown Road and returning to the fairgrounds via Wilson Creek Road.

The ride is open to all licensed drivers but riders must be at least 18 to participate in the optional $10/hand (up to two hands) poker portion of the run. Poker players will collect cards at seven stops along the route.

Walla Walla County commissioners have approved a temporary speed limit reduction of 35 mph on the route during the event, from 1-4 p.m. Pilot vehicles will be on the course to maintain reduced speeds and volunteers at card stop locations will be equipped with cell phones, radios, maps and first aid kits.

Upon their return, riders will take a run through the fairgrounds mud pit to claim their final poker card. An ATV Challenge obstacle course will take place at the fairgrounds following the ride.

For more information or to register for the ATV memorial ride or the ATV obstacle course, contact event coordinators Lynne Carpenter, lynne@christysrealty.com, Fred Hamman, shooter1882@hotmail.com, Wendy Richards, coesplace@aol.com, or Lisa Naylor, lisa.naylor@rocketmail.com.