TAMA NEWS-HERALD -On June 11 Sandhill Auto Salvage, rural Tama, hosted approximately 225 attendees from all over the United States who were attending the Iowa Auto Recyclers Convention here. There were people from as far away as California, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, and Nebraska.

The organizers were very pleased with the attendance as this was a solo state outing.

The guests stayed at Meskwaki Bingo – Casino Hotel. On Friday night there was a vendor trade show and social hour.

Saturday followed with educational classes and vendor trade show.

Sandhill was the host yard for the final evening. Sandhill provided tours of the facilities, a hay rack ride through the yard and meal. Joe and Ellen Warterbury provided tours of their flower gardens.

The Tama Ambulance crew served as bartenders for the evening earning $1,300 towards their purchase of a new ambulance cot.

The Tama County Cattlemens Association grilled rib eye steak sandwiches and hamburgers for the Hoedown Dinner.

The Auction was conducted by Jason Lekin, Lekin Land-Livestock Auctioneering. Auction proceeds totaled $10,975 to go towards the Iowa Automotive Recyclers PAC fund.

The local businesses of Tama-Toledo donated items which raised $2,390 and will be added to the Iowa Auto Recyclers Scholarship Fund. A special cancer fund for Bryce at Lems Auto Recyclers, Doon, Iowa, raised $3,000.

Next year this event will be hosted by Waterloo Auto Parts, Waterloo.

Sandhill appreciates all the local businesses which donate donated items. Special appreciation goes to the Tama Ambulance Service and Fire Department for all their extra efforts which were greatly appreciated.

– FromMike Waterbury, owner of Sandhill Auto Salvage, Immediate Iowa Auto Recycler past president, and Mitzi Waterbury, owner of Sandhill Auto Salvage, Quality Replacement Part (QRP) board member