In an email to Pam Slaughter, Paul Wagner, Jr. reports the passing of longtime NPHA member Nell Chester. Nell was preceded in death by her husband Howard. Howard and Nell were familiar sights at Plott Days and numerous NPHA events before his death several years ago. It was good to visit with Nell at the 2012 UKC Winter Classic in Albany, Georgia.

Nell and I were Facebook friends, and although I had not seen a message from her in a while, I had no idea that she was ill.
Here is the message from Paul Wagner:

"I’m sad to have to tell you that Nell Chester died on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Her funeral will be Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Higgins Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan, Georgia 30263."

The late Mrs. Nell Chester and Mr. Stephen Fielder at the 2012 UKC Winter Classic. "I’ll miss you, Nell." - Mr. Fielder

Another NPHA member sadly passes on! Please keep the Lester family in your prayers!

Joseph Randolph “Boonie” Lester 61, of Ikes Fork, WV, died Saturday, April 6, 2013. Joseph was born June 29, 1951, in Welch, WV, a son of the late Matthew Joseph and Patty Marie Rose Lester.

2013 American Leopard Hound Days

Saturday, March 23
MOH: Reagan Lanter
Total Entered: 44



2nd Place 300+, NPHA High Scoring Dog
‘PR’ Flatrock River Stone Cold Rock
OWNER / HANDLER - Randall Winchester


Friday, March 22
MOH: Reagan Lanter
Total Entered: 51



4th Place 225+
‘PR’ Millennium Magic Tootsie Roll
OWNER(S) Jeremiah or John Johnson
HANDLER - Levi Ward 
 

Sectional Chairpersons need to be sure to get their results to her. The sooner the better. I would also like to challenge every officer and member of the board to place an ad this year. The cost will be the same as last year. Also be sure to send any photos you have of bear, boar, cat and coyote or any hunts to be put in the year book. Any candid photos are welcome too.

Second, plans are underway for the 2013 Big Game Nationals. They will be April 19 & 20, 2013 in Rock Hill, SC. The same location as last year. Big game hunters we need your support for this event. Mark your calendars now and try your best to come and participate, With out the support of the big game hunters this event will not succeed.

Third, 2013 is the 60th anniversary of the NPHA. The board decided to do a contest to select a special hat commemorating this auspicious occasion. Any member with creative talent send your design to any or all of the officers or directors. A winning design will be selected at the spring board meeting. We will need to have these by mid April for sure. The winner will receive a very nice prize. I hope this will drum up some interest in our members.

PLOTT LEGEND MR. ROY HOWELL PASSED AWAY ;(

I received a phone call this morning from Wayne Allen who had the sad news of the passing of Roy Howell, Life-Time Member of the NationalPlott Hound Association. Wayne said he had just got off the phone with Jessie Howell. Jessie told Wayne that his father and long time NPHA & Plott supporter Roy Howell had passed away at 4:15 am Saturday January 26, 2013, three days after his 71^st birthday.

Roy was very influential in the improvement of the Plott breed through his extensive hunting and breeding program. Wayne said Roy had stated that being recognized by the members of the National Plott Hound Association and then receiving the award for Doing the Most for the Plott Breed meant more to him than all the other awards he had received in his life time. Roy served as a Director of the National Plott Hound Association at least two different terms. He also helped edit the yearbook one year. Roy was also the only person to win the Isaiah Kid Award three years consecutively. He accomplished this with his extraordinary dog and 1986 NPHA Hall of Fame winner Gr Ch Gr Nite Ch ‘PR’ Howell’s Bayou Shorty.

Let us keep Roy’s family in our thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed.

Thanks,

Gerald Chandler
plotthound@live.com
Phone: (828)682-7037