MADERA, Calif. (FOX26) — The City of Madera carries a proud racing tradition to this day. If you need an example, just look at the Madera Speedway; it’s hosted races for half a century.

In the shadow of that Speedway, sitting there for almost as long, is the Good Times Quarter Midget racing club, which has children aged 5 and older all revved up.

“This is like Bristol Speedway for little kids,” said one former racer, Grayson Wise.

Raelynn Culbertson of Biola kept her reason for racing short and sweet – “Making friends and driving my car.”

“It’s just something completely different,” said Dale Robinson of Atwater.

Good Times runs races throughout the summer in Madera. Cody Jessop is one of a few former club members still helping out around the track.

“Over the years, families come and go and kids get older,” Jessop said. “All these tracks are starting to close. They’re starting to go away.”

They’re trying to keep “Good Times” from running out of time, or else it will meet the checkered flag.

“Currently, we’re kind of small,” Jessop said. “Truly, I’m really hoping that by the end of this year, we’re sitting double, if not triple our membership.”

The club has introduced racing to countless children, in Madera since 1987 and in Hanford before that, ranging from amateurs to future NASCAR drivers. lt leaves a lasting mark on racers.

“It taught me about brotherhood and community, because this is one of the only sports where your family is actually together and working on cars and helping each other compete,” said Wise.

Multiple NASCAR drivers began their career by quarter midget racing and hitting the Madera track, notably Jesse Love, Tyler Ankrum, Alex Bowman, Cole Custer, Dean Thompson, Dylan Cappello and AJ Almendinger.

Current Good Times racers have fallen in love with the sport and their quarter midget cars. They don’t want to see their club go.

“I feel like I’d be a totally different person if I didn’t know about it or if I didn’t race in general,” said Robinson.

The club long carried the nickname of “The Best-Kept Secret in the Valley.” Now, they don’t want to be a secret anymore.

If you are interested in joining the Good Times Quarter Midget racing club, you can register on the website or send an email to president@goodtimesqm.com.

ButteSports.com is your complete source for Mining City sports. Made for Butte sports fans by Butte sports fans, ButteSports.com is a constantly-updating, no-cost website that features the Montana Tech Orediggers, Butte High Bulldogs and Butte Central Maroons, as well as any other individual and team sports that Butte sports fans care about. That includes extensive coverage of the Frontier and Big Sky Conferences.

A new chapter is being written in the story of South Dade — one defined by ambition, collaboration, and the power of bold ideas. With the recent green light from the City of Homestead to move forward with the Sports Performance Hub (SPH), their community is on the verge of something extraordinary.

The Sports Performance Hub of Miami-Dade in Homestead is a transformative initiative that reflects what’s possible when civic leadership and private vision align for the greater good. At the center of this milestone are Mayor Steve Losner and the Homestead City Council, whose forward-thinking support is bringing this visionary project to life — shepherded by Miami-Dade County-District 9 Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, whose initial support and vision made way for the SPH team to position the project opportunity in Homestead.

The SPH is a multi-faceted destination that will redefine how we think about sports, community, and opportunity. This isn’t a stadium, it’s a full-fledged ecosystem that will house a state-of-the-art youth sports academy, professional soccer teams, a sports-themed hotel, top-tier recreational facilities, restaurants, and a 10,000-seat multi-purpose stadium. Once complete, the SPH will be home to events like the Homestead Championship Rodeo — and it comes at no cost to Homestead.

At its core, this project is about creating access — for kids dreaming of athletic futures, for families looking to connect, for seniors embracing wellness, and for visitors discovering the best of what Homestead has to offer. SPH is committed to accessibility, inclusion, and community use, creating a true hub of activity that works for everyone.

What makes this even more remarkable is that the plans for SPH are currently entirely privately funded. As SPH Chairman Juan Sebastián Verón put it, this is a “self-sustaining and profitable venture” that brings economic development. It’s a promise of jobs, opportunity, and pride — rooted in a community that will benefit greatly from the new development and its success.

The leadership of Mayor Losner and the Homestead City Council has been key. Their willingness to embrace innovation, negotiate in good faith, and champion a bold vision for South Dade reflects the kind of leadership we need more of — grounded in the needs of today, with an eye toward tomorrow.

And the visionaries behind the SPH — international sports icons like Verón, Dario Sala, Manu Ginobili, and Juan Mónaco — bring unmatched expertise and passion. Together with Homestead’s local leaders, they are creating something that will not only benefit the South Dade region but put Homestead on the global sports map.

The Sports Performance Hub is a generational project — one that embodies excellence, equity, and the entrepreneurial spirit of South Dade. Thanks to the leaders of Homestead, and of course, County Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, it’s no longer just a vision. It’s happening. And I can’t wait to see the future it brings.

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English soccer legend David Bechkam and entrepreneur Shaun Neff have debuted a new lineup of fruit snacks sweetened by honey, the new company announced Monday.

BEEUP officials said that the product stemmed from Beckham’s beekeeping hobby; he partnered with Neff — who has previously launched the Sun Bum, BÉIS and Moon Oral Care brands — to establish the business.

Longtime consumer goods executive Mike Keown, who most recently led sports nutrition product company Honey Stinger, is the new company’s CEO, and its products debuted exclusively at Target stores.

The fruit snacks, available in packs of 10, come in “Very Berry,” “Tropical Mix” and “Sour Watermelon” varieties.

“We saw a unique opportunity to disrupt the kids’ snack space with a brand powered by real honey, made for active kids and with a strong connection to youth sports,” Neff said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible journey working with David and bringing this brand to life.”

Thomas David Dudei passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the age of 77 at his home in Plover.

Born September 19, 1947, to Hilmer (Bud) & June (Bender) Dudei in Berlin, WI. The family moved to Plainfield when Bud & June purchased a parcel of land and constructed Bud’s Drive In, which later they sold and became Ron’s Drive In.

Tom grew up in Plainfield and graduated from Tri County Area Schools in 1965. After high school, he attended Mid State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids where he earned his building degree that started his lifelong career. Tom grew up playing basketball, baseball, track and football. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Designing, building, and remodeling were Tom’s passion. His father brought him into the business when he was young with Hilmer Dudei & Son to later include his younger brother Doug and form Hilmer Dudei & Sons. Dudei Construction LLC would be their final chapter, building hundreds of homes, cabins, and commercial buildings in the central Wisconsin area. The Plainfield Library, Village of Plainfield office & dental office as well as the Hancock Library were just a few of their projects. Tom gave back to his community as a youth sport coach and scout leader. Always wanting to stay busy, Tom often helped family and friends on the weekends with home improvement projects and cleanups. The family cabin in Hatfield, the Hemp’s cabin and Buck Hill land in Sherwood, WI where his favorites. He loved his ‘72 Chevy truck and Corvettes were always his passion, and he owned many during his lifetime. If you looked in his truck or garage, you would see he loved to tinker. Tom had more tools, guns, knives, and equipment than anyone person should own. A gifted talker and storyteller, he would enjoy engaging just about anyone in conversation about any topic. Friends and family could always count on him to help with any project. An offering of cookies or sweets was always welcomed when he stopped at the house to chat, which he did often. Always young at heart, Tom continued to work part time to stay active and fit until his death. There will be a painful void in our hearts and lives.

Tom is survived by his children, Trent (Jill) Dudei of Mosinee, Troy (Stephanie) Dudei of Holmen, Tyler (Val) Dudei of Plainfield, Haley (Jordyn) Dudei of St. Petersburg, FL, his grandchildren Matthew, Brett, Alex, Athena, Will, Helena, his sisters Julie (Rick) Beggs of Bancroft, Cindy (Chuck) Johnson of Hancock, brother Doug (Lorrie) Dudei of Plainfield, ex-wife Wendy (Mark) Stevens of Wautoma and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Shirlee (Hank) Baillod.

The family would like to thank the Plover Police department and EMT staff for their fast response, help, and care during this difficult time. Stahl funeral home and Eric Hughes are assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Stahl Funeral Home, Plainfield. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services. Please visit, www.stahlfuneralhome.com to share your online condolences for Tom’s family.

June 16, 2025

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – The fifth annual Roger Maris All-Star Week kicks off today through June 20 at various locations throughout Fargo-Moorhead.

Funds raised during Roger Maris All-Star Week will support Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center’s continued investment and expansion as a national destination for cancer research, treatment, education and training. In October 2021, Sanford Fargo launched the region’s first and only Bone Marrow Transplant Program.

The list of events during Roger Maris All-Star Week includes:
• Free youth sports clinics June 16-20
• RedHawks game – June 17
• Roger Maris Gala – June 18
• Edith 9-Hole Golf Scramble – June 19
• Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament – June 19
• Roger Maris All-Star Week Drive – June 19
• Roger Maris Academy – June 20

Celebrity athletes will once again make an appearance at numerous events throughout the week. This year’s lists of headlining athletes includes:
• Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings head coach and 2024 NFL Coach of the Year
• Chad Greenway, former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and two-time National Football League Pro Bowl selection
• Marney Gellner, Fan Duel Sports Network host and play-by-play announcer and KFAN radio personality
• Phil Hansen, former Buffalo Bills defensive end

The youth sports clinics take place June 16-20 and are free for children ages 6 to 13 and will be conducted by local, high school and collegiate coaches. Youth clinics are available for football, baseball, softball, basketball, golf, pickleball, volleyball and hockey.

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks will play host to the Sioux City Explorers on Tuesday, June 17. Sanford Health is a proud sponsor of “Cancer Awareness Night”.

The Roger Maris Gala takes place on Wednesday, June 18, from 6-10 p.m. at The Pines – White, 4487 165th Ave. SE., Davenport, N.D. The Gala is a night to celebrate the tradition of philanthropy at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center. Event goers will hear local stories of hope and healing, as well as hear an update on exclusive plans for the next era of cancer care for patients in the Upper Midwest and their families who need care close to home. Tickets and tables are available to be purchased at rogermarisgala.com. 100% of funds raised during the Roger Maris Gala will support the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center’s vision to become a national destination for cancer research, treatment, education and training.

The Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops returns for a 41st season. The tournament began as a way to raise money for local charities. Now four decades later, the tournament has now transformed into a weeklong event supporting the needs of the community.

New to Roger Maris All-Star Week this year is the Edith Sanford 9-Hole Golf Scramble presented by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. This tournament takes place at 8 a.m. at Rose Creek Golf Course. This pink-themed event will help support innovative breast cancer research and patient care. The Edith Sanford Golf Scramble will feature specialty coffee, a photo station, contests, swag bags and appearances by celebrities. Both men and women are encouraged to wear pink.

The Sanford Health Foundation is teaming up with The Mighty 790 KFGO to host the inaugural Roger Maris All-Star Week Drive. The Roger Maris All-Star Week Drive is an event to raise awareness and monetary donations to support special services, patient amenities, funding for direct patient assistance and research at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center. KFGO will be broadcasting live from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at Rose Creek Golf Course during the Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament.

The Roger Maris Academy is back for a fourth season. The Roger Maris Academy is designed to be a year-long program to help youth in our community explore various pathways to a great career. Thirty local middle school students will participate in combined educational and mentorship opportunities designed to help them discover their future careers. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley, in partnership with Sanford Health and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, has developed an exciting curriculum for the program. The Maris Academy meets Friday, June 20, at Kingpinz.

Roger Maris All-Star Week was created to support the work happening at the cancer center, honor loved ones, friends and neighbors affected by cancer, promote Roger’s passion for fitness and youth sports and celebrate the enduring legacy of hometown hero, Roger Maris.

For more information, visit RogerMarisWeek.com.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.