Donna Schell's picks for 2016 in the district

As the year winds down, we asked all of our staff to think back on their most memorable assignments of 2016.

Here's what stuck in Donna Schell's mind:

A new year has begun but let's not forget what made the news from down the line in 2016 with some of my favourites.

It's difficult to pick just a few headlines. Then again, there are those stories that stand out for one reason or another. 

Thanks to SooToday and Village Media for allowing me to continue to cover those assignment dear to my heart.

Tractor trotters break entrance record

For 20 years, tractor owners have set aside one morning to come together and celebrated Canada Day driving their machines through Richards Landing.

Entrants from near and far drive tractors of all sizes, makes and models. This year registered 117, the highest number of entries since its inception.

My late husband, Lloyd, was one of the four founding members. Recently, the group lost a second founder, Gerry Hawdon. 

Plowing is a family affair

Sisters Shelby and Faith Coulter plowed their way with top honours at the Annual St. Joseph Island Plowing match held in August.

The plowing match is been a family affair for many. The Coulter girls were not the only winners in their family, their father, Perry Coulter also won his class. Fourth member of the family, Kim Coulter, lost her class to her daughter.

Note: I am a two-time field champion and multiple winner of the Ladies Class during my 20-year involvement in the association (1989-2009).

12 high school students headed to France

Twelve students from Central Algoma Secondary School are heading to France in April for the 100th Anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge and possible a trip of a life-time.

In 2015, students accepted the Vimy Classroom Challenge. After the challenge was extended due to the low number of entries, students continued to raise money in 2016. The total raised, nearly $5,000.  

More photos of those super fast boats

The Can/Am President's Cup VIP Poker Run drew countless onlookers in August to the waterways between Richards Landing and Hilton Beach to catch of fleeing glimpse of some, flashy and exceptionally fast speed boats.

Just when you thought Halloween was over

It  began with an idea for Barry and Bev Lyons. This year saw 20 actors play some pretty convincing and ghoulish roles while raising $675 for Matthews Memorial Hospital Association. Visitors who braved the tour were sure to encounter the unexpected.