Hinsdale Gets New Ambulance

Hinsdale Gets New Ambulance

On July 31 the Hinsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service (HVAS) hosted an appreciation breakfast to show their gratitude to those who contributed to the new 2020 ambulance arriving the last week in June. The new ambulance replaces the 1996 model formerly in use.

The 2020 ambulance is a Ford F-350 Super duty 4x4, Crestline that has many safety features the older ambulance didn't have.

The 2020 ambulance is equipped with a HEPA filter system, seats that have a 6 point harness system, LED lighting, anti-micro-powder-coated-aluminum throughout, camera monitor in cab, as well as many other updated features such as electric windows

The Hinsdale Ambulance crew receives its funding through donations from community members, families of passed loved ones, the annual Fourth of July pie auction and grants.

HVAS also was awarded grants from TC Energy, Nemont Telephone, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Markle's Trust Fund, FMDH Foundation, Town Pump, and Block Management Funds from the Hinsdale community.

HVAS also received two generous anonymous donations. One of the donations allowed us to purchase the Stryker Power Load cot system to ensure the safety of patients. The cot alone cost $40,000.

Each crew member has another job besides EMS. A few work in Hinsdale and are allowed to leave their jobs and respond to calls. They do not receive pay for the patients transported to the hospital.

The crew currently consists of EMTs Delaney Sloan, Heidi McColly and Erika Hartsock; AEMTs Jamie Mix, Gregg Hunter and Dorothy Jensen; and drivers Paul Jensen, Keith Beil, Tyler Hillman and Jim Tollefson.

HVAS will offer First Responder & Emergency Care Provider classes this November.

For more information, contact one of the Hinsdale EMS providers.

Zerbes Make $50k Splash

The Valley County Community Pool Campaign thanks Galen and Karla Zerbe for their continuous support in the effort to build a new aquatics center. This donation amount is one that has grown over time. When asked why they donated funds to build a new pool, Galen and Karla were quick to respond with fond memories of their childhoods.

"Growing up in North Dakota, the city pool was the social hub for the summer," Karla said. "Mornings were spent at swimming lessons and afternoons spent hanging out with friends around the pool."

Galen grew up near Fort Peck Lake and spent summer days slalom skiing along the face of the dam. It was important to Galen and Karla that their kids learned how to swim because of all the time they spent as a family on Fort Peck Lake. All three of their children took lessons at the Glasgow pool.

As a prior business owner, Galen mentioned how Glasgow has been a hub in NEMT for many years serving the surrounding area. "When people are job searching, it is valuable to have a pool to draw new families to this community."

To donate to the VALCO Pool Campaign, visit http://www.valcopool.com.

2021 MedStart Summer Camp

The 2021 MedStart Summer Camp was presented virtually this year in late July, which was open to juniors and seniors in high school.

Students from all over the state applied to attend the virtual conference. The cost of attendance was $75, as compared to $500 for an in person conference.

Organizers said the lowered tuition allowed more students to apply for scholarships, and for more funding to be distributed.

In total, 47 students signed up for the virtual camp, with 45 attending all four days.

Thirty students received sponsorship to attend camp, which they otherwise could not have afforded, organizers said.

During the four days, students participated in a variety of presentations, lectures, hands-on activities and discussions. Students learned from behavioral health specialists, nurses, public health workers, radiology technicians and student doctors with the WWAMI medical program.

Attendees also received information about how to apply and attend stage colleges and to put their names in for scholarships and federal financial aid applications.

Eight Active COVID-19 Cases

New Valley County cases as of Aug. 18: Five

Active cases: Eight (four females and four males aged 10 - 89)

Recovered cases/no longer infectious: 902

Total cases: 928

Death due to COVID-19 and/or COVID-19 complications:

• Valley County: 18

• Montana: 1,749

Valley County vaccination rate: 39.2% (2,474 persons fully vaccinated out of 6313 eligible Valley County residents).

Walk-in vaccine clinic for all vaccines every Wednesday from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Valley County Health Department.. COVID-19 vaccine – J&J and Moderna – for age 18+ are available. The J&J expiration date has been extended to Sept. 21, and there are 20 doses in stock as of Aug. 18.

Markle Bros Give $30k Donation

This year, the Valley County Community Pool Campaign is pleased to announce another $15,000 challenge gift from Markle Enterprises toward the building of a new aquatics center.

This is the second year that the Markle brothers have come together to donate these matching funds.

"Our customers have become like family. We are blessed by how good the community has been to us and want to give back to them," said Tom Markle.

The Markle Family has been in business in this community for 115+ years.

Tom, Jack and Dick Markle have given the challenge funds to the Pool Committee members to spread throughout fundraisers as they see beneficial.

The Markle brother's donation has been used to double funds raised during the Wine Flight & Charcuterie Night event, Yard Wars, and Reynold's BBQ thus far.

To have your gift matched, you can attend the Aug. 27 Back-to-School BBQ hosted by Albertson's in the old Shopko Parking Lot.

Rural Solar Access Project

This summer and fall, the Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is hosting community meetings across the state as part of their Montana Rural Solar Access Project to engage Montanans in discussions about small-scale solar development.

A community meeting is slated for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow. For more, visit http://www.MontanaRenewables.org/MRSAP/