Beaverhead Search and Rescue News
Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations Officer
The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting Wednesday Feb 7. The meeting was called to order by newly elected commander Kolby Malesich at 7:00 PM. After roll call and the treasurer’s report, Brad Wagner, communications officer, made a brief presentation on communications and a couple of new opportunities for the unit.
Adam Norlander, newly elected training officer, presented up and coming training opportunities. In March there are several trainings: “Lost Person Behavior”, “FUNSAR” both sponsored by Lewis and Clark County SAR, and “Ice Rescue” sponsored by Ruby Valley S&R. Then there will be two trainings in April: “Wilderness First Aid” Lewis and Clark County SAR, and “Swift Water Rescue”, put on by Ruby Valley. There will also be short monthly training which will take place after each meeting. The unit’s annual campout training will take place in June.
The next order of business was a report by the unit’s equipment officer, Evan Helle. He talked about a couple of new pieces of equipment and explained how well they work in the field. It was also discussed to purchase a new “Mule”. A motion was made and seconded to make such a purchase, the motion passed.
Mel Rice reported that all equipment on the outside of the building had been moved so the county could start hauling in millings to level the area around the building and get rid of some very bad mud holes. Several loads of millings have been hauled in while quite a few more are needed. Of course the snow came at the most apropos time shutting down that operation.
A summary of the unit’s annual fish derby was presented. The derby was very lacking in numbers but definitely not in enthusiasm. It was reported there were approximately 200 individuals braving the starting temperature of minus 38 degrees. Where the unit usually pays out on the top 4 trout and top 4 ling by weight on the adult side of the competition, this year we paid on the 4 trout but only on 2 of the 4 ling. In the kid’s competition, we only paid on 1 of 3 trout by weight and no ling. There were three 50/50 pots and 106 door prizes awarded. All and all it was a great day on the ice with no wind for the entire day.
The general meeting was closed with good of the order by Kolby thanking all of the outgoing board members and officers; Trent Cottom, Lawrence Morrisroe, and Alex Dunn for their dedicated service. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50. Following the general meeting, Adam Norlander had a 30 minute training session on the use of probe poles and techniques used to search for victims that have been buried in avalanches. Please make sure you have proper clothing and equipment when heading out to enjoy what little bit of the white stuff we have received. Avalanche danger is extremely high. Don’t take things for granted when it comes to the chance of snow sliding on a slope. “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.
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