Shell Fire to host dinner ahead of online auction
In the coming days, community members will have an opportunity to assist not only the Shell Valley Volunteer Fire Department but also the Dayton and Ranchester volunteer departments which were involved in battling the recent Elk Fire.
The first opportunity arrives Saturday, Nov. 9 when the Shell Valley Volunteer Fire Department hosts a community dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Shell Community Hall on the eve of the start of an online auction organized by its auxliary.
Wes Huber, who recently took over as the fire chief in Shell, said, “We are putting this on as individual members in support of the auxiliary because they are the ones who have been doing on the online auction and the community which has really stepped up not only by donating items but also during our recent 50/50 raffle.”
Huber said that raffle generated “a shade over $16,000,” with tickets being bough by residents throughout the Big Horn Basin and as far away as Canada. Half of that total went to a woman living in Meeteetse who won the drawing; the other half, went to the SVVFD. Huber said people across the Big Horn Basin purchased raffle tickets.
Indian tacos — fry bread topped with local ground beef, fresh vegetables, sour cream and salsa — will be served free of charge. A brief program will follow the dinner. Donations will be accepted. A portion of the profits will be donated to the volunteer fire departments of Dayton and Ranchester.
Auction
The Shell Valley Volunteer Fire Department, meanwhile, will be the beneficiary of the online auction that begins Sunday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Jade Smith, an auxiliary member, said she expects more than 50 items to be listed, including a competition shotgun, an Ann Hanson print, an Anfilank electric multicooker, a commemorative handcrafted quilt, gift baskets, gift certificates and other unique items.
Auction items will be displayed at Agri-Tire Plus in Greybull and available to pick up Monday, Nov. 18 during business hours unless other arrangements have been made.
The online auction site, 32auctions.com/shellvfdauction2024.com, will go live at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10.
All monies from the donations will help the SVVFD with operating expenses and needed equipment as it receives no funding from other sources.
SVFD roster
As of this week, the SVVFD listed 17 members on its roster. Joining Huber as officers are Terry Mueller, assistant chief; Sam Miller, training officer, and Hannah Stinson, secretary/treasurer.
Other members include Dineen Mueller, Laura Huber, Jeff Petty, Max Boileau, Taylor Thon, Mike Nelson, Jeff Baber, Janette Unruh, Lee Unruh, Tre Nelson, Lawrence Griffin and Nate Boyer.