Letters to the Editor: So grateful to all

So grateful to all

Our family would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of you who helped us through the recent loss of my brother, Leroy Jesse Houle (Jess, Jesse, Quess). This tragedy has been almost unbearable.

First, thank you to the Arlee Volunteer Fire Department and especially those who were first on scene who tried saving his life. I cannot imagine what you’re all going through. My prayers are with you.

Secondly, thank you to Ralph Foster (Foster’s Funeral Home), Alex Felix and Precious David for helping us through the process, and also to the father and sister who conducted the services. You all are so helpful and caring.

Thirdly, thank you to our NuNu Tonyboy Barnaby and family for your guidance, support and love; to my sister-in-law, Pam Mays, for going above and beyond to help us and for staying the entire time; to Amelia Stanger for always being there for everyone, not just our family but all our people; to you, Carole Lankford, for being the first to donate to my brother’s services even though he was not a Tribal member of CSKT; to Dan James and D.J. Zemple, who were not only with us through the services but also with cleanup of the site of the fire; to Shawn Reynolds (Reynold's Excavating) for your help in removal of the debris; to his Rocky Mountain Twist (Jore's) family for their support, flowers and those who came; and to the Houle and Romsa family who came from Great Falls to be there.

Lastly, please remember we are still seeking information on this tragedy. It is an open investigation, and any information would be greatly appreciated. You can contact Lake County Det. Dan Yonkin, Sheriff Don Bell or Dep. Chris Clary if you have information to share.

— Yollanda “Lonnie" Romsa Mays, Arlee

Thanks for supporting Dayton Daze

The Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department and Quick Response Unit would like to thank everyone who attended our annual fundraiser on Sept. 11 and purchased raffle tickets, participated in the parade, contributed prizes and goods, and gave of their time and energy to help make Dayton Daze a huge success.

All of those who attended the event were very generous with donations and purchase of raffle tickets and silent auction items. As a result, we outdid ourselves once again, this time raising more than $21,000 — money that will be put toward providing a reliable water supply at our Proctor Hall location.

Our community fundraising (primarily Dayton Daze and our annual letter) is responsible for helping us to grow and expand our services and update our firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.

We have already begun planning next year’s Dayton Daze (which will be Saturday, Sept. 10), when we will once again return to the Old West to visit the origins of our unique community. Stay tuned for our theme … yet to be announced.

— Zoe Lilja, CCVFD secretary and Dayton Daze director