30 Years Ago

Thursday, July 7, 1988

Firefighter, truck saved by ‘heroic’ action

Some details are verified on a burn victim of the North Hammond fire on Sunday, June 26, with word from a Biddle friend that “Joe Fortner has really suffered from deep burns on a forearm and will not be able to work in his shop for at least two months, I would guess.”

Fortner also suffered other burns, with the “ones on his face looking bad but not causing the pain of the forearm burn.”

It is said that Fortner was taken to the Broadus clinic, and was then in Gillette hospital for a day and a night and is “still in a lot of pain.”

In other reports from members of the Biddle Fire Department, Fortner’s actions at the fire were no less than heroic. He was behind the fire truck, handling the water hose when a gust of wind whipped the fire over him; he couldn’t see and screamed at the drivers “Go, go, go” and the driver took off with Fortner hanging onto the fire hose to make the escape. “He made it through, but with burns here and there all over and practically unrecognizable.”

“He should be in line for a commendation for his timely warning and his bravery in choosing to escape on foot, in the decision that the truck would go up in flames without instant withdrawal,” was one opinion.

Joe’s father, Alva Fortner, said that the arm nerves were apparently numbed by the burns and other burns were much more painful for a few days. Then the arm came alive and only ice packs saved him from “going up the wall.” The arm hadn’t hurt much in the beginning and wasn’t treated to the extent that the other burns were, with ice packs,” Alva said.

Joe is up and around and was being taken to Gillette for a check on Tuesday of this week, nine days after the fire and still in a lot of pain.

His father concurred in the opinion that he won’t be able to work in his welding shop for a month or two, “as that arm isn’t going to let him near heat for some time. He can’t stand the sun, yet, on any of his burns.”

Of course, Joe himself would say “there was no heroism involved - I was on fire and I wanted a fast tow out of it.”

Fans treated to fine Fourth of July rodeo

Fans attending the East Fork Roping Club’s annual Fourth of July Open Rodeo were treated to plenty of fine action.

About one hundred competitors from around the Tri-State are were on hand for the event, vying for cash prized and “bragging rights”.

In the rough stock events, Scott West of Oshoto, WY, rode “Paycheck” to a first-place finish in the bareback bronc riding contest, garnering 60 points on one of the finest rides of the day. West stuck to the explosive bronc, making a tough ride look easy. Jon Craft of the Hammond/Broadus community finished in second place with 50 points on a bronc named “Spot.”

Ward Patten, veteran rider from Broadus, claimed first place in the saddle bronc competition by sticking to a horse named “Cody” to the final whistle, netting a stong 62 on the judges’ cards. Heath Hoffman, on “Satellite”, claimed second place with a score of 51.

Top money in the bull riding went to Dan Weigert, who also had a fine ride, the top prizes should have instead probably have gone to the calves.

Steve Garwell took first place money in the steer wrestling with a fast time of 6.39 seconds. Tim McInerny of Broadus took over second with a slightly slower time of 8.81.

Top money in the calf roping competition was paid to Rod Schaffer, who finished with a 19.83 second time. Kenny Fox took over second place with a time of 22.09.

Bee Robinson of Ashland won the old men’s breakaway roping title for the day with the fast time of 5.59 seconds. Bob Robinson of Broadus placed second behind a 6.26 time.

Doran and Cam Higgins were winners in the ribbon roping with a 22.34 second time. Russell Millar and Tami Giacometto followed with a time of 26.11.

Cheryl Davis finished the barrel racing in first place with the fast time of 18.5, edging out young local cowgirl Wendy Badgett, in second place time of 18.89. Third place went to Tracy Chandler with a 19.02 and Jannile Persgle placed fourth with a 19.44.

Top money in the team roping was paid to first place competitors Doran and Dick Higgins. The partners won the event with the fast time of 8.48 seconds. Broadus father and son team Clifford and Tori Franklin took second place money with a 10.95 time and Jerry and Jim Smebakken placed third behind a time of 13.9. Wayne Perkins and Buckshot Denson, local ropers, placed fourth with a 14.20 second time.

Centennial cattle drive reps named

Continuing plans for the “Great Montana Centennial Cattle Drive” were finalized at a meeting held June 30 at Jean’s Montana Café.

The purpose was to select the representatives for Powder River County on the “great cattle drive” to be held in September 1 of 1989. After a lengthy discussion and a “cut of the cards” two well qualified cowboys were selected. Charles Patten was chosen as representative and Rex Schaffer, as alternate.

Organizing the meeting was Powder River County Cattle Drive Committee Chairman Slug Mills.

Taxidermy float tops holiday parade entries

A colorful and well-done parade entry by Powder River Taxidermy took first place honors in the Powder River Commercial Club’s annual fourth of July Parade.

The entry, sponsored by owners Ken and Della Greslin, consisted of a traveling showcase of animals from their mounted display, with several musket-carrying youngsters riding “shotgun”.

The second-place trophy went to Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Their entry was a horse-drawn carriage, driven by Joe Stevenson. A group of about six Powder River Manor residents accompanied the driver. Buster and Gladys Diebel’s 1914 Model T, in mint condition, garnered third place.

“The number of entries were down but the quality was still there,” said Mike Copps, who has organized the event for the past two years. “It was a nice parade and we thank everybody for their hard work and effort.”

The procession was again led by members of the Charles H. James VFW Post 1595 and Ladies Auxiliary, bearing the Colors. Added this year in the front ranks were youngsters Dori and Jona Barbero, daughters of John and Diane. Closely following was a large group of youngsters on decorated bicycles, with the VFW and Auxiliary sponsoring prizes for the best patriotic theme. Also included in the parade were the following entries: outrider Carl Smith, Miles City Livestock, Chuck’s Tastee Freez, Broadus Boot and Tack, Old West Trading Post and CNR Sales, all with horse drawn rigs; East Fork Roping Club and their traveling trail drive; a float by Powder River Cowbelles; fire trucks representing the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department and antique cars sponsored by Ken Jesse, Mellor’s IGA, the Powder River Historical Museum (in an antique auto owned by J.L. Wilson and family) and Jack Ridenour.