Group has fund-raiser

Hill County Search and Rescue is sponsoring a laser light show to raise money.

Paul Nugent of the search and rescue team said today a company is making telephone solicitations to sell tickets to the show, which starts at 7 p.m. on May 28 in the Montana State University-Northern gymnasium.

He said proceeds from the show will be used for the team's vehicle, which is more than 20 years old.

"We hope to replace it or at least repair it and keep it running for a few more years," Nugent said.

Hill County Search and Rescue receives space to park its vehicle and room to store equipment from the county, but doesn't get any money from the county, Nugent said.

There aren't a lot of emergency searches in Hill County but, Nugent said, the team has to be prepared. The team was activated about three times last year, he said.

"I like to refer to us as the nicest group of people you never want to see," he said.

The team answers calls in other counties that don't have search and rescue teams and assists other teams when asked. Nugent said the Hill County team was asked to help with a search in Glacier County last year.

Nugent said he wants people to know that the telephone solicitations are legitimate, but that residents should be cautious about copycat calls.

He said callers working for search and rescue will never ask for credit card numbers and will not offer to pick up cash. All transactions will be sent in the mail, with checks only. The checks will be made out to Hill County Search and Rescue.

If anyone who claims to represent search and rescue asks for credit card numbers or cash, Nugent said, the person contacted should refuse and notify law enforcement.

The cost of the show is $7.50 a ticket. A family ticket that admits two adults and four children for $25.

For more information, call (888) 433-6499.