The Butler community came together to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas last week and now, some focus is shifting to those dealing with large wildfires in the Midwest.
A local business wants to help and is organizing a hay drive for ranchers.
Altmire Trucking of Eau Claire is stepping up. The flatbed trucking company has already collected five truckloads of hay to help feed displaced animals. They are now looking for hay, truck drivers willing to donate their time and money.
“We want to get there as quickly as possible. They’re in dire need,” Terri Miller, a dispatcher with Altmire Trucking, told our newsroom.
The company has set up a non-profit bank account with Farmers National Bank in Eau Claire.
Company owner Perry Altmire Jr. has connections in Montana that will be able to help get the hay to where it is most needed.
According to Miller, neighbors are doing what they can to help but with winter approaching, additional assistance is needed.
“Ranchers that can take in other ranchers’ animals have taken them in. People have lost fields and stacks of hay that they had for the winter. Come winter, they’re going to be out of hay,” Miller said.
The convoy of trucks is expected to leave Emlenton for Montana around Sept. 23.
Residents in Montana, South Dakota and other areas have been dealing with the effects of devastating wildfires since April. According to NBC Montana, over one million acres of land have burned throughout Montana this year.
