Benefit auction this weekend for Halverson family

A benefit auction for the Halverson family will be taking place this Friday at the shooting sports building in Sundance. James and Jessica and their three children lost their home and belongings during a fire earlier this month and the fundraiser is intended to help them get back on their feet.

The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a meal and silent auction, followed by a live auction and gun raffle at 7:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted for both auctions until March 25; call Christi Marchant at (605) 645-2537, Tobi Ayer at 281-0313, Amanda Garoutte at 281-1260, Jen Krell at 290-2906, Amy Garoutte at 281-1439 or Dianne Miller at (605) 645-4023.

The fire occurred on March 6 and was caused by a nearby slash pile, which was swept towards the residence due to high winds and ultimately caused a 104-acre fire. Despite assistance from 36 trucks and 72 personnel from all across the county as well as Wyoming State Forestry and Black Hills National Forest, it was not possible to save the property from what Fire Warden Doug Leis described as a violent blaze.