SHALE EXPLORATION of Scobey presented the Daniels County Rural Fire Department a check recently for $45,000 to update its rural fire fighting capabilities, mainly in the form of a newer truck. Shale Landman, Christina Cline, made the presentation of a “big check”, last week to rural fire chief Don Hammar.

                The 1976 Ford in the background will be replaced with a newer, 1998 Ford 800, 4x4. The donation will pay for the truck, get it here from Washington state and help equip the unit.

                Shale principals, Sam Tallis and Sid Greehey, said that, they want to help the rural fire depart to be better equipped to protect the fire fighters and the people of this area. Tallis told the Leader, “It’s about saving lives more than it is about saving equipment and buildings. Tangible things can be replaced.” With oil industry development on its way, “We want to help this area prepare and be a part of responsible community development,” he said.

                Shale has contributed in excess of $200,000 to the area over the past year and is challenging other oil companies to participate. Shale’s affiliate, Shale Bakken Investments has four horizontal well permits before the Board of Oil and Gas to begin drilling next month in Daniels County. —Leader Photo, Burl Bower