‘Stampede’ raises money for Dixon playground
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DIXON – No one really worried about getting charged by wild bison during the Bison Stampede starting at the school in Dixon on Saturday. The actual bison stayed on the race day T-shirts designed by Yvonne Baty, 13.
“It was the Bison Run so I thought stampeding bison would be nice,” she said of the T-shirt design.
The Dixon School sponsored the 5K and one-mile fun run as a playground fundraiser that brought in $2,000. Dixon student Wil James Coville, 9, volunteered to help during the race.
“We need money for new playground equipment,” he said. “This playground we have is getting old and crippled. It’s metal and it gets hot.”
Wil James handed out water to help keep the 62 participants hydrated during the warm morning race. He moved into the school after the race to help people purchase a pancake breakfast, which was another fundraiser for the playground.
“We are doing everything we can to raise money,” he said.
The new equipment comes with a $50,000 price tag. The school is $12,000 away from meeting that goal. Community members pitched in to help raise the money including a $7 donation in pennies from the third and fourth graders. One big grant for $15,000 started the fundraising efforts.
“We’ve tried to get grants several times in the past to do this, but we weren’t successful,” said District Clerk Charlotte Morigeau. “This time we were able to get a big grant, and the community has been super supportive. We couldn’t do this without the support of our parents and teachers. I’d like to thank all of them.”
Bethany White, 21st Century coordinator, said the new equipment is scheduled to be set up in June behind the basketball court. The older equipment will stay.
“We try to bring in opportunities for these kids,” she said of the new equipment. “We have 53 kids in kindergarten through eighth grade and the preschool students. Giving them something active to do helps them stay healthy.”
During the race, the stampede went past the school and looped around town. Corporal Brian Fyant from the Tribal Police Department was on hand during one minor mishap.
“One girl tripped and bumped up her knee,” he said after giving the girl a ride back to the starting line. “I was on duty so I decided to come down and give support.”
Donations can be made by calling the Dixon School at (406) 246-3566 or by mail at P.O. Box 10, Dixon, MT 59831.
Bison Stampede Race Results
Overall 5K Top 3 Finishers
1. Eric Midtlyng 20.59
2. Colin Elverud 22.31
3. Richard Everett 22.35
Male 14 & Under
Colin Elverud 22.31
Jose O’Brien 23.24
Henry Ranney 29.37
Female 14 & Under
Karolyna Buck 24.46
Dylann Elverud 31.57
Alliana O’Brien 33.25
Male 15-19
Michael Heath 32.06
Female 15-19
Mikaylan Roylance 29.38
Berit DeGrandpre 29.40
Male 20-29
Ryan Hardy 24.36
Female 20-29
Britt Wilson 27.25
Bethany White 29.36
Annika McIntyre 49.07
Male 30-39
Eric Midtlyng 20.59
Mike Wilson 25.01
Female 30-39
Nicole Jarvis 26.34
Male 40-49
Kelly Moore 23.32
Greg Landon 35.53
Female 40-49
Stacy Finn 27.53
Kris Gardner 29.53
Shawna Olson 30.01
Male 50-59
Paul Soukup 36.06
Bill Geer 46.46
Female 50-59
Stacy Sullivan 33.12
Kim McMillie 36.06
Antje Baty 45.44
Male 60-69
Richard Everett 22.35
Steve Glow 30.10
Doug Baty 33.11
Female 60-69
Christine Everett 24.54
Pat Bristol 27.20
Judy Bilile 39.08
