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A 4-H Market Animal Sale to remember

August 20, 2011
Regina and the Hill family, surrounded by all the people who bid on and resold Regina before raising $19,588 and then giving Regina back to Jasmine Hill, who raised her.
Photo Courtesy Linda Endow Hall

By Mike Weland

newsbf.com

In E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web,” Charlotte the spider extolled the virtues of Wilbur, calling him “some pig,” in an attempt to save him from the butcher's block.

 

Had Charlotte been at the fair barn during the 4-H Market animal sale Friday evening, she’d have run out of both web space and words to extol the virtues of Jasmine Hill’s 4-H swine, Regina, who sold 15 times, raising a record $19,558, and who in the end was returned to Jasmine.

Like many in attendance, Charlotte would have probably stopped even trying and, like so many who were there, have given in to tears.

It was the way this community showed its support to the family of a man who stood up to defend his wife and six children by killing one of three grizzly bears that wandered into his yard May 8, and is now facing federal charges for doing so.

“There are a lot of people who stand behind Jeremy and his family and we’ve been talking for awhile about what we could do to show our support,” said Rob Pluid. “We’re all in the same boat … this could have happened to anyone. The fact that he’s willing to protect his family in spite of a federal law speaks highly of Jeremy, and we want him to know we’ve got his back.”

None of the people who planned the show of support dreamed it would take off like it did.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Rob said. “I’ve been buying market animals for 14 years and my kids have been selling for 18, and I’ve never seen anything take off like that.”

Rob does, however, feel sorry for Jasmine’s younger brother, Cameron, 11, who also had a swine in the sale.

“We knew we could only pull something like this off once,” Rob said, “so we decided to wait for the second pig. We sure didn’t want to steal Cameron’s thunder.”

Regina, weighing in at 254 pounds, brought an initial bid of $4.50 a pound by Fodge Mill, raising $1,143. Fodge turned her, offering her for resale, and she sold a second time, and a third …

Fodge, North Idaho Energy Logs, Pluid Logging, South Hill Lockers, Three Mile Café, Chante’ Kramer, Oxford, the Bennett Brothers, Akins Harvest Foods, Escrow Inc., a second time for Three Mile Café, ESCO, a second time for Oxford, and a final time for Chante’ Kramer, who gave Regina back to Jasmine. And then Dr. Mark Barker quietly matched the $5 a pound price she settled at, after rising to $6 early in the process.

Jeremy Hill, who faces up to a year in prison, a $50,000 fine and loss of hunting privileges if convicted, knew there were a lot of people who expressed support, but he confessed he was shocked at the form it took Friday evening.

“It’s pretty incredible,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it was going on. It’s overwhelming the amount of support.”

It must have been dusty in the sale barn, as he had to step outside while the bidding went on and on and on to wipe away a few tears, and there were many who watched the outpouring of support who had to wipe a few sniffles as well.

“I’m not sure what’s going on here,” the auctioneer said, “but I can tell it’s something pretty special.”

“It’s hard to see the stress this family is under because of this,” Pluid said. “Jeremy’s been working 15 and 16 hour days since this happened and it doesn’t look like he’s slept for a month. In my mind, this situation is a lot different than if someone had gone out looking for a bear or someone who mistakes a person for a bear. A bear in your yard, especially a sow and two cubs, is no different than an intruder in your home. That family was in danger, and Jeremy did what he had to do, plain and simple.”



UPDATED
Accounts have been established at all three local bank branches by
Idaho for Wildlife
To learn more, visit
http://www.idahoforwildlife.com/Website%20articles/Jeremy%20Hill%20grizzly%20incident.pdf

I received word from Kevin Kimp, founder of the Bonners Ferry Chapter of Idaho for Wildlife, who said that all three accounts are monitored by independent, trusted people in the community who have been selected by IFW and Jeremy Hill. "To make it clear," he wrote, "the Hill family wants nothing to do with the administration of the accounts or the funds in the accounts. Everything will be on the up and up and open to the public for scrutiny and review. We want the public to know there will be full accountability and no minuse use of funds donated to the Jeremy Hill Benefit Fund accounts.

Readers' comments about this article
36. I am a close personal friend of the Hill family, they have practically helped raise me. What he did is something anyone would've done in this situation. He was saving his children, for all he knew they were gonna run down to the pig pen and check on the pigs. He didn't know where they were, considering they live in the middle of nowhere with a big yard and lots of space for his six kids to play. What he did, did not show me it's okay to break the law, it showed me that family is the most important. Not many people see behind the scenes. After Jasmine sold her pig I was with her and her family, everyone was overwhelmed with the support of the community and tears couldn't be held back. One of the twins was even crying because her parents were. I love you, Jeremy and Rachel Hill! And I always will. Whoever doesn't support you can just go ahead and keep their mouths shut. I'd like to see them be calm while their children are no where to be found, even though they were just seen ten minutes before, while three of theworld's most dangerous animals are in their front yard. I can't wait to give you a huge hug when you get home, where you will be staying.
Brianna Merritt
Bonners Ferry
35. Nyla Ray, we are teenagers, and last Friday night taught us many things. And if you think its teaching us that breaking the law is okay, you're wrong. As I stood there watching Jasmine walk her pig around the arena and having no idea what was going on, I knew that this was gonna be a night to remember. This community made me proud, once again. Being young and not knowing much, one thing I know is that our community is amazing ... I am so proud to be from this town. This story has taught me that family is number one. It certainly touched every heart in this town. And if there was a grizzly bear in my yard while I was outside with my family, I sure hope my dad would protect his family, actually I know he would. And that's all Jeremy was doing. He's an amazing Dad and an amazing person. And I'm proud to know the Hill family.
Kailee Swift
Bonners Ferry
34. Patty and I will match your $10 donation up $1,000. Here is a chance for 100 of you to double the value of your donation. Jeremy Hill Benefit Account, P O Box 882, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.
Darrell & Patty Kerby
Bonners Ferry
33. Now that you have opened the door for an animal to be shot because it was on your property, don't whine when it is your pet or large farm animal that someone perceives as a threat!

If you all feel that way, was the FAIR the proper place to do it? You have shown the children that to break the law is ok? After all, it was a livestock auction where the kids had raised their animals!
Nyla Ray
Priest River
32. Thank you to the entire community for such a heartfelt showing of support. It is moments like this that remind me why I love this community and am so proud to be a part of it. Hang in there, Jeremy, your hometown supports you!

Two thumbs up to our County Commissioners. Thank you for your united public support for Jeremy Hill and his family.
Kirsten Madden
Bonners Ferry

31. Friday night at the Market Animal Sale I was witness to one of the most incredible events.

 

Numerous businesses and individuals bid on Jasmine Hill’s hog over and over again until the hog sold for more than $19,500!  Despite the high unemployment and depressed economy of Boundary County, those who were able came to the aid of someone in need.  These funds will go toward the legal defense of Jeremy Hill for trying to protect his family, which, by the way, I would have done exactly the same. 

 

Whether it is a young person raising and selling a 4-H or FFA animal, a young man fighting cancer, or a family that has lost everything in a fire, our community supports like no other.  The generosity of everyone absolutely amazes me, and I have never been more proud to live in “The Friendliest Town."

 

I am writing letters to my senators and the President of the U.S.A.!

Linda Endow Hall

Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic


30. Excellent job taking care of one of your own. Only in Boundary County, Idaho.

I am from Avery, Idaho. I used to work with the Department of Health and Welfare as a nurse in Coerur d'Alene and I LOVED going to Boundary County as part of my job.

I received the post as a thread, and I had to wipe off tears too. God bless that family, and God bless that community who cares for them.
Kay Turley
Avery, Idaho
29. Thank you for publishing your recent article on Jeremy Hill. I would also like to express great appreciation to the Commission for their courage in supporting Mr. Hill against unjust prosecution by an out of control federal agency.

Surely, Mr. Hill had every constitutional right to defend his family and property against marauding grizzly bears or any other threat. It is highly questionable as to whether grizzly bears which have recovered well above the original target objectives should still be on the endangered species list.

But, I have no doubt that the endangered species act was never intended to put Mr. Hill or any other family at risk. What we have here is another classic example of federal agency under the influence of extreme environmentalists functioning at it's worst. Best wishes to Mr. Hill.
Bob Friel
Mapleton, Utah
28. Great story Mike. It was an amazing night. I hope this gets around in the news, but unless you were actually there, I am afraid no one would be able to understand the power of support and love this community was showing. I know if the auctioneer would have been allowed to continue, it would have went on even longer.
Gina Stolley
Bonnes Ferry
27. Hey Mom ... this is the story I was telling you about. Chokes me up everytime I think about it...we live in such an amazing community. I don't think there is any other place in the world better to raise Meggie. I am so proud to live in North Idaho!
Sommer Kahanek to Roberta Fairchild
26. Wow, the tears are flowing! I thought us Southerners had pride. This community is amazing. The world would be a better place if more people loved their family like Mr. Hill loves his. This government action against him is shameful. My precious child, you and Doodle Bug are so blessed to live there. That is why I want to buy and relocate there. God bless the loving folks of Bonners Ferry! Prayers to Mr. Hill and his family.
Nancy Kahanek
25. This is an amazing story of how genereous and supportive Bonners is. Mom told me about this last night and it brought tears to my eyes and gave me goose bumps. So proud to call Bonners Ferry my home town!
Lynsey Kiefer
Athol, Idaho
24. I have got say kudos to the people of Boundary County for sticking up for Jeremy. I think what the Fish and Game is doing to the man for protecting his property and his family is wrong. It makes me think that Big Brother is flexing his muscles and making an example just to prove a point. I for one would have done just what Jeremy did. I am behind Jeremy 100%. If I had the money I would have been bidding on the hog myself.
Kenny Corsi
Bonners Ferry
23. This Community Rocks!!!
John Youngwirth
Bonners Ferry
22. The community also should write a letter to show our support for him ... I have to say, I would have done the same thing if a grizz was on my property and Joey was in danger! Jail or no jail, family safety comes first.
Debra Hitch-Henderson
Ponderay
21. Kudos to this wonderful town I live in, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. I'm busting with pride ... As I've said. when this town sees the need, they step up to the plate, whatever the need is. Great coverage, Mike ... Best Market Sale Ever!
Daisy Huggins
Bonners Ferry
20. Spectacular!
Stacy Cooper
19. Awesome story!
Sommer Kahanek
Bonners Ferry
18. One of the many reasons why this is such an awesome community!
Lael Alexander
Bonners Ferry
17. This is a wonderful story and another example of how our communities in Idaho come to the support of our fellow citizens. The story reports how the citizens in Boundary County raised over $18,000 to support the defense of Jeremy Hill, who shot one of three grizzly bears that were in his front yard where his young children were playing. Although Idaho Fish & Game recommended no charges be filed, the US Fish & Wildlife Service has filed felony charges against Jeremy, who was only protecting his family. Jeremy called Fish & Game immediately and his reward for protecting his family and doing the right thing by contacting authorities is charges by our US Government. I believe this to be unjust and, as demonstrated Friday night at the livestock sale at the Fair in Bonners Ferry, so do many in the community!
Idaho Senator Shawn Keough
Sandpoint
16. Senator, thanks for sharing this great story of community support. Shame on you, US Fish & Wildlife Service!
Tiffany Dye
Sandpoint
15. How many reasons does one need to say WE LIVE IN THE BEST COMMUNITY!! To the Hill family -- "We got your back!"
Rhonda Vogl
Bonners Ferry
14. I'm going to repost your link for some friends who haven't been up there and just don't really get it ... maybe this will help open their eyes! Thanks!
Wendy Neumeyer
Spokane
13. I miss it up there!
Melissa Shriver Cobb
Pinehurst, Texas
12. So amazing what this communtiy does when someone is in need of help. That's why I live where I do.
Taunee Munson Pruitt
Bonners Ferry
11. Here is "my take" on this whole issue. My Grandparents and even Great-grandparents were PAID to kill grizzly bears off. WHY? Because they kill people, never mind they also kill livestock. Any wild animal that has "caused problems" in the national park system gets dumped off here on us. THEN when they start up with the same actions we are supposed to not defend our own? So I am calling B.S. on this one. I hope the commissioners will call in more help on this issue. IT is NOT right.
Carrie Gibbs
Bonners Ferrry
10. Great story. Thanks for posting!
Mike & Brianne Dirks
9. I'm proud to be a resident of Bonners Ferry. The story of the sale of the pig brought tears to many eyes.
Lilajo
8. So this is an $18,000 pig! Great job Boundary County! This story needs to go on the national news.
Allen Gemmrig
Bonners Ferry
7. Proud of my hometown!
Martha McLeish Daniel
Bonners Ferry
6. This is incredible and it is exactly why I choose to live in Bonners Ferry. I love our small community that supports each other in times of need!!
Rachel Ellis
Bonners Ferry
5. I just read the article about the pig being auctioned over and over again at the Boundary County Fair to raise money for the Jeremy Hill family.

I would like to call upon the two US Senators from Idaho, Mike Crapo and James Risch, to stop the insanity at the US Fish & Wildlife Service and demand that the felony charges against Jeremy Hill be dropped immediately. Mr. Hill was protecting his family and any one of us would have done the same thing. If a Grizzly bear came into Camp David where the Obamas were staying and threatened his family, would the Secret Service stand idly by and not shoot the bear?

This is the Bonners Ferry, Idaho, I remember. A community that stands behind each other when there is trouble or gross injustice.
Don Rae
4. Mike, the story about the support for Jeremy Hill and the unique community backing they are receiving is not only awesome, but heartwarming! I have sent the link to some of the talk shows and online news websites, and maybe some of them will pick it up and carry it nationwide. If something like this shows up on Rush Limbaugh, or Drudge, I think the government might start wondering if they want to pursue this case or not. Super great reporting...made me cry when reading it,too.
Yvonne LeBuhn
Harvest, Alabama
3. I am proud of my hometown, the commissioners and the community for standing up for the Hill family! We are also behind them 100%!  It is about time that we make people more important than animals ... not that we don't love animals ... but there are certain rights we should have above animals! You know?
Joleen Halford
2. We have some of the most amazing people in this community. The support was overwhelming, and to top it off, after all that money raised those buyers sat in that arena and continued bidding and buying animals at amazing amounts.
Lisa Solt
Bonners Ferry
1. That is great. We support Jeremy & his family 100%!
Cheryle Frederickson
Bonners Ferry
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