Local couple honored by Daines as his Montanans of the Week
MONTE TURNER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 3 months AGO
Fred and Tressie Fike were recently recognized by U.S. Senator Steve Daines as being "Montanans of the Week." (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines recognized Fred and Tressie Fike of Mineral County for their commitment to helping others in the community.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time” said Tressie Fike when she first learned of this recognition. “Fred’s been battling cancer, and this will be a nice surprise for him.”
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record by Daines:
“Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Fred and Tressie Fike of Mineral County for their commitment to helping others in the community.
“Fred and Tressie lead the Superior Community Church Shoebox Ministry, which is part of the Samaritan’s Purse’s national initiative, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry.”
Fred and Tressie partner with their church and folks in the community to provide shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, clothes, sewing kits and school supplies around the world to children impacted by devastating circumstances like war, natural disasters, poverty and disease.
When Superior Community Church first participated in this ministry 15 years ago, they were able to deliver 25 boxes.
In 2019, thanks to the leadership of Fred and Tressie, they delivered 900.
“It is my honor to recognize Fred and Tressie for their generous and selfless efforts within their church ministry helping children across the world. The world is a better place as a result of their dedication,” Daines said.
When asked what this honor means to them, Fred said, “Well for me, it’s to honor Christ. It shows that we’re serving Christ and that’s what’s important.”
The Fikes became involved in the Shoebox Ministry when Rev. Billy Graham was at the helm of the program.
They have remained faithful since his passing and his son, Franklin Graham, is now the CEO of the Shoebox Ministry Operation Christmas Child.
ARTICLES BY MONTE TURNER
Opposition mounts in Mineral County to merger of resource advisory committees
Opposition is mounting in Mineral County following the Forest Service's decision to merge Mineral and Missoula counties into a single resource advisory committee. The move, critics say, ignores local concerns and threatens Mineral County's ability to guide projects affecting its public lands and communities.
Flag retirement ceremony held in St. Regis
Flag Day is observed annually on June 14 to honor the American flag. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the holiday commemorates June 14, 1777, when the United States approved the design of its first national flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 Congress permanently established the observance as National Flag Day. While Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday.
Mineral County Library welcomes spectrUM Discovery Area
The Jane S. Herman Foundation primarily funds programs designed to mentor economically disadvantaged students in rural communities within Montana in science and technology.