The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Just as the layers of a lake experience turn-over with the changing of the season, Blaine County is experiencing turnover, with multiple new hires.

The Road and Bridge Department has seen several new personnel since May. Both Byron Shackelford and Norman Williamson joined the department last year on May 1 as equipment operators. In addition, Garrett Powell has been operating heavy equipment for the Bridge Department since October 22, and Craig Sohn has been performing duties as a Road Department Mechanic since December 3. A third recent hire, Dustin Williams will join the Road Department as a heavy equipment operator beginning January 7. All five county employees work under the supervision of Transportation Supervisor, Dirk Drugge.

The youngest of eight children, Sohn was raised in the San Diego, California area. Growing up in a big family with parents who modeled a work ethic and dedication, he learned the importance of responsibility and hard work. As a child, he watched his father work on vehicles and helped him where he could, and from those interactions his passion for mechanics began. Fascinated about how automobiles worked, Sohn enrolled in a few auto shop classes during high school, where he learned about mechanics.

Following high school, Sohn served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While ministering in Montana, he met his wife Krista Johnson, who is a native of Chinook and a 2009 graduate of Chinook High School.

After the couple married, they moved to Utah where they both attended college. While in Utah, Sohn earned an Associate of Science Degree in diesel systems technology from Salt Lake Community College. Upon completion of his degree, the couple moved back to Chinook, and Sohn went to work as a mechanic in Turner with Reed's Ag, where he worked for three years. "I am grateful for the experience I gained from Steve Reed because it added to the knowledge I attained in college," Sohn said.

To further his experience in diesel systems, Sohn later accepted a position at Diesel Doctor in Havre. About his previous work experience, Sohn said, "I learned a lot from both companies, and I am grateful for the opportunities they gave me."

With his positive attitude, work ethic and experience, Sohn will strive to ensure that the county's equipment and machinery are running well. "I enjoy the crew that I work with, and the people I have met so far have been very kind. I also appreciate the help I have received from everyone. Although I am young and still learning, I hope that I can grow and develop in a way that best serves Blaine County. I look forward to working for the county for many years and to raising my family in this great community. We currently have two daughters, Brooklyn and Chloe," he added.

Another recent hire, Lindsay Lowe took on her new position on December 26 as the Disaster and Emergency Services, Environmental Health, and Road and Bridge Department Administrative Assistant. She will provide administrative and office support for the Emergency Management (Disaster and Emergency Services Office), Environmental Health Department (Sanitarian) and Road and Bridge Department. Her position involves fielding telephone calls, receiving and directing visitors, word processing, creating spreadsheets and presentations, filing, and scanning documentation. As an assistant, she will also maintain supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing and expediting orders for supplies and verifying receipt of supplies.

At the Courthouse, Theresa Waters will serve as an Accounts Payable Clerk/Election Clerk, and will report to her supervisor, Tammy Williams, the Clerk and Recorder. Waters started with Blaine County on December 10, after moving to Chinook from Phillips County, where she acted as the accounts payable clerk for eight years.

Waters was born and raised in Malta. After attending National College in Rapid City, South Dakota, for veterinary technology, she fulfilled her internship requirements at Chinook Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Bob Schmitt, so she is no stranger to the area.

Upon completing her internship, Waters then went to Hawaii to work for a couple of years as a vet tech. In 1992, she returned to Malta and was married and had four children. While her children were growing, Waters owned and operated a daycare. She is currently a grandmother to two little girls.

About her new position, Waters said, "I was wanting to relocate, and when the accounts payable position in Blaine County opened, I felt it was a great opportunity. I am curious to learn the similarities and differences from county to county."

The Sheriff's Department will also see two new hires. Scott Gallus will be joining the department as a dispatcher, and William Robb will serve as a deputy under newly-elected sheriff, John Colby. Both Robb and Gallus will begin their duties on January 7.

Robb was born and raised in Nebraska and moved to Blaine County approximately three years ago when his wife, Dr. Jessica Robb, accepted a position with Blaine County Veterinary Services as the small animal specialist. The couple has two children, Rylee and Braxton.

To his deputy's position, Robb will bring 16 months of service to the Chinook Police Department and eight and a half years with the National Guard. Robb, who said, "I look forward to serving Blaine County with the Sheriff's Department," has attended training at the Law Enforcement Academy in Helena, Montana, and also serves as a volunteer with the local fire department.

Gallus, on the other hand, is the father of three children and a 1992 graduate of Chinook High School who has lived in Chinook all his life. Blaine County residents have likely encountered Gallus when shopping for parts at Dan's Auto Parts, where Gallus has functioned as a parts man for the past 21 years.

The dispatcher's position is something that has always interested Gallus, who has been a member of the Chinook Volunteer Fire Department since 1993 and who also serves with the Blaine County Ambulance crew.

Gallus is excited to work with the Blaine County Sheriff's office and expects to be an asset to the department. "With the experience I am bringing to the position, I hope to provide a service to the community," he said. "Accepting this position was not an easy decision; Dan and Lynn [Friede] have been good to me," he added.

Finally, Trent Noel, who is originally from Harlem, will be serving as a Maintenance Assistant in the Custodial department under supervisor Brett Zarn.

Dustin Williams

After graduating from Harlem High School in 2014, Noel attended Montana State University-Northern (MSUN) in Havre, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering-Technology. While attending MSUN, he worked as a Resident Assistant and as a Resident Director in Residence Life. Noel attributes his becoming a people person to these experiences and believes his engineering background will also serve him in his position with Blaine County. "I have a lot of experience building different things and making sure things work together," Noel stated.

Through his job, Noel, who moved to Chinook this past summer with his wife Alicia, hopes to keep the Blaine County Courthouse, Blaine County Library and Blaine County Museum looking presentable and operating smoothly. "I am super excited to meet new people through my job, as well, so if you ever see me outside working, please say hi," Noel said.

While many people will be focusing on New Year's resolutions in these opening weeks of 2019, the foregoing individuals will be taking on new challenges and bringing enthusiasm and expertise with them to their new positions, using the opportunity to excel and become an integral part of the Blaine County team.