Couple gets blanket appreciation

A grateful Nespelem Creek Kids 4-H club gave Merl and Linda Roberts an embroidered Pendleton blanket Oct. 7 in appreciation for working with the group's bee-raising project.

Club advisor Ian Wilder said Merle Roberts, a beekeeper himself, supported the project with expertise and experience and plenty of time.

The group, with 14-16 kids involved, wanted to raise bees this year to collect honey and wax, help with local pollination needs, and eventually donate to honey to the Convalescent Center and Senior Meal site.

But the club found that, with three hives, only one produced honey this year, and that was less than a pound. Wilder said other beekeepers in the region have reported similar small yields, following a big previous year.

Wilder said he also appreciated support from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation for the effort.

Club members award Merl and Linda Roberts with a blanket at the Fusion Café. From left: Khani Priest and her little sister Joel, Merl and Linda Roberts, Corbin Wilder and Joshua Wilder. Not pictured but active in the project were Bradley Wilder and Erica Romero. - Ian Wilder photo