Tree victim receives public support

In spite of recent events, Roy Albertus still believes that the world is a good place. 

Two weeks ago, Albertus found the top 6 feet missing from a tree on his property. The tree stands in a line of 24 Colorado blue spruces planted by Albertus and his wife eight years ago. 

Since the Daily Inter Lake ran a story about the tree topping on Saturday, Albertus said he has seen an outpouring of respect and love from the Flathead community. 

“People call me or stop me in the store to ask if there’s been any news,” he said. “And two people have offered to transplant a new tree in the spring.” 

The tree is worth at least $300 and will take five years to grow back to the 16-foot height it was before the incident. 

Albertus is offering a $2,000 reward for the arrest of the thief. However, he said there hasn’t been much luck yet finding the culprit or culprits. 

“It’s a tough one to solve, I understand that,” he said. “But I’ll be patient.” 

Last week, the 90-year-old Creston resident said he wanted to pursue the thieves so they would think twice about committing a similar crime in the future. 

Albertus and his wife have lived at 1250 Holt Stage Road since 1963 when they first moved to the valley. They now live there with their daughter and son-in-law. 

“Even if it was a bad thing, people have been awful nice since,” Albertus said. “It’s a good reminder that there is a lot of good in this world.” 

Anyone with information about the tree theft is encouraged to call Flathead Crimestoppers at 752-8477.

Reporter Brianna Loper may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at bloper@dailyinterlake.com.