Will Malta outPlunge Glasgow?

Nelson Reservoir is about to be used for a lot more than ice fishing on Saturday, January 27.

In fact, it will be used to raise funds in a very cold event called the Law Enforcement Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Montana, an event that will feature not only citizens from Phillips County but Valley County as a joint effort. Yes. That means Glasgow.

"This year it's called the Northeast Polar Plunge Challenge," Denise Black, the event's organizer said. "We are in this with Glasgow, so it's kind of a challenge between Malta and Glasgow. Who raises the most money? Who gets the most jumpers and we are hoping to have some kind of trophy that will go to the town who raised the most money and has the most jumpers."

Though there is the competitive aspect of rival towns clashing, the purpose is to build the numbers for the event.

"We are helping each other out for this and trying to make it big this year," Black said.

Every person who raises money can pledge to the general fund or to any participating team from around the state.

"I kept it locally last year and everything I raised went to MOI (Malta Opportunities Inc.)," Black said. "It helps them with their travel, their lodging their food or anything they need."

If you want to donate but you are not a fan of swimming with the walleyes, there is another way to help by pledging money and admitting something.

"If you don't want to jump, there is a Too Chicken To Plunge," Black said. "You can do that and still get all of the incentives and you won't have to plunge into icy water."

So, if a citizen would like to make a donation, that does not disqualify them from the incentive gear they can pick up depending on how much they raised.

"Everybody who pledges and raises (money) gets a t-shirt," Black said. "The more you raise the more incentives (you can earn). Blankets, tote bags."

Other items which vary depending on how much is raised include soft shell jackets, A Fit Bit Blaze smart watch, a Polar Plunge cooler and Polar Plunge trucker hat.

To sign up or for more info please go to SOMT.org/Plunge.