By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently honored Wood’s Meat Processing and Michele Murphree as its April business and volunteer of the month, respectively, celebrating their various commitments to the local community.
Established in 1973 by Steve and Louise Wood on the V-X Ranch north of Sandpoint, Wood’s Meat Processing started as a small processing facility serving area ranchers, but grew in 1978 with its current facility and the decision to become a USDA meat processing plant with a full-time USDA meat inspector.
The Woods’ daughter Jody Russell and son-in-law Todd Russell are both part owners today, keeping with the tradition of a small family-owned operation.
Offering all-natural beef that has been born and raised on the ranch, Wood’s also gives local producers a place to bring their animals for processing, as well as hunters, whose harvests can be turned into products including burger, breakfast sausage, smokies and other smoked items.
According to the chamber, Wood’s has continually helped the community through contributions to local events, such as the fair and rodeo, fairgrounds, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Food Bank and many individual organizations.
“We are proud to support our community as much as possible to ensure a bright future for everyone in the community that we love so much,” stated Jody Russell.
The April Volunteer of the Month, Murphree, was highlighted for her efforts to support local families, beginning with the creation of school and community gardens. What started with a single garden at Northside Elementary has grown into a community-wide project, with Murphree currently developing her 16th garden.
In addition, she serves as a board member of Food For Our Children, which helps address food insecurity for local youth. Alongside Katie Cox and Debbie Love, Murphree helped provide 7,425 meals to children in the school district and, last year, that program expanded to include fresh produce, further strengthening its impact.
She also recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of her woodcutting project with the VFW, ensuring veterans and community members have access to firewood during the colder months.
Through Cedar Hills Church and Serve Sandpoint, Murphree developed 18 service projects for nearly 400 volunteers in 2024 alone, and is already organizing this year’s efforts.
One of her favorite projects is walking Better Together Animal Alliance dogs in Pine Street Woods, as part of Hounds on the Town. The photos she sends of their walks have been helpful in getting more than a few dogs adopted.
“Michele leads with consistency, care and a deep commitment to her community,” the chamber stated in an announcement. “We are grateful for the many ways she shows up and makes Sandpoint stronger.”
