MEMORIAL SHOOTERS ON TARGET

Bruce Mikesell watches as first- time shooter Katheleen Nealeigh aims.

Sixteen people ranging in age from 12 to 75 “learned to shoot like Annie" last Saturday . Many had never held a gun or rifle; others looked to improve their skills. Participants learned about firearms and experienced hands-on practice at the firing range at the Darke County Fish and Game Club in New Madison. This was the first “Annie’s Memorial Shoot” co-sponsored by the Annie Oakley Center Foundation and the Fish and Game Club. It was scheduled on August 11 to coincide with Annie Oakley’s birthday on August 13.

The day began with classroom instruction in firearm safety. Wearing protective eye and ear wear provided by Fastenal, participants then practiced shooting on the range with rifles and handguns. Lots of cheers spurred each other on, and bullseyes were especially exciting. Thanks go to the certified, experienced instructors Bruce Mikesell, Bill Wantz, and Mike O’Neal, who volunteered their time.

Organizers of the event co-chaired by Brenda Ballengee for the Foundation and Sharre Grubbs for the Fish and Game Club want to thank the additional event donors: Ann’s Gifts, Annie Oakley Natural Perfumery (Ligonier, IN), Buffalo Wild Wings, Cope’s, Eikenberry’s IGA, Fastenal, Christy Gulley’s Girl Scout Troop # 31223, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Subway . Special thanks are in order for the cooks, Terry and Ruth Leedom and Rod Saylor. Will you learn to shoot at next year’s event?