Shooting helps build self-esteem
Article submitted By Cameron Rodriguez
Spring is upon us and many of us are enjoying our hobbies or doing an ongoing spring project.
One of the ongoing spring projects, that some of you may know of is the building of the Pondera Shooting Complex west of the baseball fields. Some may have seen the complex, but for those who haven’t, it is a sight to behold.
The complex, upon completion, will not only be home to 4-H shooting sports and a variety of other clubs such as the trap, small bore, and archery leagues, but it will be one of the largest indoor ranges in the state.
I have been in the shooting sports program since I was nine years old. I remember my first day as if it were yesterday. Paul Jones was always helping me and pushing me to give it my all, and Dusty was either betting milkshakes or racing me to see who could get done the fastest.
Then there were the famous Offerdahl sisters who were so scary deadly with their air pistols that to this day if they wielded a pistol, I’m pretty sure I would be running for my life if I made them mad.
We started out with a handful of kids shooting old Daisy™ multi-pump air rifles in the Ledger Hall basement. Eventually we got single-pump Daisy™ 753’s, which were top of the line at the time. Since that time the 4-H Shooting Sports program has expanded and become the largest 4-H project in our county and in the state.
You may wonder what the 4-H shooting sports entail. 4-Hers may participate in archery, air rifle, air pistol shotgun and precision air rifle. 4-H stresses safety first and foremost importantly before anyone is allowed to handle or fire a weapon.
After learning proper range etiquette and handling of equipment, the kids are taught the proper shooting form and technique. Also they are taught the three positions of prone, standing, and kneeling, if shooting in the air rifle discipline.
Qualified shooting instructors are always present to help the kids out and make sure safety is the number one priority. Shooting sports does so much more than just teach kids how to shoot - it teaches everyday life skills such as leadership, perseverance, maintaining a positive self-esteem, and helping others.
The 4-H shooting sports program has made a profound impact on my life. It has taught me patience and to respect others, regardless of age. I will admit, I have learned some of the greatest things from kids younger than me and from dedicated shooting coaches who are many years older than me. I have had some really bad days and after a few hours shooting with my fellow 4-Her’s, I forget my problems and remember what 4-H stands for, “making the best better.”
So next time your out and about, check out the new complex. It’s coming along but it’s far from complete and we need all the help we can get. If you would like to help with the building of complex contact the Pondera County Extension Office to find out when work sessions are, or drive out on a Thursday or Sunday afternoon, and you will likely find a session in progress after 1 p.m.
You can also help out by purchasing raffle tickets to win the beautifully hand engraved rifle by world renowned engraver Jerome Glimm, to help fund our building material needs.
This complex is for a good cause - it will help the growth and success of tomorrow’s future.
NICE DONATION From the left, Conrad Lions Club president, John McFarland presents a check in the amount of $3,500 to Chris Berg, treasurer of the Pondera Shooting Sports Club. The funds will be used to build an enclosed entrance addition to the front of the Pondera Shooting Sports Complex indoor shooting range. Photo courtesy of Christy Stubbs
One of the ongoing spring projects, that some of you may know of is the building of the Pondera Shooting Complex west of the baseball fields. Some may have seen the complex, but for those who haven’t, it is a sight to behold.
The complex, upon completion, will not only be home to 4-H shooting sports and a variety of other clubs such as the trap, small bore, and archery leagues, but it will be one of the largest indoor ranges in the state.
I have been in the shooting sports program since I was nine years old. I remember my first day as if it were yesterday. Paul Jones was always helping me and pushing me to give it my all, and Dusty was either betting milkshakes or racing me to see who could get done the fastest.
Then there were the famous Offerdahl sisters who were so scary deadly with their air pistols that to this day if they wielded a pistol, I’m pretty sure I would be running for my life if I made them mad.
We started out with a handful of kids shooting old Daisy™ multi-pump air rifles in the Ledger Hall basement. Eventually we got single-pump Daisy™ 753’s, which were top of the line at the time. Since that time the 4-H Shooting Sports program has expanded and become the largest 4-H project in our county and in the state.
You may wonder what the 4-H shooting sports entail. 4-Hers may participate in archery, air rifle, air pistol shotgun and precision air rifle. 4-H stresses safety first and foremost importantly before anyone is allowed to handle or fire a weapon.
After learning proper range etiquette and handling of equipment, the kids are taught the proper shooting form and technique. Also they are taught the three positions of prone, standing, and kneeling, if shooting in the air rifle discipline.
Qualified shooting instructors are always present to help the kids out and make sure safety is the number one priority. Shooting sports does so much more than just teach kids how to shoot - it teaches everyday life skills such as leadership, perseverance, maintaining a positive self-esteem, and helping others.
The 4-H shooting sports program has made a profound impact on my life. It has taught me patience and to respect others, regardless of age. I will admit, I have learned some of the greatest things from kids younger than me and from dedicated shooting coaches who are many years older than me. I have had some really bad days and after a few hours shooting with my fellow 4-Her’s, I forget my problems and remember what 4-H stands for, “making the best better.”
So next time your out and about, check out the new complex. It’s coming along but it’s far from complete and we need all the help we can get. If you would like to help with the building of complex contact the Pondera County Extension Office to find out when work sessions are, or drive out on a Thursday or Sunday afternoon, and you will likely find a session in progress after 1 p.m.
You can also help out by purchasing raffle tickets to win the beautifully hand engraved rifle by world renowned engraver Jerome Glimm, to help fund our building material needs.
This complex is for a good cause - it will help the growth and success of tomorrow’s future.
43 seniors cross the stage one last time
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
Sunday afternoon 43 seniors crossed the gym stage, making one last walk to pick up their prized possession, a high school diploma.
The commencement exercise at the high school marked the 99th time seniors have graduated.
Kit Finlayson orchestrated the high school band in playing the processional as the seniors, one-by-one, promenaded down the gym to the stage.
Seniors Shannalee Finlayson, Hannah Arends and Jaclyn Hanson sang the National Anthem, which was followed by Kendall Griggs, the Class of 2009 advisor, giving a short welcome to a packed gym.
Jamie Ries, Brach Newmiller and Justin Philipps gave a graduate address and the Senior Choir, accompanied by K. Finlayson on the piano sang Seasons of Love. Jonathan Larson wrote the words and music and the song was arranged by Roger Emerson.
Moving ever closer to the cherished moment when the diploma would be placed in their hand, the class went through the Then and Now senior class slide show, a popular segment of a baby photo of a senior, followed by their senior portrait that is set to music.
Philipps presented the anticipating seniors and CHS Principal Ken Larson called each one up to receive their diploma from District 10 school board chairman Jan Carter.
Guidance counselor Debbie Ostertag gave a few closing remarks and then it was a walk out for a new adventure in life for the seniors.
As they headed out for a receiving line, each senior was presented flowers by Jaylene Harris and Alyssa Keil, a new part of the graduating ceremony.
The 2009 class officers included J. Philipps president; Cari Vandenacre VP; Roberta Kronebusch treasurer; Kylee Schlepp treasurer; with Kelly Johns, Trent Knox and David Ratzburg being representatives.
In alphabetical order, the Class of 2009 included:
Hannah J. Arends, Melissa R Barringer*, Kyra L. Brauer, Heidi A. Dommer, Shannalee K. Finlayson, Kaytlin G. Fowler*, Jared N. Giard, Ashley R. Greyn*, Jaclynn N. Hanson*, Sara N. Hohman, Johnathon D. Hough, Kurtis J. Janzen, Jeff W. Jerome, Colby R. Johns, Grant P. Johns, Kelly N. Johns, Gregg W. Kalbas*, Kenley B. King, Trent B. Knox*, Roberta C. Kronebusch*, Seaborn J. Larson, Stephanie M. Lee, Aaron M. Lehnerz*, Cutter C. Martin*, Stephanie M. Murphy, Eric R. Norby, Kelsey J. Ostrom*, Douglas E. Peters, Justin M. Philipps*, Sydney F. Philipps*, David E. Ratzburg, Jamie L. Ries, Josann J. Robertson*, Cameron R. Rodriguez*, Kylee M. Schlepp, Stefan D. Sommer*, Jessica L. Stuart, Riley J. Styren, Garet J. Sullivan, Cari A. Vandenacre*, Norman W. Vanderbush, Jaren L. VanDyke*, and Nikki N. Whetham.
The asterisk after the name denotes being a member of the National Honor Society.
With diplomas held tightly in their hands, the Class of 2009 went through the school doors to the front lawn, set for the new adventures that life after graduation will bring.
Sunday afternoon 43 seniors crossed the gym stage, making one last walk to pick up their prized possession, a high school diploma.The commencement exercise at the high school marked the 99th time seniors have graduated.
Kit Finlayson orchestrated the high school band in playing the processional as the seniors, one-by-one, promenaded down the gym to the stage.
Seniors Shannalee Finlayson, Hannah Arends and Jaclyn Hanson sang the National Anthem, which was followed by Kendall Griggs, the Class of 2009 advisor, giving a short welcome to a packed gym.
Jamie Ries, Brach Newmiller and Justin Philipps gave a graduate address and the Senior Choir, accompanied by K. Finlayson on the piano sang Seasons of Love. Jonathan Larson wrote the words and music and the song was arranged by Roger Emerson.
Moving ever closer to the cherished moment when the diploma would be placed in their hand, the class went through the Then and Now senior class slide show, a popular segment of a baby photo of a senior, followed by their senior portrait that is set to music.
Philipps presented the anticipating seniors and CHS Principal Ken Larson called each one up to receive their diploma from District 10 school board chairman Jan Carter.
Guidance counselor Debbie Ostertag gave a few closing remarks and then it was a walk out for a new adventure in life for the seniors.
As they headed out for a receiving line, each senior was presented flowers by Jaylene Harris and Alyssa Keil, a new part of the graduating ceremony.
The 2009 class officers included J. Philipps president; Cari Vandenacre VP; Roberta Kronebusch treasurer; Kylee Schlepp treasurer; with Kelly Johns, Trent Knox and David Ratzburg being representatives.
In alphabetical order, the Class of 2009 included:
Hannah J. Arends, Melissa R Barringer*, Kyra L. Brauer, Heidi A. Dommer, Shannalee K. Finlayson, Kaytlin G. Fowler*, Jared N. Giard, Ashley R. Greyn*, Jaclynn N. Hanson*, Sara N. Hohman, Johnathon D. Hough, Kurtis J. Janzen, Jeff W. Jerome, Colby R. Johns, Grant P. Johns, Kelly N. Johns, Gregg W. Kalbas*, Kenley B. King, Trent B. Knox*, Roberta C. Kronebusch*, Seaborn J. Larson, Stephanie M. Lee, Aaron M. Lehnerz*, Cutter C. Martin*, Stephanie M. Murphy, Eric R. Norby, Kelsey J. Ostrom*, Douglas E. Peters, Justin M. Philipps*, Sydney F. Philipps*, David E. Ratzburg, Jamie L. Ries, Josann J. Robertson*, Cameron R. Rodriguez*, Kylee M. Schlepp, Stefan D. Sommer*, Jessica L. Stuart, Riley J. Styren, Garet J. Sullivan, Cari A. Vandenacre*, Norman W. Vanderbush, Jaren L. VanDyke*, and Nikki N. Whetham.
The asterisk after the name denotes being a member of the National Honor Society.
With diplomas held tightly in their hands, the Class of 2009 went through the school doors to the front lawn, set for the new adventures that life after graduation will bring.
Wastewater groundbreaking ceremony held
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
Wednesday afternoon a ceremonial groundbreaking was held at the wastewater lagoons to make the proceeding with the construct of wastewater system improvements.
Years in development and planning, the $5.5 million project is funded with local funds and a combination of grants and loan funds.
The improvements were designed by Morrison-Maierle engineers and will serve a project population base of about 2,577 people.
The city council helped developed the project and associated budget to ensure the costs would be spread equitably among existing system users within Conrad.
Mayor John Shevlin commented, “This will benefit every resident of the City of Conrad as well as allow the city to completely update the existing facility so that it will comply with current discharge standards and meet the future regulatory requirements.”
The proposed improvements will eliminate the regular effluent permit violations that have been the city has had for over fur years form DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) and will upgrade equipment so that it is serviceable and reliable for the next 20 years.
Funding for the project has come through and from the Montana Department of Commerce Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP); the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Water Resource Development Act of 1990 – Section 595 Funding; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) program; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development (USDA/RD) loan program; and the Montana DEQ Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund loan program Randy Roberts from the USDA/RD told the I-O, “This is what we’re all about, helping people and communities.”
Letters from Sen. Max Baucus and Rep. Denny Rehberg were read. Both members of the Congressional delegation noted they were sorry they couldn’t be here, and in their own words congratulated the community on this public health project.
Construction of this project is scheduled to begin in June. It is estimated to be completed by October 2010.
The work project includes: New partially-mixed aerated lagoon system capable of regularly complying with current discharge requirements and greatly improving ammonia reduction.
A new nitrification reactor cell will provide for further ammonia removal to comply with anticipated ammonia limits in 2011.
In addition a new ultraviolet disinfection facility will comply with E. coli Bacteria discharge limits and sludge dredging and in-situ sludge management required by 2011 by the current permit will be attained.
Dick Anderson Construction will be doing the project work. In closing, the Mayor said, “OK, lets move some dirt!”
Travis Meyer of Anderson Construction added, “That’s it, we want to get to work.”
GROUND BREAKING There was a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the $5.5 million City of Conrad wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Taking part in the groundbreaking, from the left in front are; Agnes Fowler, City Finance Officer; Jerry Paddock, DEQ/SRF; Travis Meyer, Project Engineer; Dick Anderson Construction; Mayor John Shevlin; Randy Roberts, USDA/RD; Josh DeVos, DA; and LeAnn Books Morrison Maierle, Inc. In the back are Bill Strong, Inspector M&,M; Wendy Judisch, City Councilwoman; Rich Anderson, Public Works Director; Bill Emerson, DA; and Darrell Silvan, DA. The major portion of the project is estimated to be completed by Oct. 2010. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler
Years in development and planning, the $5.5 million project is funded with local funds and a combination of grants and loan funds.
The improvements were designed by Morrison-Maierle engineers and will serve a project population base of about 2,577 people.
The city council helped developed the project and associated budget to ensure the costs would be spread equitably among existing system users within Conrad.
Mayor John Shevlin commented, “This will benefit every resident of the City of Conrad as well as allow the city to completely update the existing facility so that it will comply with current discharge standards and meet the future regulatory requirements.”
The proposed improvements will eliminate the regular effluent permit violations that have been the city has had for over fur years form DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) and will upgrade equipment so that it is serviceable and reliable for the next 20 years.
Funding for the project has come through and from the Montana Department of Commerce Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP); the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Water Resource Development Act of 1990 – Section 595 Funding; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) program; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development (USDA/RD) loan program; and the Montana DEQ Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund loan program Randy Roberts from the USDA/RD told the I-O, “This is what we’re all about, helping people and communities.”
Letters from Sen. Max Baucus and Rep. Denny Rehberg were read. Both members of the Congressional delegation noted they were sorry they couldn’t be here, and in their own words congratulated the community on this public health project.
Construction of this project is scheduled to begin in June. It is estimated to be completed by October 2010.
The work project includes: New partially-mixed aerated lagoon system capable of regularly complying with current discharge requirements and greatly improving ammonia reduction.
A new nitrification reactor cell will provide for further ammonia removal to comply with anticipated ammonia limits in 2011.
In addition a new ultraviolet disinfection facility will comply with E. coli Bacteria discharge limits and sludge dredging and in-situ sludge management required by 2011 by the current permit will be attained.
Dick Anderson Construction will be doing the project work. In closing, the Mayor said, “OK, lets move some dirt!”
Travis Meyer of Anderson Construction added, “That’s it, we want to get to work.”