Hunter safety - Photo by Chris Smith - Bronson Painter speaks before a group of people at a hunter safety course offered at the Staunton Fire Department on Thursday.

STAUNTON - A Hunter Safety Course was held and instructed by Steve Handegan, Bronson Painter, Roy Fleming, Craig Nolan and Larry Favre at the Staunton Fire Department on Thurs. March 18, Fri. March 19, and Sat. March 20.
On Thurs., Gerald Brand instructed on the different types of bows and the correct way to use them. Brad Houston, our local conservation officer, instructed on the laws and regulations of hunting. Friday the students were instructed and shown the safe handling of shotguns, rifles and muzzle-loaders by Steve Handegan and Craig Nolan. Bill Adler taught preparation and survival skills.
Saturday Craig Nolan taught basic shooting skills. Roy Fleming taught basic hunting techniques and how to be a safe hunter. Bronson Painter taught responsibility and wildlife conservation.
A test followed with the following students successfully passing the course: Duncan Ahrens, Mallory Ahrens, Megan Ahrens, Ronald Arnold, Lucas Belleville, Zachary Belleville, Alex Bertels, Jacob Bertels, Richard Boston Jr., Tyler Boston, David Braasch, Ethan Braasch, Rachel Bruhn, Darrell Buffington, Lisa Buffington, Dylan Caldieraro, John Caldieraro, Robert Cheney, Robert Childers, Julie Collman, Derek DeVries, Brandon Eckhoff, Breanna Frensko, Dustin Graves, Adam Hamilton, Andrew Hamilton, Brandon Hamilton, Corey Harbison, Randy Harbison, Stephen Hokheld, Kyle Kuethe, Kenneth Lancaster, Kyle Mayhew, Cory McCunnery, Darrin Parker, Zachary Parker, Cody Rigor, Alyssa Schmidt, Kenneth Schuette, Hunter Vesper, Amy Wilhelm, Jake Winschester, Gerald Carl, and Richard Brown.
After the test, pizza's were enjoyed compliments of Cavatio's and Whitetails Unlimited. A break on Saturday was enjoyed with doughnuts furnished by Ducks Unlimited High Ball Chapter.
Refreshments were also furnished by VFW Post 1241 and the VFW Auxiliary Post.
A gift certificate was donated by Duda Ace Hardware and won by Hunter Vesper.
A very special thank you to the Staunton Fire Department for allowing us to use there facilities and to all the students, parents, instructors and sponsors.
Please watch the local papers for the dates of the fall class.
Any questions, call Larry Favre at 635-5247.