DISPATCH STAFF REPORT
Sixty-two youth have already signed up for the Lowndes County 4-H shooting sports program, which began with safety classes Jan. 28. Dozens of children and their parents attended the sign-up event hosted by 4-H Agent Sharon Patrick at 4-H headquarters on Seventh Street North in Columbus Jan. 19.
The shooting sports program has consistently been 4-H’s most popular program in recent years. Much of its success is attributed to the efforts of long-time instructor Ben Kilgore, who retired last year.
The course includes training in air rifles, .22 rifles, .22 pistols, muzzle loaders, .177 air pistols, shotguns and archery.
Instructors for the 2012 multi-week course are Mattie Quick, Bill Quick, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Federal Marshal Jeff Harris, Jeff Hendrix, Stu Wright, George Corbell and Lowndes County Extension Agent Reid Nevins.
Additional participants can inquire about signing up for the course, space permitting, through Feb. 10, according to Nevins.
Participants will take part in a challenge competition in the spring, with hopes of advancing to district and state contests.
4-H is open to youths ages 5 to 18. For more information about the many programs offered, contact the Lowndes 4-H office at 662-328-2111.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 49 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.