Firearms safety & hunter education news: Summer 2006 - Minnesota ...

Lavern Ewert from Waldorf selected as the
2005 Firearms Safety Instructor of the Year.
Lavern Ewert, (DOB), of Waldorf was named the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources’ Firearm Safety
Education 2005 Volunteer Instructor of the Year during
the recent Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis.
"The future of hunting depends on our ability to encourage
and educate today's young people to get involved
and stay involved," said DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam.
"The one way in which the DNR can be a part of
that equation is through our Hunter Education program.
It takes a strong team of nearly 6,000 dedicated
volunteers to make our program a success, and Lavern
Ewert is one example of the kind of person we need on
that team.
"On behalf of the entire Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, I congratulate Lavern on being named
Firearm Safety Instructor of the Year, and look forward
to his continued leadership and participation in the program."
DNR Enforcement’s Captain Roger Tietz and State
Conservation Officer Joe Frear of Waseca nominated
Ewert.
"Lavern Ewert is a true professional, a true sportsman
and an outstanding Firearm Safety instructor," said
Frear. "Waldorf is a small town of 242 people south of
the Twin Cities. In an era of downsizing and consolidations,
Waldorf’s Firearm Safety Program thrived because
of this quality man. He’s been a role model and a
local leader always recruiting instructors to work with
him. He is truly deserving of this honor."
Ewert has been an active instructor for the DNR since
1955 - a span of 50 years of unselfish dedication to the
sportsmen and women of the state. He originally started
teaching firearm safety classes for the NRA in 1948
"Lavern’s focus has always been on ensuring the students
have learned key safety concepts and practices,
best taught by repetition,” Frear said. “Even though he’s
Need a new instructor
patch or
two, an instructor
hat ???
Send us a note or
give us a call. We
will send them to
you...
had health issues he continues to go to class and
teach.”
"As for teaching ability, Lavern conveys the information
in an easy to understand, friendly manner. He makes
learning fun and utilizes some of his old NRA manuals,
some of which were printed in the 1950’s. Not only did
it demonstrate his years of experience to his students,
but also the kids liked looking through the old books.
This was a unique way to get the kids interested and
make great conversation pieces for the students. His
sincerity created a positive educational experience for
everyone involved."
Tietz was stationed in Waseca from 1983-1987. One of
the first people he was introduced to was Lavern Ewert.
“Lavern was the Waldorf Post Master, a one-person
post office. I was immediately impressed watching his
interaction with local citizens, which was done with care
and ease,” Tietz said. “He also wore the hat of unofficial
DNR ambassador. It came naturally given his position.
Citizens would come in, asking questions or looking
for information regarding the DNR. Lavern was always
willing to help. He’s most deserving of this
award.”
CO Joe Frear, Lavern Ewert, Commissioner Merriam
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
State Law Prohibits Students Under
Age 11 on the Start Date of
your Class from participating in your
FAS class. Also our Insurance
does not cover You or Them should there be
an accident!
Always double-check their birth date!
Volume 27 Page 6