Talk Of The Town

Logan Rensing of Highland and Hunter Morgan of Freeburg were the winners of the 2016 youth turkey hunts given away as part of the Aviston Gun Club's Annual Shooting Match. The all-expense-paid trips were taken to Holy Pursuit Outfitters in Rushville, Illinois and True Pursuit Adventures in Mountain Grove, Missouri in the spring of 2016. Logan and Hunter were two of 22 youth to enter the free drawing last year. Pictured, from left, are Bob Trunnell, co-chairman of the youth turkey hunt giveaway, Rensing, Morgan, and Eric Zurliene, co-chairman of the youth turkey hunt giveaway. Each boy also received a handcrafted turkey call, made and donated by Don Bald of Bald’s Calls in Lebanon. All youth hunters, age 8 to 15, are invited to attend the Aviston Gun Club’s annual Shooting Match set for this Sunday, Sept. 17 and enter a free raffle to win a turkey hunt.
The all-expense paid trip will be taken next spring at a site to be determined in either Illinois or Missouri.
The youth raffle was started in 2008 and the tradition continues. Last year, 22 youth signed up for the free drawing.
The shooting match, held behind the Aviston American Legion, runs from 11 a.m. to dusk and includes a three-gun raffle, family targets and still and trap shooting. There will be food, drinks and chicken mulligan, and a chance to win prizes.
Registration for the youth drawing also starts at 11 a.m. The winner will be drawn at 5 p.m., and the winning youth must be present to win. He or she must be accompanied on the hunt by a parent or guardian.
The winner of the drawing will also receive a hand-crafted turkey call, donated by Don Bald of Bald’s Calls in Lebanon.
New this year will be a free youth archery and air rifle shoot, led by the 4-H shooting sports certified instructors. From 3 to 7 p.m., the archery and air rifle shoot is open to ages 8 through 18 and prizes will be awarded. 4-H membership is not required.
The Aviston Gun Club was formed 37 years ago by a group of hunting enthusiasts. Today, the group is over 50 members strong.
The club’s three main purposes are:
• to enhance gun safety.
• to promote the sport of hunting.
• to teach others to love the outdoors and protect wildlife.
The club meets at the American Legion Hall in Aviston on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. The shooting match is held every fall, and two gun raffles are held each year — one in the spring and one in the fall.
The money that the club makes off the annual shooting match and gun raffles is for future development of the club.

One year from now on Oct. 6 and 7, 2018, the village of St. Rose will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its Catholic church and community. To kick off the sesquicentennial event, a 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run followed by a Cheers and Beers Festival are planned for Saturday, Oct. 7.
The Fun Run begins with registration at 9 a.m. at St. Rose Elementary. The race starts at 10 a.m. with lunch and awards at 11:30 a.m. at St. Rose Park.
Early registration is $25; however, entries must be postmarked by Sept. 22, 2017 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Registration increases to $30 after Sept. 22.
The Cheers and Beers Festival follows from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Rose Park. Participants will receive complimentary 2-ounce tastings from a variety of craft breweries, including: Main Street 4204 Brewing, Excel Brewing, Tallgrass Brewing, Lost Coast Brewing, Schlafly, 4 Hands Brewing, Urban Chestnut Brewing, Old Bakery Beer and more.
Early registration for the Beer Festival (by Sept. 22) is $25 and includes a commemorative drinking glass. The entry fee after Sept. 22, including the day of the event, is $30 and a glass is not guaranteed.
In addition to the beer tastings, there will be live music and a kids obstacle course. Complimentary tickets, which include free soda, are available for any designated drivers.
To register for the Beer Festival, mail a check payable to SRDC (include your name, phone number and the number of entry tickets) to Cheryl Timmermann, 8047 Northland Drive, St. Rose, IL 62230. IDs will be verified on the day of the event.
The registration form for the Fun Run can be found below or visit www.strosedev.com and click on “Cheers and Beers 2017.”
Combo Best Deal
Participants can register for the Fun Run and the Beer Festival together for only $40 (entries must be postmarked by Sept. 22). The combo entry fee after Sept. 22 is $60. Participants will only be guaranteed a T-shirt and a commemorative drinking glass if registered by Sept. 22.
Follow all the upcoming St. Rose 150th events on Facebook at “St. Rose 150 Happenings.”