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Show THE 12 mursday, June 17, 2004 PYRAMID Local man returns to hunting despite limitations MT. PLEASAN- T- Kelly Hansen, son of Kenneth and Karen Hansen, Mt. Pleasant; had reconciled himself to think that his hunting days were finr rollover ished after a Sept. 9, 2001, on his way home to Mt. Pleasant left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Hunting each fall with his dad was a big part of Kellys childhood. From the time he was five years old, Kenneth would literally carry Kelly on his shoulders during the deer and elk hunts when they walked for long dis- which Kelly responded yes, but only with his dad, who was his hunting partner. Kelly and Kenneth started preparing for the hunt the very next day. Kelly was so excited about hunting again that was all he thought about for weeks before the hunt. He knew it would be both physically and mentally challenging for him. Kelly and Kenneth met up with the MTM group at Lyman Andersons Ranch. Kelly said he only slept about an hour that night in anticipation of the next tances. About 212 years after his accident, Kelly met Mark Robinson, of MTM Hunting Adventures, at a tire store in Utah. Robinson inquired if Kelly liked to hunt, which he responded he loved it before his accident. MTM Hunting Adventures is a group out of Salem that hosts hunts for people who are physically challenged. The next day, Kelly waited in the truck while the group headed out on four wheelers looking for tracks. After one of the guys spotted the sheep, Kelly was lifted onto a four wheeler, which he hadnt been on for three years. Once at the top of the hill, Kelly got into position and waited for the sheep to come out of the one-ca- Kelly Hansen, son of Kenneth and Karen Hansen, Mt. Pleasant; is shown here with his possible record Dahl Sheep. Kelly, although paralyzed, was able to return to hunting through a group called MTM from Salem. The group sponsors hunts for physically challenged people. A benefit barbecue to enable others with physical challenges to hunt will be held in Draper on Saturday, June 25. For more information and raffle ticket 0 or donations, call Karen Hansen at 462-295- 462-999- days hunt. Two weeks later, the group met at the ranch again, but this time, they were better prepared. To Kellys surprise, Mike had noticed that Kelly was having difficulty steadying the gun because of his lack of muscle con- trol in his back a waist. Mike had designed a gun rest and attached it to his four wheeler. Kelly could then adjust it to any angle to get a good shot and still keep his body steady. As Kelly got into position, the sheep came running down the hill. Luckily, the sheep stopped for a second so Kelly fired his first shot at about 400 yards away. Because of the distance, the bullet was low and to the right. Kelly fired again and this time hit the sheep but it didnt go down. The group took off toward the sheep and at about 360 yards away, Kelly downed the sheep instantly. Kelly was so proud of canyon. But as luck would have his sheep and so excited that he After two days, Robinson it, Kelly was unable to get a could share the experience with called Kelly and asked him if he clear shot at the sheep and there his dad. wanted to go on a sheep hunt to was no second chance that day. Continued on Page 6 Senator Proven Leadership MAM Join your Community and State Leaders in Supporting Senator Blackham! We fully support Senator Blackham in his Our communities have benefited tremendously from his service. Blackham is fully informed and sensitive to the economic development, desires and needs of the county and always been supportive to the reach our goals. He is the best man to keep representing Sanpete in the Senate. Sanpete County Commissioners: Bruce Blackham, Greg Dettinger ; and Claudia Jarrett Although he is a turkey grower, Leonard Blackham is very supportive of the livestock industry. He is an advocate for us with the federal government and has helped us solve predator issues. Hes honest, hes forthright and he serves us well. Richard V. Nielson, former president of Utah Cattlemen Association Leonard Blackham is a rare breed among lawmakers he is a man of integrity, vision and dogged determination, who wields substantial influence on Utahs Capitol Hill. Not only does rural Utah need Leonard Blackham s voice in the Utah State Senate, aH of Utah needs Leonard Blackham in the Senate. Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General Senator Blackham is a true friend of public education -especially in rural Utah. He plays a major role in securing small school funding that provides rural students the same academic opportunities as students at larger, urban schools. R. Paul Gottfredson, business administrator for South Sanpete School District Senator Blackham is the best thing that happened to Sanpete. He works and understands all of our issues, not just agricultural. George W. Johansen, Mt Pleasant Honesty, integrity and representation of the people is what Leonard Blackham is all about. I, Branch Cox, Fairview Leonard is an excellent man for the position, he is in a position were he can be a real asset for the rural area. His seniority, leadership and respect gives him the ability to accomplish whatever need to be done not only for the rural area but also for the whole state. He is experienced and competent in that which he does. Lee Barton, Manti Senator Blackham understands rural health care issues and is receptive and energetic in helping with solutions. He has sponsored legislation that greatly improves rural access to health care. He has supported adequate Medicaid funding in order to help the needy rural citizens and is always supportive of ways to help rural hospitals and providers. Greg M. Rosenvall, Administrator Gunnison Valley Hospital Senator Blackham seniority, leadership, and position on the Executive Appropriations has benefited schools district in the state and especially in rural schools. Blackham is committed to the quality education for our children. Courtney D. Syme, North Sanpete School District Superintendent Senator Blackham has done more for the hospitals and healthcare institutions than any other legislator we have known. He represents the peoples needs in healthcare which is often an undaunting task. Thank you Senator Blackham. Warren Benincosa, Fairview Leonard Blackham is passionate about representing rural Utah. He is honest and always strives to do the right thing. He has the skills to get the job done. Dave Bailey, President of Moroni Feed Company Blackham is the budget guru of the legislature and never forgets the needs of rural Utah. Few people understand how challenging the state budget has been the last four years. Blackhams hard work and understanding has lead the legislature extremely well to fund the important needs without a major tax increase. President of Senate Al Mansell believe that Leonard Blackham is a true statesman not a politician. He has shown by his leadership in the state senate that he is more concerned about the next generation than the next election. He is truly selfless in his service. I fully Dr. Bruce King, D. KM. t Senate District 24 (qogI rnjls REMEMBER TO RE-ELE- BLACKHAM ON TUESDAY, JUNE CT (435) i 436-812- 5 I www.LeonardBlackham.com 22! Paid for by Blackham for Senate i |