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Show Friday, April 2, 2010 A&EDiVerSi You packin'? Page 5 Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.aggietownsquare.com Concealed weapon classes open to students By KELLYN ANDERSON staff writer ^ '444 4". .. - • • • • • .1. • LI. ....ono.. 1; # ,Krtrpr en This past January, students may have seen Jed Bigelow, vice chair of the College of Republicans, outside the Taggart Student Center advertising a one-time class training for how to apply for a concealed weapons permit. Within two hours, 80 students had signed up, and a class originally intended to be offered one time, turned into two and then three. Bigelow, senior in political science, wanted to give students an opportunity to receive the permit training in a more available setting and at a discounted price. The four-hour class, taught by Bill Hendrickson, involves training for gun safety, certification requirements and the concealed weapon laws. After the training is complete, the forms received at the class have to be notarized and sent in with a passport photo and a $65 fee. The FBI runs a background check, and the card, which has to be present any time a weapon is being concealed, is sent in the mail. Citizens cannot receive permits if they are fewer than 21 years of age or have been convicted of felonies. Both Bigelow and Hendrickson grew up with guns in their homes, and although Bigelow is still waiting on the official card, both believe in keeping a concealed weapons permit. Bigelow received his first gun, a 12-gauge shotgun, for his birthday and remembers shooting with his dad. Hendrickson has taught his kids, saying that his oldest daughter shoots better than most men he has seen. "All my kids have guns, and all of them have been taught how to shoot them safely," he said. More opposition to the classes was expected, and although there has been some, not many seem to disapprove of the classes. Bigelow said, "A few wanted to pick a fight, but I mostly ignored them." Campus safety is an important thing to all students and staff, but Bigelow feels safer with concealed weapons permits allowed than if they were not. "If someone is going to come to the college and shoot at students, they won't care if they are legal or not," he said. "I would feel better knowing there was someone there trained on how to shoot a gun that could help. More guns does not mean more crime." Brian Marshall, sophomore in business, agrees with this statement. Marshall has held a concealed weapons permit for two years and always carries a gun either in his pocket or backpack. He said he first thought about getting a permit after witnessing a man trying to break into a gas station with a crowbar. The incident worried him, and now he feels safe when he holds a gun, even though he has never had to shoot it. "It's better to have something to protect yourself," he said. According to MSNBC, Utah is one of two states that will issue concealed weapons to residents and non-residents. Florida being the other one. Utah is the only state that allows concealed weapons on campus. Other states leave it up to the schools. The only place concealed weapons are not allowed in are federal buildings and student dorms. If a permit holder lives in the dorms, the USU Police have lockers to hold the gun. Hendrickson said the number of faculty that hold concealed weapons permits is quite high. Marshall said faculty members are told that one in 30 students hold permits. Since the whole point of the permit is so the concealed weapon cannot be seen, most students and faculty have no idea who is carrying a gun, and so the safety factor is not really affected. When asked about his beliefs in gun control, Marshall said, "I believe in people being responsible for their own safety." Hendrickson agrees, believing that concealed weapons give people a lot of security. "I'm trying to help people protect themselves," he said. Hendrickson's help is evidenced by the fact that almost no profit is made from teaching these classes, and Hendrickson even offers to practice shooting with anyone for no charge. "It's all about responsibility. I would rather teach them about safety than anything else," he said. The concealed weapons classes are open to anyone, even those who do not own guns. Anyone interested, regardless of age, can attend the classes at no cost. Bigelow is always willing to answer any questions about the classes or the permits, and he is hoping to continue to offer them throughout the year. "I hope people are more aware that these classes are out there," he said. — kellyn.anderson@aggiemail.usu.edu PETE P. SMITHSUTH photo Popular artists take stage for benefit concert By KATE MARSHALL staff writer A horrible, unexpected natural disaster hit the Chilean nation last month, Feb. 27. According to The New York Times, it was an earthquake that registered an "8.8 on the Richter scale ... the quake tied for the fifth largest in the world since 1900." After this massive earthquake hit there have been aftershocks every day in the weeks that followed — "some registering over a six on the Richter scale, which is a considerable earthquake in itself," The New York Times wrote. The financial damage has risen to more $30 billion. More than two million people are homeless, and 16 million are affected every day. It may seem that there is no way you can do anything for these suddenly poverty-stricken people whose homes have been destroyed, loved ones lost and possessions have been dissipated, but there is a chance to donate to the cause. USU is hosting "Rebuilding Chile Benefit Concert." The concert will feature talented artists: Jake White, John Schmidt, Lea Cabrera and other sensational musicians. Miss Utah USA 2010, Katya Feinstein, will be hosting the event, as well. White is a popular acoustic guitarist, who sometimes performs on a two-necked guitar that he made himself — a fretless bass guitar combined with a six-string acoustic guitar. Schmidt is a renowned pianist who writes and arranges his own pieces. He tours worldwide with his music and became famous due to his success on YouTube with the hit "Love Story meets Viva La Vida." He will also be joined by his cellist, Steven Sharp Nelson. Cabrera was a finalist on "American Idol" in season five. Her singing style ranges from soul to blues to gospel. There will also be a band, called Dan and Nattie, that will help the audience become familiar with the Chilean culture, by playing some Chilean music. Nattalia Arriaza (Nattie) is a friend of Cameron Rigby, who helped to plan the event. Rigby, sophomore in business, recently returned from a LDS mission in Chile. His love for the Chilean people motivated him to help them restore their cities and lives. Rigby has planned the event so all the proceeds will go toward the Chilean Red Cross Humanitarian Organization, because the country has not yet requested aid from the United States Red Cross. "After the earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 12, there were people collecting donations everywhere," he said. "That was really successful, but we thought it would be a good idea, since that method had been exhausted, to get donations by also entertaining the donors." Jamie Rigby, who is also helping out with the coordination SOLDIERS AND RESCUE WORKERS carrying damaged Chilean flags search for victims in Chile. USU will be hosting"Rebuilding Chile Benefit Concert" Friday in the Kent Concert Hall. AP photo of the program, said by attending you are helping someone in need. "If I didn't have any place to live that would be pretty detrimental to me," Jamie said. "It's hard to find a way to help, and this is a fun way to do it. Bring a date or just have fun with some friends while helping people and enjoying some fantastic music." Cameron said the International Student Council has been of great assistance in coordinating of the event. The program is also sponsored by the music department. "Craig Jessop has been a great help in being supportive of the concert," Cameron said. "We are all really grateful for people's concern for the Chilean people and making this event possible. It's definitely going to be worth spending a Friday night to come to this." The concert will be held on Friday, April 2, in the Kent Concert Hall. Tickets are available at www.boxoffice.usu.edu or the CSA box office. — kmarshal1222@gmail.corn |