The Sherburne County Friends of the NRA held their annual banquet at The Buff in Big Lake last Friday to the delight of all guests but especially the Becker, Big Lake and Elk River trap shooting teams. 

A huge turnout ensued and many local politicians and supporters of the NRA were in attendance including Rep. Shane Mekeland, Sen. Andrew Mathews, Rep. Paul Novotny, Sen. Eric Lucero and Big Lake Mayor Paul Knier. Organizing the event was Mark  and Tammy Strempke.

Mekeland emceed the event that included a dinner and lots of raffles for firearms and other items. He first introduced all the elected officials in the audience, then shared the story of Ron Jenderseck, a Purple Heart veteran who was swindled out of thousands of dollars by a contractor before a large group of local businesses stepped up to build Jenderseck his covered patio for free (see the Patriot story of Jenderseck in last week’s edition.) Mekland continued his oration by recognizing all veterans who were in attendance Friday, then introduced Ryan Hubbard and Todd Potter.

Twenty youngsters from the area trap teams were presented with brand new, free semi-automatic shotguns, courtesy of  the Ryan Hubbard family and Hubbard Electric as well as Todd and Barb Potter and family of TJ Potter Trucking.

“This was so cool and much appreciated,” said Mekeland.

Money raised from the event is used to support local high school trap teams.