June 16 2007

Well gang, at the risk of this becoming our Summer of nostalgia, this week we will describe the events that was originally reported in the chronicle of June 6th, 1999.
Vernon Hotchkiss and Max Spandau were out at the ranges that day, decorating the bar at our clubhouse for the big get together that had been planned for June 27th, 1999.
After the decorating had been completed, Vern and Max decided to kick back and soak up a couple of beers, which turned into a decision to finish up the keg. At some point during this process Sheriff Tom Long showed up to check on the appearance of the decoration, and gave the boys his hearty approval.
Here is where things got a little fuzzy.
As far as anybody can tell, the three were seated at the clubhouse bar, and Vern had just shown Sheriff Long his new Ruger 44 magnum 91/2 inch barrel Super Red Hawk revolver, and was attempting to put it back in the holster on his right hip. Due to the length of the barrel, Vern had to raise the pistol almost up to his armpit in order for the muzzle to come up to the awaiting holster. Well, on the way down, the hammer snagged on Vern’s vest, came to full cock, and with Vern’s finger on the trigger discharged before it reached the awaiting holster.
The unexpected round entered high up on Vern’s right gluteus maximus and exited low on same. Continuing through the seat of the bar stool and striking the concrete floor, the errant round came back up through the bar stool, entered Vern’s left gluteus maximus from below and exited a couple of inches higher up.
Not to be stopped, the round continued on, and shattered the bowl of Tom Long’s favorite pipe. Which just happened to be in his mouth at the time.
"That rips it! This range is closed down until further notice!" Tom is said to have screamed, and stomped off to his truck muttering colorful South Western expressions.
Vern will be O.K. But he feels that he will be the butt of a lot of jokes.
As one might well imagine.

Till next week
Helga Biermeister
Secretary