Firearms Safety Training to be held starting April 23

This year’s Firearm Safety Course begins on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Webster Training Center, one mile east of intersection Highway 7 and 12 on the right side of the road. Watch for signs.

This course will run eight evenings from 6-8 p.m. and part of a Saturday.  Any youth (male or female) that will be 11 years old or older may attend.

Registration Night Tuesday, April 23 starting at 6 p.m.

The instructors request that a parent or guardian of the youth attend this registration meeting as their signature is required on the registration form.  Please bring student’s birth certificate to verify full legal name and date of birth. The remaining classes will be held on:

Thursday, April 25

Monday, April 29

Tuesday, April 30

Thursday, May 2

Monday, May 6

Tuesday, May 7

Thursday, May 9

Saturday, May 11 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Field Day and Test)

Is Hunting Safe?

Based on a report by the National Safety Council, the answer would seem to say yes. The report shows hunting injuries occur at a rate of eight per 100,000 participants. For the same number of participants, football generates 2,171 injuries; baseball 2,089; bicycling 904; tennis 119; and golf 104. Only accidents that required emergency room treatments were considered. The study also reports that less than one person per 100,000 dies from firearm-related hunting accidents.

Thanks go out to the fine sponsors which include Pheasants Forever, KDIO, the Ortonville Independent and the Ortonville Moose Lodge 407.

For further information, contact Dalen Roe, 302-305-2643; Alan Webster, 320-808-5535; Aaron Twedt, 605-212-6327; and Mark Brown, 320-760-5319.

Helpful tips for talking to children about Child Abuse

Many adults are uncomfortable talking with children about child abuse.  This tip sheet that was published by The National Center for Victims of Crime may help you answer children’s questions in a way that can be understood, without frightening or confusing them.

Don’t assume that a child will behave or react in any particular way.  Every situation that involves child abuse is different, and every child responds differently.  Simply being an available, responsible adult may provide the support a child needs.  Establishing or maintaining a sense of normalcy or routine may help to reassure a child and start the healing process. 

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Big Stone County has resources that can help you, the child, and families through this difficult time. Please call Big Stone County Family Services for more information at 320-839-2555.

Questions that Children Often Ask

“What is child abuse?”

Child abuse is when an adult hurts a child, and it is not an accident. Hitting, constant yelling, or unwanted touching can all be child abuse. If someone is hurting you or making you uncomfortable, ask the person to stop or leave and tell someone you trust about what happened.

Physical abuse is when an adult hurts a child by hitting, shaking, choking, burning, pinching, beating, or any other action that causes pain or injury. If you are physically abused, you may notice cuts, bruises, or other marks on your body.

Emotional abuse is when an adult hurts a child by always yelling at the child, threatening to leave, or saying mean things. If you are emotionally abused, you may feel like you are all alone and that no one cares about you.

Sexual abuse is when an adult or someone older than a child touches the private parts of a child’s body or has a child touch the older person’s private parts. Private parts are the parts covered by bathing suits or underwear. It is also sexual abuse if an adult shows a child pictures or movies of people without their clothes on or takes these types of pictures of a child. If someone is sexually abusing you, you may feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused.

Neglect  is when an adult does not give the food, care, and place to live that a child needs. If you are neglected, you may not have clean clothes, a bed to sleep in, or medicine when you are sick. 

“Who abuses kids?”

Some kids are abused by strangers, but most are abused by someone they know—a parent or stepparent, another relative, a babysitter, a teacher, or an older kid. Abuse can happen to all kinds of kids, no matter where they live or how much money their families have. It can happen just about anywhere—at home, school, day care, or the playground.

“Why would someone abuse a kid?”

Most adults care about kids and never hurt them. It can be hard to believe that someone you love or someone who is nice can hurt you or other kids, but some adults lose their tempers or can’t control the way they act. Drinking alcohol or using drugs can also make it hard for some people to control how they act. An adult who hurts children has a problem and needs to get help to stop.

“Is it my fault that this happened to me?”

No. No matter what, abuse is never your fault, and you don’t deserve it. It’s normal to feel upset, angry, and confused when someone hurts you. But don’t blame yourself or worry that others will be angry with you. Even if you think you’ve done something wrong, that does not make it okay for someone to hurt you.

“How can I stop it?”

If you think that you are being abused, the bravest and most important thing you can do is tell someone you trust. Never keep it a secret, even if the person hurting you tells you that something bad will happen if you tell.  If you can’t trust anyone at home, talk to someone at school (like a teacher, counselor, or school nurse) or a friend’s mom or dad. And if that person cannot help you, keep telling until you get the help you need to feel safe.

“What will happen to the person who hurt me if I tell?”

An adult who hurts children needs special help to learn to stop. While this person is getting help, you may see less of him or her. This may be tough for you, especially if that person is a part of your family. Your whole family may need help, too.