By Chad D. Baus

WTOL.com (CBS Toledo) recently published an article entitled "In Toledo, Guns are Easy to Get, Even for Teenagers". A simple scan of the story proves beyond all doubt that Toledo's many gun control laws, which city officials claim are essential crime-fighting tools, have been a complete failure at meeting their stated goals.

From the story:

Detective Keith Dressel died from a single gunshot to the chest -- allegedly fired by young murder suspect Robert Jobe.

Kids and guns can be a deadly combination -- especially when you consider the availability of weapons.

The one question we keep hearing is this: How is it possible for a 15-year-old kid to acquire a 38-caliber handgun and allegedly murder an undercover detective? We found one answer out on the streets of north Toledo.

"Yeah, a lot of people do have guns out here man," said Omar Ramon, a resident. "It's pretty easy. All you have to do is basically go around, ask a friend of yours. And they might know a person. It's pretty easy."

"Easy" despite a city ban on "Unlawful transactions in weapons".

"Easy" despite a city ban on the "Failure to secure dangerous ordnance."

"Easy" despite a city ban on "Carrying concealed weapons."

"Easy" despite a city ban on "Improperly furnishing firearms to a minor."

"Easy" despite a city law demanding purchase of a "Handgun identification card".

"Easy" despite a city law detailing rules governing "Handgun transfer restrictions".

By Larry S. Moore

On February 17, 2007, the League of Ohio Sportsmen recognized some leading
conservationists, foresters, etc.

Hunter Educator of the Year – Phyllis Herrington

Phyllis has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the preparations and teaching of Hunter Education classes. She has frequently run virtually all the classes in Williams County. She has a natural love of the outdoors and wildlife, is an avid hunter and holds classes with her husband on firearms safety, shooting and personal defense. She has also taught for the Outdoor Skills section for a number of years as a volunteer instructor. The League of Ohio Sportsmen is honored to present this award to the first female recipient, Phyllis Herrington.

Conservation Communicator of the Year – Robert Loewendick

Robert is a Freelance Outdoor Writer for the Newark Advocate, Zanesville Times Recorder, Ohio Outdoor News and Ohio Valley Outdoors. His knowledge of hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation is evident in his writing. He has written several excellent articles detailing the Division of Widlife’s Education programs and the importance of introducing children to the outdoors. He also contributes to a variety of outdoor websites and is a member of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. Congratulations Robert!

Robert Loewendick has had an article featured on BuckeyeFirearms.org. he is a friend of sportsmen, hunters, and shooters. I am proud to be able to call him a friend.

Congratulations to the award winners!

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a Region Leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award, and the League of Ohio Sportsmen Conservation Communicator of the Year for 2001.

Buckeye Firearm Association's web site is seeing an amazing growth in visitors and new articles are being posted several times a week.

This week's "Friday Flashback" is....

Saving the Children

By Gerard Valentino

A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 24,000 children are injured in shopping-cart accidents every year. A staggering 85% of those children are under five years of age. That dwarfs the number of children who were injured with guns last year.

It appears that your child has a much better chance of being hurt in an accident involving a shopping cart than with a gun.

Yet, gun control activists continue to target guns as an evil that must be eradicated. At the same time they ignore the risk to children created by much more common items like shopping carts, swimming pools, and even 5-gallon buckets.

Click on 'Read More' for the full commentary.