Local teen wins top NRA award

The Veterans of Foreign War Bear Paw Jr. Rifle Club has honored a local teen.

Doug Verploegen, 14, of Havre was awarded the Distinguished Expert Rifleman title Dec. 16.

This is the highest National Rifle Association honor.

To achieve this award, Verploegen was required to earn 14 lower rankings and shoot hundreds of targets.

He has been a member of the VFW Bear Paw Jr. Rifle Club for five years and has shot in three state and national matches, placing in both team and individual events.

Verploegen is the son of Joe and Vicki Verploegen and is homeschooled.

The junior rifle club has been in the Havre area since the 1930s. It is open from September to April and meets every Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the fire department on 4th Street.

For more information, people can call 265-1655 and ask for Randy or Laura Martin.