By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

The Chandler Hot Shots are a 4-H shooting club that practices and competes, teaching proper firearm handling, storage and use in the process for youth ages 8-19.

Mayor Kevin Hartke and the rest of the Chandler City Council acknowledged the club’s progress and success at a May 19 study session.

Five members of the Chandler 4-H Hot Shots club were recently selected to compete in the Junior Olympics National Championships. They are Baylee Webster, Jireh Bell, Danae Bell, Judah Bell and Deja Bell.

The team’s best individual showing at the championships, held in Grand Island, Nebraska in April, was probably Danae Bell’s seventh-place among 82 shooters in the women’s 10-meter air pistol competition.

She also placed second at a Winternationals competition and said she’s been recruited by the Ohio State University pistol team.

Jon Webster, one of the leaders who was recognized, said Danae Bell also placed second at a Winternationals competition.

Webster said Judah Bell, age 10, one of the youngest athletes among the 85 at nationals, was competing against many other older shooters, some who were twice his age.

Webster and one of the athletes thanked Phoenix Rod & Gun and some sponsors for their support in various ways.

One of the young athletes also thanked a coach, Eugene, by first name only as a major contributor to the team’s success.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.   Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.