Three Lawrence County members of the South Hills Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation were honored at the Ohio State Chapter’s awards banquet in Waldo, Ohio on Jan. 19.

Larry Pernestti of Kitts Hill was presented with a plaque naming him as the 2012 Outstanding Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year. Pernestti was honored for his work with the Wheelin’ Sportsmen fishing day at Lake Vesuvius last April, as well as his efforts in organizing the 2012 Fred Pernestti Memorial Fall Hunt and his help with the Southern Ohio Handicapped Youth Deer Hunt in November.

A new award, the Distinguished Achievement Award for continuous and exceptional service to the NWTF in Ohio, was presented to Mickee Fry of Willow Wood.

Fry has volunteered in Lawrence County as well as other areas across Ohio since 1995. She served on the Ohio State Chapter Board of Directors from 2000-2002.

Larry Kingrey of South Point was one of three recipients of the Barry Cowan Outstanding Local Chapter Volunteer award for 2012.

The award is named in honor of the Ohio State Chapter’s first treasurer who worked at the state and local level. Kingrey has been actively involved in the South Hills Chapter since its formation in 1995. He has also served on the Ohio State Board of Directors.

In addition to the personal awards, the South Hills Chapter was honored in two areas. The chapter received a “World Slam” award for improving its 2012 banquet in six categories over the 2011 banquet.

The chapter was also named a “Golden Gobbler” chapter, one of only seven Ohio chapters to be so honored. Golden Gobbler status is bestowed on chapters that show at least a 50 percent net profit at their annual banquets. There are 78 chapters in Ohio.