Although the 16 chapters of Ducks Unlimited across the state of Nevada have the same conservation mission, the Elko chapter stood out above the rest in certain areas.

The state of Nevada recently awarded the local chapter with four achievements. The DU in Elko was awarded for top attendance increase, most efficient chapter, best net gross and committee chairman of the year for the state of Nevada.

Karl Young became committee chairman of DU last year. He replaced Tom Ballew, who was chairman for 30 years.

"(Tom) takes one of us under his wing and helps us learn all these things and helps out," Young said.

Bill Connow also received an award for lifetime achievement.

Excerpt from the Tuesday, September 27, 2011 edition of The Elko Daily Free Press. Click here to read the full article written by Free Press Staff Writer Danielle Switalski.