Pictured are the 19 graduates of the 2012 beginner beekeeping class sponsored by the Polk County Extension Center. The five-session course was taught by local beekeeper and business owner Phil Holbert of Saluda. Participants learned how to care for their bees and what steps to take to ensure their hives remain healthy and produce plenty of honey. The local residents who attended were Drenda Brennan, Ruth Brown, Debbie Chapman, Ed Chapman, Curtis Conner, Todd Constance, Jerry Covil, Duncan Ely, Mary Ann Gilbert, Cathy Hoosier, Tory Leibfried, Patricia North, Richard North, Bethany Ray, Chris ter Kuile, Claude Turner, Greg Turner, Belynda Veser and Kim Van Voorhis. This was the second year a basic beekeeping series of classes was offered by the local county extension center. The objective is to help increase the number of honeybees in Polk County plus help local beekeepers maintain their hives in good health. (photo submitted by John Vining)