http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070421/ap_on_re_us/brave_beauty_queen

Fri Apr 20, 8:16 PM ET
WAYNESBURG, Ky. - Miss America 1944 has a talent that likely has
never appeared on a beauty pageant stage: She fired a handgun to shoot
out a vehicle's tires and stop an intruder.

Venus Ramey, 82, confronted a man on her farm in south-central Kentucky
last week after she saw her dog run into a storage building where
thieves had previously made off with old farm equipment.

Ramey said the man told her he would leave. "I said, 'Oh, no you won't,'
and I shot their tires so they couldn't leave," Ramey said.

She had to balance on her walker as she pulled out a snub-nosed
.38-caliber handgun.

"I didn't even think twice. I just went and did it," she said. "If
they'd even dared come close to me, they'd be 6 feet under by now."

Ramey then flagged down a passing motorist, who called 911.

Curtis Parrish of Ohio was charged with misdemeanor trespassing, Deputy
Dan Gilliam said. The man's hometown wasn't immediately available. Three
other people were questioned but were not arrested.

After winning the pageant with her singing, dancing and comedic talents,
Ramey sold war bonds and her picture was adorned on a B-17 that made
missions over Germany in World War II, according to the Miss America Web
site.

Ramey lived in Cincinnati for several years and was instrumental in
helping rejuvenate Over-the-Rhine historic buildings. She returned to
Kentucky in 1990 to live on her farm.

"I'm trying to live a quiet, peaceful life and stay out of trouble, and
all it is, is one thing after another," she said.

NOW THERE'S SOME GOOD NEWS THAT WE DON'T OFTEN HEAR! (especially with
all the arguments abt gun control)
Brains, beauty, straight hand, and strength to defend ones self, and
that on a walker.... You go girl!!!

World watch out! The pistol packin' grannies are going to be out in
force! Kewl.

Old people have always been targets....now the tables have turned and
its the young' uns who are in trouble! lol

"I am WOMAN, hear me roar in numbers too big to ignore."

I will say this tho...it happened in Kentucky...and just about EVERYONE
owns a gun here. Thats why the popular thing is meth labs now, cause
its too risky to rob people anymore ^.^

yay!! she wasnt the easy target they thought she would be...