Pella —
Marion County's shooting range is being upgraded.
Sheriff Ron Goemaat reports that, due to the facility's high usage by several different agencies, the decision was made to make some improvements.
Among those improvements is a shade. The range is open, and there has not previously been a place for shooters to get out of the sun.
There has also been no restroom at the range. The sheriff's office has been working with the Environmental Health Department to install a restroom facility.
A 20x24 classroom will also be built on the site. Volunteer labor will be used to build it, likely when the weather cools down.
Goemaat said the classroom will just be the initial structure this year, with possible improvements coming next. The classroom will be used for training new officers. Before one is able to shoot a gun, information is shared regarding the assembly and disassembly of the weapon. With the classroom, this can be taught and a trainee can immediately step outside and shoot.
Other attributes of the classroom, according to Goemaat, is that it will provide a safe place for shooters to clean their weapons after being fired. Equipment needed at the range can also be stored inside.
MidAmerican Energy has run electrical service to the range. Musco Lighting donated lights to allow for night shooting.
“We're just very fortunate to have the range to begin with,” Goemaat said. The range is located on a secluded plot, owned by Marion County. Because of its seclusion, noise complaints do not exist. The backstop for the shooting range is a high, thick mass of dirt, which enhances safety.
Southeast Iowa
Improvements being made at shooting range
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