HELP! Aitkin co. trying to shut down private gun range

[jigglestick]

A friend of mine lives south of Hill City Mn near Swatara and he has built and now runs a gun range on the property he owns. it is licensed and established for a few years now, but he is running into opposition, with the county now wanting to shut him down.
I'm sure they're ( county officials) are being pressured by a handful of residents who oppose this gun / trap range.

he thought this would be an open and shut case, with the county getting what they set out to do in the end, the closure of the trap range.

he just called me and asked if I knew any people who would be interested in standing up for him, as he just found out he gets a formal hearing where supporters can stand up for him and his range.

His name is Ben O'Brian and his number is 218-566-1548.
he needs ANYbody willing and able to attend this meeting tommorrow, Monday at the Aitkin Co. courthouse just to show their support.
it's either at 4 or 4:30 in the afternoon.

as a small buisness owner, I know how hard it is to get on your feet and running. then to be able to stand up and stay running even when times are tough is bad enough with out facing direct opposition like in this case.

Any body who can make time and could possibly make th4e meeting please do so.
this is more than just a mans trap range, it's a statement.
take away our guns? take away our places to shoot them?
squash a small buisness?
it's not just about this trap range. this helps pave the road for any other related situation.

the alternative is a much more sketchy scenario. without a constructive format in which to shoot our guns for recreation, we will be left with little alternative but to shoot where ever, when ever we can.
in the woods, back yards, which I have no problem with, but a structured environment with supervision sets into play correct habits and a safe place to enjoy shooting sports.
this is the kind of setting into which we can teach our children the proper handling of a firearm and where they can develop the skills to safely, ethically and humanely take game.

my pa took us to the farm, or gravel pit as did many of your fathers. those places are dieapearing.
I do not know of a gravel pit that allows shooting any more and the farms are fading off the map as well.
we need gun ranges if we are to continue our heritage, that includes our right to keep and bear arms!

I think this is all part of the current administrations agenda.
I'm not buying it. their argument is weak.
ours is sensible and strong.
lets let our voices be heard.

thank you for your support.

[snow]

I don't know all the details but I am affiliated with different GC both public and private and "yes" you will get the folks nearby riled up when the shooting starts.Forest Lake Sportsman club,Bald Eagle Sportsman club and even the Metro Gun club has had run-in's with the county folks.

Fact is,the state voted into law the Grand Father Rule that allows current licensed clubs to continue to operate,concession will most likely have to be made,like shooting hours and maybe the number of days weekly to be open for business depending how many families are encroaching on the clubs property.

Urban sprawl is fingering out everywhere as our population keeps exploding,alot of clubs and shooting perserves purchase surrounding property to use as a buffer.I think your friend needs legal consul to help him out otherwise I'm sure the county att'y will bully him.

For more insight have him call the Metro Gun club,ask for Rick (the owner) for some insight
(763)786-5880 he's been there ,done that.

Tim

[beeker]

any update on this?