MADISON COUNTY, Iowa — The quiet of the country could be at risk. That is the concern from some locals who live in Winterset, as Madison County leaders could soon consider a new proposed outdoor firing range.“We strived just to create a pretty amazing experience for anybody who’s willing to come out,” said Kari Shultz.
Kari co-owns Rusty Stars Alpacas with her husband Aron. For them, the Winterset alpaca farm is a dream come true. But in recent days, they have been worried that their little slice of heaven could be in jeopardy. The new proposed gun range could soon be “close” range.
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“The property line, it would be the north property line of the proposed property that would contain the shooting range, would be a few hundred feet away from here,” he told WHO 13’s Katie Kaplan during a recent tour of their property.The proximity of the proposed business has caused noise, safety, and other concerns amongst neighbors.“Would you bring your child to a daycare with constant gunfire in the background?” said Abbi Grace, co-owner of Sprouts Preschool & Daycare. “That’s one of our big concerns.”
Sprouts is roughly 1,000 feet away from the proposed shooting range, said Grace, who said she also worries about the potential for an accidental shooting. Her preschool often has the children doing activities outside, she added.
Both Grace and the Shultzes attended a community meeting with more than two dozen other concerned residents on Tuesday night. It was similar to a larger meeting that had been held on Sunday to discuss the proposed project.The 130-acre outdoor Vanguard Shooting Ranges is spearheaded by the owners of the Black Flag Arsenal gun store in Waukee. Gabe Lanz and Keegan Garrey have partnered with the property’s owner to try to bring the project to fruition.“For a project of this type to try to succeed, the land is really the hardest part,” said Garrey.The duo said that while the planning is in its early stages, they are going to follow all lawful regulations…