IL Gov Vetoes Funds for WSRC Sparta

Evidently the governor did not get the memo from an ATA official that is quoted as saying the governor is merely pandering. An Americantrapshooter.com forum member said this is posturing.

In the world of politics it is called a veto.
________________________________________________________________

By Pete Spitler
The Herald Tribune

Posted Jul. 1, 2015 at 8:44 PM

On Tuesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 4166, which reappropriated funds for some previously-approved road construction and capital projects, but also included two line items in regard to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta. In total, Rauner approved all but $68.4 million of the $10 billion in statewide projects. “Continued investment in our public infrastructure is critical to economic development,” Rauner wrote in a news release announcing the signing. “We must maintain the infrastructure that has made Illinois a major transportation hub for the world economy. “This bill enhances mobility, helps to maintain our state’s competitive advantage, and supports construction and permanent jobs across Illinois.” Of the WSRC line items, Rauner vetoed one that earmarked $157,045 for “infrastructure improvements” at the WSRC. According to Department of Natural Resources spokesman Chris Young, that amount was to go toward road resurfacing inside the complex. In the release, Rauner said he was vetoing earmarks, including nearly $32 million in Capitol building renovations, “in order to make those funds available for other priorities.” “We need truly competitive bidding to maximize the value of our resources, particularly during this time of fiscal crisis,” Rauner wrote in the release. “State laws like the Prevailing Wage Act and the Project Labor Agreements Act are barriers to entry and inflate construction prices. “We need to reform the way we spend taxpayer dollars in order to deliver the most value to our residents and businesses.” The other line item, for a reported $1,141,224, was approved for “development” expenses at the WSRC. The bill stated that the funds would be shifted, in coordination with the Capital Development Board, from the State Parks Fund to the Department of Natural Resources. “The money that was not vetoed is being used to pay debt service on bonds that were issued to connect the City of Sparta’s sewer lines to the shooting complex,” said State Rep. Jerry Costello II (D-Smithton) in an emailed response to the Herald Tribune. “They had different, specific infrastructure improvements planned for the grant money that was vetoed.” In a June 12 news release, Rauner announced his administration would "suspend operations" at the WSRC starting Sept. 1 if a budget deal wasn't in place, or the one approved by the Democrat-controlled Legislature was. The action was labeled as part of a number of “management steps” considered to save an additional $420 million, but the release did not state how much money closing the WSRC would save. “We had a meeting with officials on Monday and we don’t know what’s going on,” said Sparta Mayor Jason Schlimme, who declined to name the officials. “I don’t think anyone is willing to commit to what’s going to happen.”

 

Interesting

 

So, The DNR will get to decide how to spend the $1.4 million budgeted originally for the WSRC?

 

The most ethical of the ATA will resign first. The most unethical already called his pals and said "lets stick together."

 

Maybe Lynn doesn't have this Illinois political thing down as good as I thought

 

Sen. Kotowski is still pushing for sale of complex saying the state can't keep subsidizing it. Now that the WSC has been brought into the budget debate by the Governor it seems nothing good will come from this. Kotowski feels the WSC was a way for Former Gov. Rod to get downstate votes and now the state is paying for a white elephant. Don't know anything about Illinois politics or Sen. Kotowski. Have to see what the next few weeks brings.

 

About Senator Kotowski:

And how did the senator get this info. He is a known lurker on americantrapshooter.com (guessing)

Kotowski is right. The ATA cronies went to bed with felon Rob Blagojevich. Illinois was fed a full plate of bs. Some ATA members reaped the rewards. Rod went to jail.

Now we have to foot the bill. The taxpayers of IL say "we aint paying the bill!" And why should they? Because a fellow driving a $400,000 motorhome and has a $20,000 backup gun wants entertainment? He is the guy that gets the taxpayer dollars?

Gipson is making a shiny penny while implying the governor is pandering?

 

Lynn Gipson is no dummy I assure you. If he made the statement about not being worried and the Governor is only pandering, I don't for one second believe he meant it and was only trying to act calm. Personally, I would have said "yes we are very concerned and have been formulating emergency plans for months just in case they are needed." "Hopefully, it will not be necessary."

I'd really be surprised if he has not been proceeding with contingency plans. I certainly would have been. The E. C. is worried as they should be. Put yourself in their decision making shoes. How are you feeling? A little worried I'll bet!

We can only hope for the best. I also hope for the day when many of my Delegate friends start becoming more involved with the decision making process or at least demand that they be apprised of all details of every important E. C. decision.

 

With all this going on it's about time that the ATA membership were advised that at least there was a "PLAN B". This would lesson the 'gossip" going around. At present we only know for sure that the Grand will be in Sparta in 2015 after that according to the info available who knows or if anybody does "they ain't talkin".

 

And how can you guarantee that?

 

He said it, I heard it, he acted like he meant it but I hope you are right history buff

 

Thank you for verifying that Mr. Gipson made those statements biggun 682. I hope I"m right too!

 

Best guess fifty miles from St Louis a deal has already been struct to sell.

 

OK so my friend in Illinois tells me Kotowski is looking for support to force the state to sell or privatize the WSC. Privatize, I would take to mean, lease it to someone or some similar agreement that takes the state off the hook and makes someone else responsible for any money lost. He is also playing up the point that the state was sold a bunch of goods that never materialized and the yearly attendance as a whole has been down year over year since it opened. As a northern Illinois democrat he could care less what money goes to the republican politicians in the south. I really hope they settle this before to many more jump in the fray and things are broken beyond repair.

 

Statement is a little late to the party.

 

Remember that old saying when someone mispronounces the name of the state?

"There is NO noise in Illinois.

It just might come to that.

Flyersarebest

 

Who could have see this coming?

 

A few years back there was a President of the ATA who touted "Transparency". I asked for that on the "Other" site, and I got chastised.

I was told we would find out on "A need to know basis", and that the "Powers That Be" had things under control, and the general membership need not be worried about such things. Afterall, that is what the EC was for.

They had a good man in charge of the "Oversight" committee..What did they do with that ??? My belief, and ONLY MY belief, is this man dove into things and got a little close to seeing what was really taking place. We all know what happened next.

That being said, I assume Something must be going on by now....

I do so hope a Plan "B" is in the making, if not already.

 

Fredoniabob....

Would you PM me please ?...I can't figure out how on here

 

The ATA got it's first Illinois eye opening on Sparta, and an Eye Closing w/it's possible sale or closing, and a worthless 10 yr. lease agreement.

Where do the Martins Stand w/their large donation on HOF Building
on Illinois DNR land? Were they protected?



GB DLS

 

I guess I'm not as smart as I thought.

Can someone please walk me through the process to post a PM to individuals on here ?

Thanks, Dave

 

PM sent with instructions to Brad's friend (I hope).

 

Latest News On WSRC: Illinois Outdoor Writer Les Winkeler says IDNR shouldn't be Budget Whipping Boy, the mere threat of closure hurts WRSC, The IDNR is at a critical juncture. Governor Bruce Rauner announced Friday that he plans to SHUTTER THE WRSC & RECREATIONAL COMPLEX. Information procured from the Southern Illinoisan Newspaper

Gary Bryant Dr.longshot

 

I have been reading the Southern Illinoisan news paper.

The articles you are referring to are from mid June.

I haven' seen anything more current.

We will shoot the Grand American in Sparta August 2015.

I am looking forward to my time in Illinois.

 

Statement was made July 4th by Governor, shuttering WRSC.

GB DLS

 

Thanks History Buff for the HOW TO information.

Main power into house shorted two unerground lines last night so we have had an interesting morning...

Will attempt PM later.

Dave

 

If true not very encouraging, the Grand should be ok for this year as the closeure date was previously set as September 01, 2015. If closeure is imminent I hope the previous date that was given (Sept 01, 2015) is honoured and the 2015 Grand will be held at the Sparta complex.

 

If anyone has a link please post it. I am not finding anything current.

Thanks

 

State Rep. Costello issued a statement:

http://www.suntimesnews.com/chester/news/2015/07-July/0702costello.htm

 

Well he sure is on our side. LOL
Yes I know its just more political posturing.

smoking357 you are doing a great job of finding these articles.
Thanks for doing that.

 

Good Lord, there could be hope yet. When a Democrat puts forth this agenda, there may be something left for us to have faith in.

 

Thanks Smoking357 for your submitting of the paper reports you find , it helps with all the back and forth pondering to see for what it is worth , Hope and pray they can get something worked out for the future of all the shooters out there .
JDHOG

 

"The American Trapshooting Association estimates that the complex brings over $22 million annually to the region" ...

Good thing they can trust the "American" Trapshooting Association to give them accurate numbers ..... The State of Illinois only has their own budget figures to work with .....

 

If the Sparta area/Illinois gets 22 million dollars added to their economy/local economy each year by virtue of ATA shooters .....

A total of 3200 'shooters' would have to spend $6,875.00 each, in the area businesses per-year. The 'entry fees' only contribute 3 bucks per-entry/event to the State and sales tax where it would apply. The targets, trophies, and most everything else are not purchased local. Most of the Vendors have no local connection. The area business gets the sales from whatever a cheap Trapshooter can not bring with them. So ... fuel, food, limited lodging, and Walmart shell sales. How that could be anything close to 22 million would be anyone's guess.

The Sparta dreamers need to wake up .... the State of Illinois has .......

 

Just read the letter from Gipson and it seems everything is going to be OK. State DNR is working with all the shooting entities on a new plan to be implemented soon. I guess we all got worried for no reason. Here I thought there might be a huge problem hitting soon and I was wrong. Can't figure how I got so off track knowing our ATA EC would always make the right decision.

 

That was a nice letter. It is good to see our supporters be vocal.

We are not out of the woods yet. lol

See you in Sparta this august.

 

"Once the budget issue is resolved, IDNR will launch a business plan change at the World Shooting Complex that has been in development for many months through the joint efforts of IDNR officials, shooting sports Association representatives and representatives of the shooting sports industry."

That's going to make for a fun Sunshine Law request. I trust these "joint efforts" for "many months" were conducted in keeping with Illinois' open meeting requirements, including posting times and dates and allowing public attendance and participation.

I'd also like to see the authorization from the legislature to embark on a "business plan change."

 

Interesting view ....

"The possibility of a suspension in the operation of the shooting complex has raised a great deal of controversy and rumor in the trapshooting community regarding the site of the Grand American. These rumors are unfounded and have no basis in fact."

"rumors" ... "unfounded" ... "no basis in fact" ??????

"The ATA has absolutely no plans or wishes to relocate the Grand American away from Sparta."

"absolutely" ... "no plans" ??????

The good thing about this press release ... you do not have to guess about a "plan-B" ... or any other 'just-in-case' plans ...

 

Absolutely no plans???

Hmmm. Someone must know something the rest of us are missing or the Golden Goose is about to lay a Golden Egg.

Reminds me of an old quote I read years ago:

"Confidence is that sure fired feeling you get before you fall flat on your face"

Regards.....Gerald

 

The letter gives hope to all who attend, most others could careless ... The Illinois Elected Officials have to contend with the voters (at some time) and if there is enough opposition they will have no choice in the matter but to shut the WSRC down and cut their losses ... The democrates as well as republicans are not happy with the return on investment let alone putting more money into a go no place investment ... The loss of over 22 Million tax payer dollars in 10 years will probably never be recovered based on all figures since it opened ... The state Elected Officials can only hold the voters at bay for so long before it come back and bites them personally and they have their jobs on the line ... The ATA is not the draw it once was, other shooting organizations obviously are less than impressed for what ever reason ... It will be interesting to see what happens and when ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Even at that level of 22 million the sales tax generated amounts to a bit over 1.3 million which is nowhere near the amount to pay off a 50 million dollar bond issue including interest and issuance costs and given the reported numbers that its losing nearly 2 million dollars a year its not looking good. Money wise its a black hole and be it this year or sometime in the near future the rug will be pulled out from under the ATA and the Grand will be history. It's all about the money and there is no money being generated to at least break even and pay off the bond issue.

 

OK, Everyone calm down. They're working on a plan and I'm sure it's a great plan, well actually I'm sure it's a good plan, well I hope it's a good plan, I mean it might be a good plan, well maybe they would like to have a plan, I mean they always....come up with something don't they. I going to lay down for awhile I'm getting a headache.

 

When do we see "The Plan"

 

The plan is being done in stages, ..... Stage one : Breakfast on the membership

Stage two: lunch on the membership etc ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

After all that eating you know what happens

"On the membership"

 

Faith, Faith, Gentlemen. Great minds are at work! What could possibly go wrong with the new plan. Politicians, government employees and the ATA EC, it doesn't get any better than this. This will be a plan the likes of which we've probably never imagined. Just imagine how happy everyone will be this time next year when your riding the new tram to your assigned bank after resting in your room at the new 500 room palace named the "Longshot Lodge."

 

Seitz 9010, Quoted
"Politicians, government employees and the ATA EC, it doesn't get any better than this. " ....

Got that right now kneel down and pray while you still can ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Time to bring back some Pet Rocks for luck.

 

A letter to the editor on the WSRC from the St. Louis Post Dispatch:

http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinio...cle_3fe72598-dd70-5527-a62a-09aba647c55c.html

 

A nice letter of support for sure.
Anyone hearing anything official from the Governors office?

 

If they are going to name that new Hotel after me, I want a Complete Resignation Of All the EC and BOD, I will want a new Business Management Team for the ATA so the Hotel can be filled 80 % of the year. All New ATA Management Team Must Have Been Successful Businessmen. I will want # of delegates to be proportion to their States Shooters, the only fair way to make decisions. They should resign before the September 1st Deadline. So new Business Management Team can start Fresh. Re-Negotiate a new lease w/ownership of the HOF Bldg and Property it stands on, Or Refund Monies to the HOF Trustees to locate a new Location for the HOF. A Revamp of the ATA Rule book, and Complete restitution of Powers to the Life Members. Re-Writing of the Corporation Regulations.

This is just for starters.

Gary Bryant Dr.longshot

 

Tram, an East- West Tram to center of Trap Line, stopping at each Bank Double starting and ending Banks, on a scaled Gauge which Storeman Norman, will Design w/his train Expertise/ and design of Tram Cars and Engines 2 of them, one East and One West. W/covered Tram Cars from the Elements Sun/Rain.

Money for the Tram System to be paid by Fares Collected for use of the Tram. .50 cents per ride. Per shooter/rider including Kids each Direction of travel.$5.00 for 10 Tokens.

Gary Bryant Dr.longshot

 

Although they may come up with a plan, I believe this should be a wake up call to our EC and BOD of the ATA.

I would still think they should pursue their own "Plan B" in the off chance we do loose that facility someday in the future.

Dave

 

If memory serves me correctly, Trapwife told us some time ago that plans were in the works.

 

As was said she was one of "those in the know."

 

Being as the politicians appear to be in charge I doubt that anyone is truly "in the know"

 

Local news coverage on the Complex.

 

Lynn Gipson best come up with a better reason or excuse than that ... The people fail to see over $22,000,000 dollars of tax payer dollars being wasted over the past 10 years, that can continue and cease depending on what the voters in the State of Illinois want ... Its the voters money so eventually they will get to make the call by forcing the ones they vote for to do whats best for all of the people not a few trapshooters ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

The $1.50 raise per hour for trap help for 49,000,000 hours using the ATA pay increase, that is the hours total for trap help for the length of just the Grand American Shoot. There was an Illinois minimum wage increase from $8.50 to $10.00 per hour. I divided the hourly rate they figured it would cost by $1.50 and came up with hours worked for all trap help.

GB DLS

 

The problem is when you start out in the hole ($22,000,000) its really hard to justify or try being able to get out of it ... If they break even for the next 10 years (which they won't) its still a loser that cannot be made to break even no matter how you do it or work the numbers ... It was a BAD business decision plain and simple, not only by the State of Illinois but by the ATA based on the direction they were heading even before the relocation to Sparta, Ill ... There is a big difference between wanting, needing, and having that goes way beyond the desire ... The State was painted a pictures of 100,000 plus attendees and shooters, that would of made the State stand to gross/net a major amount of income for the region ... The ATA was (is) in a downward spiral since before the relocation so to think that relocation was going to reverse it would not be logical thinking based on the negative responses the ATA had from the membership prior to and while comtemplating the move ... It was ignored totally and completely for whatever reason ... Build it and they will come ... Build what and who's coming ..? Location, Location, Location is and will always be a business's #1 consideration ... If Sparta was El Primo it would of been over run by business wanting to locate or relocate there long before anyone ever gave thought to putting the Grand American Championships there ... The other shooting venues obviously do not see the advantages or they would be standing in line for time slots ... The members of the other shooting venues will not show up, thats been proven more than once so they are blowing it off and moving on ... Personally, I hope the State keeps the facility operational and honors the agreement with the ATA but I do not see it in the tea leaves or a crystal ball ... There is no Politcian who will give up his position (cush job) for the sake of the bunch of trapshooters, or rubes in Southern Illinois, not now, not ever ... If it don't make sense, it just don't make sense (Judge Judy) and so it goes ... It will be interesting to see the new agreement that is in and has been in the works for several months, according to those in the know ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

49 MILLION hours?

 

I'm guesssing he used that same damn calculator or one just like it, the one I used from WalMart ... lol WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

I was going to edit it for him but figured he could do it.

 

The numbers do not look correct, but used ATA figures

Gary

 

24 hours in a day
7 days in a week = 168 hours
52 weeks in a year=8,736 hours

Now, take 49,000,000 HOURS and divide it by 8,736

That is how many YEARS?

Gary,
I don't know where you got that number but you might want to go back and check to make sure you read it correctly.
Now, for the trap help stuck in Sparta for the entire grand it might feel like 49 MILLION hours but I don't think that number is right. Just a guess

Even if it was "man hours", could they have that many workers, working enough hours per day to equal 49 MILLION hours ?
Flyersarebst

 

Word is the ATA is seeking to lease the grounds for two months /year and be responsible for maintenance. Unless the high labor costs can be eliminated the deal will likely flounder. Cardinal Center is out of the mix because of the pistol ranges plan. Stay tuned!

 

"Stay tuned!" ... for what ????? "Lynn Gipson" has made some public statements that the Grand will be in Sparta for years to come ...

"Word is the ATA is seeking to lease the grounds for two months /year and be responsible for maintenance." ... maybe they are planning to award All American points for mowing skills. When the ATA jumps off the cliff some will need employable skills ... so they can get plenty of mowing practice for a resume.

"Unless the high labor costs can be eliminated the deal will likely flounder." ... sounds like that is the problem for a place that large for ANYONE ... when the Sporting Clays area grows into uncontrolled weeds ... why would the 'ATA' need it to maintain it, the bored rich kids will have more rabbits to shoot at in their 'off-time' ...

The State gives a figure of around $150,000.00 per month operational expense for the place .... two months of anything close to that for the ATA to hold the Grand there makes sense to who ??????

 

WPT I corrected the figures, this Walmart Calculator carried out too many decimals, If you divided the increase of money by
$1.75 you get # of employees employed at WRSC for the week divided by hours worked.

GB DLS

 

As long as Illinois ensures the process is conducted through Illinois normal RFP requirements with the legislature being fully advised and not as a private transaction.

Otherwise, the U.S. Attorney might need a call.

 

Lynn Gipson appears to be the talking head for the ATA or he is making statements (scripted) they feel people want to hear ... If the operational cost and maintainance for 2 months was $150,000 per month, it would eliminate any possible profit the ATA could realize off of the shoot unless there are some provisions in the agreement for the ATA to control more of the revenue such as shell sales, camping fees, (I think they control, the camping now) etc ... If you use the State of Illinois numbers, they come up to $157,416.66 per month (X's 2 = $314,833.32) for operational cost and maintainance which would substancially cut into any profit realized by the ATA unless the attendance continues to drop off, then it would also ... It would seem to be another move made in desparation by the ATA to keep the floundering Grand American on basic Life Support rather than let it die a peacefull death with diginty and move on and regroup ... The attendance dropping off can only lessen the over all profitability ... The 10 year leases are up this year and unless a major majority of the campers renew leases even on a year to year basis that could be another significant cut in funding (income) ... Gamaliels has a monopoly on the shell sales on site so they can be assessed a vendors fee of 10% to help the ATA out ... The ATA can't afford to assess the vendors or they will not have any because of the cost to them already ... We have to wait and see what agreement they come up with and go from there obviously ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

If the ATA leases the property for two months a year what does Illinois do with it the other ten? Currently, I believe the ATA is responsible for all the camping spots but they also have to pay or guarantee the IDNR a set amount for each spot so their profit margin is small. From what I've been told the idea was floated that agreement should be reached by all shotgun sports associations including SASS to share in the yearly cost of the WSC but the sporting Clay and Skeet guys told them they already have a home ground to support so I guess it's falling back on the ATA and the state to reach an agreement. My friend in Chicago is telling me that while agreement maybe reached for another year the state is actively starting to look for someone to purchase the facility to get the state out from under the costs. The ATA has no way of coming up with a plan to carry the costs of the facility and no one else is offering to help with the costs.

 

If Sparta is being put up for sale, why would the ATA consider buying it?

Shelbyville was the #1 choice on a purchase plan. The ATA only chose Sparta so they didn't have to spend the cash involved in a purchase.

 

"If you use the State of Illinois numbers, they come up to $157,416.66 per month" .... you have to also keep in mind that is an 'average' .....

The middle of the summer should be 'peak' expense, only reduced from what should be lower expense in Fall and Winter.

So ..... would any lease/rent figure be 'actual' for the two months, or an 'estimate' ??????? An 'actual' figure should put the 'Grand-figures' in red ink ......

 

The facility would go to hell in a hand basket faster if it just sits there and is not used at all or would be subject to being vandalized ... The yearly start up cost would escalate considerably with having to get the machines ready and serviced, the grounds, camp ground, set up and in shape for visitors ... ... The average for the months in operation would be more than the estimated average strickly because of the above stated costs ... I can see that it would look good on paper, but then again reality strikes and rears its ugly head ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

If this is what is going on then it is probably best to let the Grand go on vacation for a bit while the ATA gets it's act together and in the meantime the 5 Zones can each hold a championship.

OR

A champion can be declared by combining the scores of 3 of the Zone Championships to come up with a winner.

 

I don't think the ATA has any plan to purchase the WSC. It just seems there's a large facility losing money with no suitable solution in sight. Not bashing anyone, I just don't see how it works out given the numbers being thrown around. It's a great facility in a remote site that will always have trouble drawing participants. It'll be interesting to see the upcoming solution.

 

Well said Seitz9010.

Many of us have these exact thoughts . . . . . . . . and are considered "bashers" by many for having them.

 

True. And if you have "OH" behind your name, you are automatically the reason for lack of attendance at Sparta.

 

Harder media coverage. Illinois Policy gets interviewed on this one.

"Shooting Complex In The Crosshairs"

Shooting Complex In The Crosshairs

"Sparta – It cost nearly $50 million. Now it is in the budget cutting crosshairs.


The World Shooting & Recreational Complex in downstate Sparta is a money loser."

 

Ill is 1.6 billion in the hole this year, next year is projected to be 6.xx billion? I'd think some serious cost cutting measures may be in their future real soon! The state is bankrupt now and the outflow continues. I sure hope our organization has an alternate plan on the books, just in case!

HAP

 

I do not thing a reasonably logical person needs a calculater to figure out where this is going ... The State of Illinois has always been known to spend it like they got it and several not so good investments have long since been forgotten ... There is an eventuality to this, so sooner or later better be ready for the hammer to drop ... Location, Location , location, did I say location is the key to success or it can make a great idea a really bad one in a very quick hurry ... The developement of a site makes it worth only what you can get out of it in the event it has to be discarded at some or anytime in the future ... This will be interesting to see how, if the State of Illinois pulls this one off ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Speculation is close to closeure, we should know more after the Grand and surely by the forecast September 01 deadline. Hopefully the shooting complex will still be in our future, I am skeptical of this due to the present and future financial situation of the State of Illinois but again we must realize that we are dealing with and at the mercy of politicians.

 

Unfortunately, this problem will continue to come up year after year and cause the ATA and THOF to consider their options. Both organizations certainly do not need this issue on their plate after establishing Sparta as their home.

 

History Buff I think you hit it on the nose.
I am not sure we could ever have faith in the government of IL again

 

http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinio...cle_3fe72598-dd70-5527-a62a-09aba647c55c.html

A letter appearing in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Larry Thomas of Sparta, IL. I think a Sparta area political official. The page is dated July 22, 2015.

=============================================

Closure of shooting complex in Sparta, Ill., would be devastating

Would you be interested if I told you that the state of Illinois could host a large national event drawing tens of thousands of people to our state? People would attend from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Most would travel throughout Illinois, stopping at our restaurants, visiting our tourist sites, visiting our state parks and historic sites, shopping at our malls and stores, purchasing fuel and countless other necessities.

When these thousands of visitors arrive at their event they would fill motels in a 40-mile radius. Many more will travel in motor homes, enough to fill 1,000 campsites. Every restaurant in the region will be filled. Our visitors will buy supplies by the truckload, money pouring into our state and local economy. Wouldn't that be a tremendous economic benefit to our state?

You must be wondering what type of event would draw so many visitors to our state. Perhaps it's a convention for a political party or church group? Maybe it's an event like the NCAA Final Four or a PGA golf tournament? Any of those are worthy events that our state would be proud to host, but those events only occur occasionally, and the competition to host such events is fierce. Many cities and states spend millions to battle for the rights to host those occasional events. But what if we could host a large annual event? The answer is we can, we will again in August, we want to in the future. But, the future is in doubt.

The event is the Grand American Trapshooting event, which has held its annual competition in recent years at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta in Randolph County. The WSRC is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The event has been beneficial for the governing organization, the American Trapshooting Association and for our region and state. The ATA is even now finishing a million-dollar museum building on the grounds that will house their Trapshooting Hall of Fame. The ATA chose Illinois for their event over numerous other competitors in locations including Indiana, Las Vegas and San Antonio. They agreed to a 10-year commitment and have been in negotiations to extend their contract another ten years.

Now this annual event's future is in doubt. Gov. Bruce Rauner threatens to close the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in September. Members of the governor's staff have instructed IDNR officials to not meet with local civic leaders to discuss the closure. The closure of this facility would be devastating for our region. The WSRC not only hosts the Grand American event for several weeks in August, it has numerous other shooting events throughout the year. Last week, 2,400 people attended a scholastic shooting event. Plus there are many wedding receptions, banquets, civic activities and concerts on the grounds.

Critics may claim the WSRC isn't making a profit. I will leave that to the accountants and bookkeepers to decide. But when you total the dollars, please include the many benefits to our regional and state economies. I'm not sure we would find profits from any of our state parks or recreation areas if they were held to such scrutiny. The purpose of these facilities is to serve our citizens and our guests. It defies logic to close the doors on the WSRC. It is built. It is ready. Lest you think I am encouraging support for personal reasons, I should tell you I am not a shooter, but I value, as we all should, the benefits of having the WSRC in my state. So I ask you to contact your civic leaders and elected representatives to fight this closure.

The state of Illinois and the people of Illinois have made a tremendous commitment and investment in our region by building a world-class facility, the World Shooting and Recreation Complex. It's here; it's ready; let's use it.

Larry Thomas • Sparta, Ill.

=============================================

Shoot well.

John

 

News about Rep. Costello's petition:

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/2968216...bring-petition-invitation-to-gov-rauners-desk

 

Sports: Throw targets now, worry later at WSRC

http://thesouthern.com/sports/outdo...cle_aa05c429-ba9e-5d24-ac46-dde1c35d4bf3.html

 

This line from the article jumps right off the page.

"Gipson said the ATA has had no negotiations with Gov. Rauner since he made the statement in mid-June."

Flyersarebest

 

By Gov. Rauner instructing the State officials to have no discussions with anyone pertaining to the Sparta complex and his decision to cut funds for the complex it begins to look alot like another state does not want the ATA. Again we all hope this is just a political ploy politicians against politicians.

 

It's getting serious in Illinois.

Rauner just informed AFSCME of 94 layoffs, some from WSRC. AFSCME is very upset.

http://www.afscme31.org/news/rauner-threatens-94-layoffs-in-state-government

The Southern is reporting 120 possible layoffs. Nine staffers at the WSRC just got layoff notices.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/g...cle_dd7542eb-8f36-535e-bdfe-56b263484878.html

This isn't good. A pallor sits atop the Grand.

Sparta, shooting complex

 

New story:

http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/Wo...ational-Complex-Facing-Closure-320691031.html

Let's look at this horribly contradictory quote:

"Mike Herman, manager of the ATA Store at the Complex, travels to Sparta every year from Colorado and camps here. He says Sparta has enjoyed benefits from having the complex nearby.

"One of the big pluses coming to Sparta was the increased camping available," Herman said. "

Wait, what? How is camping a benefit to Sparta? If they want to help Sparta, tear out every campsite at the complex, and force the cheapskates to buy hotel rooms in town.

 

Hotel rooms in town? Have you ever been to the Sparta Motel, even driving past gives people the shivers

 

Corresponding video to Post #92.

 

Gipson says "it's finally heading in a fantastic direction." "It is hard for us to fathom why this is happening."

A few issues here.

I believe he thinks the place "is heading in a fantastic direction." He not only says it but believes it!

He says he can't fathom it.

Confused.....yeppers. This guy is confused.



"Heading in a fantastic direction"

 

It sounds like Gipson thinks the place is going in a great direction but can't fathom why.

I listened to that interview. Sounded like he DOES think it is going great. The part he can't fathom is why the state/gov. is talking about shutting it down.

Flyersarebest

 

Layoffs cast shadow over Grand American

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/g...cle_834ab2eb-82bd-56d2-891c-3f01c3e9c7f5.html

"SPARTA — Shooters from all over the United States have gathered in Sparta for the 10th, and perhaps final, Grand American competition at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex."

 

New Editorial from The Southern.

Les Winkeler takes some swipes at us in it.

http://thesouthern.com/news/opinion...cle_3b24f6af-4488-55dd-bcf3-6e2d16d46250.html

"The logistics of finding a new home for the Grand American in less than a year is mind-boggling."

No, Les, I and a bunch of folks connected through this site could put together a new home for the 2016 Grand in a few hours. The 2016 event would look every bit polished and professional.

"Mind-boggling?" Not unless you're the kind of guy who loses at Tic-Tac-Toe.

 

Trapshooters any anyone concerned with WSRC needs to watch this video from the Illinois State Journal Register to understand what's going in with Illinois sports funding.

http://www.sj-r.com/section/?template=videodetail&vid=4420262700001&Harness racing purses plummet at Illinois State Fair

Excellent story.

 

357,
You couldn't organize a tic tac toe tournament in 10 years.