MERLO? LOST, CAPTURED, NO CONTACT!

Merlo, hasn't checked in as planned. Not sure where he is or if we should be worried as yet. The TP left last night is still there so I guess we might be a little concerned for his safety if we don't hear from him by morning. Keeping my fingers crossed for him.

 

JANUARY 13, 2016 3:55 PM

Potential deal will keep Grand American shooting tournament in Sparta
Official announcement of deal is scheduled for Friday at shooting complex

American Trapshooting Association will likely operate complex in spring, summer months

Specifics of deal not available



In this Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015 photo, a squad of shooters participate in opening day competition at the Grand American World Trapshooting Tournament at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta, Ill. Les Winkeler AP
BY TOBIAS WALL

twall@bnd.com

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The Amateur Trapshooting Association will announce on Friday what a Sparta city official and other media have said is a deal to ensure the World Shooting and Recreational Complex hosts the Grand American trapshooting tournament this summer.

Sparta City Manager Corey Rheinecker said Wednesday the agreement in place will “let the ATA come in May, June, July and August to operate the complex.”

Trapshooting operations at the Sparta complex, which is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was shuttered Oct. 1 during the state budget spat that is still ongoing, though the nine union workers employed at the site are still on the job.

According to IDNR, the complex brings in about $1.1 million each year but costs $3 million to operate.

But local officials say the complex and the events it hosts spurs millions of dollars of economic activity in the region.

The ATA is based in Sparta. Lynn Gipson, the group’s executive director, was not available for comment Wednesday.

“I’m anxious to hear what they have to say officially,” Rheinecker said. “For the city itself, we’re looking at a $25,000 or $30,000 sales tax revenue increase” over last year thanks to the Grand American.

The mechanics of the deal have yet to be announced.

State Rep. Jerry Costello II, D-Smithton, whose district includes the complex, was not available Wednesday to discuss how the state planned to allow the ATA to oversee shooting operations if the state budget impasse is not resolved and the facility remains closed.

The ATA will announce the agreement at 3 p.m. Friday at the complex.


Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article54525460.html#storylink=cpy



Covering for Merlo : WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Oh yeah, I'm excited now....

 

3:30 pm

Corey Rheinecker, City Mangager Sparta, told me several times that he has not spoken to or heard from Merlo. He did seem to imply that he was somewhat misquoted by journalist Tobias Wall. Wall published the following in a local paper.

Sparta City Manager Corey Rheinecker said Wednesday the agreement in place will “let the ATA come in May, June, July and August to operate the complex.”

Corey strongly implied he does not know that an agreement is in place. He also implied that he did not get the information from Merlo nor has Merlo been in his office recently.

The City Manager said he has not spoken with anyone from the ATA about the agreement and that we were the only person(s) other than Tobias Wall to contact him.

 

How would you get a tax increase over last year when there will probably be fewer shooters? Wonder what the ATA budget will be to operate the facility for three months versus how much they'll take in. I'm sure they have a plan.

 

Maybe he as pushed into the flood waters.

 

He just posted.

 

The ATA obviously does not want to over work anyone so they added a month for prep time and easier math ... The State of Illinois claims it costs them 3 million annually, so if the ATA is going to take over the facility for 1/3 of that the rental cost should be at least 1 million dollars plus incidentals ... The facility has managed to generate 1.1 million on average over the past 11 years being in use for 12 months (123 days actually) so now the facility has to generate at least 1 million dollars as a estimated break even for taking care of the place plus any profits and or losses of member money unless they have someone ready to bet on a 3 legged horse on a long track in the mud ... This has gotten to the point where I am sure many people just want to see whats going to happen and how much money its going to cost for this fiasco to take place ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

The tax increase (?) will be realized because they raised the taxes ... Less people, more taxes and less wear and tear on the place ...

 

"And the winner loses all"

 

Just heard a couple last minute changes taking place. I'm being told the state's only goal is to get rid of any expenses regarding the WSC and they are doing just that. First shoe drops now another soon to follow but it will all be on the ATA and their financial resources.

 

I have been a Life Member of the ATA for over 40 years, cannot believe for a minute that the EC would put the Associations financial resources at risk to be able to host a shoot that has proved to be a loser every year for the past 11 years ... There has to be a law to keep the EC, ED and some of the BOD to keep them from squandering the Associations money ( members money ) on something of this nature especially after seeing the results time and time again ... I cannot believe there are no Delegates making a stand against such a nonsense, illogical, unreasonable, and unrealistic decision to go forward with the grand after the past 11 years to use as an example to not have the shoot at all, if ever again ... This proves what losers are involved in the EC and BOD of the ATA ... This is not right by the farthest reach of any ones imagination but is conclusive proof that we the members and the ATA are doomed ... WPT ... (YAC) ...