CLUB PROJECTS

(As of August 1, 2010)

THE BUILDING ADDITION IS OPEN!    

The sign-in desk has been relocated from the indoor range, as well as the refrigerator, first aid kit, mailbox, and bulletin boards.  The entry light is the only non-timer switch to turn on and off as you enter and leave.  PLEASE KEEP THE RANGE DOOR CLOSED at all times to keep noise, dust, and humidity in the old range building where it belongs.  Close the new building entry door to keep out the elements, the bugs (and frogs) whenever conditions warrant.  We will continue with interior cleanup and furnishing as time goes by.

Annual Workday in June went well, and a lot was accomplished. 

A new metal roof and supporting structure was put up over the covered firing line.  No more moving our shooting equipment several times to avoid the drips!  All of the outdoor target mats, frames, and boards were repaired or replaced.  Several new spare portable frames were built for the 7-15-25 yard range, and a new storage shed was erected down on the 200 yard range to hold all the CMP match targets.  The trap field bench was repaired.  Indoors, the sand pit framing was repaired and improved.  Lots and lots of brush was cleared, fences repaired, and the old 25 yard range posts removed.  On the building addition, insulation was put in for the ceiling and walls, and the outside siding was painted.  Thanks to all who helped out.

Building Addition Update:

The water supply line was trenched in and connected, and the trench backfilled and graveled over just prior to Workday.  After the insulation was completed on Workday, drywall was delivered and installed by the usual dedicated group of weekly volunteers.    Corners, taping and mudding began with volunteers, but we decided to contract out the remaining finishing, getting the work done quicker and professionally.  The ceiling will also be stomped.    A septic system is planned for installation in the next couple of months.  Cabinets, trim, fixtures, lighting and a ceiling fan will appear soon.  We will fill in with some furnishings as time and money permits throughout the year.

(Previously):  The concrete work was completed in April by our contractor, Crestwell Concrete.   Club member plumbers roughed in the plumbing for the bathroom.  Creswell provided the footings, floor, ramp, and doorstep for the addition.  They also completed the concrete flooring of the indoor range by filling in the down-range gravel area.  (Stripes were then added to remind shooters to stay in their lanes while shooting at the portable target frames.)  Volunteer laborers framed in and boxed in the walls, erected the roof trusses, and nailed down the sheeting by May first.  That Saturday, more volunteers laid down the metal roofing and closed out the transition to the existing building.  Over the next couple of weeks, the soffiting was installed, wiring run, plumbing completed, a new door hung and a window installed.  Building inspection was completed and siding added. 

When you use this new building for relaxing before or after shooting, for a training session, or just to use the bathroom, be sure to thank one of the volunteers who helped provide this cleaner and quieter alternative to the indoor range area.

Ameren backfilled their utility ditch again except for the wash-out hole where the drain tile was cut.  This hole is marked by flags and cones on the western edge of the road into the Club.  They have resisted our requests for them to make the necessary repairs to the 12” pipe they cut during trenching.  We will have to repair it ourselves and submit a claim for costs incurred.  In the meanwhile, continue to use caution in that area when entering and exiting the Club.

The prairie grass was burned off this spring, and is coming back nicely.  Two Black Maple trees were planted in middle-May along the 200 yard firing line thanks to the suggestion and generosity of member Dennis Kerasotes.  In time they should provide good shade for the bench and berm shooting positions along there…. 

More road shavings will be added to the road into the Club as necessary to keep its surface.  Road pack gravel will be added to the parking area and the areas between the buildings and the outdoor firing lines once the septic trenching work is completed.  A packed gravel ramp has been built up along side the new addition to the doorstep.  The dirt and fill removed from the new addition site that is currently piled by the lower gate will be added to a backstop berm when the access ground dries out.

It’s the mowing season, and it’s a big job to keep the grounds from being overrun with grass and brush.  When mowing is in progress the outdoor ranges are closed.  Please cooperate and communicate with the mowing volunteers if you are on club grounds.  If the “Range Closed” sign is out, it means closed.   There may be mowers out where you can’t see them.  Do not handle firearms on any firing line with anyone down range for any reason!