Ribbon Cut For Warren Shooting Sports Complex

A large crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting at the new City of Warren Shooting Sports Complex.

After years of hard work the City of Warren and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission dedicated the new Warren Shooting Sports Complex.  Mayor Bryan Martin served as Master of Ceremonies for the dedication program.  The invocation was given by Alderman Marty Reep and the welcome by Alderman Joel Tolefree, Chairman of the City Council's Economic Development  Committee.

The cutting of the ribbon was a long-awaited event!

Making remarks were State Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, Game and Fish Commission Chairman Emon Mahony and Game and Fish Director Mike Knoedl.  Following the program and ribbon cutting, a shooting demonstration was provided by the Warren High School Shooting Team coached by Charles Bridwell.

On hand for the dedication were aldermen Fufa Fullerton, Marty Reep, Jimmy Moseley and Joel Tolefree.  Also attending were a number of staff members for Game and Fish as well as a large contingent of Warren and Bradley County residents.  A lunch was provided by the Bradley County Economic Development Commission and around 150 people were served.

A special thanks was given to the following businesses and individuals that helped make the project a

Area youth shooting enthusiasts showed off their skills to the crowd.

reality:
Potlatch Corp.
Armstrong Flooring
Stan Sweeney
Doug Bigham
Steve Richardson
SEACBEC
Rusty Densmore
Eric Corker
Charlie Rauls
Charles Bridwell and the Warren Shooting Team
It was noted that the lodge building was constructed by the Building Trades Class of SEACBEC lead by instructor Rusty Densmore.  All materials were bought by the City of Warren.

Game and Fish Director Knoedl stated that some $312,000.00 of state and federal grant money went into the range and $16,000.00 has been provided for the first years operation.  The City of Warren also contributed to the project with cash and labor.

Director Knoedl reported that plans are underway to expand the range by adding a rifle and pistol shooting area.  He thanked the City of Warren for their cooperation in building a facility for the entire state to use.

Mayor Martin told the crowd that the Range Manager will be Thomas "Bubba" York.  Information on hours of operation will be forthcoming.  The facility will be utilized by the Warren Shooting Team and will be open to the public.

The range is located on the Carmel Cutoff Road west of Highway 63.

Right:  Range Manager Thomas "Bubba" York.