Three state lawmakers say they want to preserve a landmark shooting event in Sparta.
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta draws 10 thousand visitors to the region during the Grand American Championship.
The pandemic has put this year’s plans on hold in Illinois. The Amateur Trapshooting Association says they will still hold the event… somewhere.
State Senator Paul Schimpf says Illinois has until mid-June to decide if the Sparta facility can host the event.
“This is something that is recurring, going forward every year, so we’re not talking about a one-time hit.”
A few years ago, a youth trap shooters event moved away taking thousands of dollars in tax revenue. State Representative Nathan Reitz says he doesn’t want a repeat
“Like most other things when people decide to leave and go somewhere else, they generally don’t come back.”
The lawmakers say they want the Governor to allow events to happen on a case by case basis. They argue trap shooter’s already practice social distancing as part of their safety regulations.
