By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com
It took about a 90-minute discussion, but the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new county fair facility on the northwest corner of Kansas Highway 7 and Polfer Road.
Much of the now-approved proposal was not touched on by commissioners or members of the public who packed the chamber room Thursday night.
Instead, most of the discussion centered around the shooting range that's a part of the facility.
During a nearly hour-long public forum, members of the Wyandotte County 4H shooting team, along with family members, spoke in favor of the shooting sports facility.
"We're not trying to pursue anyone to become gun-enthusiasts," said Lydia Patterson. "Shooting sports is a very stereotypical sport...we don't use guns in the manner (most think)."
Patterson, who's won awards while taking part in the sport, mentioned a stat about the sport of ping-pong causing more injuries each year than shooting sports.
For opponents of the shooting range, the proximity of the range to homes in the area concerned them.
Richard Wagner, who lives within range of the facility, said supporters would not be affected by the shooting since they don't live in the area.
"It's easy to support something if it doesn't affect you," Wagner said. "We are not against the 4-H'ers. We're against the public shooting range."
