Ribbon Cut

Ribbon Cut and Grand Opening celebrate new location for Wells Firearms

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[April 04, 2023]   On Saturday morning, March 4th, Jeremy Wells of Wells Firearms hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening of his new firearms training facility at 509 North Chicago Street in Lincoln.

A few months ago, Wells moved his business from a small space in the Keokuk strip mall to just across the street and down the road a piece to the former Illico shed and adjoining property.



The facility which now consists of two large building includes a retail space and a separate space for gun safety classes along with the small section set aside for handling UPS shipping and receiving.







Across the parking lot in the old Illico building, a new archery range has been installed. The building is still a work in progress according to Wells who explained recently his intentions to expand what is already in place. Currently the building offers an archery range with three-dimensional targets that move, set up at different ranges for short shots as well as long. There is also a bullseye target for practicing precision archery. In addition, Wells said that a second floor will be established in the building strictly for bullseye targets. The plan is to keep the ground floor target as well so as to make the range accessible for persons with disabilities. The current archery range occupies half of the width of the building. Plans for the other side of the building are in the works as well.

Within the business, Wells says he has about 20 instructors including his six core members that include himself, Donnie Winterbauer, Greg Henrichsmeyer, and Jim and Jan Leuchtenberg. Another instructor is just coming into the core group. Bob Rankin will be teaching hatchet throwing as a sport.

In the classroom setting, Wells says that he has worked with a number of local clubs and organizations including the Mount Pulaski High School shooting club. He has also worked with local law enforcement agencies.

At the ribbon cutting on Saturday morning, it was stressed that the programs offered through Wells, are all about teaching safe responsible use and handling of firearms. Hunter safety is an important part of the programs offered whether it be with use of shotguns, hunting rifles or bow and arrow.

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Wells also told the group gathered Saturday morning that his business is bringing people from out of town into the community. He spoke about how people are coming from throughout the central region of the state for the safety courses and education offered at the facility. He noted that this brings people into Lincoln and opens the door for them to do more and see more while they are in the city.

On hand for the ribbon cutting were Wells, the Leuchtenbergs, Winterbauer, Henrichsmeyer, Rankin, Lincoln Aldermen Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Steve Parrott, and Kevin Bateman who also represented the city as the Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of Mayor Tracy Welch. City Clerk Peggy Bateman was also on hand and LEAD Director Andrea Runge. Making up the LDN Ribbon Cutters and helping with the event was Logan County Tourism Director Alice Roate, Lincoln Daily News Director of Advertising Karen Hargis, LDN Managing Editor Nila Smith.

Kevin Bateman was called on to speak on behalf of the city. He spoke briefly saying that the day was a celebration of growth in the community and well worth noting. He expressed appreciation to Wells for investing further in the community and commended him on growing his business while taking up another once vacant property and turning it into something special.



When Bateman had finished speaking, Wells and the invited guests behind the ribbon posed for the traditional group photo.



The numerous guests witnessing the event were encouraged to help with the countdown and when they all reached “snip,” Wells cut the ribbon on his new location.

The rest of the day was to be dedicated to a Grand Opening with tours offered of the facility and opportunities to speak with instructors and learn more about the activities that take place at the facility.

Wells Firearms is open six days a week. Monday through Friday the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Congratulations to Jeremy and his crew, and best wishes for a successful future in the new location.

[Nila Smith]

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