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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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