Neighbors urge county review after explosions at Zeebe Falcon's Conservation Club shooting area

Several residents of Green Township told the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 they want county review of activities at a private shooting area affiliated with the Zeebe Falcon's Conservation Club.

Randy Palmer, who identified his address on Myrtle Trail, said two explosions occurred on Feb. 1 near the club's shooting site and that his home and others "shook." He described the explosive target product commonly called Tannerite as an "ammonium nitrate compound" that, when mixed with aluminum powder, becomes an explosive. Palmer said he provided video of the blast captured on a neighbor's security camera and that he called county police after the second detonation.

Diane Fox, who said she lives on Myrtle Road, said the blasts and frequent rapid fire are a new problem in the past year and that the club's backstop appears to be next to a neighbor's barn and property line. "My horses that day just about ran me over when that shot went off," she said. Fox asked which permits apply, whether the club's insurance covers the activity and whether anyone inspects the site for safety and setback compliance.

Both speakers said the club is private and member-only, but that the explosions and shaking have affected nonmembers. They asked county staff to look into the legality of on-site explosive targets, insurance coverage, and property-line setbacks.

The transcript records no formal action by the board on the matter; commissioners invited the speaker to speak with staff after the meeting for more information.