Owen County limits new gun range to county law enforcement after neighborhood meeting

Owen County commissioners voted to limit use of a proposed county firearms range to county deputies and the Spencer Police Department, after county leaders and the sheriff’s office briefed the board on a neighborhood meeting that raised concerns about noise, safety and outside access.

Speaking to commissioners, Speaker 10, who led the neighborhood outreach, said the meeting focused on two main concerns: details of a draft memorandum of understanding and whether outside agencies would use the facility. "I would recommend that the range just be a county use range only," Speaker 10 said, citing neighbors’ concerns about frequency and noise. Commissioner (Speaker 1) moved to restrict routine use to county deputies and Spencer PD; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners amended the motion to allow limited use by outside agencies in narrow circumstances, such as when an officer from another agency needs a one-off qualification. Speaker 1 said the change would accommodate needs the sheriff described while limiting regular outside use. The amended motion passed on a 3-0 voice vote.

The board directed the county attorney to review the MOU in the scheduled executive session and report back. Sheriff and range staff said they will create a notification process (email list and social media notices) and internal procedures — including minimum staffing and dispatch notification — to reduce confusion when training is underway.

Next steps: the county attorney will review and raise legal concerns about the draft MOU in executive session, and commissioners said they will revisit the agreement once counsel provides guidance.