Residents urge larger venue and more time as supervisors hear opposition to proposed shooting range

Several Madison County residents told the board during public comment that a proposed Black Flag Arsenal/Vanguard tactical training facility on the outskirts of Winterset should not proceed without fuller public engagement and that future hearings should be moved to a larger venue.

A resident speaking about the subdivision item said Planning and Zoning had previously denied the gun‑range site after hundreds turned out in opposition. "Planning and Zoning Commission told them no," the speaker said, adding that 400 people attended the earlier meeting and that the opposition was strong.

Jane Dawson, who identified herself as representing the Middle River Neighbor Alliance and as a long‑time Madison County resident, told the board the courthouse meeting was too hot and crowded and that dozens of would‑be speakers were left out. "When this is scheduled for public hearing, that it is moved to a larger venue," Dawson said, requesting a school auditorium or church that can accommodate more people and provide sound. She said her group would submit written letters to the board.

Board members acknowledged the crowding and said staff would contact the school to explore using the auditorium for a future hearing; the chair said the board would look into venues with better seating and sound. No formal board action on the gun‑range application occurred during the meeting; the comments were received during the public comment period.

Why it matters: The speakers said the proposed range raises community concerns about siting, safety and procedure and argued that a constrained hearing environment limited public participation. The board indicated willingness to relocate a future hearing to an appropriately sized venue.

Next steps: Zoning staff and the board will determine venue availability and scheduling should the application return for a separate public hearing; opponents plan to file written comments.