(VELPEN) – Indiana sheriffs and deputies today announced the cancellation of their 4th Annual Sheriffs’ Shotgun Shoot scheduled for Sept. 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Proceeds from the yearly events go toward the development of the statewide not-for-profit Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, a 62-acre training retreat being built in Clay County for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.
“For three years, hundreds of public safety, business and labor leaders have joined ranks at Cool Springs Education Center for successful sporting clay competitions hosted by Garmong Construction Services of Evansville, Indianapolis and Terre Haute and OFS, a Huntingburg-based manufacturer of high-quality business furniture with showrooms in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and Los Angeles,” said Scott Minier, ISYR executive director. “OFS also owns and operates the world-class sporting clay course in Velpen, Ind., which OFS graciously donates the use of for our annual charitable fundraisers.”
Minier said event co-sponsors this year were to also include TPC Mechanical, a well-respected, full-service mechanical contractor located in Carmel, Ind., and John Jones Auto Group with dealerships across Southern Indiana in Corydon, Greensville, Salem and Scottsburg.
“Elevatus Architecture of Fort Wayne provides ISYR significant support year-round,” Minier said. “Elevatus specializes in architecture, planning, and interiors for K-12 schools, higher education, criminal justice, and aviation facilities.”
NASCAR legend Tony Stewart was scheduled to be the honorary chair of the canceled Youth Ranch benefit, which each year offers of trigger locks and safety briefings to all sporting clay teams.
Organizers hope the “Sheriffs’ Shotgun Shoot” will return next spring or fall, as Covid-19 vaccines become available, Minier said.
To donate money or in-kind materials to the Youth Ranch, Minier said to call 317-460-4242, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com or write to ISYR, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834
