Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, V-E Day, truly a great fete of courage and commitment by the greatest generation.  Everyone should take a moment and think of all those men and women who did an impossibly difficult job and literally saved the world.  If you know any of those people who are still with us, thank them from the bottom of your heart.

Right now we are only allowing current range members to enter the range and they must comply with current social distancing and hygiene. At this time we are asking that members do not bring guests.  No organized activities, classes, or leagues are taking place at this time.  We will let you know when the range is fully open once the state restrictions are lifted.  We are projecting to have the range fully open by mid-May.  

An old English proverb states that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.  Truer words were never spoken particularly when it comes to Executive Orders issued by Governor Pritzker and many other governors throughout United States.  Part of the latest Executive Order requires citizens to wear a face mask while out in public.  The problem is that if you are a firearm owner and comply with that order, you are also violating the Illinois Criminal Code.  So, you are guilty if you do and you are guilty if you don’t.  

After thoughtful consideration and reflection, the Board of Directors of the Civilian Marksmanship Program announces the cancellation of the 2020 National Matches at Camp Perry.  

Recently there have been a series of break-ins in northeast Illinois within 50 miles of the Illinois-Indiana border.  Farmer’s machine sheds have been the targets.  Most of the stolen equipment are tractors and combines that have very expensive parts that can be resold or scrapped for a very high price.  The new machinery includes platinum in the catalytic converters as well as very sophisticated electronics.  The robbers destroy the machinery in the process.  For those of you who are reading this in a city, we are talking about machinery costing between $300,000 to a $1,000,000.  As with any crime spree, the criminals are becoming bolder and, in this case, are starting to target homes.  Sooner or later someone will be home and will get hurt.  Last Friday, we had a report about a break-in at a home and in this case the police would not come out and investigate the crime.  With what is going on in the country, I think this type of activity will become more frequent and dangerous.  I want everyone to think about this and be prepared.  I would prepare today, not tomorrow or next week.

The IGOLD Raffle drawing was held on April 14, 2020.  The winning ticket numbers are below: