Law aims to protect shooting ranges

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Jun 04, 1998

HOLMEN, Wis. -- Gov. Tommy Thompson signed into law Wednesday a bill that would protect existing shooting ranges, such as the Holmen Rod and Gun Club, from noise ordinances designed to force them out of business.

Thompson officially approved the bill and seven others while at the club.

"I think it's very important for me as governor to bring government out to the people, especially on days like this when there's a bill that specifically helps a particular organization like this," he said to a crowd gathered at the gun club, where he signed the bill.

State Rep. Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, authored the bill after the Holmen club approached him about sponsoring the legislation.

Thompson called it common sense legislation.

"If your shooting range was there first, nobody can zone you out of business or nuisance ordinance you out of business," he said.

Other bills included:

* Planning commissions -- City councils and village boards in Wisconsin will have an easier time appointing their representatives on plan commissions. State Sen. Brian Rude, R-Coon Valley, and Huebsch introduced the bill at the request of the West Salem Village Board. Old law required a two-thirds vote to appoint a board member trustee to a plan commission, even though almost all other similar appointments only required a majority vote.

* School district performance reports -- Under old law, the report had to include how students performed on third-grade reading tests, statewide exams administered in fourth, eighth and 10th grades, and the high school graduation exam. Now, school district performance reports must include how students are performing by subject area.

Wednesday afternoon, Thompson also stopped at Beaver Builders Supply to award the town of Holland a $39,000 Transportation Economic Assistance grant for improvements made at the intersection of Hwys. 53 and MH.