President’s Message – February 2025

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President’s Message

(February 2025)

As previously reported, our Treasure, Dave Zierke, has submitted his letter of resignation and as a result, I appointed Les Edgecomb to replace Dave for the remainder of his term which expires on March 15, 2025. However, for personal reasons, Les has decided not to be our treasurer. Therefore, I have appointed Ben Ratze to replace Dave immediately, and he will also be on the ballot for the 2025 elections. I want to thank Ben for accepting the treasurer’s position and welcome him to the board of directors.

The electronic ballots for the 2025 elections for vice president, treasure, and 3 directors will be emailed out on or before February 15 with a closing date of March 4. The results will be available at our annual meeting on March 15.

The club is planning youth shooting initiative events in April and October. Young shooter of members family including sons, daughters, grandchildren, and guests are invited. The club held one of these events last year and it was well received. More details will be provided in the near future.

The drilling of the well has been completed and we are still awaiting test results from the water samples which are due in the next couple of weeks.

WINTER SHOOT RULES

The following winter shooting rules are affective immediately:

  • Trap and skeet fields and sidewalks are to be cleared of snow before shooting. Shovels are outside of the club house and in the storage barn. The snow blower is available for use and is located in the storage barn. Do not shoot on fields that have not been cleared of snow. Doing so will compact the snow and make it difficult to remove. It is everyone’s job to pitch in to remove snow from the sidewalks and shooting fields.
  • As always, gun cases are not permitted in the club house. Guns will be permitted, but it is strongly suggested that they only be kept inside if it is raining or snowing.

5-Stands winter rules

  • All machines have to be turned on and off when done shooting
  • All machines have to be loaded with target when done shooting. As of late, this has not been happening.

Thanks for your cooperation.

If anyone is interested in getting certified for the handgun range, please contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278, George Ketter at 815-631-9366, or Caleb Davis at 815-243-1483. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection and a $25.00 annual fee.

2025 Projects

  • Repair skeet houses and install gutters
  • Purchase new trap voice calls
  • 5-Stand shooting building – TBD
  • Electrical power to 5-Stand – TBD
  • Rolling the grounds to smooth out the ruts

2025 Events

  • Annual meeting – 3/15.25
  • Cleanup day – 5/3/25
  • Youth shooting initiative events – April & October
  • Fun Days – 6/14/25 & 8/23/25
  • Landfill Lunch – 9/25/25
  • Tutorials
    • Trap – 5/17/25
    • Skeet – 6/21/25
    • 5-Stand – 7/12/25

Remember gun safety is our number 1 priority.

Rockford Skeet Club Mission Statement

The Rockford Skeet Club’s mission is to promote clay target shooting and complementary shooting sports. The objectives are to promote those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team-play, and self-reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship. It is the duty of all members to contribute to the wellbeing, to protect, to grow, and to enhance the club and its membership.

Best Regards,

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club