On April 17, 2022, a frightening incident occurred in Vienna Center, Ohio. I was there when a house window—a place where a resident often sat with their child—was shattered by a .30 caliber rifle bullet. The bullet traveled over two-thirds of a mile past the backstop before it smashed into the window, endangering the lives of innocent residents.

This is not an isolated incident. Stray bullets pose a significant danger to our community, particularly in high-risk areas such as Sodom Hutchings Road and the Four Seasons Trailer Park. Moreover, our local wildlife is suffering from overexposure to lead poisoning. Lead residues totaling over 100,000 pounds have been identified lying in the Trap Field area, posing a risk not only to wildlife such as birds and deer but also to our youth shooters and others who frequent the club.  The Unsafe Shooting Practices that were one of the causes of Errant Bullets Still Go On.  In Opinion it's Only a Matter of Time.  The Ohio Revised Code says Shooting Ranges Must Substantially Comply with NRA Range Safety Guidelines - Courts and the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources have Successfully Enforced Changes to bring Ranges into Compliance!   A recent legal Action Shows you Can Win in Court !!!!!!   The Gun Club Reopened after Meeting the requirements

The Daily Standard
Judge shuts down Wapakoneta shooting range | The Daily Standard Stories

Mar 12, 2025 · WAPAKONETA - The Auglaize County Fish and Game Association was ordered by Common Pleas Judge Frederick Pepple to halt operation of its shooting range last week after …

The staggering amount of lead could percolate into our soil and groundwater, creating further environmental hazards for generations to come. We need to take urgent action to mitigate these risks and protect both our community and our environment.

As concerned neighbors and residents of Vienna Center, we are calling on local authorities, environmental agencies, and gun clubs to implement stringent measures to control stray bullets and lead contamination immediately. Specifically, we demand the following actions:

1. The installation of improved safety barriers at gun clubs to prevent bullets from leaving the premises.
2. Regular environmental assessments to monitor lead levels and mitigate contamination.
3. Transition to non-toxic ammunition alternatives in shooting clubs to minimize environmental impact.
4. Educational programs for gun club members and youth shooters on safe, responsible shooting practices.

It is imperative that we act now to stop further harm from coming to our beloved neighborhood and its wildlife. We cannot wait for another window—or worse—to be shattered. It’s time for change.

Please join us in calling for immediate action by signing this petition. Together, we can make Vienna Center a safer, healthier place for both people and wildlife.