Deadwood Leaders Approve In-city Shooting Range

DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — City commissioners in the Old West town of Deadwood have approved a shooting range within city limits, despite opposition by some residents in the western South Dakota community.

Businessman and retiring FBI agent Greg Vecchi wants to open the range in partnership with local campground owner Tom Blair in an area surrounded by high ridges. Police Chief Kelly Fuller says test firings last week showed that the range will have minimal effects on noise levels in the campground and no effect outside of it.

Fuller also says he's comfortable with the topography of the area and the isolation from residential neighborhoods.

Resident Ronda Feteryl says she worries about harm to the environment and a drop in property values.

The Rapid City Journal reports the commission unanimously approved the range.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.