By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com
SMITHVILLE – About 16 months after a tornado moved across Smithville Lake, destroying the Kansas City Trapshooters Association clubhouse, the recreational shooters board and members of the Clay County Commission celebrated the grand re-opening Aug. 22.
An EF1 tornado hit around 10 a.m. April 16, 2024. It rolled through the Camp Branch campground and the trap range clubhouse. No injuries were reported but the clubhouse was a complete loss.
KCTA members, volunteers and supporters have given of their time and resources to rebuild.
On Friday, Aug. 22, Commissioner JoAnn Lawson as well as other commissioners and the KCTA board cut a ribbon by the new fireplace.
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s so beautiful,” Lawson said. “I’ve been here shooting for a long time.”
She thanked Dianna Wright, the recently retired county administrator, and Donna Koontz, the director of facilities management in the county.
The Herman A. Scharhag Co. served as architect and Zipco Contracting served as construction management.
As KCTA leadership recently shared with members, “They say good things come to those who wait. I truly believe all the members at KCTA are a lot more virtuous now than in previous years. Thanks for all the support and patience. We are going to keep this momentum rolling and finish this project very strong.”
Kent Porter, who is in his second year on the board, said he has been shooting in Smithville since it moved to the lake. He did start as a boy.
The KCTA opened at the current Smithville Lake location after the closure of the old Elliott’s Shooting Park in Raytown in 1986.
His father Mack Porter was instrumental in bringing the range to the Northland. He also wanted to bring in golf course.
“Dad helped create a model on how to use federal lands for recreation,” Kent said. “Dad got them to accept the golf course and then the trapshooting.”
While the rebuild seems quick, for some of the trapshooters, the rebuild has been a long time coming.
“The county is also working with us as we are looking at a sporting clays course,” he said. “It’s going to be challenging.”
While the clubhouse building is open and operational, there are still needs such as staff and a shop inside.
On Aug. 30, there will be a registered shoot, Kent said.
“Definitely at one time in my life, coming out here was a stress reliever,” he said. “I got into the leagues and found camaraderie. I prefer this to playing golf. Like golf, there is an investment in equipment. It’s just country, not country club.”
He said they have board members that drive an hour to come shoot.
“It’s great to have it back,” he said. “It’s good to have it in the county.”
Kent hopes to see a television above the fireplace mantel soon.
“When the temperature drops, we can have a fire going in the fireplace and the Chiefs game on the TV,” he said.
There are leagues running every season.
“Guys here will help others,” he said. “This sport is declining. We are hoping the sporting clays will offer more variety and the course may attract those not wanting to head to Lenexa.”
