Governor Larry Rhoden shoots ribbon to open new shooting complex

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex hosted its grand opening Friday night with several prominent South Dakotans in attendance.

The new complex is located north of Rapid City on Elk Vale Road and features high-level facilities suitable for professional competitions.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden was among those in attendance, and he said he hopes the complex will provide a boost to the local economy.

“This was the perfect place to put a facility like this in this region, and I think it’s going to have an even bigger impact than we realize now,” Rhoden said.

For Rhoden, shooting in this part of Meade County brings back old memories.

“My mother grew up just over that ridge just about 8 miles from here, so I’ve spent a lot of time in this country,” Rhoden said.

Many grand openings feature a ribbon cutting ceremony. Instead, Rhoden opened up the shooting complex by firing a rifle at a target, taking down a ribbon behind it.

Though he later described the shot as “high-pressure,” Rhoden hit his first shot perfectly, knocking down the ribbon as raucous applause ensued.

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