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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Safety issues at The Pipestem Rifle Range west of the Pipestem Dam have prompted its closing July 1st.

According to Pipestem Manager Bob Martin, the range will be closing due to safety issues. New buildings in the area built adjacent to the range have been found with bullet holes and were likely struck either intentionally or accidentally.

“This isn’t the first incident we’ve had.” Martin stated. “This is based off three or four incidents in the past with one just happening three weeks ago. It started 8 years ago with the same building in the same area.”

Agencies including the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Jamestown Police Department and Game and Fish would use the range, but will now need to find another range for practicing and testing.

“The range is used 12 months out of the year. The closest outdoor range we would have now is in Bismarck. We are actively searching for a new place to have the range. Private citizens have approached us to help look.” Martin stated. 

Roads leading to the range will be closed July 1st and anyone caught driving in the area will be fined.