Just two months after the Grand Meadow Gun Club held a meeting about its dire financial and facility situation, members couldn’t have asked for a better turnaround.

In the last several years, the gun club’s property taxes have risen from the mid-$100 range to nearly $1,200 because of a change in tax classification. Dwindling membership numbers, unpaid dues, no board of directors and a building in need of improvements had locals thinking the facility would have to close if something didn’t change.

Change happened quickly. A new board of directors, along with increasing memberships and several $100 donations from past members has given the club new life.

“They’re coming out and shooting and having a good time,” said member Robert Lamp, who was a treasurer of the club in the past.

Before the meeting in mid August, the club hadn’t been used all year and was in need of a new furnace, roof and income. Since then, locals have paid their dues, used the facility and incorporated different things, including structures that launch clay pigeons from different locations, angles and speeds. There may also be competitions for prizes in the future.

Robert’s son and member, Greg Lamp, who attended August’s meeting and encouraged new officers to step up, said those who assumed the responsibilities have noticeably improved the club’s situation.

“We were very fortunate to get some good people that did sign up to take on the officers’ positions, so I was pleased with that,” Greg said. He added that along with those new officers, new members have improved the situation as well. “New people get new ideas; and actually, the new people came up with some great ideas.”

Now, not only is the club open every Thursday again, it has been open on several Sundays with new parents and kids showing interest.

“We’ve had a number of kids come out. … It certainly takes parents that are willing to spend time with kids,” Greg said.

Building a base of young members will be fundamental to the club’s future, and members want to see it last for a long time to come. Lamp said money raised since the August meeting means a new roof could be built this fall and future property taxes can be paid.

Furthermore, a local plumbing and heating business donated and installed a new furnace, and another local man may buy and install new sheet rock. With those improvements, the club could become appealing to even more people.

“When they get done, they’re going to have a place that’s capable of holding a little more respectable meeting,” Greg said. “If somebody else wanted to hold a meeting out there, they wouldn’t have to cringe when they walk in the door.”

Anybody who wants to join the Grand Meadow Gun Club can do so by showing up to a Thursday shoot. New member fees are $20, with discounts for youth.