March 19, 2024

Second Annual GOP trap shoot a success

The Jasper County Republicans second annual E.K. Shaw Memorial Trap Shoot was held Saturday at the Jasper County Gun Club in Newton.

State Rep. Greg Heartsill and Brownell’s owner Pete Brownell were on hand for the event Jasper County Republican Party Chairman Marshall Critchfield hopes will become a marquee event for the party.

“Couldn’t be happier with the turnout. This is the time of year where everyone leaves on the weekend and gets loaded down with sports and other events. To have the turnout is remarkable and I couldn’t be happier,” Critchfield said. “I’m also very happy that the weather cooperated with us. We had a couple of scares with rain. This is challenging sport and rain doesn’t help it out any.”

Last year’s shoot was the most successful fundraising event the group has held in recent years and Critchfield said this year’s event topped those numbers.

“We raised a record amount of money. We just keep raising the bar and that is my goal, to continue outreach and fundraising, just staying on mission and staying on point,” Critchfield said.

Taking the first place trophy was Harry Dearinger with Carson Claypool coming in second. Gary Kaput received third and was also the third place finisher last year. A honorable mention trophy reading “To the shooter who surprised us all” was awarded to Judy Davidson, a member on the state central committee and Scott County GOP chairwoman.

Critchfield wanted to come up with a creative idea for a fundraiser, something other than a traditional potluck. The event had 50 to 60 participants, fairly competitive with last year’s event, along with additional spectators enjoying the shoot. Moo’s BBQ provided lunch for those in attendance and Brownell’s donated goods to be auctioned off.

The event is named after the late E.K. Shaw (1925-2009). Shaw, originally from Ill., moved to Newton in 1948 and went to work for the Newton Daily News. He later became publisher of the paper before serving as chairman of the board of directors of Shaw Newspapers.

Shaw was active in the Republican Party, notably welcoming President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Jasper County for a Field Days exhibition in 1956. He was also an avid duck hunter, using the same Winchester Model 12 for 60 years.

The Jasper County Republican Party traditionally meets on the fourth Monday of every month. The location of the meeting is available on the groups Facebook page or by contacting secretary Savannah Wood at savannah.dmwood1@gmail.com.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com