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The Waite grad gets top spot See pg. 14
April 22, 2013
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Lake aims high See pg. 22
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Ammo prices rise as demand far exceeds supply The high cost and scarcity of ammunition has become a frequent topic of conversation among area dealers, members of sporting clubs and gun enthusiasts, with some saying the market is unlike anything they’ve seen in many years. Gene Weishuhn, business manager of the Sandusky County Sportsmen’s Club, said club members are seeing shortages and skyrocketing prices for several types of ammunition. “One of the most common and plentiful of the cartridges used to be the .22 long rifle which would sell for around $18 to $22 a brick (500 rounds). It now sells for $35 for the same quantity if you can find it,” he said. “And some members report prices in excess of $55 per brick. Any of the more popular calibers are simply not to be had. Almost all the handgun calibers - .357, 9 millimeter, .40 caliber, .45 automatic, .380 and .22 are hard to find. Rifle calibers such as the 7.62 by 39, the .556, .223, and .308 are scarce and expensive.” Reloading materials and equipment are also in short supply, Weishuhn said. Steve Poiry, an officer with the Lake Township Police Department who recently closed his business as a gun dealer, said a “perfect storm” of sorts hit the gun and ammunition sectors late last year. Stories of the federal government committing to major ammunition purchases circulated through a market that was already trending upward, he said. In addition, the bulk prices of the metals and powder used to manufacture ammunition had also been rising. “You had all three happening at the same time,” Poiry said, adding he expects it will take almost a year for the market to get back to normal. “I’ve never seen 100 percent empty shelves in the major retailers like you see now.” Less than two years ago, the police department could purchase 900 rounds of .223 ammunition for under than $300, including delivery. Today, the price is nearing $900. Richard Meek, owner of R&D Collectibles, Gun Sales, and Accessories, in Northwood, said the shortage is the worst he’s seen in his 18 years in the business. “Handgun ammo, 9 millimeter, .40s, .45s, are all pretty much gone, with 9s the biggest shortage,” he said. “There are no
.22s. Everybody is looking for .22 and 9 millimeter ammo and there is just none available. My suppliers tell me they get one case here and there.” Even large retailers are feeling the pinch. The Bass Pro Shops website includes the following disclaimer on its ammunition page: “Due to the significant increase in demand for ammunition, Bass Pro Shops has implemented a limit on certain types of ammunition and cartridge components to fairly serve the needs of our customers. Regrettably, this temporary limit will affect the quantities of some items and the ability to purchase from certain locations.”
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Everybody is looking for .22 and 9 millimeter ammo and there is just none available.
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By Larry Limpf News Editor news@presspublications.com
Sections of shelves at the Bass Pro store in Rossford were bare Wednesday morning. The department manager referred questions to the store’s general manager, who did not respond to email requests for comment. Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said his department hasn’t experienced problems procuring ammunition. “My understanding is that the ammunition companies have significantly increased production and shortages should be ending soon,” he said. Northwood Police Chief Tom Cairl said his department several years ago began purchasing ammunition about a year in ad-
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Richard Meek of R&D Collectibles. (Press photo by Ken Grosjean)
Oregon
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uote of The Week
The problems that are created by something like sexting, can be serious and long lasting. Guest Editorial See page 13
Senior assisted living facility planned By Kelly J. Kaczala Press News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com An assisted living facility for seniors is being planned on a 13-acre site at the southeast corner of Seaman Road and South Coy Road in Oregon. AlcoreSenior, LLC, the developer of the project, located in Columbus, proposes to develop, own and operate, though
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an affiliate, a campus for seniors that will include 10-20 independent living units located either in ranch style bungalows or a multi-family building, and a 60-80 unit licensed assisted living/memory care center of approximately 45,000 square feet. The final unit mix and facility set-up will be determined upon completion of a market study. The assisted living/memory care building will be a combination of studio and one bedroom units along with din-
ing rooms, living rooms, activities areas, in-house beauty shop and other common amenities for resident and community use. The facility will provide assistance with activities of daily living - from meals, bathing, dressing, ambulating, housekeeping, toileting, and transportation. The facility will target seniors who are approximately 81 years old and over,
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