City council will grapple with its ban on open-carry

Missouri's Republican lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon clashed this year over changes in gun laws.

But now that they've gone into effect, some local governments must determine how they will bring city ordinances into compliance.

Nixon vetoed the Senate bill allowing teachers to bring firearms onto school campuses and other residents to carry guns openly. The measure also lowered the required age to obtain a concealed carry permit from 21 to 19. But the General Assembly overrode the veto in September, and new gun laws took effect across the state Oct. 10.

Cape Girardeau is among Missouri cities with an ordinance banning open carry, but it will have to make changes to comply with the new laws. City attorney Eric Cunningham said bringing the ordinance into compliance would require action by the city council.

"We are looking into changes on it," he said of the city's existing ordinance. "[We are] not sure exactly yet what forms those changes are going to take, but the council would have to adopt an ordinance at the very least to make the ordinance that we have consistent with the new provisions in state statute."

A handgun rests on a table after being fired Thursday at Veterans Memorial Shooting Range in Benton, Missouri. (GLENN LANDBERG)

Cape Girardeau's existing ordinance prohibits the open carrying of a firearm readily capable of lethal use, regardless of whether the individual possesses a concealed-weapons permit.

In March, three people were taken into custody and issued summonses to appear in court after one of the most public violations of the ordinance. The trio -- one man and two women -- entered West Park Mall openly displaying firearms, causing concern among some patrons and prompting mall security to contact the police department for assistance. No one was injured in the incident.

Cunningham said cities were authorized to have ordinances banning open carry by virtue of state statute, but the passage of Senate Bill 656 created new restrictions.

While the new gun laws require action by some city governments, they also might require some concealed-carry instructors to prepare for a new crowd of younger students.

Jim Stroman is a National Rifle Association firearms instructor and has served as a law enforcement firearms instructor as well. He operates the Veterans Memorial Shooting Range in Benton, Missouri, where he offers classes for people of all skill levels.

He does not offer courses required for those who wish to obtain a concealed-carry permit, but said he fills a training need by offering practical application classes called "Beyond Concealed Carry." He also offers classes for those who have recently bought a firearm and want to train before getting their permit.

Stroman said he believes the law lowering the age to obtain the permit from 21 to 19 will result in more young people going through training. He said his shooting range has been busy lately, and his most noticeable increase is in families visiting the range. Many parents come and bring their college-age children, he said.

"They want their kids to learn something and know something as far as firearms," said Stroman.

He also expects as more 19- and 20-year-olds express interest in getting a concealed-carry permit, parents will encourage them to seek additional training to they can make safe decisions. Stroman said an extra class or two wouldn't hurt.

"Not every 19-year-old is mature," he said. "... They're in the maturing process, as far as knowledge goes."

Stroman sees all types at his shooting range, from beginners to pros, and said he offers the same advice to anyone taking his classes. It's important to remember they can protect themselves in ways other than with firearms, he tells his students, and determine whether the situation warrants life or death.

"It boils down to the frame of mind and the mental stability of the person who has the firearm," he said. "Do they really understand what it means to take a life? That's important, very important."

As a Vietnam-era veteran, he said he knows what it's like to be forced to make that decision, and it's not one to be made lightly. But he said being afraid of firearms and putting too much faith into negative cliches isn't a healthy approach, either. Ultimately, Stroman said it's about finding the right balance.

"What's more important is respect: respect for the firearm and respect for the person who has them," he said. "A lot of discussion can be had related to that."

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Benton, Mo.