Sheriff slashes gun permit fees for vets

Gun permit fees have been slashed by 75 percent for veterans and active military members in Steele County.
Sheriff Lon Thiele came up with the idea to cut gun permit fees from $100 to $25 for those who have served our country. The Steele County Board went along with Thiele’s idea and approved the measure at last Tuesday’s board meeting, making the new fees effective immediately.
“It’s just a trend that people are showing respect to military and giving them a break,” Thiele said. “I’m just happy we are able to lower it for military personnel.”
Thiele said the idea came up during a recent District 6 meeting of sheriffs from 13 surrounding counties. “Statutorily, we have to charge a certain amount, but what we can do is make it easier for our veterans and active military members,” he said. He noted at least half of the counties in District 6 have reduced their gun permit rates.
All that current military personnel and veterans need to do is show their credentials when they apply for their gun permits, Thiele said.
The rate has also been lowered for law enforcement and retired police officers.
“We have a great group of retired military or active members living in Steele County,” Thiele said. “I like to do what I can for them and this is one thing that will help them. It’s a very noble move to respect our military members.”
Gun permits are handled by the sheriff’s office in your county of residency. All concealed weapons permits need to have the sheriff’s signature after records personnel within the sheriff’s office complete backgrounds.
The police departments within the city where you live handle purchase permits. 
The reduced gun permit fees is Thiele’s second dealing with the military within the past month. In February, Thiele and his deputies worked closely with members of the National Guard in rescuing stranded motorists during a blizzard.