Spalding County 4-H will be hosting the fourth annual Ole Mill Invitational — a high-caliber indoor shooting match — today and Nov. 27-28.

Event organizers say there are more than 400 participants from throughout the Southeast registered to compete. In addition to individuals registered to compete, numerous JROTC groups, 4-H clubs, public and private schools and academies and gun clubs will be represented.

New this year will be the utilization of Ole Mill’s new ORION electronic scoring system.

“We like it as it speeds up scoring, improves scoring accuracy and eliminates human error,” said Spalding County Extension Coordinator Wade Hutcheson. “Spectators will be able to see scores as they are posted.”

Hutcheson said for entertainment and education, spectators should attend the relays at noon today and 1 p.m. Nov. 28.

For those who are unaware of the stature and unique nature of Ole Mill, Hutcheson said, “This range is now by itself east of the Mississippi, as the other one in Minnesota recently closed. Even though they had $2.5 million in state dollars to build it, they couldn’t keep it open,” he said. “We’ve built ours with 4-H ingenuity, Spalding County support, local business support, grants, donations and the blood, sweat and tears of hundreds of volunteer hours.”

Hutcheson said the event will also provide a chance to support local athletes as they compete.

“On top of it all, we have home-field advantage. Our youth are ready and should rank among the top,” he said.