Country Concert president pledges ‘layers of security’

The president of Ohio’s Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes says he and his colleagues have developed “layers of security” for their summer event.

“Safety is our highest priority,” Paul Barhorst, president of Country Concert, said in a text to this news outlet. “We want fans to make friends and awesome memories in a safe, fun environment.”

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Barhorst sent his message in the wake of a mass shooting last night at an unaffiliated country concert in Las Vegas. More than 50 people were killed and more than 400 injured in that event.

“We have developed multiple layers of security at our event over the past 37 years,” Barhorst added. “Shelby County Sheriff, John Lenhart, has been involved as our sheriff, advisor or head of our security for each event. He brings with him experience as former superintendent of Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and second-in-command at the Ohio attorney general’s office.

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“He’s (Lenhart) has presided over Ohio’s crime labs, chaired Ohio’s organized crime unit and peace officers training offices,” he also said. “We continue to monitor, learn and improve our safety techniques every year and use the best safety options possible.”

Added Barhorst: “Our thoughts, prayers, love and support are with the victims, everyone in attendance, first-responders, performers and everyone involved with the event in Las Vegas.”

“We’ll look forward to hosting another fun, peaceful and safe event in July of 2018.”

Barhorst declined to comment beyond his written statement.

The Country Concert happens every summer in Fort Laramie, about 55 miles northwest of Dayton, near Sidney.

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