To the Editor-

Traveling downtown , or looking forward to the start of Tuesday Bingo, you may have noticed our signboard reading “Sorry-Due to Construction-No Bingo Tuesday.”

We’d like to let you know what is happening.

Having realized that our lodge building at 1132 Clark St., not unlike other downtown structures, was showing its age, and in the interest of improving the appeal of our “available to the public” banquet facilities,  we recently chose to enlist the services of a professional engineer.

Contact was made, costs were budgeted and a survey was scheduled.

The inspection took place on Thursday, June 5^th.  The evening of Friday, June 6^th, lodge officers were notified of a potentially hazardous condition requiring closure of the banquet hall.

The banquet premises were not in use and the entire lodge was subsequently closed for the weekend.

Saturday morning, a group of officers and members convened off premise.

In the meantime, the consultant, in compliance with professional standards, shared findings with city officials who left a phone message at the lodge and posted a notice formally closing the banquet hall.  As previously stated, the lodge was already closed.

Sunday morning, our signboard announced that Tuesday Bingo was officially cancelled.  Other scheduled events either have been, or will be, relocated within the lodge or cancelled.

We believe that we have acted promptly and prudently out of concern for the safety of our members, guests and the general public.

While assessing repair costs, we will continue operating in this limited capacity and want to assure everyone that while our facility may be smaller, our spirit and unwavering commitment to the community are not.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors

Elks Lodge #641

Stevens Point