Just in time for Christmas, some scrooge broke into the local American Legion Hall and did about $2,500 in damage, according to post manager Freddie Bertsch.
“I can’t understand why someone would do this,” he said.
Bertsch pointed out that the local legion is an organization not only committed to providing fellowship to area military veterans, but even more importantly, devoted to serving the community.
“We give to many local organizations, such as boy scouts and girl scouts, Meals on Wheels, battered women’s shelter, Blue Santa and much more,” Bertsch said, adding that in September alone the legion gave $850 to local charities.
Bertsch said that on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 23, someone broke into the legion hall by smashing out a window and reaching in and unlocking the door. While inside, they apparently used a crowbar to open three locked doors leading to other rooms and smashed open the two cash registers.
“They had to be after money,” Bertsch said, adding that there is never any money left in the hall.
The legion is home to Bingo every Tuesday night and also raises money for its charitable donations through renting the facility for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and more. The members serve the community in many ways and help each other through fellowship. The legion is always looking to add new members to its rolls and anyone interested can call Bertsch for more information.
Bertsch is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for damaging the post. Contact him at 237-3309 or call the post at 237-3173 for more information.