VFW closes in Moorcroft

State Chief of Staff for the VFW Pete Quinnell offered the town of Moorcroft the building and two lots previously used by the now defunct local VFW post #25 at Monday night's council meeting. Quinnell told the council that the local post was closed in early April, speaking candidly of the closure, Quinnell stated only, "There were several reasons; the biggest was lack of interest, which is sad because that post was instituted in 1946."

He explained that the dissolution of posts is happening statewide, saying, "Twenty years ago, there were 58 VFW posts, we are down to 31 when we closed this one."

However, "The department doesn't have the ability to be real estate bound," explained Quinnell. "All of our posts are independent of the department in that they own their own properties, [but] this one wound up in my lap."

The organization is now relinquishing the property, whether by donating it to the town or putting it up for auction. "We're interested in donating it to the city of Moorcroft," he said.

Quinnell admitted that the building would need extensive repair to be opened again. Interior refrigerators and other items have already been sold and "the rest is basically garbage".

Councilman Paul Smoot considers accepting the asset a good idea, saying, "I think the advantage to it is that it's adjacent to the other park [Robinsons] and it has open space; that might be handy." He agreed, though, with the advice of Town Attorney Jim Peck that the structure should be examined for asbestos and other possible issues the town may face if demolition is the practical option.

Councilman Ben Glenn concurred, "I'm more for it than against it, [but] if we do move forward, I would like to see it torn down and the lot sold, I don't think we're in the business of being landlords."

Councilman Dale Petersen was not enthused: "I'm not terribly opposed but is it worth the time, effort and the materials we’re going to have to dispose of, to do this at all?”

Mayor Dick Claar voiced his favor of taking over the property with the probability of razing the existing building.

Glenn was asked for his considered opinion on an approximate cost for tearing down the structure and the value of the lot. He noted that the cost would probably be about $35,000 and the land may be worth around $50,000.

The council will look over the property and give Quinnell an answer at the next meeting.