Cadiz honors local Eagles
By KAY SEDGMER, Times Leader Staff WriterArticle Photos
CADIZ - The Cadiz Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2162 will be celebrating its 75th anniversary next weekend, and the village is praising the organization for its years of dedication and support to the community.
Mayor Ken Zitko read a proclamation honoring the local aerie and presented a plaque to the four members in attendance.
"We are glad to have it in the community," said Zitko. "We thank you for what you do."
Ron Stine, Sr. Grand Aerie trustee, said the group, which was instituted in 1934, has nearly 250 members and an auxiliary that totals 140 members. The Cadiz Aerie and Auxiliary aid the local community and exemplify the international organization's motto of 'People Helping People,' by donating more than $60,000 in the last five years to local, national and international charities such as the Harrison County Board of the Developmentally Disabled school, the fire and police departments, and the Harrison County Home.
He also noted the fraternal order is partnering with The University of Iowa in a five-year, $25 million fundraising project for a research center at the university.
The men said they were proud of their group and also of the numerous departments within the village itself.
"I'm proud to say I am from Cadiz," Stine said. "We've got great leaders, great employees and good residents. If everyone works together, they will better the entire community."
Mayor Zitko had earlier opened the meeting by expressing condolences to Councilman Larry Sickle and Clerk Amy Sickle Ossman on the death of their father, longtime business owner Ray Sickle.
"He was an outstanding business man and an even better person," the mayor said.
In other business, Councilman Curt Crawshaw announced an increase of just over $1,000 per month for insurance coverage for village employees.
"The finance committee met prior to this meeting with Mike Frederick of Gardner Insurance Company," he said. "There is no change to the cover which include health, vision and dental but the village will be paying an extra $1,008 per month to cost increases. This is the best deal we are going to get. Mike has worked word to save this village money."
He also said the finance charge issue between the village and its bank have been clarified.
"We are paying finance charges because we get credit for the amount of money we have in the bank," Crawshaw said. "A year ago we had an earning credit rate of 1.3 percent. Today, because of reduced monies in our accounts and a decrease in the rate to just 0.3 percent, we aren't getting as much."
He went on to say that Clerk Ossman and a representative of the bank will be working together to set up accounts to reduce the finance charges. He also said Ossman will be looking into possibly accepting credit cards or direct withdrawal for accounts to help with the charges.
Councilman Paul Coffland said the village's safety committee is still meeting and working to reduce expenses there.
"Within the next three years we should be able to save the village close to $60,000," he said. "Things like he drug-free workplace program are helping. The safety committee is working hard to make this a possibility."
Council also agreed to install street lights at locations on Industrial Park Road and to have a tree trimmed from a lighting fixture at the corner of South Ohio Street, St. Clair Ave., and Oakwood Drive.
Crawshaw also asked for the "jetter" to be used on a clogged sewer at the corner of Ohio and Warren streets due to an issue with odors and backup.
Councilman Mike McPeak announced the upcoming Octoberfest which is being sponsored by the Cadiz Business Association.
The event will be held Oct. 3 and 4 at Sally Buffalo Park and will feature numerous activities including a car show, craft show, breakfast, lunch, inflatable rides, music, corn hole tournament, games and a flea market. Numerous food vendors will also be on site. Most activities will be in or around Wallace Lodge. More information may be obtained by calling 740-491-1323 or 740-310-1886.
In addition, the Lucas Sedgmer Memorial Scholarship Committee will hold its second annual 5K walk/run on Sunday at 1 p.m. A 100-yard kids' dash will be held at noon. Preregistration may be made by calling 740-491-3049 or the day of the event beginning at 10 a.m. Registration for the race will be held at the Big Barn.
Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
