The Moose Lodge in downtown Clarkston is closed after its charter was revoked.
Regional managers say the lodge was shut down Monday by order of the Illinois-based General Governor’s office for rule violations. Lodge administrators are deciding whether or not to appeal, which could hinge on financial concerns over lost revenue due to the shutdown.
The Sixth Street facility was the site for several civic meetings and events, and hosts bands and dance lessons.
Among the obligations the Lewis Clark Moose Lodge had to meet for the charter to remain active are to conduct meetings twice a month, perform community service, meet financial obligations, and operate as a private club. Public events have to be approved by Moose International, and any income derived from a public event must be reported under IRS guidelines.
Local leaders say getting permission from headquarters for a public event took a lot of time, and the lodge needed people coming through the doors to break even, while abiding by the fraternal organization’s rituals was also problematic when trying to recruit new members. (Lewiston Tribune)
