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Feature Stories (Vol. 110 No. 14--4/02/2008)

Donors to new Kenmare Fire Hall being honored on building fund index sign

By Caroline Downs

The Kenmare Fire Department would like to honor you with bronze, silver, gold or platinum--all depending on the donation you make to the new fire hall building fund.

A new sign to track fund-raising has been erected at the corner of Central Avenue and Sixth Street, where the fire hall will be constructed. An arrow marks progress toward the $400,000 goal, with nearly $200,000 pledged or collected so far.

Both sides of the "Building Fund Index" sign feature lists of some of the fire hall’s benefactors, according to the amount of their contributions. To date, the department has received 34 donations designated "Bronze" for amounts between $100 and $500.

The eight "Silver" donors highlighted on the sign have given between $501 and $1000 to the building fund.

Six individuals or organizations are honored as "Gold" donors for contributing between $1001 and $5000.

The "Platinum" level recognizes the 12 donors who have given more than $5000 to the effort.

Space remains at each contribution level to include the names of additional people, businesses or organizations that provide monetary support for the fire hall project.

Volunteer firefighter Jason Kerner designed and built the sign with assistance from other members of the department. According to fire department secretary Chuck Leet, the sign itself was made possible by donations from Kenmare Vet’s Gaming, Ingerson Manufacturing, and Gartner’s Jack & Jill.

Leet noted the Building Fund Index would remain in place for up to a year following construction of the facility. After that, the sections listing the benefactors’ names will be removed and hung on permanent display in the new fire hall.

Leet also expressed gratitude on behalf of the department for the many donations received in lower amounts. "There have been numerous contributions," he said. "Five dollars here, ten dollars there. It all adds up."

The department will meet this week to review the design and revised plans for the hall. Bids will be solicited for the project, with an estimated opening date of May 1st.

Persons, groups or businesses interested in supporting the fire hall project are welcome to contact Leet at 385-4367, or any other Kenmare Fire Department member.