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From Joanna Lemasters and Bert Anderson

By Staff | Nov 26, 2014

Dear Editor,

In May, an article was published in the Chronicle concerning the deteriorating condition of our fire department building in Hundred. Luckily, one of our residents in the community took notice and started action to form a fund-raising committee to help us since cost of such an endeavor was going to be so high. On Nov. 9, we had a baked steak dinner. Thanks to the planning by Sue Frame, and the volunteer help with cooking and baking, we profited approximately $1,200. Once again, our small community has pulled through in a time of need.

This is only a beginning to the funds needed for over a $700,000 project, so monthly dinners are being planned. This money is being placed in a special “Building Fund” account at the First Exchange Bank.

Also regarding finances, we have been informed that several people in the community have wondered why the Hundred Fire Department purchased a “new” truck when we were trying to raise money for a new building. We would like the public to know the details of the purchase of a “used” 1992 four-wheel drive mini-pumper. We had sold two trucks in the past year: one, a 30-year-old mini-pumper that the frame had rusted apart and a pumper that had been damaged in the accident.

Since our four-wheel drive pick-up truck (which was purchased for $4,000 following a snowstorm in February 2009) has 270,000 miles on it, we decided that the community needed a four-wheel drive so that our firemen would respond to fire and/or victims in the valleys and ridges of our area during inclement weather. It was with careful consideration that we decided to purchase this truck. It has an aluminum body which will last and was purchased from the funds received from the sale of the other vehicles. The pick-up will be put up for sale in the spring of 2015. All of our decisions regarding the purchase was with the public’s safety in mind. We did not, nor did we feel that we were, wasting money with the $10,000 purchase. All of our accounts are audited by the state and the books are open for public viewing.

We do appreciate the help and support that the public has given us and we hope to continue with our service for the citizens in the best way possible. Hopefully, this new building can be used for public events and we can repay the community for their support.

We would welcome new members. Our meetings are the first and third Thursdays of each month. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Joanna Lemasters, Hundred Fire Department President

Bert Anderson, Hundred Fire Department Chief

Hundred