Glencoe American Legion fighting for a comeback and money for American flags for graves after fire destroyed their building

Originally published Aug. 8, 2024

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The American Legion Post 632 building in Glencoe was destroyed in a fire in February 2023, but its members are moving forward with plans to find a new place to call their permanent home.

Glencoe American Legion members Marissa Eikleberry and William Russell asked Belmont County Commissioners on Wednesday why their group was denied a $300 payment for American flags placed on veterans’ graves at the Glencoe-Warnock Cemetery.

Eikleberry told commissioners that the Neffs American Legion had ordered the flags for Glencoe but were allegedly told that Glencoe could not be paid the $300 since they did not have a building.

Jerry Echemann, Vice President of the Board of Commissioners, told Eikleberry the board would look into the payment matter.

Eikleberry says the Glencoe American Legion is fighting to make a comeback and has raised $41,000 so far for a building fund. She says the group tried to purchase a firehouse for their new home but was blocked by some members of the Glencoe Economic Committee.

The Glencoe American Legion is holding meetings at the Glencoe Senior Center until it finds a permanent home. The legion also has a women’s auxiliary group.