Fridge on the fritz: Eagles needs a new condenser

By Anna Jauhola
One of Hallock’s long-time institutions has been struggling with an issue vital to its day-to-day operations. The Eagles Club is not only a fraternal organization that gives back to the community, it is a gathering place that offers camaraderie among so many.
Right now, the organization that typically gives back to the community is in need. The condenser for the walk-in cooler needs to be replaced. This component is essential to remove heat from the cooler and maintain a low temperature. Kim Hemmes, gambling manager for the Eagles, said the quote they received from Red River Refrigeration in Fargo to replace it is for $11,500.
“The condenser is ancient. I’m not even sure when it was actually put in,” Hemmes said. “But we’ve had so many repairs done to it, that it’s on its last leg.”
Most recently, a repair professional worked on the condenser, and it is working well. However, that repair is still just a bandaid and it still needs to be replaced.
In recent months, the club received a $4,000 grant from the Hallock Area Community Fund to assist with the replacement. To raise the remaining $7,500, club members are planning a few fundraisers and have received tips from recent fish frys.
The gambling proceeds from bingo and pull-tabs are restricted, and can’t be used for facility improvements.
“The gambling fund is not bar related,” Hemmes said. “So anything to do with the bar, the gambling fund can’t pay for it. Sometimes, we can ask for approval on a certain percentage of it, but it would be minimal.”
In 2024, the Hallock Eagles Club donated between $15,000 and $20,000 to area nonprofits, students, athletic teams and others.
“Our motto is ‘People Helping People,’” Hemmes said.
The club also operates out of an older building, which has had some issues as of late. Hemmes said there was some water damage in the ceiling. That got fixed with a little help. And there was a water leak in the front hallway due to a frozen drain tube on the heating and cooling equipment in the attic above. While these are fixed, none were nearly as expensive as the condenser is for the cooler.
Hemmes said donations can be sent to the Hallock Eagles, P.O. Box 936, Hallock, MN 56728. She asks that donors write checks and designate the condenser in the memo line.
Although the Eagles Club has 320 registered members, several of those are from out of the area. Hemmes said there are still active members who signed up in 1997 when they were here working on the new gas pipeline.
Hemmes said between 10 and 15 members regularly attend monthly meetings, which are on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Members have to be 21 or older and annual memberships are $40.