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Legion Post Fined For Gambling Violation

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State excise officers found several American Legion Posts with gambling machines on site this summer, resulting in violations against the fraternal clubs.

Syracuse, Warsaw and North Webster legions were found to have the machines in their buildings.

The local alcoholic beverage board renewed the beer, wine and liquor permit of American Legion Post 223, 1008 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, Thursday after noting the $500 fee for the gambling violation had been paid.

The Syracuse Legion's club manager appeared before the board. She said the machines were removed the same day as the violation.

"Our policy is not to renew if they're not removed," Gordon Vanator, board president, said about the machines. "You are also aware of our three-strikes-and-you're-out policy?"

Permits for the Warsaw and North Webster Legions are not scheduled for renewal this month.

The Time Out Inn of Warsaw, 1701 W. Lake St., has two gambling violations against a beer, wine and liquor permit. No one from that establishment appeared and the hearing was tabled to the Dec. 1 meeting.

Officers found gambling machines on the premises June 7 and Oct. 17.

Thomas Clemens of Warsaw is president of the Time Out Inn and Roger Clemens of Claypool is secretary.

The permit for Applebee's Neighborhood Grill/Bar, 2621 E. Center St., Warsaw, was renewed also. The restaurant was open during the 2003 special election, a violation of state laws and the fee has been paid.

Establishments with no violations and receiving alcoholic beverage permit renewals were:

• Aldi, 3701 Commerce Drive, Warsaw - beer and wine permit;

• Nana's Broadway Inc., 104 S. Broadway, P.O. Box 141, Mentone, dba Nana's Broadway, Nancy Johnson, Rochester, president and secretary - beer, wine and liquor renewal;

• BPO Elks 802, 310 E. Center St., Warsaw dba BPOE 802 - beer, wine and liquor renewal;

• El Arriero No. 2, 819 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, Ezequiel Aguirre, 5732 N. CR 50N, Kokomo, president and secretary - beer, wine and liquor renewal;

• Gilliam Enterprises Inc. Ind. 15N Warsaw, dba Gilliam Lanes, Michael Gilliam Warsaw, president and Debra Gilliam, Warsaw, secretary - beer, wine and liquor renewal; and

• Gary Warnacut, 103 E. Main St., P.O. Box 65 Silver Lake, dba Lakeview Liquors - beer, wine and liquor renewal.

The alcoholic beverage board includes Gordon Vanator, Kenneth Johnson, Elim Smith and excise officer Patty Fleck.