Kat Country Hub

Keno is coming soon to Lyons

Mike Fillipi, owner of the Branding Iron.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Keno is coming to Lyons, specifically the Branding Iron. Mike Fillipi, owner of the Branding Iron since November of 2012, approached the city council a few months ago with the idea of Keno being allowed at his establishment. Upon a vote of the citizens of Lyons, Keno was approved with 235 voting for it and 60 against keno.

Mike had a few reasons for wanting Keno at his establishment. “People go to Fremont and Sloan to play it. I want to keep some money in Lyons,” Mike said. “It will also help bring in more business.”

The city will also benefit financially from the Branding Iron having Keno. “It is mandated by the state, so I am not sure yet what percentage of the profits the city receives,” Mike stated.

There is quite a bit to do before Keno will be available at the Branding Iron. “The city council has to sign some things. I have to buy the equipment for it, TV’s, the scanner that picks the numbers, etc.,” Mike said.

Keno will be located in the bar area of the Branding Iron. “I don’t want the people in the dining area to be distracted by it. But, they can also go in the bar area to play keno if they want to,” Mike stated.

Keno is a game based on numbers the customer has chosen and the numbers that are drawn, a lottery type of game, but not very costly. Numbers are drawn every five minutes, but may be changed to every three minutes. “People can come in, and play the game,” Mike said.

Employees also have to be trained to play the game. “A person has to be trained to enter the correct numbers, and other things. There is a training class for it. I am not going to have everyone trained. There is a less chance for errors then,” Mike stated.

Mike lives in Pender. He bought the business from Dan and Diane Bacon last November. “They had good food and good service. We have a good business going now too, and many regulars.” Mike said.

He is looking forward to the arrival of Keno. “I just hope it goes good for Lyons,” Mike stated.

Groundbreaking ceremony for new pool

“It is a special day for Lyons,” stated Mayor Andy Fuston at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lyons pool on Tuesday Many people came to the ceremony, including Lyons-Decatur Northeast elementary students. “Lyons is a community on the move, embracing the future,” Mayor Fuston continued. “This goes to show Lyons can accomplish anything it wants to.

The new pool has been a work in progress for quite some time, including a town hall meeting held approximately a year ago. An estimated crowd of 40 citizens attended the town hall meeting, very enthusiastic about the prospect of a new pool. A 2.1 million dollar bond was then voted on and passed by the citizens of Lyons, which put the wheels in motion for construction of a new pool.

“I am so proud of the community. 2.1 million is a lot to commit to. We (Lyons) don’t back down from adversity or challenges,” Mayor Fuston said. “We are building our future, making Lyons a better place to work, live and play. Let’s get started.”

City Council members Roger Andersen, Lana Minton, Allen Steinmeyer and Charlie Wheaton were also on hand to share in the special day. “I use to swim here back in the day. There is a date on the old pool, 1933. I have been on the city council for over ten years. This project was a long time coming,” Lana stated. “A pool brings people into the community. Thanks for coming out.”

Roger Andersen also addressed the crowd. “I was on the council in the 70’s and 80’s and the old pool was faulty at that time. I am glad we voted to put the new pool in,” Roger said.

Kevin Prior of Olsson Associates was also at the ceremony. He introduced many of the other people that will be involved in constructing the new pool. Eriksen Construction of  and Jensen’s Plumbing of Lyons and Dick’s Electric of Blair are among those involved in building the pool.

Kevin asked if anyone from the crowd wished to speak. Keyton Kampa, one of the students in attendance, took the microphone. “The community survived, thank you.”

The event concluded with the mayor and city council, shovels in hand, breaking the ground where the pool will be.

Two students, Brennan Ferguson and Chad Christoffersen, also broke the ground with the mayor and Joel Ries, one of the many individuals constructing the new pool.

The new pool will be opened to the public in the summer of 2014.

City Council member Roger Andersen, Mayor Andy Fuston, City Council member Lana Minton, City Council President Allen Steinmeyer and City Council Member Charlie Wheaton break ground for the new pool.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub

Members of the community at the groundbreaking for the new pool.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub

Mayor Andy Fuston, Brennan Ferguson, Chad Christoffersen and Joel Ries breaking ground for the new pool.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

When asked who was excited about a new pool, the kids screamed and raised their hands!
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Keyton Kampa addressing the crowd.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Kevin Prior of Olsson and Associates addressing the crowd.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Council member Lana Minton speaks to the crowd at the groundbreaking.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Council Member Roger Andersen shares his thoughts on the new pool at the groundbreaking.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Mayor Andy Fuston begins the groundbreaking ceremony, saying it is a special day for Lyons.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

When Nicholas Tolle was asked if he was excited about the new pool, he said “Yes because I get to come every day!”
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

It is a special day for Lyons!

Mayor Andy Fuston, city council members, and many of the people from the companies building the new pool were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Lyons pool. As Mayor Andy Fuston said, “It is a special day for Lyons.”

Stay tuned to Kat Country Hub for the complete story coming soon, along with a gallery of photos of this special event for the community of Lyons.

Council member Roger Andersen, Mayor Andy Fuston, council member Lana Minton, Council President Allen Steinmeyer and council member Charlie Wheaton during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lyons pool held today, 8-20-13.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub