F.O.E Niles remaining optimistic about uncertain future amid roof collapse

NILES, Mich. -- Niles nonprofit, the Fraternal Order of Eagles experienced a scary situation Tuesday when the roof on their arcade and banquet room collapsed.  

While no injuries were reported and the investigation into how this happened remains ongoing, the situation sent shockwaves through members and leaders of the club.  

According to Niles Fire Marshal Zach Hoetger, the call came shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and crews were dispatched right away.  

Hoetger says there were no previous signs of stress to the building that could result in something like this happening.  

“Every year we do an initial fire inspection and also, we do code inspections,” Hoetger says. “So, there was nothing wrong with the building. It is aged, but it was just the ceiling. No structural damage at all.”  

Because of the damage inside, no occupancy signs and personalized notes from the organization reading ‘closed until further notice’ were plastered on every side of the building.   

Eagles secretary John Bagwell says he was not there at the time of the incident but received a phone call and rushed over as soon as he could.  

“For us officers, we’re still dealing with the insurance and cleanup, and until we hear from the insurance,” Bagwell says. “We're not sure what kind of affect it’s going to have on us.”  

In this time of uncertainties for the organization, Bagwell says the next step is meeting with the insurance adjustor in hopes of gaining better clarification for the future.