Neighboring VFW posts in Dupo and Cahokia are now one, with the two consolidating operations in Cahokia. The change came about last Tuesday night when a large turnout of Cahokia’s Chief Pontiac Post 1699 voted to accept Dupo’s  Sugar Loaf Memorial Post 6328.

The Dupo post had voted earlier this month to seek consolidation with the nearby Cahokia group. The result will more than double the Cahokia post’s membership, according to VFW District Commander Gary Stork.

The Cahokia post suffered a devastating fire on Jan. 30, 2012, that leveled the building at 600 Water Street. But the post had sufficient insurance to rebuild and reemerged last year.  However, some equipment lost in the fire, such as bingo game equipment, had yet to be replaced and those and other items will be transferred from Dupo to Cahokia to help make operations there more robust.

“The Dupo post has ceased to exist,” Stork said. “All outstanding debts are being paid off and remaining assets will be transferred to the Cahokia post. We have already moved some perishable supplies from Dupo to Cahokia to prevent them  from spoiling.”

With the closure of the Dupo VFW, at least one group has already come forward indicating interest in purchasing the property at 200 N. 5th Street, Stork indicated.

“We have given them a window in which to make an offer, and then we will turn the process over to a realtor,” he said.

The move solves several issues, including financial problems that had led to the temporary suspension of operations in Dupo. The merger also strengthens the Cahokia post with the increased membership and transfer of equipment items.