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RSSBingo volunteers try to return after shooting
DECATUR - Bingo volunteers are trying to continue their efforts despite the shocking shooting death last week of the Decatur-Macon County Fair Board president after a bingo night.
Dallas E. Beyer, 74, died Dec. 22 after being shot in the chest by a masked man who fled the fairground's Pride of the Prairie Center with a small safe containing a large amount of cash.
Members of the Eisenhower Elite Energy booster club volunteered to work at the bingo game during the night of the shooting.
"If we can get enough parents, I think we'll continue," said Susan York, booster club president.
York acknowledged returning could be difficult for volunteers who worked during last week's shooting. Usually, the booster club provides five volunteers.
"If we can't give them five, we'll give them two a night," York said.
York said she understands that security will be in place at the bingo games.
Decatur police urge safety at bingo games as they continue to investigate leads in the shooting.
Decatur police Sgt. Steve Chabak recommends bingo halls invest in video surveillance equipment, conduct criminal background checks on employees and hire armed security guards.
Chabak noted gas stations and convenience stores that invest in video surveillance equipment and bulletproof windows rarely get robbed.
"If you spend the money, it's likely that you can overcome some of these problems," Chabak said.
It's not unusual for a robber to go "sticking a gun in people's faces" for only $50 or $100 at a gas station that hasn't taken protective measures, Chabak said.
Bingo halls often deal in greater sums of money than convenience stores that are hit, Chabak said.
"It's a wonder (a robbery at a bingo parlor) hasn't happened before now," Chabak said.
Background checks help ensure the trustworthiness of those handling bingo proceeds, Chabak said.
Decatur Police also sometimes are available to provide off-duty armed security.
Some may think a bingo hall is an unlikely place for criminal activity.
But Chabak noted Decatur Police have traced bingo halls to less serious crimes, including theft of purses, credit cards and checks.
"Things come up missing," Chabak said.
Decatur-Macon County Fairground manager Raymond Wildman did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@herald-review.com or 421-7985. Valerie Wells can be reached at vwells@herald-review.com or 421-7982.
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