Dan Gher was elected as the new commander of Wabash Post 423 of the American Legion Monday night in a special election.

Gher replaces Bobby Sales, who resigned.

Gher and the Post 423 officers are facing immediate issues with the Legion post's current debts and even consideration of selling the landmark building.

Jim Warren, who had been the post's adjutant with Sales, was reappointed to that position by Gher. The adjutant is in charge of all records and minutes of each meeting.

Until Gher's election, the special meeting was conducted by Donald Towery, the Fifth Division commander. Gher and Warren were sworn in by Alexis Howser, the 23rd District commander.

Gher was the only person nominated for the post commander's position. Towery, prior to Gher's nomination, said the post had to elect a commander and an adjutant or its charter would be removed and the building closed. Wabash County would then cease to have an American Legion Post.

Assisting Towery was Richard Smith, a past commander for the local post. Smith said the move to sell the building, located at 726 Market Street in Mt. Carmel, was being considered because of expenses. Towery said permission from the Department of Illinois had to be obtained first, and all assets then belonged to the department.

Smith added the post did not need to have a building to have a charter, and that a place to meet had been offered.

Some members also asked questions about the post's financial status, and asked for a financial report. Member Pat Moade asked to see all minutes and financial reports for the last six months. Towery said the post's members were entitled to a financial report every week.

Gene Peach was appointed a temporary sergeant at arms and directed to invite the post Auxiliary, which was also meeting in another room, to attend the meeting and present a financial report. When the ladies arrived, club manager Mary Peterson said the building had been appraised at $102,000 but in her estimation it would sell for $80,000.

Peterson also reported the post had nearly $16,000 in insurance debt with a payment of $5,780.41 due Nov. 12. She added the post also had bills of over $11,500, some of which were two months past due.

The post also has a $13,000 Certificate of Deposit, and a $10,000 loan.

Prior to adjournment, Smith said Father Bill Rowe, of St. Mary's Parish, would be the speaker for the Veterans Day Ceremony to be held at the post. Moade also said Veteran's Day ceremonies would be held at Oakview Heights that morning.