Humane Society holds annual membership meeting

New shelter running on time, on budget

[January 24, 2011]  The Humane Society of Logan County had their annual membership meeting Saturday morning at Chad's Blind in Lincoln.

Some of the highlights of 2010 in the annual report include:

• The society now has five state-approved humane investigators.

• Currently there are seven foster homes for pets, but there is a need and will continue to be a need for more. Ellen Burbage, president of the organization, pointed out that some pets require a home environment, and even with a shelter in operation, the need for foster homes will continue to be a concern.

• The fundraising committee, chaired by Marsha Brown, reported $22,348.50 was raised during 2010. Key events were the Tree of Hope, which made $3,600 this year, and the Christmas cookie trays, which made $4,375.

• Adrienne Hahn reported there are currently 106 active members of HSLC.

• In public relations, Wanda Stevens reported that all media are used to promote HSLC activities, plus there are weekly updates and quarterly reports for all members to keep abreast of events and activities. Stevens' report also stated that Jim Watkins has been working on a new website that should be up and running by Feb. 1.

• The shelter construction report was handled by Lyle Johnson and included a step-by-step report on how the shelter has progressed up to this date. Johnson was lauded by the organization for handling the general contracting duties and for keeping expenses in line with original estimates for construction. Although there has been no specific date set for opening the shelter, an early summer opening looks to be on target at this time.

• Lee Hahn, HSLC treasurer, filed a complete set of financials with the membership, showing all assets and cash outlays during 2010. It was pointed out that the entire annual report is available to the public upon request.

Hahn also noted to the membership that the bottom line of the 2010 HSLC balance sheet shows total assets of $528,000.

Burbage told the membership that although 2010 was a busy year, she expects 2011 to be even busier. A point continually stressed by the board is that there will be a significant expense to running the shelter once it is open, and funding sources to ensure its continual operation are challenges facing the membership this year and beyond.

In other business, Sue Jones and Marsha Brown were elected to three-year terms on the board.

Information on HSLC and how to become involved with the organization can be found at their website, www.hslclincoln.org.

[Text from annual report, Mike Fak]