Rader Lodge Fire, History & Photos

Rader Lodge destroyed by fire - By Jewell County Record staff

November 15, 2007 - JEWELL COUNTY, Kansas (STPNS) -- The Rader Lodge, Glen Elder, along Highway 128 south of the Jewell County line, was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon.

Called to the fire at 1:46 p.m. were fire departments of Asherville, Scottsville and Hunter. Also called were Mitchell County Sheriff's Department, Mitchell County EMS and the Mitchell County Rescue Squad. The building sustained extensive damage. The building was secured by the fire departments and the sheriff's department. Two hunters who were staying there suffered smoke inhalation and were treated and released. According to the lodge owner, Jeff Rader, Glen Elder, the lodge is a total loss. The insurance inspector came to look over the damages Tuesday morning. Though it has not been determined what caused the fire, Rader reports it is believed to have started around an electrical outlet where a television was plugged in.

This is one of the busiest times at the lodge. According to Rader, 60 hunters were expected to be at the lodge during the weekend.

Rader opened the lodge in 1986. He previously worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad as an engineer. According to Rader, he used money from his buyout option when he left his job, to open the lodge.

"I was really interested in hunting and fishing. We were spending more and more time at the lake and it soon became a dream," he said. At first the business was a motel, convenience store and bait shop. The motel slept 70 people. The business soon became a full-time hunting lodge.

Rader was at a store in Concordia purchasing televisions for the lodge when he received a phone call about the fire. He said it was a relief when he was told everyone at the lodge was safe, but then became concerned about his dog so he called to ask rescuers to get his dog, Dexter. Dexter and another puppy in the kennel were rescued.

Rader was able to find places for the expected hunters to stay, thanks to local people opening up their rentals and lodges. "These people opened their houses and lodges for us and I can't thank them enough," he said.

The business is expected to continue operation by using the rentals until the end of hunting season. Rader owns the old Glen Elder State Bank building and hopes to remodel it by turkey hunting season.

Rader said eight hunters a day for seven days are expected during turkey season. Plans are to work at a "reduced level" during fishing season while they begin reconstruction of the lodge. He hopes to have the lodge open next hunting season.

Rader still gets emotional when he talks about the fire but said, "We are amazed by the kindness and support we have received."

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Rader Lodge Fire Photos & Rebuilding

Photos taken after the fire and cleanup photos.

Everything was destroyed.		50 loads to the dump
Lodge great room		Bedroom
Kitchen Appliances		Kitchen
Positive spirits.		409 does the trick!
Plenty of hands to help to rebuild the lodge.
The new lodge as it sits in 2009. There is a lot of remodeling and rebuilding still going on into 2010.