IRONTON -- The Ironton Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 177, has been placed on probation for a number of alleged violations including selling tips and operating a bingo without a state license and paying off on a gambling machine in violation of state law.

James L. Nichelson, an Elks grand exalted ruler from Martins Ferry, Ohio, placed the Ironton lodge on probation for allegedly violating a number of laws of the order.

The Ironton lodge received a letter dated Feb. 8, from the Charitable Gaming Division of the Ohio State Lottery that its license wasn't renewed on time and it should immediately stop all bingo operations and the selling of tips, Nichelson said in an executive order to the Ironton lodge dated Friday.

"This is a direct violation of the laws of the state of Ohio and the laws of the order," Nichelson wrote. He also said the lodge has gambling machines that give payoffs in a paper ticket form that can be redeemed for cash, also a violation of Ohio law. The lodge also continues to violate state law by allowing patrons to smoke, he wrote.

Lodge funds also are not being turned over to lodge officers as required and trustees are taking money generated from the illegal machines, bingo and tips and holding it, according to Nichelson.

"The lodge is involved in unacceptable in-fighting between the trustees, board of governors and officers," Nichelson wrote. "They refuse to form a cohesive corps of officers and members and show no respect for the office of exalted ruler or anyone outside of the clique."

Nichelson couldn't be reached for comment Monday.

Donald L. Washburn, Ironton lodge exalted ruler, also couldn't be reached for comment.

J. Fran Mullens of Crown City, Ohio, and John Johnson of Nelsonville, Ohio, were appointed as special representatives to review club records, accounts and books, review and approve bills and supervise operations at Lodge 177.

Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship said the lodge has donated several thousand dollars for protective equipment (vests) for city police officers.

"They've done this several times," he said. "They've been very helpful. They've been a good organization."

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Elks Lodge 177 is located at 416 Park Ave. in Ironton.