Knights of Columbus Hires New Manager, Going Smoke-Free

The Washington Knights of Columbus Hall will have a new general manager and a new smoke-free policy for its members’ lounge beginning June 1.

Ronnie Marquart will begin working as the hall’s general manager in June.

Marquart, who previously worked for Droege’s for 36 years, is a Krakow native and most recently was employed for Kohl Wholesale in Quincy, Ill.

He made the move back to Washington to be closer to family.

“The Knights of Columbus is a great organization. They do a lot to help the community,” Marquart said. “I’m glad to be a part of that.”

The hall offers a members’ lounge for those who are part of the Knights of Columbus, as well as banquet and dining halls available for rent for weddings, parties and other events.

There also is a sports complex with pavilion, ball field and horseshoe pits available.

The hall can do catering and decorating for those renting the spaces, Marquart said.

Proceeds from rentals and other services go to the Washington Knights council.

“The council gives back to the community,” Marquart said. “That’s what we want to be known for.”

In addition to a new general manager, the lounge also will go smoke-free June 1. On that date, the lounge will have a kickoff to welcome Marquart at the lounge with food and drink specials.

The hall will continue to open at around 3 p.m. daily, Marquart said, and Sunday bingo will still be featured at the hall each week.

The lounge also will remain open for all of its regular events, including St. Francis Borgia Regional High School football games, played just down the hill, and St. Louis professional sports games which can be viewed on one of the lounges four big-screen TVs.