Vandalism at the Old Gym prompts changes

Over the past three months, there have been three deliberate acts of vandalism at the Old Gym in Malta.

In December, a new scoreboard controller, donated to the school by the Malta Athletic Club, came up missing. The cost of replacement for the controller was $1000.

Sometime just after Winter Break, the lock on the boys' locker door was demolished, and just this past week a solid oak door and lock were destroyed as well as damage to a number of items in the "old wrestling room."

For these reasons, all outstanding key fobs used to unlock the door at the Old Gym will be deactivated, according to Malta Schools.

"It is always unfortunate that the careless acts of a few, impacts the good actions of many," said Malta School District Superintendent Kris Kuehn. "However, due to the extensive damage caused and costs incurred by the district, the school has no option except to limit access to the old gym going forward."

Questions regarding this matter can be directed to either Mr. King or Mr. Kuehn.

If you have any information about the vandalism and the Old Gym, you are encouraged to contact the Phillips County Sheriff's Office at 654-2350 or call Crime Stoppers at 654-1234.