HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s office is investigating the burglary and criminal damage of Prosperity Grade School north of Hutchinson.
Damage was pretty severe with an individual maybe interested in purchasing the property noticing water running that shouldn’t have been while they were looking at the property over the weekend.
School Superintendent Mike Berblinger telling Hutchpost that a couple of drinking fountains were damaged, one causing water to leak through the school. There was also damage to some fire extinguishers and also some paint cans which were used to cause damage.
Damage could be in the thousands of dollars, however Berblinger says they only have early estimates at this point.
Obee Grade School at 4712 E 4th was also broken into over the weekend, but the juveniles were caught in the act according to Berblinger. He says the damage there was minimal with a window being broken.
Sheriff Captain Steve Lutz says that building was actually entered twice, but again those responsible have been caught. That’s not the case at Prosperity where there are no known suspects at this point.
Both grade schools were closed by the Buhler district after the new Plum Creek Elementary School on 43rd was opened.
The district has been trying to sell the old buildings now that they’re no longer needed as school facilities.