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Vandals, storms damage LCHS
Baseball, softball and football areas were defaced
electricalbox
The electrical box behind the Panthers’ baseball dugout was fried and lightning appears to be the suspect. The damage to the wiring extended to the PA system and scoreboard - photo by Phgoto by Patty Leon

Liberty County High School received a one-two punch to the sports department when Mother Nature and vandals apparently caused damage to the baseball, softball and football areas of the school.

LCHS resource officer Donald Moody met with Principal Paula Scott and assistant principal Willie Graham and surveyed the concession areas at the football, softball and baseball fields, according to an incident report he filed June 17. The incidents are thought to have occurred over the weekend of June 12-14.

Moody said the door to the concession stand by the softball field was pried open and damage to the roll-up door to the home-side concession stand at the football field indicated someone tried to gain entry. The roll-up door at the old field house was forced open and a closet door at the new field house was forced as well. Initially, school officials thought the vandals had possibly taken items, but a supplemental report states no materials were taken.

The Panther baseball electrical system, including the public announcement sound system, scoreboard wiring and electrical panel were fried, apparently the victim of lightning during the storms that swept the area last week.

A portable batting cage was tossed against a field light pole and fence as well.

Graham said while both incidents happened around the same time, and the damage to the batting cage and electrical systems were definitely caused by the weather.

A phone call and e-mail to Liberty County Superintendent Dr. Judy Scherer inquiring about estimated costs and repairs were not returned by press time. The Courier will provide updated information as it becomes available. Anyone with information on the damage should call the Liberty County Sheriff detective unit at 876-4555.

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