Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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August 30, 2010

Officials: Big Creek High School will be demolished

By CHARLES OWENS Bluefield Daily Telegraph

WAR — The historic home of the Rocket Boys of McDowell County is coming down.

While initially Big Creek High School was the subject of strong community interest with hopes of revitalizing the building to serve as a museum and source of business growth, a decision has now been made to demolish the structure, according to a press release issued by McDowell County School Superintendent Jim Brown and the city of War.

“Unfortunately, the rate of deterioration since 2005 has made this option cost prohibitive and an impossible venture,” War Mayor Tom Hatcher said in the press release.

Brown said the old high school property will used after the demolition to provide students with a playground and needed parking. The new Southside K-8 facility is located adjacent to the old high school.

Brown said collectively, both parties have come to an understanding regarding the demolition. Brown said in the coming months, a bid process will take place for the demolition of Big Creek High School with an expected completion date prior to winter. The old Iaeger High School facility also is being demolished to make way for a new Iaeger Elementary  School.

Big Creek High School, which opened in 1932, was closed in June. The former Big Creek Owls are now students at the new River View High School.

Brown said both Big Creek  High School and Iaeger High School served as pillars of their respective communities for several decades.

“The need to build a new Iaeger Elementary School removed any hope to keep Iaeger High School for future use,” Brown said in the press release. “The existing property will soon be the site of a new Pre-K to fifth grade elementary school. The demolition of Iaeger High School has begun with site preparation for the new school to follow in the coming months.”

Brown said present and future students of River View High School, along with two strong communities, must now bring the tradition and support of the past to what officials hope to be a bright future for tomorrow.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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