Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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December 23, 2008

Community keeps watch on former Pocahontas High

By CHARLES OWENS

POCAHONTAS, Va. — The old Pocahontas High School is still on target to become a possible community center and multi-purpose facility, according to community leaders.

If all goes as planned, the old school could be reopened as a community center as early as late spring, David Woodard, a member of the Tazewell County School Board, said.

In the meantime, concerned citizens are joining area law enforcement officials in keeping a close eye on the recently closed school.

Woodard said two people were recently arrested by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department for attempting to break into the school. Randy Davis, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department, confirmed Tuesday that two people had been arrested for an attempted breaking and entering at the high school. She had no further details regarding the incident.

Woodard said the old high school is being actively patrolled by law enforcement officials, and the community is watching it as well.

Woodard said those who attempt to vandalize or burglarize the building will be arrested and charged with a criminal offense.

The combined high school and middle school facility was closed by the Tazewell County School Board earlier this year despite an overwhelming outcry of opposition from residents in the Pocahontas community.

The deed to the school was released to the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors in October.

The community is looking at a multi-purpose use for the old school, including a community center concept.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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