Work to replace the roof of the Keota Junior High gymnasium has been progressing well, according to Superintendent Dennis Phelps, and he believes completion is imminent. During the July 4th weekend, the roof of the gym caught fire when a firework landed on it, creating a 15×20 foot hole. In August, the school made the decision to replace the roof completely. Phelps says if they’re lucky and the weather cooperates, they could open the gym as early as October 1st. However, he’s pessimistic about the weather forecast, and believes it will more likely be operational in the first half of October.

This week construction crews have been on top of the gym replacing the roof in sections. At the same time ServPro has been cleaning smoke and water damage on the ceiling, walls, and floor of the gym. Phelps is happy to report the floor will not have to be replaced at this time. Phelps said the construction hasn’t disrupted the flow of the school or activities as much as people might have thought. The area requiring the most amount of cooperation has been the volleyball teams, which have been forced to share the high school gym for practice and games. However, they’ve been able to work through the conflicts, with few complaints and little disruption. Finding a silver-lining to the situation, Phelps believes when the work is complete, the facility will be brighter, cleaner, and will feel like an entirely new gym.