Chugwater School was hit by acts of vandalism Aug. 16 and 17. Although the dollar amount of damage is not known, Chugwater School Principal George Kopf said it is "huge."

The recent vandalism to Chugwater School over a two-day period is currently under investigation of the Platte County Sheriff's Office.

Extensive damage occurred to the elementary school between late Saturday night, Aug. 16 and the following Sunday night/early Monday morning.

The total dollar amount of damage is still unknown but is "huge," said Chugwater School Principal George Kopf.

Damages over the two-day period include, though not all listed, the following:

• 70 windows broken out

• copier destroyed

• refrigerator destroyed

• two microwaves destroyed

• desk, filing cabinet, globes destroyed

• three computers damaged

• damaged telephones

• damaged books/supplies

• broken light covers

Kopf said this is the third time this year that this building had been vandalized.

"The first time was only seven windows and that was $1,500," he said.

Kopf said that incident occurred during the first part of July.

Regarding the most recent incidents, several supplies that were ordered for the new school year now need to be replaced.

Although Chugwater School took a major hit with the acts of vandalism, community members came together and spent hours helping clean the school up so that classes could be held on the first day as scheduled.

Kopf said 26 people volunteered to help clean the school up on Sunday and again 26 people came and helped on Monday. In addition to this, custodians from Wheatland went to the school on the following Tuesday to help out.

Kopf said there has been "wonderful community support" in getting the school cleaned up from the extensive damage.

After being featured on Channel 5 News Monday, Aug. 18, the school received several calls from people asking if they needed supplies.

Along with the Platte County Sheriff's Office investigating these incidents, the Wyoming State Crime Lab, part of the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, came to the school to investigate.

The Wyoming State Crime Lab, based out of Cheyenne, came after the Sheriff's Office made a request. Platte County Sheriff Steve Keigley said they were there on the following Monday to process the scene.

"It's bad enough that we have to take money to replace things, which takes money away from other students, but just think of the manpower that we've tied up since Sunday morning at 9 o'clock," Kopf said, regarding the Platte County Sheriff's Office.

Although it was only objects vandalized during these incidents, there has been discussion of it turning to something worse.

"If it can happen to our school in the community, can it happen to us?" Kopf said. "Will it turn from just breaking things to maybe physical altercations? And I think that's the mental strain that is probably worse for everybody."

Kopf said even though the school doesn't like having to replace things, they are just things.

"What we don't want is anybody hurt in the process," he said.

Even with the extensive damage done to the school, with the help and support of the community, Kopf said Chugwater School "had a great first day." He added that it wouldn't have been possible without the help of the community.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office is investigating several leads into this case. Sheriff Keigley said there is a "high probability" that the two most recent incidents are related to the July incident.

If there is anyone that may have information regarding these incidents that may lead to the arrest of those responsible, they are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 322-2331 or Chugwater School at 422-3501.