Kennett safe room ready in October

A five-year process is nearly complete.

Kennett School District No. 39 superintendent Dr. Chris Wilson on Thursday told the Delta Dunklin Democrat the FEMA safe building should be ready by Monday, Oct. 2.

The completion date was pushed back some by supply-and-demand issues, Wilson said.

The cost of the building is $4.5 million, with money paid for through a Federal Emergency Management Agency safe room grant.

As part of the grant's specifications, the school district was responsible for paying 25 percent of the project.

“The main purpose of the building is to shelter students and the community in case of emergency,” Wilson noted.

A secondary plus for the district is a new auxiliary practice facility, which may be used for boys and girls basketball and volleyball.

“It will be a multi-functional facility,” Wilson added, noting it also will serve as the site for physical education classes during the day.

There also will be limited seating for possible sporting events.

One of those activities could be wrestling, with the chance to provide an intimidating home venue for the Indians with fans cslose to the action.

Wilson reported there will be six stalls in both the male and female restrooms. There also will be a small concession stand.

There are no locker rooms, however, Wilson explained.

Still first-year head basketball coaches Fred Garmon and Erika Cobb will have a new facility accessible when practices begin in November.

“It's very beneficial for us,” Wilson said. “It will positively impact our basketball teams. They will have a place to practice right after school.”

During times of emergency, as many as 1,870 people will be able to shelter in place in the building.

It's expected wrestling practices will continue at the National Guard Armory located on the North Bypass.

Sides Construction of Jackson served as the general contractor on the project, along with assistance from Dille Pollard architects (Poplar Bluff), Toth & Associates (Springfield), Smith & Co. engineers (Poplar Bluff) and Strickland Engineering (Jackson).