Caledonia Argus

Burglary reported at elementary school

Posted: 1/20/04

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

The Houston County Sheriffís Office discovered a break-in at the Caledonia Elementary school after responding to a 911 hang-up at 12:07 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16.

After investigation, it appears that the call came from an elevator phone in the old elementary school that had not yet been disconnected. However, dispatch responded to the new elementary school because the number registered as Caledonia Elementary.

It is unclear how the phone dialed into the Sheriffís office, but according to the sheriffís dispatch, they received several 911 calls from the number that night.

An Ace telelphone representative said the 911 call could not have come from the new school.

Caledonia Police Officer Gary Bubbers responded to the scene at the new elementary school. He was checking the perimeter of the school and pulling on the doors of the southeast side of the school when he saw two young males running in the area.

More back-up was called, including Caledonia Police Chief Duane St. Mary, Spring Grove Police Chief Paul Folz, Houston County Deputy Randy Shefelbine, and La Crescent Police officers Scott Yeiter and William Hargrove.

By the time the officers surrounded the building, the suspects had fled the scene.

Entry was gained by breaking a 12''x30'' window located on the south side on the second story.

Approximately $22 in cash was taken.

District 299 Superintendent James Tool said, ìObviously any break-in is disturbing and real unfortunate.î

It appeared the suspects had been to several locations in the building looking for money.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Caledonia Police Department.

Two other incidents

On the same night that the elementary school was burglarized a Caledonia business located on Kingston Street reported that sometime during the night, someone had tried to gain entry to his business.

The weather stripping on the back door was pried off and there were scratch marks in the door lock.

Another individual reported that on that same night, someone had thrown an iron rod through the right rear side window of his vehicle while it was parked behind Caledonia Implement. Nothing was reported missing.

Trailer reported stolen

An Iowa man reported that his utility trailer, valued at $960, was stolen about three weeks ago as it was parked at Green Power in Caledonia.

The trailer is 5'x9' with two-foot-high bars and see-through mesh. The wood floor has been freshly painted. It has Iowa plates.

It was parked at Green Power while the owner was while waiting to get some other equipment fixed.

Top of Page