'It's just a disaster': Anger from locals after big mess found in Shawnee County community center

DOVER (KSNT) - A local community center that serves residents in western Shawnee County is looking for answers after someone left a big mess in the building.

27 News got in touch with Debbi Childers, a spokeswoman for the Dover Community Center, who took to social media on Dec. 30 to air her frustrations after discovering the center was vandalized. Childers was called Monday about possible vandalism in the building and, upon entering, found a white dusty substance covering much of the interior.

"It's just a disaster," Childers said. "We discovered that it was our fire extinguisher that someone had taken and literally sprayed it all over the building from the gymnasium, down all the halls. There's residue in every nook and cranny."

The Dover Community Center, a former school, relies heavily on donations in order to stay in operation. Childers explained that this recent act of vandalism will set the center back financially as they will have to clean up the mess by using donations which were meant for improving the structure.

"This is what makes me angry," Childers said. "Whoever felt the need to do this as we have such a generous community. We are a not for profit of 5013c we operate on donation. Once in a while we get a small grant from someone. But generally, it's this community that's kept this building alive for 20 years."

Local volunteers turned out on Tuesday, Dec. 31 to help clean up the community center. People who have information to share with law enforcement regarding this act of vandalism can call 785-251-2200. You can also contact Shawnee County Crime Stoppers and leave an anonymous tip by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here.

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