MENA, Ark. (AP) — The new gymnasium at Mena High School will be used for the first time since a deadly tornado devastated the town in 2009.
Finishing touches were still being made, but officials said Wednesday they expect the gym to be ready for the first home game of the Bearcats' basketball team on Thursday.
The new high school was already in the works when a tornado ripped through the western Arkansas town, killing three and destroying homes, businesses and the middle school. The high school opened this fall.
All the schools will have safe rooms, which School Superintendent Diann Gathright told KFSM-TV will protect students and members of the community from any future tornadoes.
Gathright says Thursday's game will be remembered as a landmark in the school's history.
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