The fire that destroyed the old Celeste Gymnasium and Celeste Elementary last Monday night has been ruled as arson by State Fire Marshal William Jennings. His report showed that the fire was started in one position in the older school complex still used for physical education classes and basketball practice. The fire spread rapidly and made it impossible to contain by the almost one-hundred responding fire fighters.

The Celeste Independent School Board has approved plans for rewards up to $3,500 to any individual furnishing information leading to the arrest or conviction of the person staring the fire. Funding will be on behalf of the school district, local business leaders, and the insurance company.

(January 30, 1986, The Wolfe City Mirror)

Submitted by Sarah Swindell

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