BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cherryroad.com

Vandals have struck at the Cassville Aquatic Center twice in August, with the most recent incident forcing the pool to close for one of its busiest days of the year.

Dana Kammerlohr, Cassville police chief, said on Aug. 13 at about noon, police received a call concerning damage at the Aquatic Center. While much of the items had been cleaned up by that point, photos of the scene in the morning showed chairs, a cleaning apparatus and a lifeguard tower in the pool.

Cole Jackson, Cassville pool manager, said other items were also submerged, like the 28 skimmer baskets and lids, and the facility’s clock and some cleaning nets were damaged.

“The lifeguard stand was thrown in the 12-foot end, and that was the most annoying thing,” Jackson said. “That stand is very heavy.”

Jackson said it looks as if the vandals climbed the fence, as there were portions bent as if there was sustained weight on them.

Cleanup of the incident took a short time, but the pool was forced to close on Saturday for another reason.

“The covers were taken off the shut-off valves, so we had to assess water quality and some other concerns before reopening,” he said. “It was the last Saturday of the season and second-to-last-day of the season, so it would have been one of the biggest days of the year.”

The incident on the 13th was the second time in a week, as a similar incident occurred on Aug. 8. That time, chairs, trash cans, a water strainer and the lifeguard tower were thrown in the pool.

Kammerlohr said police are patrolling the area extra for the time being, and Jackson said with the pool likely being drained this week, he hopes the vandalism stops.

Kammerlohr said charges police may seek in regards to both incidents include property damage and trespassing, both misdemeanors. Felony property damage would have to amount to $750 or more in value.