Arson destroys Little League clubhouse

CRITTENDEN, Ky. - Arson was the cause of a fire at Grant County Park's Bobby Gibson Field House in Crittenden Monday, according to the State Fire Marshal.

The fire was reported by park employees when they arrived at work Monday morning.

Grant County Parks and Recreation Director Tabatha Clemons said candy from the building was found on a nearby basketball court.

"We lost quite a bit things. We lost the building completely," said Clemons. "It was a building that was in memorial of a gentleman who had sponsored softball teams and coached softball teams in our county for many years."

The building housed the Grant County Little League headquarters, where concessions were also sold. Fundraising items like T-shirts and program books were burned, as well as paperwork, including volunteers' schedules.

Because the structure was close to the field, games cannot be played there until all debris from the fire has been removed. That affects about 350 kids who play on 27 teams, from tee ball to fast pitch softball, according to the league's media coordinator, Sheila Lewis.

"The games tonight and tomorrow night will be moved to other fields in the county," said Lewis. "Then we'll play it by ear, to see when we can start playing back here. Obviously we won't be able to offer concessions."

Since nothing will be for sale, Lewis emphasized how important it is for parents to bring plenty of drinks for the players and other family members.

A $1,000 reward is being offered by Target Arson, for the indictment of anyone involved with the arson. If you have any information on this incident, call 800-272-7766.

Both groups are using Facebook to bring the community together for a grass roots campaign on Tuesay.

"We are organizing volunteers to walk through communities in Crittenden tomorrow to pass out flyers to help us find information about the arson fire that destroyed the Bobby Gibson field house," is what was written on Grant County Little League's page.  "If you would like to help tomorrow, please come to the park office at the Grant County Park at Noon ."

To get more information about the relocation of games and times go to the league's Facebook Page or visit its  website .