Greenhouse vandalism can't stop green thumbs

The students of Hayden Meadows Elementary School have been working hard this spring in preparation for their annual greenhouse sale Saturday, and the vandalism to their greenhouse last weekend won't shatter their enthusiasm.

A deputy with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office responded to a report Sunday of damage to the greenhouse skin, which apparently occurred between 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. According to the police report, the damage was done using the sharp end of a soccer flag post.

Laura Rumpler, director of communications for the Coeur d'Alene school district, said only the structure was damaged, so the flowers and vegetables remain intact.

"This type of vandalism is disheartening and frustrating," she said. "But it hasn't slowed the kids down in their effort to put on a great greenhouse sale."

The deputy was unable to locate any suspects at the time of the report and Rumpler said there has been no new information regarding any potential suspects.

The kids will be selling the plants at the school on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Begonias, petunias, geraniums, tomatoes, squash and cilantro are just some of the plants available, with prices ranging from $2 to $30.

Hayden Meadows is located at 900 E. Hayden Ave. Phone: 772-5006.