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Authorities have apprehended the individuals believed to be behind the trashing of the old Bangor middle and high school building almost a year after the incident.

“It’s solved,” said Bangor Police Chief Scott Alo. “We just continued to investigate and talk to people, and we just got to the point where things lined up.”

Alo said the investigation of the vandalism — which caused about $35,000 worth of damages — really came together within the last month, and police were able to apprehend four juveniles on charges of felony criminal damage to property; three were from Bangor and one had been living in Milwaukee.

Alo said tracking down the individual in Milwaukee and paperwork had consumed a lot of time recently, but he was expecting to be able to refer the case to La Crosse County Human Services this week.

The vandalism occurred on Saturday, July 7, 2007, and was reported the next day by a summer recreation worker. There had been no forced entry to the building.

Every room in the building sustained some type of damage. Vandals painted graffiti throughout the building’s carpet and walls, broke numerous interior windows and glass panes and even defecated in one room. Various storage items — such as computers, games and supplies — were damaged and thrown about, and fire extinguishers were discharged. It also appeared as if a small fire was started on the floor of the old library.

Alo said the four juveniles apprehended are all males, and, at the time of the offense, the three Bangor boys were ages 13 and 14 while the Milwaukee boy — who had been living in Bangor — was 15.

Initially, Alo said evidence indicated the vandalism might be gang related because of spray-painted symbols, but the ensuing investigation and the juveniles’ confessions proved that was not the situation.

“According to their statements, it was just something to do,” Alo said.

Bangor Superintendent Roger Foegen said the incident hit the community hard.

“I think any time you have an invasion of your property there’s a sense of loss and a sense of vulnerability, just like someone entering your home,” Foegen said. “A lot of people were upset. Anybody that has a history in Bangor who went to school in that place or worked in that place felt it. There was a sense of pride.”

The building, located at 401 14th St. S., previously served the district’s seventh- through 12th-grade students. The main portion of the building was built in 1917 while the gymnasium was added in the 1960s. Classes and offices were moved to the district’s newer facility 11 years ago, but the building has still been used for storage, recreation programs and middle school activities. Bangor First Responders occupy a portion of the building, but vandals did not gain access to that section.

Foegen said the original estimated damage was about $35,000, but the district opted to not do some repairs, such as not repainting the walls of some rooms. About $30,000 worth of repairs and item replacement were done, of which the district’s insurance company covered about $29,000; the district had a $1,000 deductible.

The future of the old school building is uncertain, and, regardless of the vandalism, Foegen said possible demolition of all or some of the building “has been on the radar for several years.” He said the school board will likely address the building’s future after the elementary school addition is completed this fall and weigh the needs and uses of the old school; however, water, sewer, heating and electrical connections could pose a problem with a partial demolition.

“The question will be is there still that demand (to use the old school),” Foegen said.

Regardless, Foegen said he and the school district are pleased the vandalism case is solved and the culprits have been apprehended.

“We’re very happy the case has been solved,” he said. “It’ll put some closure to it and the people who are responsible can be held accountable and the community can move ahead.

“Over the last year, I probably had more questions on (the vandalism) than anything else; it’s been a topic on the minds of a lot of people.”

Alo agreed, and he noted the importance of people contacting law enforcement with information and tips. He said La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers played a key role in solving this case.

“We’re very appreciative for the La Crosse (Area) Crime Stoppers ... and everybody else that came forward in this case,” Alo said. “I think any time information is available in assisting the police department, we’re always willing to lend an ear and hear and we’ll just take it from there.

“The department and the community work together very well in keeping our eyes and ears open.”