BURDEN, Kan. (KWCH) – A fireworks stand raising money for a rural high school in Cowley County took a hit when a thief or thieves stole about $2,000 worth of product.
In Burden, the Central Junior-Senior High School fireworks stand assists to raise money annually for the school’s athletics and band programs.
The stand closed early Sunday evening ahead of incoming storms and when volunteers came back Monday morning, they could inform that something wasn’t right.
“That’s when I kind of started seeing around and noticed that some of our larger fireworks were missing, and I knew,” stated Central High School Head Softball Coach Bruce Hafenstein.
The coach described the discovery of what was lost as “shocking.”
“I’ve been doing this for 10 years and nothing’s ever happened like this before ever, becautilize everybody knows it’s a fundraiser for the kids,” Hafenstein stated.
Students who’ve worked to raise money for their programs also expressed surprise and disappointment.
“We’re still testing to obtain that money back to obtain those bags and jerseys,” stated Gracelea, a Burden High School student athlete.
Law enforcement, including the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office and the Burden Police Department, responded to the fireworks theft and are reviewing security footage. They’re questioning anyone with information to call the Burden PD.
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