Quantcast

KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather SportsPicher school gorilla goes for $2,500

Elizabeth Matthews

Picher school gorilla goes for $2,500

Updated:

Picher Oklahoma's population has been dwindling. 

For most former residents this weekend was the last opportunity for them to walk the halls of Picher-Cardin schools. Sunday marked the finale of the school, with a district-wide auction and thousands of items up for bid.

More than 1,000 people visited Picher-Cardin school for an auction selling thousands of items, but the big man on campus?

A 500 pound plus gorilla that has welcomed guests to Picher schools since the 1970's.

The price- $2,500.

"Oh, I don't know, I would've probably spent some more money," says Dave Marlin, of Conway, Mo., who bought the gorilla.

Marlin traveled all the way from Conway to buy the giant mammal pulling a trailer large enough to haul the gorilla 130 miles to it's new home.

Marlin says he wanted the gorilla for advertising purposes.

Clay Greninger on the other hand walked away from the auction with his old football jersey for sentimental purposes.

"It was just a fun school to be at and everybody misses it and wishes never happened what did happened," says Greninger.

Greninger says most of his old football buddies are buying a piece of Picher and taking home all kinds of sportswear, even old football helmets.

"Its a real sad day for a lot of people there's just a lot of memories in this place, a lot of ballgames, a lot of people has passed through these doors and it's affected a lot of people, it's a sad day in the history of this town," says former football coach of Picher-Cardin, Willie Ng.

 

Most Popular Stories

Thursday evening Sept. 2nd

Good evening everyone. We have already seen some heavy rains and severe weather across the area. The front is pushing through SW MO at this time. Here is a look at our interactive radar. http://www.koamtv.com/Global/category.asp?C=191239&nav=menu657_4_2 The

Wednesday mid morning Sept. 1st

Good Wednesday morning everyone. Wow, can you believe it is September 1st. Every year that I get older I think the days, months and years go by a little bit quicker. I will be off today but I will be

Streets turn to rivers in Neosho, Mo. Video included

Updated: Sep 1, 2010 04:17 PM CDT

Parts of the 4-States that had been too dry suddenly become a torrent. A number of roads had been closed in Neosho, Missouri due to flash flooding. Crews there have been called to several water rescues

4-State high school goes into lockdown after a student attempts to assault his teacher

Updated:

A high school student from Grove, Oklahoma has been taken into custody. The Grove Police Department responded to the Grove (Okla.) High School around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The administration had placed the school in lockdown after a student allegedly attacked his teacher during class.

7-year-old struck, killed outside Kansas school

Associated Press - September 2, 2010 7:54 PM ET GARDNER, Kan. (AP) - A 7-year-old boy has died after being struck by an SUV while crossing a street outside a northeast Kansas school.

Funeral services set for a 4-State couple murdered in New Mexico

Updated:

Gary and Linda Haas were living in Oklahoma when they went camping in New Mexico last month. Their remains were found August 4 in their burned camper trailer at a remote ranch near Santa Rosa. Services

New green high school opens in southeast Kansas Video included

Updated:

There is a new environmentally friendly high school in Erie, Kansas. Taxpayers put up $17 million for the new school and athletic complex designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design standards,

Carl Junction teacher a finalist for Missouri teacher of the year Video included

Updated:

A local teacher is one of six state finalists for teacher of year. Carl Junction teacher Doug Logan is one of six state finalists for teacher of the year. Mr. Logan was surprised during an all-school

Joplin woman files wrongful death suit against Arizona prison system

Updated:

Vivian Haas of Joplin, Missouri is suing the state of Arizona, the Department of Corrections, and the private company operating some of its prisons. The bodies of Vivan's son, Gary, and his wife, Linda,

Classroom pets a motivator for students Video included

Updated:

Books, pencils and pets. It might not sound like the standard school supply but some teachers say having pets in the classroom is a good way to motivate students. Even kids say animals helps them learn responsibility.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2010 WorldNow and KOAM. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

KOAM - Licensed to Pittsburg, Kansas
Send tips, ideas and press releases to: tips@koamtv.com
Send newsroom questions or comments to: comments@koamtv.com
Phone: (417) 624-0233 or (620) 231-0400
Web comments or questions: webmaster@koamtv.com
Newsroom Fax: (417) 624-3158