PARKERSBURG - An early-morning car wreck caused school to be canceled Wednesday at Hamilton Middle School.
Sue Woodward, assistant superintendent of school services for Wood County Schools, said officials were alerted around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday of a vehicle striking and damaging a power pole on Foley Avenue. The middle school is located on Cadillac Drive, a few blocks from where the accident occurred.
"The power pole was left suspended with the transformers still attached," Woodward said. The power company said it would begin work around 8 a.m., with power being off for at least five hours during the day, she said. Officials decided to cancel school for the day.
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Seth Douglas Boggs
"That (electric line) powers the school's heat, security system, kitchen, even the phone systems in the office," Woodward said. "Because of the length of time it would be out, we decided to cancel school."
Woodward said officials expect to resume a regular schedule today. Wood County Schools students will be out Friday for the beginning of winter break.
In a press release Wednesday, the Parkersburg Police Department said the wreck happened around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officials said Seth Douglas Boggs, 26, of Parkersburg was allegedly driving a 1995 GMC truck when he lost control and struck a power pole and brick retaining wall in front of 2019 Foley Ave. Boggs allegedly had extremely slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and a very strong odor of alcohol. Boggs was taken to Camden Clark Medical Center for treatment.
According to the release, Boggs was charged with second-offense DUI. A computer check revealed a first-offense DUI conviction in Wood County on Jan. 7, 2011. Boggs also allegedly was driving on a revoked license for DUI. Boggs also was charged with failure to maintain control and no insurance.
Boggs was arraigned in Wood County Magistrate Court and released on
a $3,300 bond.
