ONLY ON 3 UPDATE: No new signs of gym bats

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Bladen County Schools spokeswoman says there are no new signs of bats in the gym at West Bladen High School.

A bat flew around the court in the opening seconds of West Bladen’s game against Southwest Onslow to the screams of fans and surprise to players and referees on the court. Play had to be stopped briefly as people tried to swat the bat with towels and brooms. A young man eventually hit and killed the bat with a broom.

A custodian discovered bats about two weeks ago, which led to work to keep them out of the gym.

Bladen County Schools spokeswoman Valerie Newton told WWAY over the weekend that Wlidlife Control officer checked the gym Saturday morning and said it was likely the bat was one of the bats already inside before repairs were made.

According to Newton, a team of key maintenance, custodial, environmental and school personnel was scheduled to inspect the buildings again today to make sure that no more bats have gotten in. This afternoon, she said all is well and that entrances remained sealed and there no other signs of activity.