By Leanne Cloudman

Staff Reporter

Lcloudman@yadkinripple.com

Boonville Head Start Director, Kathy Payne was very thankful Friday evening for the dedication and quick thinking of Allison Winters, an Education Specialist with the program.

Winters noticed a smell she equated with "hot wires" on Friday evening as the last of the children were leaving for the day. As she readied to go home, the smell lingered and she was concerned. "Something just told me not to leave," Winters said.

She contacted Payne and asked for permission to call an electrician. By the time the electrician arrived, flames were visible coming from one of the HVAC units affixed to the Head Start building.

Boonville Fire Department and Arlington Fire Department responded and the fire was quickly contained with minimal damage.

"We've had problems with this system since it was installed," said Payne.

Assistant Director, Nick Hawks expressed their need for a new system. They need a good samaritan who can design a system that will work for the wonderful building the Head Start program is housed in.

"We have no funding for this expense," explained Payne. "We serve 385 families in this area and the work we do is important. The heating system we have just does not work for this building."

They believe if they could obtain a design for a proper heating and air system, they might then look for grant funding to have the system installed. After this incident, the need is even more crucial. "We just need help," said Payne.

Very little damage was incurred due to the fire, thanks to Winters. "They were lucky someone was here," said Moxley. "A couple of hours smoldering and it could have been a lot worse."

Head Start is a non-profit organization that serves the children and families of this area. They are currently accepting students for enrollment.