The Friendly Grade School has been torn down and all that remains is a pile of debris.

The Friendly Town Council tried to obtain grants to cover the costs of the demolition project. When none could be procured, Mayor Bonnie Hostutler contacted Empire Builders, Inc. in Parkersburg. The company agreed to work with the town.

“We had enough money to remove the shingles and take down the building,” commented Mayor Bonnie Hostutler. They didn’t have enough money, however, to remove the debris. According to Hostutler, a committee has been appointed for the purpose of raising the funds to complete the project.

She added, “When citizens stick together things can be done. I would like to thank Phil Smith of Friendly Landings for telling me about Empire Builders. I would also like to thank Luke Furbee for counseling us on what to do.”