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Lightning strike forces Scout Hall closure; TCTV relocates while remediation proceeds
Summary
A June 6 lightning strike damaged Scout Hall, closing the building pending asbestos results and moisture remediation; TCTV staff and contractors are conducting drying and cleanup work and the station is temporarily operating from town facilities.
A lightning strike on June 6 damaged Scout Hall and left the building closed until contractors and safety tests clear the facility for occupancy, TCTV hosts said on the station’s June 16 broadcast.
The closure prompted TCTV to relocate production to multiple temporary sites, including Town Hall, the library and the senior center, and to accept offers from local partners, hosts Ian Dolan and Erin Bresnahan said. “Hopefully, the next time we see you, it will be back in Scout Hall,” Dolan said.
A TCTV staff member said ServiceMasters assessed the building and measured moisture levels, finding readings “anywhere from 70 [to] 100%” in some areas and lower readings around 20% in back areas. The contractor installed about 20 blowers and several dehumidifiers and removed insulation from the basement; the staff member said additional equipment and attic insulation removal are planned.
The same speaker said an asbestos test is pending and that the building cannot be cleared for re-occupancy until results confirm it is safe: “Once they get their asbestos test results back, which could be tonight, it's mandatory that they make sure the building's clear.”
TCTV thanked responding firefighters and neighbors for checking on staff well-being on the broadcast. The station said it will use the temporary period to expand community programming while repairs proceed.
No formal town action or vote on Scout Hall appeared in the broadcast; the program described contractor remediation steps, testing requirements and temporary relocations reported by TCTV personnel and a ServiceMasters representative.
TCTV said it may use space at the Wachusett Business Incubator in Gardner if Scout Hall is not ready when filming resumes.
