ERWIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Filling a sinkhole that opened near an elementary school in Erwin has been like pouring money into a hole in the ground - $38,000 so far.
Unicoi County Director of Schools Denise Brown told the Johnson City Press that $25,000 of that went for gravel dumped into 120-foot-deep chasm. The insurer required that professional movers be used to move materials needed for students, who have been sent to other schools. That added $8,000.
The hole was first seen by someone walking past Love Chapel Elementary the morning of Aug. 18 -- a Saturday when classes were not in session.
A crew sent by insurance provider Risk Management Trust drilled holes and collected soil samples last month. Brown said she expects a report soon from the insurance company.