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By (https://www.wtva.com/authors/Madison-McCarter/) Madison McCarter    Published: Oct. 15, 2026 at 6:49 PM EDT | Updated: 11 hours ago     Share     (https://google.com/preferences/source?q=https://www.wtva.com)  Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google      COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) – A new facility will blend student health and community safety. Ground was broken on a new gymnasium at Stokes-Beard Elementary in Columbus on Thursday. The $5.2 million project will give students more opportunities while also providing a resource the community can use when dangerous weather moves through the area.  It will host gymnastics classes for pre-K to first grade students, along with art and music classes.   “It’s just providing opportunities for generations to come. Not only that, with it being a storm shelter, we know that Columbus is no stranger to tornadoes,” said Dr. Craig Chapman, the Columbus Municipal School District superintendent. “This is a great safe place for the people in this community and people of Columbus.” The gym is part of a $36 million bond project approved by Columbus voters to fund improvements across the district. Other projects include parking lot improvements, fire suppression systems at several schools, and bathroom upgrades.  Copyright 2026 WTVA. All rights reserved.            Most Read   (https://www.wtva.com/2026/10/15/elderly-man-killed-home-invasion/) (The incident happened at a home on County Road 176 in Union County, Mississippi.)      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