ROYAL CITY - The fellows building the new Royal Intermediate School have worked hard through spring and into the summer, and the school district decided to thank them in a special way on June 18.

Yes, yes, the workers are paid for their toils. But this is a special add-on perk called a Warren Small barbecue, the getting-to-be world famous Warren Small barbecue.

"It was held in the Red Rock Elementary cafeteria. We wanted to give them a break from the summer heat," Business Manager David Andra said.

Small, a member of the Royal School Board, who is well known in the area for his barbecue, cooked for about 40 people to thank them for their efforts. They included district office staff and district maintenance personnel.

Red Rock Assistant Principal Linda Achondo, who will be the RIS principal, was able to publicly thank the construction crews for the "great work and beautiful school they are building."

According to Andra, teachers and staff will be able to work in their classrooms after July 27, and the school will be ready for students by the first day of school on August 26.