diff --git a/r0b3bot.py b/r0b3bot.py
index 1f0d310..d364026 100644
--- a/r0b3bot.py
+++ b/r0b3bot.py
@@ -222,7 +222,10 @@ async def printstat(ctx):
         # We weren't able to get the status.  Display this text to the chat channel
         print("  ! Unable to get light status, notifying chat channel")
         await ctx.send("Hmm, I can't tell if the light is on... oh well")
-        work_lights = "Unknown"
+        class State:
+            state = "unknown"
+        work_lights = State()
+        work_lights.state = "Unknown"
 
     # If the light is off, let's turn it on before we take a picture
     print(" - Lights are off, turning on for image capture")