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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend January 10, 2007 Talent student may have brought gun to school Authorities don't know if middle school boy brought firearm or toy onto campus By Paris Achen Mail Tribune Talent police are investigating whether a Talent Middle School student brought a firearm on campus last week. School officials called police after hearing reports from pupils Jan. 3 that on the previous day two students had marijuana on campus and one of them, a 14-year-old boy, had what resembled a firearm. "At this stage, we can't say whether a student brought a firearm on campus," said Talent Police Chief Bob Rector. "The key focus of the investigation is to determine what was brought on campus." There were no indications that the boy threatened anyone with the item, which could have been a firearm or possibly a toy, Rector said. Both students were suspended from school and cited for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana on school grounds, a misdemeanor. The boys also faced expulsion hearings at the Phoenix-Talent School District office. Advertisement School officials sent letters to parents Jan. 5 to notify them of the incident. There are about 640 students who attend the school in grades 6-8. Possession of a firearm on a school campus is a Class C felony. Federal law, however, stipulates that a student who brings to school either a firearm or a replica of one be expelled for no less than one year. Patti Kinney, Talent Middle School principal, said the incident was the first in her 17 years at the school in which a student brought an item resembling a firearm on campus. "We are encouraging kids that they are also responsible for the safety of everyone at school, and if they are aware of information that puts students or others in harm's way, they need to talk to an adult about it," Kinney said. Security cameras are present on campus, and footage from that equipment may be part of the investigation, she said. It is unknown when the police investigation will conclude, Rector said. All the evidence, however, will be turned over to Jackson County Juvenile Services, and that agency will decide whether petitions will be filed against the students. "I'm very impressed with how this problem was handled," said Meredith Blair, mother of a sixth-grader at the school. "I'm a little shocked it happened here, but you hear about things happening at every school. "By sending a letter to parents, the principal encouraged parent involvement, which helps keep these things from happening again." Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com