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March 09. 2015 12:24PM Inert grenade spurred White Mountain Middle School evacuation The device that prompted an evacuation of White Mountain Middle School this morning was a non-explosive grenade, school officials say. Eagle Point School District officials said Jackson County sheriff's deputies found an "inert grenade," or a replica grenade with no explosive components inside, in a locker. "It's basically an old grenade you use as a paperweight," said district Human Resources Director Allen Barber, adding such items typically can be found at military surplus stores. An investigation identified two boys, one 13 and the other 12, suspected of bringing the deactivated grenade to school. Both were detained on a charge of second-degree disorderly conduct, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department reported in a news release. The case will be reviewed by the Jackson County District Attorney's Office and juvenile justice authorities, the news release said. Sheriff's officials said that although inert grenades are commonly available, in the wake of school violence nationwide, they are barred from schools along with guns, knives and other items that "could cause public alarm." Students, teachers and staff were evacuated about 11:45 a.m. from the school at 550 Wilson Way in White City and bused to Table Rock Elementary School, the district reported. Students ate lunch at the elementary school, then were bused back to White Mountain at 1:15 p.m. Barber said everything went smoothly. "Staff was phenomenal. It was the most organized evacuation," he said. "Very calm, very collected." http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20150309/NEWS/150309634 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->