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NB students expelled for weapons violations |
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By Patrick Tepoorten
At its May 8 meeting, the North Branch School Board expelled two students for a period of one year for breaking the district policy for weapons on school grounds.
An April 29 incident, which started with a tip from a student to high school administration, resulted in the discovery of a .22 caliber rifle, a “samurai sword,” a utility knife, a throwing star, and alcohol in the car of 17-year-old male by the North Branch Police Department. Also found was at least one notebook containing what law enforcement referred to as “graffiti” including gang and hate crime symbols. However, in a letter home to parents at the end of April, the district stated there were “no specific threats against the school, its students or staff.”
The student was arrested on the spot, and the case was referred to the County Attorney’s Office on April 30 for possible charges. According to County Attorney Janet Reiter, a juvenile delinquency petition has been filed by the court, and the student was charged with one count of possession of a dangerous weapon on school property.
The other expulsion involved another high school student who was found to be carrying knives on school grounds in late April. Both students were expelled for a period of 12 months.
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