POLICE FIND DRUGS AT WEST VIGO

Three West Vigo High School students faced criminal charges and suspension
Wednesday after drug-sniffing dogs turned up marijuana and paraphernalia in
two cars and a locker. Principal David Chapman says he's disappointed with
the results.

"It's disheartening," Chapman said. "We've been doing this on an annual
basis, and this is the first time that we've come up with anything, at
least in the six years I have been here as vice principal and then principle."

Deputies from the Vigo County Sheriff's Department arrested two 17-year-old
males and one 17-year-old female Wednesday after searching vehicles and
lockers at the school, Chapman said.

Sheriff William R. Harris said the students were taken to Vigo County
Juvenile Center. Chapman said the students will be suspended.

According to Vigo County School Corp. policy, if students possess, use or
are under the influence of drugs or alcohol in school, principals have two
options, board member Ted Kraly said. They can either recommend expulsion
or an alternative that includes a one-to 10-day suspension, drug and
alcohol testing, participation in an education program and notification of
the justice system.

Police arrived at the school around 9 a.m. with drug sniffing dogs from
Vigo, Clay and Parke counties as well as a dog from the Terre Haute Police
Department, Harris said.

Four dogs were used to quicken the search he said.

Chapman says West Vigo tries to organize a search once a year.

"We try to do our best to prevent this type of thing from happening as far
as drugs entering the school," Chapman said. "We feel we do a good job of
educating our kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol but, obviously,
there are some outside influences that are a bit more powerful."

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski