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Police Say Group of Lakeland Students Involved in Bomb Threat Expelled

The following information was supplied by White Lake Township Police. Arrests and charges do not indicate convictions.

According to White Lake Police, a group of students was responsible for Thursday's bomb threat at Lakeland Highland.

A report filed with the department states that a group, all juveniles, discussed making a threat because they did not want to attend classes on Friday.

A few members of the group actively participated in writing a threat on a bathroom wall, and then took photos and notified administration at Lakeland that they (the group) had found the threat.

School Resource Officer John Kirken led an investigation and all of the students involved were expelled, the report states.

Those in the group that actively participated in making the threat could face charges of making a terrorist threat - a 20 year felony - and police said the case will be forwarded to the prosecutor's office once the investigation is complete.

"We encourage any parent or student who hears a credible threat to contact Officer Kirken or the administration," Lt. Don Nankervis said. "If it's after hours you can always call the police department. The school district and this department take these threats very seriously."

Lauralee Daniels, M.S. December 22, 2012 at 04:32 pm
After all the television coverage of the Sandy Hook massacre & continued emphasis on punishment for anyone making terrorist threats these kids cannot plead ignorance & should receive felony charges. Their punishment should also involve recompense to the police department for the manpower involved in this threat & investigation. NO Mercy any longer.
Erica Sikma December 22, 2012 at 08:41 pm
I agree, Lauralee--quit being so easy on people like this. You want a day off school, so you organize a false bomb threat? What kind of person makes that kind of decision?
Gerry S December 23, 2012 at 06:14 am
The question here is why did these students not want to attend classes on Friday? Just recently The Patch ran two articles with the headlines:
"Lakeland Administration, Police Debunk Rumor of Student With Gun at Lakeland" and "Neighboring Districts Cancel Classes Following Rumors, Should Huron Valley Do the Same?" If these children did this because they genuinely felt threatened then the district should share culpability. They made the decision to hold classes when other districts chose to cancel them. Even if these kids were simply vandals the thing that I think is obvious that we can learn from the recent events is that we need to pay attention to mental health. Mentally balanced kids do not issue bomb threats. Did they feel threatened to the point of doing this or were they pulling a prank? Either way, I am not sure the time-honored expulsion punishment is necessarily the correct punishment n this situation... Talk to these kids and find out why they did this and demand they seek counseling before continuing their education.
margaret oatrowski December 27, 2012 at 04:13 pm
Yes, mental health combined with consequences needs to be the focus. We in the USA pay the big sports people more money than mental health therapists. Why is that?

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Marjorie Findley June 18, 2013 at 12:58 pm
It would be helpful to know, if it actually was seismic testing. Following the last episode (byRead More West Bay) it was noted, at the Highland Twp Board meeting by the Sheriff's office, that residents would receive notification prior to any such future events. If so, who received notice and how was this communicated? An announcement in the "Patch" would have been useful.... The Tues. June 25th TOWN HALL 6 - 8pm, by the WRC (Water Resources Commissioner) Jim Nash, will provide an abundance of information on issues re oil/gas drilling and fracking, which EVERYONE needs to know due to impacts on both surface and ground (well) water. Particularly, those who have been approached with an oil/gas lease (ie; near Clyde Rd & Hickory Ridge, re exploration for drilling on the 'soccer field'). People need to know what they are getting into. If it comes to drilling/fracking, seismic testing will be seen as trivial.
Gerry S June 18, 2013 at 01:24 pm
After the last round of explosions I contacted Patrick Gibson at West Bay Exploration Company andRead More was told that yes, they have been conducting tests in the area over the last 18 months and "The impact of these charges is barely audible at the surface and would not sound like an explosion on neighboring property. Landowners affected by the survey are contacted through the mail so that they are aware of our timing. I am not sure what your mysterious explosions were, but I am pretty sure they were not the result of our surveys." In the press release provided by Laura Vogel today Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash says Thousands of acres of land in Oakland has been leased to Jordan Exploration. I am again confused. Do both companies have leases in Oakland County? Is it legal for them to detonate dynamite at all hours?
Marjorie Findley June 18, 2013 at 02:24 pm
So, Patrick Gibson can check West Bay records then KNOW if their testing occurred on Sat. 6/15/13Read More 9pm, instead of being 'pretty sure'. Guess I'll have to call Pat .... Getting answers to your questions re the companies involved, Gerry, can be mysterious too --- but, likely just a technicality as this industry includes 3 types, to: explore; drill; and extract (and/or frack). So, nailing anyone down to answer questions or get a commitment is elusive at best. Change the way the State of Michigan is obligated by legislation to foster the oil and gas industry, to instead protect public health. Support the ballot initiative: LetsBanFracking.org
steve johnson June 15, 2013 at 09:38 pm
What happened to the ditch that was next to the road way back when, did all the homeowners fill itRead More in over years and now you have a problem, call the county and have them reditch the side of the road.
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Lynn Burrows June 5, 2013 at 10:24 pm
She was seen tonight near High Bank Road - she is very skittish and runs off when approached - anyRead More help in trapping her is much appreciated!
Lynn Burrows June 6, 2013 at 08:13 am
She was seen last night near Red Bank (not High Bank). cross street is Trenton Rd.
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Leah, I crossposted this. The person that found her, Cheryl may be contacted at 248 462 1182 orRead More e-mail her at ccraft1967@yahoo.com - Thank you.
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Has this little one found her home yet? Facebook has a "For the love of Louie, MI lost andRead More found dogs". I highly recommend posting there, they do a great job networking.
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It has been posted there as well. X fingers crossed X that her pet's are found. ;-)