Three male students were caught with weapons, including a shotgun, in their vehicles parked in the Oconto Falls High School lot on Oct. 27.
According to the Oconto Falls Police Department, a shotgun used for duck hunting was found in the vehicle of a 16-year-old, a pellet gun, compound bow and alcohol were found in the vehicle of an 18-year-old, and a compound bow was found in the vehicle of a 16-year-old.
All three told police they had been hunting on Sunday and forgot to remove the guns and bows from their vehicles.
According to federal law, schools are gun-free zones.
Oconto Falls Police Chief Brad Olsen said the weapons were discovered when a school employee checking parking permits spotted a weapon in the back seat of a car. A further search found two other vehicles with weapons.
Oconto Falls Superintendent Dave Polashek described the situation as “casual,” carrying no threat to students or staff.
“We live in the northwoods where hunting is a part of the culture,” he said, comparing Oconto Falls to the city of Milwaukee, where the response would be much different. “It’s a different standard up here, but that doesn’t excuse it.”
An expulsion hearing, as required by state law, is scheduled Monday for the student possessing the shotgun. The hearing could result in a one-year expulsion, although the School Board has the authority to waive that penalty.
Polashek said he was unsure of the disciplinary action the school will administer for the students possessing the bow, alcohol and pellet gun, but said any consequences would remain confidential.
The boys also face legal consequences.
Olsen said the 16-year-olds will be referred to social services because of their ages. The 18-year-old faces a fine and a maximum penalty of one year in jail for having a dangerous weapon on school property, which is a class A misdemeanor.
The possession of alcohol will be handled by municipal citation, Olsen said.
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