School officials to take extra precaution after stabbing

After a stabbing took place during last week’s Ashley High School football game, parents may think twice before letting their kids go this weekend.

School officials and the sheriff’s office told their plan on how to keep the fans safe when the teams take to the gridiron.

It is still unclear who owns the property by the red barn where Austin Buchanan was stabbed during Friday’s football game. School Resource Officer, Michael Howell said the sheriff’s department does what it can to prevent incidents like this from happening during sporting events.

Howell said, “In the stands we’re walking around. We’re visible to be seen to deter any type of criminal activity or assaults or fights.”

Ashley High School Principal James McAdams said the school will pay extra attention to students just outside the stadium at this week’s game. “We have a lot of parents and a lot of people that stand outside the gate, outside the fence and watch. So we’re going to have to do a better job of making sure they either leave, or come inside the game.”

While sheriff’s deputies are available to patrol the area around the stadium, everyone seems to agree that the easiest way to stay safe is to grab a seat and watch the game.

Howell said parents can be confident with all the precautions the school and the sheriff’s department take to protect those at the game.

McAdams and Howell both pointed out that metal detector wands are sometimes used at the events, but they try only to use them when they suspect someone is carrying a weapon or at very crowded games.