No contraband found at Kimball High School

The difference a year makes can be huge.

During a full school lockdown on Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Kimball Police Department, along with Kimball Public Schools, Kimball County Sheriff’s Office, the Deuel County canine unit and the Nebraska State Patrol, performed a contraband search at the Kimball Jr. Sr. High School.

This year, Kimball Police Chief Andy Bremer said, no contraband was found, and when compared with last year’s search, that is a vast improvement.

“The fact that we found nothing is a huge improvement. I couldn’t be more proud; this made my day,” Bremer said. “I’d like to thank the school and everyone else who worked so hard to make this happen during a full school lockdown and keep these kids safe.”

Last year dozens of students were found with items such as tobacco, illegal substances, paraphernalia and weapons on school grounds.

“We lined up a couple of drug dogs from outside the area to come in,” Kimball High School Principal Eugene Hanks said, “They swept inside around the lockers and in the parking area.”

All staff in the Kimball School District have been educated to find and deal with students who may be at risk.

Additionally, the crisis team and manual have been updated, implemented random drug testing to provide students a ‘reason’ to say no, and at retired State Trooper Chuck Elley’s advice, the school has named each classroom with a letter or number from both indoors and out.

Hanks added that the intercom, bell and phone system will be updated soon to include the newer additions to the High School, as well as, the disconnected buildings.

“We are trying to make the school safe overall,” Hanks said.