Milan residents question drug search procedure at school
School officials say situation compromised
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Milan Town Board members Paul Hildebrand, president; Matt Huffman, and Robert Branigan heard questions and concerns during the Monday, April 11, board meeting from Eric Karsteter and Jon Custer about a drug search conducted recently at the Milan middle and high schools.

Speaking first, Karsteter noted that two months of work had gone into the preparation of a surprise drug search with trained dogs, only to discover many of the students had learned of it the night before.

He explained that no one on the Milan staff, including the superintendent, knew about the surprise search. High School Assistant Principal Jon Custer was the only one, and he was not informed until Thursday night before the Friday search.

"Something drastic needs to be done about the drug problem in this town," said Karsteter, who added that drug sales are going on throughout the town, and people are moving in to take advantage of the drug situation.

President Hildebrand responded, "We are obligated to do something about the drug problem in the town, but we can't do anything about who moves in."

Assistant Principal Custer spoke about a Ripley County Information Sharing Agreement that enables law enforcement and schools to work together in sharing information about student arrests. He noted the agreement, which is signed by Judge Carl Taul, confirms that agencies can receive information.

"We have to start sharing information," said Custer, who also noted he had been informed on Thursday night about the drug search. "I was the only one in the corporation who knew. However, after law enforcement from all over the county had spent two hours with the dogs searching the middle and high schools and the schools' parking lots, teachers came to the office to tell me that the kids already knew - some the night before."

Custer concluded, "The whole situation was compromised. It's inexcusable."

Hildebrand concurred. "My concern is to see who is involved in the leak. If it comes from someone in our jurisdiction, then it's up to us to take some kind of action to remedy it."

Milan Police Chief Tom Holt spoke on behalf his department. "None of our officers knew until the morning of the search. I didn't know until 8:00 a.m. Friday (that day) that a detail was at the school. Our department can be trusted. We do have integrity; we work hard; we want to do a good job.

"We have never refused to share information with the schools. We feel our integrity is being questioned. I fear there is a perception problem here between the police department and the school. We need to get together to discuss this," said Chief Holt.

Custer responded that he was not blaming the Milan police for leaking the information. "I don't see perception between us as a problem. Police officers are in the front line. If they don't share information with the school, we never know."

Earlier in the meeting, Town Manager John Ingram reported the town is waiting for state approval on the revolving fund loan for the lift station before that project can get underway.

He also reported work on the water line on Mill Road is 70% completed and should be finished by this Thursday. The town crew has worked on the road in the Milan Community
Park to fill potholes; mowing at the park will start soon, and two boys will be hired as part time help for this job.

Concerning the sewer tap, Ingram said he has spoken to Ethel Morgan of Hometown Engineering. She will send a letter to IDEM requesting the tap. Bids for the Manhole Repair Project will be opened at the next regular meeting of the Milan Town Board on Monday, May 9.

In his monthly report, Chief Holt said the police department made 67 traffic stops, 27 assists to other agencies, and a total of 41 other law enforcement activities.

He updated the board on the parking problem near the second-hand store north of the railroad tracks. Information from INDOT indicates the state will erect "No Parking" signs in that area.

Reporting for the Milan Park Board, President Linda Baurley said the Milan freshman class members have agreed to clean the park before April 30 and after they use it on May 13. Contracts for park usage have been signed and will be delivered soon. The bathrooms are now open.

Although details have not been finalized, the operators of the Farmers Market have agreed to come to the Milan Park with their produce.

In other business, the Milan Town Board re-appointed Jim Negangard to the Ripley County Planning Commission; updated plans for the new town hall; and agreed to dissolve the Milan Community Center Board.

Milan residents were reminded that the heavy trash pickup is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, with starting time at 6:00 a.m. slow time.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. with an emergency executive session to follow. Others present in official positions were Clerk-Treasurer Gladys Moody and Town Attorney Larry Eaton.