On their way to an outdoor pep rally that day, the school officials got notice that students were planning on doing something, Miller told Fox News. Mr. Whiston was placed on administrative leave Tuesday morning in accordance with standard district procedure and the report was made to law enforcement, said the email. These include the transition to clear bookbags, an increased adult presence and additional police presence to relieve student safety concerns during periods that incidents are being investigated.". Now he's trying to clear his name. Take a look, Beloved Tri-Cities restaurant incubator under fire for mismanagement, financial chaos, Leader in Richland school board recall reports death threats. Police have also begun investigating where the call came from. He then asked if he could speak to a lawyer before continuing. Thats a quote from Fulton County documents," Lightcap said. Police investigating, Tacoma owner of four Tri-Cities massage shops and his wife accused of sex trafficking, Tri-Cities event aims to protect children from human trafficking, 2nd set of brothers arrested for 2022 robbery that ended in Kennewick teens murder, Tri-Cities business linked to human trafficking organized crime case, say police, I-82 wrong-way driver kills 2 Grandview children. He said he went to the student with the guns and confronted her. 1:39 p.m. Hanford alert false alarm. The student then pushed him into a bookcase. Public school 1,509 Students Grades 9-12. Tri City Jr/Sr High School: Illinois Valley Central High School: Triopia High School: Indian Creek High School: Truth Academy: Jersey Community High School . Pasco School District lists Whiston as a commercial photography instructor. MATTIE'S CALL: A 9-month-old baby girl was reported missing from the Ellenwood area with a man police say was diagnosed with a mental illness. "to Bear Creek Middle School," Miller said. HEALTHY, Ohio (WXIX) - Mt. And nobody wants to pay attention to the fact that we took guns, Miller said. This is a list of schools which field ice hockey teams in NCAA Division III competition. 2 TEENS DIE IN TRIPLE SHOOTING NEAR EAST POINT FOOTBRIDGE. She told investigators it started off routine, but Whiston began gradually making requests for her to pose more provocatively. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. This was at least the third incident at Southridge in 2022. Healthy City Schools announced that classes at Mt. His past work can be found in the Tyler Morning Telegraph and other Texas newspapers. Updated: Mar 4, 2023 / 11:13 AM EST. A former coach at Tri-Cities High School says he was fired after preventing a possible school shooting last August. Police say one of the men pulled out a gun to solve the problem. Police investigating, Tacoma owner of four Tri-Cities massage shops and his wife accused of sex trafficking, Tri-Cities event aims to protect children from human trafficking, 2nd set of brothers arrested for 2022 robbery that ended in Kennewick teens murder, Tri-Cities business linked to human trafficking organized crime case, say police, I-82 wrong-way driver kills 2 Grandview children. But, the attorney added that Fulton Board policies specifically exclude witness testimony when it comes to suspensions versus full terminations. "I only did what I was asked to do and out of that situation we found guns," Miller said. Lomax, who works a graveyard shift, woke up to a text from the teen saying that the high school was in a critical lockdown, meaning there was a report of a shooter inside the school. Media. 2023 FOX Television Stations, FOX 5 Atlanta obtained video of an Aug. 20 incident. Kennewick Police Commander Aaron Clem told the Herald that no one was found injured and there were no reports of gunfire. Published: Mar. Fulton County School District suspended the coach for a confrontation with a student accused of bringing a loaded gun to school. @LettMeLeadTC @LSimmons1920 @TeacherHollins @TCSTEMCoach @DrTamaraCandis. Why should I just take a suspension. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The internal investigation found Miller's conduct was unprofessional, in violation of both the Fulton County Board of Education Policy and Georgia Professional Standard Commission's Code of Ethics for Georgia Educators. Nonprofit filings for the church list a Jeff Whiston as a governing officer. 4 Eastlake at 7:15 p.m. in the WIAA Class 4A girls high school basketball tournament in Tacoma. According to a personnel investigation byFulton County School System, the student became belligerent and aggressive. It turned out that the call may have been part of a series of fakes that stretched across the country in recent days. Jeffrey Whiston, 43, of Pasco, was booked . Court documents show Benton County detectives were asked Monday to investigate an incident of a Chiawana High School teacher having taken nude photos of his 16-year-old student at his Benton City home. Oscar Mendoza, 17, was just returning from lunch as officers pulled in and was told to not return to class. Colorado Springs is a home rule municipality in and the county seat of El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The Fulton County School District admits the student was highly agitated and aggressive. EAST POINT, Ga. - Tri-Cities High School Athletic Director Kenneth Miller is facing a possible suspension months after locating guns on the East Point campus. "Every student should have a safe learning environment each day," Miller said. . That's when Miller said he grabbed the girl, fearing for his own safety. youtu.be/VOVe_IFLep4 We salute you!. 1 dead, 1 injured in shooting at Tri-Cities Fred Meyer. TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL)- As the recent Texas mass shooting is hitting home for many families, schools across the region are not only feeling heavy-hearted but are already taking steps to ensure th If true, these allegations represent a breach of our trust and a disappointing departure from our standards for all district employees. Millers conduct resulted in an escalation of a physical altercation with a student in crisis, which conflicts with district expectations to deescalate in these types of situations.. Miller received the notice of suspension on March 4. Kearney Police responded and immediately confirmed there was no shooting or active threat. FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Fulton County School System handed a coach seen in a video grabbing a student who allegedly had a gun a 20-day unpaid suspension. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. More police officers were at Tri-Cities High School after threats of violence on Sept. 30, 2021. The . Police have finished searching Southridge High School and first responders were cleared at 1:40 p.m. after investigating a report of a weapon inside the school forced a lockdown Friday morning, according to emergency scanner traffic. Authorities were looking for a middle-aged white man after the gunfire in Richland. Miller insists all teachers should have the right to defend themselves. Tri-Cities Sports - Your Source for Local Sports!! FOX 5 Atlanta obtained video of the Aug. 20 incident that unfolded at the school, in which Coach Miller confronts an unidentified student who was believed to have brought a gun to school. Two of her beautiful babies were killed in a car wreck.. He has been on paid administrative leave and off campus since September. Things turned physical when the girl hit Millers hands knocking his phone to the floor. Coach Kenneth Miller says he received a v. Mr. 2023 FOX Television Stations. The disciplinary action stems from when former Coach Kenneth Miller said he received a video showing guns on Tri-Cities High School grounds, in East Point, according to WSB. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Ex-officer charged in Susana Morales' death now charged in 2019 Snellville burglary, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Photos show rescue of Woodstock man 'buried up to his neck' in collapsed trench, Sheriff's office continues five-year-long search for missing Carrollton man, Georgia baby girl reported missing with man diagnosed with mental illness, police say, UGA football stand-out Jalen Carter charged in connection with deadly crash, Toddler injured in home elevator accident alerts Georgia to dozens of possible 'unsafe' elevators statewide, Families intensify search for two men missing for more than a week, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Mother of murdered CAU baseball player has message for college students. During the photoshoot the victim was alone with Whiston. 8, 2022 at 4:18 PM PST. A termination hearing got underway. It began on April 11 and continues through May 6. The Tri-Cities Community will Lead and Inspire each other to be our best selves by being COMMITTED, INNOVATIVE, OPTIMISTIC and SERVICE MINDED in our Academic, Artistic, Athletic and Personal Endeavors in a safe and secure environment. On Thursday, more than a dozen schools across New Hampshire received calls reporting school shootings. According to state test scores, 12% of students are at least proficient in math and 25% in reading. The calls are part of the larger issue of swatting. This is where someone lies to police about a violent crime going on. EAST POINT, Ga. A former high school coach says he prevented a possible school shooting and then lost his job. C. View Full Report Card. Tweets & replies. Tri-Cities High School Athletic Director and Coach Kenneth Miller says that he feels betrayed after learning that he is being demoted and transferred to another school. "They took everything away from my brother. I think that this is a good reminder that this could happen at any time based on whats happening across the country, Clem said. This is especially true when guns are involved, Lightcap said in the statement. It means a lot to help cultivate a safe learning environment," Miller said. Tri-Cities High School Athletic Director Kenneth Miller is facing a possible suspension months after locating guns on the East Point campus. By JEFF McMURRAY The Oxford High . Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. 153 Following. According to a personnel investigation report, conducted by Fulton County School System's Internal Affairs Department, eyewitnesses reported the student was belligerent and aggressive. FOX 5 Atlanta obtained video of an Aug. 20 incidentin which Miller confronts an unidentified student who allegedly brought a gun to school. MATTIE'S CALL: A 9-month-old baby girl was reported missing from the Ellenwood area with a man police say was diagnosed with a mental illness. Lightcap wants the termination hearing to continue so Miller can clear his name absent a hearing. Tensmeyer confirmed to the Herald in an e-mail that Whiston is a full-time teacher, and the arrest was related to a tip the district received. Apr. He was standing outside with another senior, Caleb Munez, 17, as they waited for word about what was going on inside. Video of the incident shows Miller questioning a student he said he saw on school security video pass a book bag with a gun to another student. Miller acted outside of the scope of his authority and responsibilities, the statement read. Jan 20, 2021. You have shattered my whole world. Reports of a weapon or shooting at a Tri-Cities high school may have been part of a larger hoax targeting schools across Washington state. On April 6, she arrived at Whistons home, where he introduced her to his wife and daughter before going inside to get his camera equipment and taking her to an unattached shop building on his property. "What I'm not okay with is him being railroaded, because at the end of the day teachers are put in very uncompromising positions to take care of our children.". Associated Press. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Contact info. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Gifted young artists receive highly specialized training in the arts while . He was about to graduate. "During that process, we located guns. Kenneth Miller, a former coach at Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia, was suspended after he . A Chiawana High School photography teacher is in jail, accused of taking nude photos of a student during her senior-style photo session. Thats when Miller said he grabbed the girl, fearing for his safety. Thursday, a community came together tostand behind Coach Miller who they said helped save lives. For Miller, its about returning to his alma mater now turned job and being with the students he loves. It appears that we have one shooter that shot three [unarmed] teens," says East Point Police Captain Allyn Glover. You just don't understand, " a tearful Cheryll Woodmore pleaded. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission cleared him of wrongdoing, according to his lawyer. Our Mr. and Miss Tri-Cities for the 2022-2023 School Year! This is awful," Ms. Woodmore continued. 498 Followers. WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta twitter feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta instagram feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta youtube feed(Opens a new window), Reality star Honey Boo Boo was inside speeding Dodge Charger involved in chase with Ga. deputies, Former Ga. asst. School officials said that Fulton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney will address the situation during his report at tonight's School Board meeting. Thats when an altercation began, which led to his termination. The shooting happened at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in broad daylight. He didn't have a chance. U.S. Joined July 2016. Tri-Cities High School is a public school located in EAST POINT, GA. Woodmore was a junior attending Frank McClarin High School. A video of a Southridge High School student making racist and obscene comments about a deadly supermarket shooting has prompted a response from school officials after . He also said the department will review what happened and see if there are ways they can improve the response. On March 9, Lightcap appealed the 20-day suspension, according to legal documents. Tweets. He says he was defending himself. Teachers should not be terminated or suspended when its clear they were defending themselves., District officials scheduled a termination hearing in the case. His transfer marks an abrupt end to his nearly two decades of teaching at his beloved alma mater. We really saved lives that day. Take a look, Beloved Tri-Cities restaurant incubator under fire for mismanagement, financial chaos, Leader in Richland school board recall reports death threats. Pasco School District has learned that district employee Jeffrey Whiston was arrested Tuesday night by the Benton County Sheriffs Office on charges related to illegal conduct with a minor, said the email statement. Their statements were supported by police body cam video. By Wire Service Police investigating, Tacoma owner of four Tri-Cities massage shops and his wife accused of sex trafficking, Tri-Cities event aims to protect children from human trafficking, 2nd set of brothers arrested for 2022 robbery that ended in Kennewick teens murder, Tri-Cities business linked to human trafficking organized crime case, say police, I-82 wrong-way driver kills 2 Grandview children. The officers respond as if there is an immediate threat to the people. According to officials from the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office, the school went on lockdown around 7:52 a.m. after reports of a possible active shooter inside the high school. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. EAST POINT, Ga. - Tri-Cities High . Muskingum County Common Pleas Court NewsPlease note: Opinion summaries are prepared by the Office of Public Information for the general public and news media. But it comes at a price. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. According to Hastings Public Schools, a call came into the 911 center from a person, who identified themselves as a teacher at the high school. He was a 2019-20 Education Writers Association Fellow, and has been featured on The Murder Tapes, Grave Mysteries and Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen. Now hes trying to clear his name. "He averted another tragic school shooting that day," the teacher's lawyer said. A . She was able to partially cover herself. We have to be ready to respond to something like this at anytime.. Students from Tri-City United High School stand for the Pledge of Allegiance early in the morning on June 15, 2018, before beginning to compete in the annual trap shooting championship in . Miller said he acted on self defense. 5 Saint John's University (10-0, 8-0 MIAC) earned one of the four No. The mass shooting at Robb elementary school in the small city of Uvalde, south Texas, began on Tuesday 24 May with a single shot. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. Cameron Probert covers breaking news and education for the Tri-City Herald, where he tries to answer readers questions about why police officers and firefighters are in your neighborhood. The victim said she would to oblige him, said court documents. Jeffrey Whiston, 43, of Pasco, was booked into the Benton County jail on Tuesday . The victim said Whiston told her to bring several outfits such as dresses and swimsuits. Police spent about two hours searching from class to class and in gyms, band halls and other areas. Tri-Cities High School Claimed. A former coach at Tri-Cities High School says he was fired after preventing a possible school shooting last August. Miller's attorney said the district first moved to terminate him and then changed course and is now seeking a 20-day suspension. He joined the Tri-City Herald in Dec. 2021 as an Editor/Reporter covering housing and development. Program Overview. "This is the strongest evidence yet that Coach Miller did nothing wrong, and the Fulton County Schools proposed suspension is completely unwarranted," wrote attorney Allen Lightcap in a statement released Friday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Reports of an active shooter Tuesday morning at the Hanford site appear to have been a false alarm, according to Hanford officials. Contact info . An emotional audition on "American Idol" by Trey Louis, a survivor of a 2018 Texas high school shooting, prompted tears from the judges as well as criticism of the country's response to gun . EAST POINT, Ga. - Tri-Cities High School Athletic Director Kenneth Miller has been dealt a devastating blow as the school year draws to a close. In the video you will see the student smacking the phone out of the coaches hand and then the altercation began leading to his termination. He joined the Tri-City Herald in Dec. 2021 as an Editor/Reporter covering housing and development. CNN . Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. The 55-52 quarterfinal victory means Kamiakin advanced to take on No. SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. A metro Atlanta community is remembering a beloved school administrator who died suddenly. A 15-year-old boy is in custody after three students died and eight were injured in a shooting Tuesday afternoon at a high school in Oxford, Michigan, authorities said. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. The safety of our students is the highest priority of our school and district staff members.. We have to stay vigilant. Nearby Chinook Middle School and Sage Crest Elementary School were also locked down as a precaution. Drop the suspension. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Video from an officers body cam shows that when he went to the student to confront her, the student was agitated and smacked Millers hand. One parent we spoke to, whose child attends Tri-Cities, asked us not to show her face on camera because she worries for her family's safety. Two of those happened within a week of each other in September. Cory is an award-winning investigative reporter. MT. He said when he got word last August that a student brought guns on campus he immediately jumped into action with the principals blessings. The Benton County Sheriffs Office says Whiston invited a 16-year-old student to his home for a her senior-style picture photo session on April 6. In response, we have taken several immediate actions to ensure the safety of our students. During one of those, Lomax said her daughter saw police from the FFA clubroom and hid in the room while the school was locked down. Miller is the recipient of Fulton County Schools- Zone 2 Culture & Climate Champion Award. And we saved lives, Miller said. Miller was then fired for his part in the altercation. Reports of a weapon or shooting at a Tri-Cities high school may have been part of a larger hoax targeting schools across Washington state. Dr. Lett went on to say that school officials along with the Fulton County Schools Police Department were investigating reports of a potential threat to school safety at the school. Hampton and Elizabethton claim regional girls high school basketball championships TN Governor signs drag show, gender-affirming care News / Mar 2, 2023 / 08:17 PM EST Driver seen earlier going 111 mph, Exclusive: Tri-Cities judge will avoid jail time after 2nd DUI. 13PASCO, Wa. EAST POINT, Ga. - Families of two teens killed in an East Point triple shooting are devastated and want answers. Miller insists all teachers should have the right to defend themselves. "Every eyewitness interview witnessed no misconduct from Coach Miller. According to the Spokesman-Review, three high schools in the Spokane area also have been locked down after similar reports. EAST POINT, Ga. - There was a heavy police presence at Tri-Cities High School in East Point Thursday following a threat of violence that was made on social media, and several fights on campus. Likes. May 25KENNEWICK, Wa. Tri-Cities Athletic Director and Coach Kenneth Miller is fighting his suspension (FOX 5 Atlanta). Two of her beautiful babies were killed in a car wreck.. The program is designed for motivated students who possess an interest in the areas of music, visual arts, dance, drama, or television production. He says he was defending himself. By 1:40 p.m. they had finished searching and didnt find any weapons or anyone hurt. A Chiawana High School photography teacher is in jail, accused of taking nude photos of a student during her senior-style photo session. The Tri-Cities High School athletic director confronted one female student while in the presence of police officers, unaware the student had a gun. "We saved lives and I'm the only one receiving a consequence and a punishment.". In a letter from Ethel Lett, the high schools principal, shared on the schools website, Lett said that bringing a gun or weapon onto a school campus is a very serious offense, in clear violation of our Fulton County Schools Student Code of Conduct.. 2575 Harris Street, East Point, GA 30344. Administration. He says a suspension hearing wouldnt be fair since he cant call any witnesses. 2023 FOX Television Stations, a student who brought a gun to school on August 20, Ex-officer charged in Susana Morales' death now charged in 2019 Snellville burglary, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Photos show rescue of Woodstock man 'buried up to his neck' in collapsed trench, Sheriff's office continues five-year-long search for missing Carrollton man, Georgia baby girl reported missing with man diagnosed with mental illness, police say, UGA football stand-out Jalen Carter charged in connection with deadly crash, Alex Murdaugh killed wife, son to buy time, prosecutor says, Toddler injured in home elevator accident alerts Georgia to dozens of possible 'unsafe' elevators statewide, Families intensify search for two men missing for more than a week, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says. Tri-Cities High School Athletic Director Kenneth Miller has learned he has been demoted and reassigned after completing his 20-day suspension for grabbing a student with a gun. It hit as close as Spokane, where a report of a shooting at Lewis and Clark High School just hours before caused three high schools in the area to close. He just turned 18 in September. Cassandre Coyer is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the southeast while based in Washington D.C. Shes an alumna of Emerson College in Boston and joined McClatchy in 2022. The caller provided a suspect and weapon description as well as a possible location where it was taking place at the school. FOX 5 obtained a video of some of those fights. Those in attendance believe Coach Miller is a hero because of his actions. The school district said this is a personnel issue and a legal process that has to be followed so it couldnt comment. Fulton County School District suspended the coach for a confrontation with a student accused of bringing a loaded gun to school. . A law enforcement officer walks in the parking lot of Timberview High School after a shooting inside the school in south Arlington, Texas on October 6. After completing a 20-day suspension last week, the Fulton County Schools employee learned he was being demoted and reassigned. Miller said he grabbed the girl who had the gun, fearing for his own safety. It's one of several videos of recent campus fights, and messages threatening violence at the East Point campus, now circulating on social media. PARENTS SPEAK OUT DURING TOWN HALL AFTER FULTON COUNTY SCHOOL STABBING. Coach Kenneth Miller told Channel 2s Tom Jones that he received a video showing guns on campus at Tri-Cities High School. stand behind Coach Miller who they said helped save lives. An internal investigation found Miller's conduct was unprofessional, in violation of Fulton County School Board policy. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. Miller said he shouldnt have been terminated and he doesnt deserve a suspension. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Put him back to work at Tri-Cities High School, Lightcap said. Meanwhile, worried parents began arriving, filling nearby parking lots. Take a look, Beloved Tri-Cities restaurant incubator under fire for mismanagement, financial chaos, Leader in Richland school board recall reports death threats. Drop the termination. Everyone went home safe. Throughout the search for a possible suspect, reports of officers finding students hiding in bathrooms, auxiliary rooms and other places were common. After receiving approval from the school Principal he immediately went into action and confronted the student. This story was originally published December 9, 2022, 5:53 PM. First a 16-year-old student was arrested after bringing a gun to the school on Sept. 13. The video shows two students sitting behind a desk in a commons area at the high school in Kennewick. East Point detectives say they are trying to determine if the shooting was gang-related. Cory is an award-winning investigative reporter. 2022 Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.) Visit . Kennewick Police searched the school room by room for about two hours. The victims identity has been withhold because she is a juvenile. The Fulton County school district told McClatchy News in a statement that Miller failed to meet the professional expectations it has for employees., Mr. Nearby Chinook Middle School and Sage Crest Elementary were also locked down as a precaution. PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) A Michigan judge has ruled that staff and administrators at Oxford High School cannot be sued for a mass shooting that left four . Amanda Lomax was clutching her phone as she waited for messages from her daughter locked inside of Southridge High School on Friday. Tensmeyer said his Facebook page on Chiawana athletics events is not affiliated with the district. He was at a Christian academy. Officers had to shock the girl with a Taser to get her under control. Coach Miller is the reason these guns were found.. (She) received the phone call no mother wants to get. EAST POINT, Ga. - Families of two teens killed in an East Point triple shooting are devastated and want answers. By Cory McCoy. The family moved to East Point from Ohio several years ago. Coach Kenneth Miller told Channel 2s Tom Jones that he received a video showing guns on campus at Tri-Cities High School. But Lightcap said the hearing was then abruptly canceled by the District without Coach Millers consent.. It's the latest round in an ongoing battle between the veteran educator and the district. The school district is seeking disciplinary action because Miller admitted grabbing the student. Shortly after the altercation, he said Miller found the gun she brought. EAST POINT, Ga. - There was a heavy police presence at Tri-Cities High School in East Point Thursday following a threat of violence that was made on social media, and several fights on campus.