SC SCHOOLS GUN-, DRUG-FREE

SCOTT CITY -- Anyone taking guns or drugs to school in Scott City will be talking to U.S. marshals, not just school officials.

The Scott City Board of Education has approved a drug-free, gun-free school zone. Signs that warn violators they face federal and state prosecution have been erected at the school's four drives.

Superintendent Douglas Berry said: "Scott City has not had a problem with drugs or guns, but we are very much aware of the problems, especially with guns, that other schools have experienced, and we realize with the mobility of our school population we could be affected.

"We realize it only takes one person to cause a tragedy. With the establishment of the drug-free, gun-free zone, we want to serve notice immediately that the Scott City school board and administration do not feel that drugs and guns are part of a healthy school environment, and it is for the safety and protection of our students and employees that we establish this zone."

U.S. attorneys' offices have encouraged schools to establish the zones. Cape Girardeau schools enacted a similar zone during the past school year.

The 1990 crime bill provides stiff penalties if individuals are caught with weapons or drugs within 1,000 feet of school.

First-time conviction carries a minimum sentence of one year in a federal prison. The maximum sentence for a second conviction can be life imprisonment. The law also states that in the case of mandatory minimum sentence, suspension of sentence, probation and parole shall not be granted.