It runs like this: So and so heard from somebody else that someone else’s uncle was listening to the police scanner, and overheard that the police had found a bomb on the playground of the Trumansburg schools.

I don’t know if it’s true. I know I haven’t heard any sirens. I know that when I’ve gone past the schools this evening, I haven’t seen any sign of any police cars there, or even anyone watching the grounds just in case.

Maybe it’s true. I’m inclined to believe that it’s not.

An article published just 4 minutes ago by News 10 Now doesn’t mention anything about a bomb on the playground.

I think our village has gotten a little bit rumor-happy in relation to this incident. We’re getting skittish, all over a slightly enhanced firecracker.

If I were a middle-school prankster, that’s exactly the reaction I’d be hoping for.

Let’s not provide this prankster with further reward. Let’s remain calm, and not see a bomb in every shadow on the ground.

Update: Over at Channel 36, they’re quoting a parent as saying “It would be nice if they set up surveillance cameras on a regular basis.”

I, for one, do not want my children learning that they need to have authorities spying on them with video cameras, even when they go to the bathroom, in order to be safe. I don’t want them learning that one child who makes an intimidating display can diminish the freedom of everyone else in our community.

In fact, that web site notes that today is Take Your Child to Work Day, and reminds parents that their children will need to have a note of excuse for their absence today.

Does anyone know what’s going on?

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Update: It’s bomb threats – repeated bomb threats. Sigh.

It’s a good reminder of the actual nature of terrorism that there is almost certainly not a bomb at any of the Trumansburg schools today.

I understand why the schools are taking the precaution of having no one at the school, but I do wish that the student who called in the bomb threats would consider the impact of cancelled school upon their parents…

… oh, silly me. I never thought of my parents’ need when I was a child. Why would I expect today’s children to be any different?

Parents of Trumansburg, may you find your employers to be in an understanding mood today. What a lucky happenstance that today is Take Your Child to Work Day.