Ector -- This peaceful farm community is quietly coming to the realization that violence doesn't always strike someplace else after learning that the Fannin County Sheriff's Department and Ector ISD officials had worked together to eliminate a threatening situation at their school.

Ector schools were closed Thursday and parents notified that a gas leak had caused the disruption of classes.  At a press conference Friday, however, parents were advised the closure was to allow personnel from the Fannin County Sheriff's Department to conduct a thorough investigation and follow up on a tip that three Ector students were plotting to cause harm to students and faculty at the Class A school in western Fannin County.

Evidently the investigation turned up enough evidence to detain the three youths and law enforcement confiscated students' computers.

In a letter to parents of Ector ISD students, Ector ISD Superintendent Gary Bohannon explained the situation.

"Our intention was not to misinform parents," Mr. Bohannon writes, "but to maintain the integrity of the then on-going investigation.  The school apologizes for any inconvenience the closing may have had on your family.  However we are convinced that doing so was the prudent thing to do based upon all the facts we had at the time.  Let me assure you that our district takes very seriously its responsibility to creat and maintain a safe school environment for your children.  We feel confident that a safe learning environment has returned to our district."