School safety was one of the leading topics discussed at the Tyrone Borough Council meeting on Tuesday night. Robert Smith, a Warriors Mark resident and parent, addressed council about the security of Tyrone Area School District and advocated allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons on school grounds.

“The federal government has done nothing. Thoughts and prayers do nothing,” Smith said to the council.

Smith told Mayor Latchford and the council that he was able to walk into Tyrone Area Elementary School, told the secretary who his daughter’s teacher was, and walked with her to the classroom. He said that if he had bad intentions, nobody would have stopped him.

Council member Terry Richardson spoke on the matter as well, claiming that he also walked into TASD, signed in, and was able to roam the premises.

Smith would like to see the district establish a committee and consider arming teachers that volunteer to do so. “We trust them with our children’s lives every day of the week,” said Smith.

“The school has welcomed a police presence…hasn’t asked for the use metal detectors or wands,” said Tyrone Police Chief John Romeo.

“We will just have to see where the school board is going with this…we appreciate your information,” Mayor Latchford said in response to the concerned parent.

However, Smith’s idea may not be feasible even if the school board and teachers were in support because current Pennsylvania state law does not allow teachers to carry weapons in school.  The next scheduled Tyrone Area School Board meeting is March 6.

In other news, resident Michelle Miller spoke on behalf of the Blair County Antique Auto Club. Her main priority was to have the cruising ordinance waived during their car show on June 15. Another issue she addressed was the parking space. Miller said over 100 cars, trucks, and motorbikes may find their way into Tyrone for the car show.

“You couldn’t get into Gardners last year it was so packed…OIP had to bring in extra workers that day,” Miller said. 

“This would be great and nostalgic for Tyrone,” said Mayor Bill Latchford “But we need a time limit.”

Miller and Latchford agreed to establish a time for the waive on the cruising ordinance closer to the date of the event.

Council also approved the land development plan for a Domino’s Pizza Shop which is planned for the lot between Dollar General and Colonial Courtyard on East Pleasant Valley Boulevard.

As well, Mayor Latchford announced the time and date for the Albemarle Kids Fish Rodeo, set for April 14th at 8-11am at Reservoir Pond. Along with the annual Joshua House Hoops Fest, which is currently set for July 22nd.