We walk a fine line in this day and age to keep those around us safe.

Fortunately, the Miss-Lou is a small community without the crime of many big cities, but even here things can go terribly wrong.

This week alone, a teenager broke free from prison and led officers on a manhunt, and another teen was indicted for three counts of murder in connection with the death of his parents and another teen.

We aren’t immune to disaster, even among our children.

On the heels of the Virginia Tech tragedy, schools and colleges around the country have no choice but to be overly cautious. In recent weeks two Natchez schools have had false scares that left officials seeking answers and implementing emergency plans.

Several weeks ago Natchez High dismissed earlier than normal because of a bomb threat text messaged to several students.

This week, Adams County Christian School notified police based on rumors of a threat.

Neither incident proved to be anything, but both involved police and full investigations.

At ACCS, it seems teenage gossip and a little anxiety over national incidents blew the comments of one student out of proportion.

The student in question has no doubt been adversely affected, but the school had no choice.

Administrators and police worked Monday and Tuesday to obtain the full story, questioning all parties and doing searches.

They had no choice. You simply can’t let the slightest little remark pass by anymore.

But at the same time the school has done what it can to protect the accused.

It is a fine line for our children. And fortunately both local schools have walked the line carefully without falling