Community healing in Chardon
CHARDON, Ohio - As the investigation continues, the small community of Chardon is beginning the healing process.
Chardon Police Chief Tim McKenna, "Chardon will take care of Chardon."
And that's exactly what people here are doing, taking care of each other.
"When we heard about the events that happened yesterday we wanted to do something to give back to our community. So we made these car decals and 100 percent of the proceeds are going to the victim's families," says Chardon alum Kelly O'Hara.
The shooting that took place Monday at Chardon High School has touched just about everyone in the community.
Many of the people here are either alumni of the school, have kids or family members in the district, or know people who do.
Even law enforcement here has close ties to Chardon High.
"My five-year-old grandson last night wanted to call my niece, a Chardon High School student. He asked her are you ok? Simple words from a five-year-old, are you ok. And she said yes and started to cry. We have a community asking are you ok," says Geauga County Sherrif Dan McClelland
Students and their parents walked the streets of the community tying red ribbons around trees and light poles showing their support for the victims and the school.
"We're not just any old place, Chardon, this is every place. As you've seen in the past this can happen anywhere," says Chardon Local Schools Superintendent Joe Bergant.
Classes were canceled again on Tuesday and grief counseling was offered for anyone who needs it.
The district is easing students back to school slowly this week.
On Wednesday faculty and staff will return to the buildings where grief counselors will be available for them.
On Thursday parents and students are invited back in the buildings together and counselors will be available for them at that time.
And on Friday, although it will be far from business as usual, students will return to the classroom where the superintendent assures them they'll be safe.