TOP STORY OF THE DAY, brought to you free by WICU: Protocols assist schools with Monday situations

Northview High School, as well as North Clay Middle School, received a recent bomb threat that was deemed as not being credible.

Ivy Jacobs photo

Clay Community Schools received two bomb threats Monday, but neither was deemed credible.

“Clay Community Schools Safety Plans have protocols in place to deal with such threats, and these were implemented by school personnel,” Superintendent Jeff Fritz said Monday, who greatly appreciated the swift actions of and assistance by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department. “Anyone having any information about the source of these threats is asked to contact law enforcement immediately.”

Although details are limited due to the ongoing investigation, officials confirmed two incidents:

Monday morning, Northview High School had a bomb threat quickly deemed not credible.

However, later in the afternoon, a second bomb threat was at North Clay Middle School. (The students and faculty at NCMS were removed from the building and taken to Northview.)

A sweep of both buildings’ exteriors and interiors and reviewing security camera footage found nothing suspicious. Parents of students at both schools were notified through the corporation’s notification system.

“We have to take each of these situations seriously,” said Clay County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Josh Clarke. “Even if these threats are fake, our main objective for law enforcement is to make sure everyone is safe.”

This is not the first bomb threat in the community local law enforcement has responded to, and the Brazil Police Department is currently investigating.

On Saturday, February 13, shortly before 6 p.m., law enforcement was dispatched to the Kroger grocery store, 100 Forest Park Plaza. The building was safely evacuated shortly after 6 p.m., and a sweep of the building located nothing.

On Thursday, January 29, shortly before 8 p.m., officers were dispatched to Walmart, 2150 East National Avenue Thursday evening. Again, the building was safely evacuated, and a sweep of the building located nothing suspicious.

Clarke confirmed some similarities, and the sheriff’s department would be working together with BPD now four bomb threats are being investigated.

“It’s sad, but the more they make these bomb threats, the more information we collect. The more mistakes they make, which gives us a better chance to catch them,” said Clarke about “hoax threats” that tie up law enforcement resources while also causing potential emotional distress to students, school personnel, and parents. “We don’t want to be complacent.”

The public shouldn’t become complacent or panicked either.

Brazil Police Chief Clint McQueen recently advised the public not to risk their safety to find out what is happening.

McQueen said, “There is no reason to put your life at risk and take it upon yourself and come down to get a first-hand account. Because at that point, you’re creating more of a problem.”

If somewhere and it’s announced there has been a bomb threat, officials say the public needs to pay attention.

“Listen to the instructions they give you. If they want you to leave the property, then leave,” said BPD Assistant Chief Dennis Archer about being in a public place or business. “Grab what you brought in – your family, your coat, your purse, whatever – and get out. Got a full cart, it doesn’t matter, leave and get out. You don’t have to run. Walk to where you are told to go safely. Don’t push or shove; just get out.”

If you have any information regarding any of the aforementioned bomb threats made in the community, call Clay County Dispatch at 812-446-2535.