November 6, 2024
By: Katherine Trowbridge
Earlier today, the Franklin County Graphic covered a report of a social media post by a student threatening other students at Olds Junior High School. The North Franklin School District worked with Connell Police throughout the school day to investigate the situation.
Connell Police Chief Chris Lee reported during the council meeting tonight that the incident came into their office on Tuesday, Nov 5. Chief Lee went on to state their department was able to reduce the issue down to one student who they believe started the "rumor." He harkened the incident to the old phone tree experiment before adding that there was "no legitimacy behind it" and that it was "just a rumor that grew legs."
A press release by the North Franklin School District, released as school was letting out, reiterated that of an earlier press release highlighting the "unverified" threat to students posted on social media.
NFSD Board Chairman, Terry Utecht, expressed to the Graphic that the rumor, which was unsubstantiated from the start, did not entail a lockdown.
The release went on to state, "In cooperation with the police, we have determined that it is a non-credible threat. We are taking appropriate action with those responsible and working closely with their families."
The Connell Police Department issued a press release this evening which stated that they responded to "rumors of threats at the Jr. High School... we were able to conclude that the growing rumors of a threat to the Jr. High School turned out to be just that, rumors."
The press release stated the investigation determined there were no actual threats made, no weapons, and no arrests were made.
Superintendent Brian Moore added, "We take all threats very seriously, as the safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. I want to assure you that all students are safe and dispel any rumors of weapons on campus or student arrests. Neither of those things happened today."
Superintendent Moore expressed to the Graphic that he hoped things would get back to "school as normal on Thursday."
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