×

Bomb threat at TBJH

ALPENA — Students at Thunder Bay Junior High School were evacuated to Alpena High School Thursday following a bomb threat that authorities said was not credible.

The threat is the second in as many months as students were evacuated from Ella White Elementary in late April. Like in Thursday’s threat, it was determined to be non-credible.

According to a press release, Thursday’s written threat was discovered in a boys bathroom stall at the junior high and was determined to be non-credible by law enforcement and school officials.

However, in an effort to follow safety protocols, students were made to evacuate the building and escorted to the high school by staff, where they were dismissed at the normal time.

According to the release a visual scan of the building was conducted by police, including the Alpena County Sheriff Department and the Michigan State Police. The building was then secured with the assistance of law enforcement.

An MSP bomb-detecting dog was going to be brought in as a precaution to sweep the building, officials said.

Superintendent staff said all events at the junior high were canceled for the evening but classes would resume today with guidance counselors being made available to children. Additionally, all scheduled tests or exams will be delayed until after the holiday weekend.

Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner said those who committed the threat would be held responsible.

“The safety of students and staff remains our priority, and we are continuing to work with law enforcement,” he said. “Alpena Public Schools will make every effort to identify the individual responsible and hold them accountable in accordance with district policy.”

Officials said any further information will be given to families, staff and the community through media outlets, the school webpage and robocalls.

Alpena County Sheriff Steven Kieliszewski said the junior high school’s liaison officer would be handling the investigation and said deputies assisted school officials, who have a policy in place for such incidents. He had no further comment on the incident as it is an ongoing investigation.

He said anyone in the community with tips or leads on the incident can contact the department by calling 354-9839.

Jason Ogden can be reached via email at jogden@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693. Follow Jason on Twitter @jo_alpenanews.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today