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Grundy Co. Schools Issue Statement on Lockdown

812 views · Published 20 December 2012 · 3:08 · Indexed 12 November 2026
Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics
by Kevin Sims  Grundy County schools are no longer on lockdown after a scary morning for parents.  Sheriff Brent Myers confirms to NewsChannel 9 that his office took precautions after a statement made by a grandfather.  According to Myers, that grandfather was upset about his granddaughter being bullied at Coalmont Elementary.  At the time three weeks ago, Myers says he told a school secretary "those situations are whatcause people to come in school with guns."  The grandfather was questioned but was never arrested and was not charged with anything.  Myers described the comment as a statement and not a threat.Myers says after the Connecticut shootings, more people found out about the statement and then it hit Facebook.  Parents and students were concerned about a possible incident and many either kept their students home from school or checked them out early Tuesday morning.  Myers describes the comments on Facebook as over reaction and panic. A parent we spoke with says he just wanted information and to make sure his children were safe. "I believe when something like that happens, parents should be the first ones they tell," said Curtis Blum.   Tuesday afternoon the school system issued this news release (posted here verbatim):The Grundy County Board of Education joins the rest of the nation in mourning with the people of Newtown, Connecticut, as they cope with the tragedy that struck their community last Friday.  We can only imagine the sorrow that must be griping [sic] their hearts during what should otherwise be a joyous time of the year.Sadly, in our own community, some few individuals are capitalizing on this tragedy by spreading baseless rumors of possible violence toward our own school children.  These fear mongers are little better than the deranged shooter who took so many innocent lives last week, for they intentionally spread panic at a time when we are so mindful of how vulnerable we all are.  The Grundy County Sheriff's Department has assured Grundy County School officials that there is no evidence of any threat to our schools or our children.  Nevertheless, in view of recent events, School officials will work with the Sheriff's Department in the coming weeks to identify steps we can take to improve the safety of our community schools.  In the meantime, we have urged state and local law enforcement officials to prosecute anyone making idle threats to the fullest extent of the law. Of course, if anyone is aware of a potential threat to the schools or our children, then he or she should report his or her concerns to the Sheriff's Department immediately.  Posting any such information on social media outlets instead of reporting it to the appropriate authorities is morally irresponsible. Grundy County Schools will be in session the remainder of the week, and thereafter we look forward to celebrating a safe and joyful holiday break.
Grundy Co. Schools Issue Statement on Lockdown

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