Threats Result in Soft Lockdowns at Area Schools

Tuesday evening at 8:40, Barnesville School Superintendent Micah Fuchs issued the following statement that was shared with parents and school personnel. “There have been area schools referenced in a threatening social media post. At this time, Barnesville is not one of those schools. After consulting with law enforcement officials, the decision has been made to operate on a soft lock down for the duration of the school day tomorrow. Increased police presence will be provided to help to secure student safety to help secure student safety. These additional security measures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution and concern for our students and staff.”

Wednesday, school was cancelled at Buckeye Local, Barnesville’s Friday night football opponent, where a threat was apparently received. Martins Ferry Schools also apparently received such threats.

Other school districts operating on soft lockdowns included Union Local, St. Clairsville, Shadyside, as well as individual schools in Weirton and Wheeling.

Wednesday evening, a female juvenile was arrested for specifically making threats against the Buckeye Local School District in Jefferson County and a Belmont County 14-year-old was identified by the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office for making threats. Sheriff Dave Lucas indicated information regarding the threat was forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also received several phone calls from concerned parents from Beallsville Elementary/High School regarding threats apparently found on a note with names at the school.

Overall, schools in four states, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Virginia, adjusted schedules and safety procedures in recent days related to online threats during the week.