Staff Report

For the second time in about five months, a bomb threat has been made at Middlesboro High School (MHS). The most recent incident occurred Wednesday, and according to broadcast reports a student is suspected in the incident.

According to MHS principal Bobby Bennett, students and faculty were moved outside the facility where they remained for about an hour. Bennett stated the facility followed protocol by contacting the Middlesboro Police Department (MPD) and the Middlesboro Fire Department (MFD). Also contacted was the school district’s superintendent, Dr. Rita Cook.

According to Bennett, the MFD and MPD “swept every inch of the building” to make sure the building was safe. After the building was deemed safe, students and faculty members were allowed back in the school.

“We have to take every threat very seriously,” said Waylon Allen, director of Pupil Personnel. “The number one priority is the safety of the children.”

MPD is investigating the threat. Brian O’Brien of 106.3 FM reported that a student was responsible for the threat. O’Brien said he received the information from the Middlesboro Board of Education.

Another bomb threat was made last May. As a result, a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening.