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Schools in Montezuma County Respond to Threats, Hoaxes Reported on Friday

Tom Yoder
/
KSJD

A reported threat involving Mancos High School triggered increased security in schools across Montezuma County on Friday. The threat reportedly came to law enforcement via Safe 2 Tell, an alert system that allows citizens to give anonymous tips. Undersheriff Vernon Knuckles said as a result, there was an increased law-enforcement presence at area schools. Mancos schools went on lockout in the morning, meaning no one from outside was allowed in. Mancos schools closed around 1 p.m. because of the distraction to students. However, the threat was characterized as rumor and not an active incident. No school officials could be reached for further information on Friday. Schools around the country have reported a spate of threats and hoaxes in the wake of last week’s shooting in Florida that left 17 students dead.

UPDATE: 2/23/18, 2:30pm: In an memo sent to families Friday afternoon, Montezuma Cortez RE-1 Schools Superintendent Lori Haukeness said there was no active threat to students, and that the district was working with law enforcement officials to keep students safe. She referred questions about school safety to the RE-1 Superintendent’s Office at 970-564-7282 x1119.  To report a real threat, she encouraged people to call 911 or contact Safe2Tell at 1-877-542-7233.

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Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.
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