RICEVILLE, IOWA – School was cancelled today in Riceville after a threat was allegedly made by a former student.
The Riceville Community School District in collaboration with the Howard County Sherriff’s Department to ensure the safety of all the staff and students. Late on Wednesday evening, February 21, 2018, Riceville School personnel received information about a threat made by people outside of the school. This was reported to the school district by school students. The Howard County Sherriffs Department was contacted and immediately began an investigation.
With the information that was shared, school officials decided to cancel school on February 22, 2018.
The school district said in a statement that they “are thankful to the students that reported this to school officials and it is important to discuss with your children and students that it is not appropriate, nor acceptable, to make threats, joke about, or make light of school shootings. We also continue to encourage anyone to report any threats to adults.”
The Howard County Sherriffs Department is currently investigating this threat to the Riceville School. The threat involved a former student from Riceville. A suspect has been identified but an investigation is still ongoing at this time.
The Howard County Sherriffs Office is being assisted by the Howard County Attorney, US Attorney General, and the FBI.
If you have additional information regarding this matter please contact the Howard County Sherriffs Department at (563) 547-3535 or the Riceville Community School District Administration Office at (641) 985-2288.
