By Tracy Ouellette
Staff writer
Two 16-year-old students at Union Grove High School were arrested last week after writing bomb threats on the boys’ and girls’ bathroom walls in the school.
According to UGHS Superintendent Alan Mollerskov, the threats, found Wednesday, Oct. 26, by other students said the school would “blow up on Friday.”
School officials informed parents late Wednesday of the events but didn’t close the school Thursday and by Friday morning both suspects were in custody.
“We were investigating by the end of school day Wednesday while the school empty at time within 24 hours we had male student in custody with confession and by Friday morning the female student was in custody,” said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.
He went on to say that it became evident quickly that this wasn’t a true threat.
“They said it was a practical joke and we found nothing there to indicate this was a bonfire threat,” he continued. “We realized very quickly that it was wasn’t anything more than a couple of kids trying to get out of school for the day.”
Regardless of their motive, Mollerskov said the district was taking this seriously and the students were currently suspended and face expulsion.
“The expulsion hearing will most likely be the week after next, the way the law reads is: students can be out on a 15-day suspension before the hearing needs to be called.”
Schmaling said the suspects “didn’t think their antics would reach this level.”
The juveniles are facing felony bomb scare charges and misdemeanor charges for criminal damage to property.
“I hope this sends a clear message that something like this is not a joking matter and this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in the schools or anywhere,” said Schmaling.
Schmaling credited the quick arrests to Sheriff Department’s close working relationship with the administration at UGHS. The administration provided copies of the writing and photos of the bathroom walls to police to aid in the investigation. There was also video footage of the hallway outside the bathrooms showing the comings and goings of the students.
“We have a very unique and great partnership with all the Racine County schools and I really do treasure that,” he said. “It makes my job a lot easier.”
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