TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV) — Friday morning, the Vigo County School Corporation held another news conference regarding the multiple threats made towards numerous schools.
Vigo County School Corporation Safety and Security Coordinator Kurt Brinegar said this Terre Haute North vs Terre Haute South game will include more layers of security.
“We are changing a few things up this year,” said Brinegar. “You will be going through a metal detector along with wands. It will be just like TSA if you are at the airport.”
Officials also warn fans not to bring backpacks, large bags, or weapons of any kind. At least seven students were arrested this week and accused of making threats. Each now faces a felony charge.
And while law enforcement said Thursday, they are working to stem the tide, that has not yet curbed the concerns of many local parents. We received numerous emails this morning from parents who are still keeping their kids home.
One of them saying, “The schools need to install metal detectors and make it mandatory for children to carry clear backpacks. It would put not only our children’s minds at ease but would definitely help the parents as well to know our children can safely go to school!”
Another parent expressing concern about false information on social media said, “With people posting things they heard then backtracking after scaring everyone with “Oh sorry, that apparently didn’t happen, my bad!”That’s the dangers of social media.”
As for Friday’s game, Brinegar said that it may take a little longer to get in and get seated, but they want everyone to come out and enjoy one of the area’s most storied traditions
“We have our normal security staff along with layers of security,” said Brinegar. “If you do come, come early, be prepared, and be patient with us and we will definitely get you in before kickoff if you come early enough.”
Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell weighed in again on this issue. The agency wrote on Facebook in part, “Our children do not deserve to attend school in fear. And that their families should not fear sending them to school.”
