DE SOTO, Wis. – On Thursday several messages on social media and through emails stated that De Soto Schools students were ordered to sheltered in place a short time this afternoon out of an abundance of precaution for their safety. School officials later released a message that students would be sent home through their normal pickup procedures. The exact nature of the perceived threat has not been released.
Another message sent by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office later in the day stated that even though students were released they are still looking into the source of the messages received.
UPDATE at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, from Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson
Law enforcement officers have thoroughly checked each of De Soto’s three campuses. Law enforcement remained present while all students were safely released. The investigation into the email threat continues and involves local, state, and federal agencies. The Sheriff’s Office received information that emails of this nature were sent to other schools in the state. Public safety remains our top priority.
-Sheriff Roy Torgerson
Message from the Sheriff’s Office at about 3:12 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the De Soto Area School District concerning a potential threat received by the school, via email. There will be a law enforcement presence at each school campus. Below is the school message to families:
“Dear parents and guardians,
All schools are in a shelter in place due to a possible threat communicated by email. The Vernon County Sherriff’s Department has sent patrol cars to each school and are investigating the validity of the threat situation. The safety of your children and our staff are our first priority. Out of an abundance of caution we will be in a shelter in place until the Sheriff’s office releases us.
We will provide notification when parents and guardians can pick up there children since access is not allowed during a shelter in place.
Parents and guardians will also be notified when busses are able to depart to take children home.”
Later message from De Soto Area Schools about 3:21 p.m.
“Dear parents and guardians,
All schools have been released from Shelter in Place by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department. Elementary buses and students are exiting the schools and families should follow their normal pickup procedures. Buses could be delayed up to 30 minutes due to the late exit. for your patience as we took additional caution to be sure all students and staff are safe.
Linzi Gronning, Superintendent
De Soto Area School District”
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