News : Benton Community Schools and Sheriff's Dept. issue Statement Concerning Threat

The Benton County Sheriff's Office received information from the FBI concerning a threat of violence, the threat is believed to have come from the Middle School High School in Van Horne and appeared to be directed at the facility. The Sheriff's Offices continues to work with other law enforcement agencies to assess the credibility of the threat. In working through the situation with the Benton Community School District, students will see an increased presence of law enforcement in the area. Our top priority is the welfare of students, staff and public. 

Below is a press release from the Benton Community School District.

The Benton Community District has been made aware that an unidentified individual made a threat that an act of violence would occur at a District school building tomorrow, Friday, November 15. The District determined there was no threat to student or staff safety during the school day on Thursday, November 14, and there was no need to dismiss classes early.

The District takes any threat of violence very seriously, and this is no exception. The District has been working closely with the FBI and local law enforcement to assess the situation and to determine the best course of action to protect the safety of students and staff members.