The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday afternoon, released information pertaining to a reported bomb threat at the Southwest Valley Schools, in Corning. Authorities said in a Press Release, that “On October 11th at approximately 11:39 a.m., Adams County Dispatch received a call from the Corning Elementary School regarding a reported bomb threat. An individual had called the Elementary and stated they heard of a bomb threat, but they were not sure which building the bomb was in. Adams County Deputies responded to the schools where students and teachers had already begun evacuating. Corning Fire Department was paged out to assist the Sheriff’s Office in establishing a perimeter, to conduct traffic control and controlling access into the scene.

“As the Sheriff’s Office was arranging plans to search the buildings, contact was made with the original caller to gather more details of the alleged bomb threat. While speaking with the original caller, it was determined that they’d received a phone call from a family member and were informed of a school lock down and bomb threat [heard] on the radio. Upon further investigation, the school lockdown they were informed of happened at the Shenandoah School earlier in the morning (with regard to a person who was seen with what was discovered to be an airsoft – or BB-type rifle. That individual was located and questioned, but not charged).”

The Sheriff’s Office says “There was not a threat made towards Southwest Valley Schools. This information was not learned until the schools were evacuated and dismissed for the day. A coordinated search of the Southwest Valley High School, Activity Center, Shop, and Corning Elementary was conducted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol Law Enforcement personnel did not locate any items they believed to be a threat. Once the initial sweep was made and determined to be clear, the school staff was allowed back in the schools.”

The Sheriff’s Office extends its thanks to the Corning Fire Department, Prescott Fire Department, and the Iowa State Patrol with their assistance in Wednesday’s events. They also thank everyone for their cooperation and patience throughout the investigation.