BESSEMER, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Upper Peninsula School canceled classes on Monday after receiving a threat.
Late Sunday evening, Bessemer Area Schools made a Facebook post stating that “out of an abundance of caution,” there would be no school the following day due to the threat. No one is permitted to enter school facilities until law enforcement confirms that they are safe.
Bessemer Area Schools has also canceled Monday evening’s girls basketball games. The district will provide an update if those games are rescheduled.
According to a release posted Monday afternoon by the superintendent and the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, the school received a Sunday evening voicemail that referenced bombs being placed at the high school. The principal contacted the superintendent, leading the district to contact 911 and request a law enforcement response.
Several Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Michigan State Police troopers responded within minutes. Officers conducted an organized and thorough room-by-room search and secured the campus until additional resources were available. During that time, school administrators received camera footage.
Around 8 a.m. on Monday, the State Police deployed an explosive detection canine to clear both Bessemer Area School District buildings. At approximately 10:15 a.m., officials deemed both school buildings and campuses safe, having found nothing in the search. However, officials and administrators decided to cancel all after-school activities and practices for the day and evening.
The investigation remains ongoing. Classes will resume as usual on Tuesday, January 13, with an increased law enforcement presence in and around the school. Counselors will be available to any students who would like to talk about the incident.
Bessemer Area Schools thanks the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan State Police, and all other individuals who assisted in the investigation.
“All threats to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” Superintendent Richard Matrella said in the release. “We work with our local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. We wanted you to have the facts so you can discuss them with your child.”
Anyone with information that can help the investigation is asked to contact the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office at (906) 667-0203.
