This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. If you enjoy reading Pike County Times, consider buying an advertisement for your business or sending a donation to support the only free online newspaper in Pike County. Donations can be sent to: The Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. Click here to donate through PayPal. Thanks for supporting Pike County's only free online newspaper!
ZEBULON - Schools in Upson and Pike County have received prank calls over the past week that could result in prosecution and jail time. Dr. Michael Duncan, Superintendent of the Pike County School System issued this statement in response the bomb threat at Pike County High School on Friday:
"The School District and surrounding school districts have experienced an uncommonly high number of prank telephone calls designed to disrupt instructional time. These calls have all resulted in non-credible circumstances and the District, in cooperation with law enforcement, have consistently implemented our safety protocols.
The School District’s safety plan establishes protocols for a wide array of emergency situations. The Pike County Sheriff’s Department, along with a host of other emergency response agencies, assist in the development and implementation of the School District’s safety plan.
In the very rare event a credible safety issue arises, the District shall utilize one of many communication methods to alert parents, including but not limited to letter, e-mail, text, phone, and social media. But at this juncture, the calls are prank in nature and the District is acting accordingly. Should such a instance possess a credible threat to the safety of our students, the District will deploy additional safety protocols."
Pike County Times has learned that Upson County High School received bomb threats three days in a row during the past week. The Thomaston-Upson School System has advised that each one was a prank that will lead to prosecution when the culprit is found.
According to law enforcement sources here in Pike County, an investigation is ongoing for Friday's prank call to Pike County High School. Prosecution and jail time could be the end result.
Update 3.25.14:
A bomb threat was called in on Monday morning at both high schools again at approximately the same time according to a post on the Thomaston-Upson County School's Facebook. The schools have taken a proactive stance as they continue working with law enforcement to find the person responsible for these threats.
"We are offering a $500 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for bomb threats made toward Pike County High School," said Dr. Duncan.