Bomb threats frustrating staff, students
March 4, 2013
Yet another bomb threat disrupted classes in Bonners Ferry today, this one at the high school, called in at about 1:24 p.m. after another note was found scribbled in a stall in a boy's restroom.

Because each such threat constitutes a crime, hence an investigation, officials have to be careful of what they say, but frustration oozes through nearly every word. While it may seem to be getting old hat; seven such "threats" this year, neither school officials nor emergency responders can afford to be lulled, even though none of the threats to date have been credible.

Should they ignore the "sheep who cried wolf" just once, there's the unimaginable possibility, slight but real, that the wolf might one day arrive, and tragedy be visited on our community ... on our children, as has happened to befall too many other communities across the nation in recent years.

A sixth grader has confessed responsibility ... but police and the school have to be careful; and they are, as evidenced today. Despite an apparent confession, today's response was little different to any that came before, and despite the alleged confession, none of the security measures emplaced previously were relaxed.

A confession isn't a conviction, and even a confession is investigated thoroughly.

There is little doubt that these "pranks" are being played by a student. What's worrisome, said school superintendent Dick Conley, is that the true student responsible is a loner, a rare creature who doesn't talk, but who enjoys the havoc wreaked.

"We're getting closer, but we're not hearing from kids ... a lot of good kids who are as tired of this as we are," Conley said. "It's a jigsaw puzzle, and we're picking up new pieces every time. We're getting closer to putting the picture together."

A loner who doesn't talk, but who savors the strength of so easily controlling an entire school; of being able, at a whim, to disrupt an entire system.

Offering rewards for information, Conley said, are appreciated, but might not work.

"Ninety-nine point nine percent of the student population here would like to put a final end to this and they'd have no problem telling what they knew," Conley said.

A number of male students have indicated that they would prefer to beat the culprit to a pulp, and then call authorities.

Such a person would be hard to catch, much less convict. But with every passing threat, evidence builds.

"I think we're looking for a kid who thinks he is in control," Conley said. "A kid who thinks he has the power to shut down everything at whim. We have several pieces of the puzzle, and the picture is getting clearer."

High School principal Kirk Hoff nearly grits his teeth in holding back what he can't say.

"This is very frustrating," he said. "We have a great group of kids doing their best ... just a few can make it not so nice."

There is still a $1,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Not a kid who confesses falsely ... no one in town wants to put blame where it doesn't belong.

If anyone; student, parent or teacher, has the slightest suspicion, please call the Sheriff's Office, (208) 267-3151, extension 0.