Posted Tuesday, March 24, 2009 --- 4:32 p.m.

Release from New Lisbon Police Department:

On March 24, 2009, the new Lisbon Police Department and Juneau County Sheriff's Department responded to the New Lisbon Schools at 7:30 a.m. for a threat against the safety of the students and staff of the New Lisbon Schools. A statement was written on a wall in the school that indicated a potential of harm to occur. The statement was not specific; it did not indicate a date, a time, or any specific target.

The school conducted a faculty/staff meeting and advised them that it was necessary to evacuate the building and wait until a determination was made concerning when the students and staff would be able to return to the school. A decision was made by school officials and law enforcement officials to send the students and staff home for the day.

Over the course of the day-long investigation, it was determined that a 13-year-old student was the author of the message on the wall. The student admitted that she wrote the message at the end of the school day on Monday the 23rd. She stated that she did not have any intention of causing school to be cancelled and causing unnecessary alarm/concern in the students, staff parents of students, and the community.

The 13-year-old is being referred to the Juneau County Department of Human Services and the Juneau County District Attorney's Office for this incident.

New Lisbon Schools will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25th, or school. The New Lisbon Police Department will be at school tomorrow to assist the school and answer any questions parents might have. If a parent wishes to contact the New Lisbon Police Department with questions, they are encouraged to call 608-562-5213 ext. 6.