By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer 

Police continue to investigate two threats made to Prior Lake High School this week. As of Thursday morning, no one was in custody for making the threats.

School administrators received the first threat to the school Tuesday. The threat warned of an incident at the school on Thursday. Then, late Tuesday afternoon, police discovered a bomb threat relating to Wednesday.

As a result of the threats, students’ backpacks and coats were searched upon entrance to school on both Wednesday and Thursday, according to Capt. Dave Muelken. No weapons or contraband were confiscated, he said.

“Students were very receptive to the extra safety precautions and thanked police for our presence,” Muelken said.

Police wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the threats, as it is an ongoing investigation.

A reward of $200 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects who made threats to the school, said Prior Lake High School Principal David Lund.

Throughout the week, Superintendent Sue Anne Gruver relayed information to staff, students, parents and guardians about the threats via e-mails through the district’s list service.

In those e-mails, Gruver stated that the first threat was received by administrators at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. As part of the school district’s emergency preparedness plan, the school police liaison officer was notified, along with the Savage Police Department.

Following the second threat, police conducted a sweep of the high school. After the sweep, the building was secured and police monitored the building.

On Wednesday morning, school opened and classes resumed; but students noticed a stronger police presence in the school to provide extra security as a precaution.

In addition to the searches of students’ coats and backpacks, students had limited access to common areas during the school day and were directed to a classroom during open periods.

The school closed at 3 p.m. Wednesday and all after-school, on-site activities for Wednesday night were rescheduled or relocated as the school was closed.

“We take all threats seriously and will continue to work closely with the Savage police to keep all students and staff safe,” Gruver said. “Threats of this nature are a felony offense and any person(s) involved will be prosecuted.”

Parents on the school’s list service were notified as soon as possible and received updates and follow-up notifications about the incident as information was available, Gruver said.

Anyone with information about the threat is asked to contact any school staff or the police liaison officer at (952) 226-8600.

 Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at (952) 345-6374 or shogendorf@swpub.com.