Law Enforcement Visible following Questionable Graffiti Discovery Investigation

Law Enforcement Visible following Questionable Graffiti Discovery Investigation

RACINE, Ohio – Following the discovery of questionable graffiti at Southern Local School District, officials investigated to find no credible threat to students.

According to Southern Local Superintendent Tony Deem, the graffiti was discovered that sparked an investigation. Following the investigation, which included hours of security footage to see who might have created the graffiti, it was determined that there was no credible threat.

“We take this very seriously,” Deem said as he was greeting students to school just as he normally does just about everyday at Southern Local as students are dropped off. Deem along with Southern Elementary Principal Tricia McNickle stand outside no matter the weather to greet students each day. McNickle can be found everyday with a smile and even a hug for students that want one as they come to school. Inside, Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto also greeting students.

Law enforcement was also very visible at Southern Local on Feb. 27. Deputies were outside and inside the school along with Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood. Throughout the week law enforcement has been visible and at times, not so visible at the school.

Deem said they followed procedures for any such questionable notifications of a possible threat. He said that in addition to law enforcement, they also consulted with Meigs County EMA which was also at Southern for awhile on Feb. 27.

“Any school issue, we are going to pay attention to what is going,” Sheriff Wood said as he welcomed students to school. He said school safety has been a standing priority noting that everyone involved cares about the children.