Riceville classes canceled after threat

RICEVILLE - A former Riceville student has been identified as the suspect behind an unspecified threat that canceled classes in Riceville on Thursday, law enforcement says.

The name of the suspect has not been released, but the Howard County Sheriff's Office said in a news release the investigation is ongoing.

Howard County Sheriff Mike Miner said criminal charges are pending but that he could not release more information.

The district was made aware of a 'potential safety concern” about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Riceville Superintendent Barb Schwamman said Thursday morning.

The concern came when a group of students reported the potential threat - which the sheriff's office said came from someone outside the school - to a school administrator. The exact nature of the threat has not been released.

Schwamman said because of the timing of the report, she and law enforcement officials felt it was in the best interests of students and staff to cancel school Thursday, as well as the day care located at the school in northeast Iowa.

'I applaud the students for their bravery for coming forward to make the school aware of the issue,” Schwamman said. 'We have been working with Howard County law enforcement all through the night.”

Riceville schools and the Howard County Sheriff's Department released a statement Thursday thanking the students who reported the threat.

'It is important to discuss with your children and students that it is not appropriate, nor acceptable, to make threats, joke about, or make light of school shootings,” the statement continued. 'We also continue to encourage anyone to report any threats to adults.”

The FBI, U.S. Attorney General's Office and Howard County attorney are assisting in the investigation.