Soap Lake schools closed because of threats

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake School Board members ordered all schools closed on Tuesday, citing undisclosed threats. The action came after a previously unannounced executive session during the regular board meeting.

Board chair Jerry Bessette made the announcement following the executive session, called to discuss building security. He declined further comment, either on the reason for the closure or any plans to address the possible security issues.

A 16-year-old Soap Lake High School student was arrested last week after allegedly making threats to kill staff and students. He left campus after making the threats and was arrested at Smokiam High School, the district's alternative school. He was not armed when arrested.

Bessette did not say whether the two incidents were related.

For more information, read Wednesday's edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

— Staff report