All Clear After SCMS Lockdown, Officials Say

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said a lockdown did occur at Stephens County Middle School Thursday morning while an investigation was performed into what the sheriff said authorities determined to be an unfounded message that was posted on Facebook.

Shirley said that a posting that was allegedly made Wednesday evening was said to be viewed by some other children who reported that to school officials.

The sheriff said the principal at Stephens County Middle School then reported it to the School Resource Officer, who contacted the sheriff.

He said that out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to lock down the school while an investigation was performed by the Sheriff’s Office, the principal, and school staff.

It was over by noon Thursday.