BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
DELBARTON, W.Va. — A lockdown at Mingo Central High School following a verbal threat Monday morning was downgraded to a “soft lockdown” following swift law enforcement action.
Authorities later determined there were no credible threats after the original lockdown around 10 a.m. However, entry and exit from the building remained restricted for the rest of the day. A JV football game and varsity practice were also canceled Monday evening.
The Mingo County Board of Education first announced the lockdown in a social media post, stating, “Law enforcement officers are on-site and actively investigating the situation. For safety reasons, entry and exit from the building are temporarily restricted. Please know that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
In an update later Monday, Mingo Central School Administration said the situation stemmed from a verbal threat that was “immediately investigated.” Officials credited the quick response of School Resource Officer Chris Endicott, the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and school staff for ensuring the safety of students and personnel throughout the incident.
“We were able to keep all students and staff safe while the matter was being addressed,” the administration stated on social media. “Every decision we made today was guided by one of our core beliefs—safety first—and because of our staff and emergency personnel, we upheld that commitment.”
Administrators extended thanks to William Hensley, safety director for Mingo County Schools, and Rob Channell, transportation director, for assisting with traffic and logistics during the lockdown. They praised parents and families for their patience and cooperation, noting that “not allowing students to leave the building can be stressful, but you handled the situation with understanding and grace.”
The Mingo County Sheriff’s Office later cleared both the school and the surrounding property.
School resumed on its regular schedule Tuesday, but out of an abundance of caution, there was a heightened law enforcement presence on campus.
The Mingo County Sheriff’s Office maintains a resource officer at Mingo Central daily, as well as one at Tug Valley High School. With several school shootings occurring across the country in recent months, news of the lockdown quickly raised concern in the community. However, officials emphasized that all safety protocols functioned as intended and no students were ever in danger.