WAVERLY and CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Officials in two neighboring southern Ohio districts say they investigated reports involving students and social media this week and determined there is no credible threat to students or staff.
Waverly City Schools and the Waverly Police Department addressed a concern about a student-posted video referencing Friday. Union-Scioto Local Schools (Unioto) separately reported a potential incident involving a student making threats at the high school. Both districts said they acted quickly with law enforcement. Hopewell Heritage Headlines previously covered threat reports involving Chillicothe High School and is following these latest developments.
Waverly: Video concern investigated, no threat found
Waverly City Schools posted Thursday that it was made aware of a social media concern involving a student video about Friday. School administrators and the Waverly Police Department investigated.
“After investigation by school administration and the Waverly Police Department it was concluded there is no threat,” the district stated. “Please be assured we take these concerns seriously and investigate thoroughly.”
Waverly Police Chief John Winfield shared the district’s message and added that student and staff safety remains a top priority. The department will continue working closely with Waverly City Schools “to maintain a safe and secure learning environment.”
The police post thanked students, parents, staff, and community members for their cooperation and trust.
Unioto: Report addressed, extra law enforcement Friday
Union-Scioto Local School District Superintendent Matt Thornsberry posted a message to families late Wednesday or early Thursday about a report received at Unioto High School.
“Our High School recently received a report regarding a potential incident involving a student making threats,” Thornsberry wrote. Officials notified law enforcement immediately and contacted the student’s family.
The district said it addressed and removed any potential threat. “At this time, there is no credible threat to our school community.”
Out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement will be present in Unioto schools Friday. Thornsberry reminded families of the “if you hear something, say something” standard and said safety is a shared responsibility.
The district said it will share further information promptly if families need to know it.
Context and next steps
School districts and police across Ohio routinely investigate social media posts and overheard comments because even non-credible reports can cause fear and disruption. Ohio law allows charges such as inducing panic in some cases involving threats that cause public alarm, including those made by juveniles. Outcomes depend on the specific facts, intent, and whether a student is handled through the juvenile system. Officials in both of these cases have not released student identities, which is standard when minors are involved.
Hopewell Heritage Headlines covered earlier threat reports connected to Chillicothe High School. We are continuing to follow the Waverly and Unioto situations and will update this story if police or school officials release additional information.
Parents with concerns should contact their child’s school or local law enforcement. Anyone who sees or hears something that raises a safety question is asked to report it promptly.
