WESTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT LIFTS SOFT LOCKDOWN AFTER OVERNIGHT SAFETY CONCERN

BARRY, Ill. — The Western School District lifted a precautionary soft lockdown Monday morning after investigating an overnight report involving a concerning private social media post directed at Western Junior High School.

School officials said the district learned of the concern overnight and placed both campuses under a soft lockdown as a precaution. The district restricted visitors and searched student bags as they entered the building.

Additional Pike County sheriff's deputies were assigned to the schools Monday, and the district said it was also working with Illinois State Police during the investigation.

According to district officials, a student saw a concerning post on private social media and sent the information to the school after midnight.

At 9:59 a.m. Monday, the district announced that the soft lockdown had been lifted after officials found no immediate threat. Normal school activities were allowed to resume.

The district said the matter remains under active investigation. Superintendent Stacy Powell emphasized that student and staff safety was the district's priority as authorities assessed the report.