By Angel Perkins Staff Writer
BOURBON — What began as just another day at school quickly turned to a morning that had students, educators and Triton Jr.-Sr. High School (TJSHS) administrators very shook up. By the first hour, a written death threat was found in one of the school’s restrooms.
The Bourbon Police Department was called immediately with county and state police brought in shortly thereafter. Word spread fast within the student body and soon after, parents were getting calls and texts from worried students who learned that several lives were threatened — to be taken on the premeditated date of Wednesday, Nov. 19.

While school administrators were tight-lipped about the incident, Triton Schools Superintendent Carl Hilling said he sincerely hoped it was only a prank.
“We do not take this lightly; we’re taking every precaution we can,” he said. “The only real feedback we received was from the state, and we don’ want to give the details because it is being investigated. We don’t want to interfere with that. But it was an open threat to kill people.”
He said the school area will not only be receiving extra police enforcement but also the standard, predetermined terrorist plans are being put into action.
“The teachers and staff are looking out for suspicious behavior and are on the alert,” Hilling added. “It’s our responsibility to take this seriously because parents are sending their most precious gifts to us here.”
Rumors ran rampant with callers and sources wishing to remain anonymous saying that students can no longer carry purses or binders such as Trapper Keepers and that students would be allowed to miss school that day and have it excused. While those statements were not verified, it was noted by school officials that the public and student body would be advised of any changes to the typical school activities and restrictions.
An announcement was read to the student body at the end of the day and all students, even those at the elementary school, received a copy to take home to their parents to inform them of the situation.
In it it was stated, “As a school corporation, our students’ and staff safety is our number one priority. We have taken the necessary and additional precautions to insure that our buildings are safe and secure,” adding that Triton School Corporation “will make every attempt to keep the parents, students, staff and community informed.”
It was also noted that one of the most effective ways to prevent targeted acts of violence is the maintaining of close communication.
A request was made to anyone with any information that might be of use in the investigation to bring it to the school administration (TJSHS at 574-342-6505, central office at 574-342-2255) or police (574-342-3105).
Local, county and state police are collaborating on the investigation of the case.