From News Channel 9: Polk County Schools says they are committed to keeping every student safe after 2 separate threats made against schools in the last few days.
A student at Benton Elementary School in Polk County has been suspended after reportedly threatening to bring a gun to school.
That comes after a rumor was spread around Polk County High School about a student having a gun. Law enforcement says that threat was fabricated.
Polk County Schools say the threat was made by an elementary student towards the end of the school day.
"We do not feel it is a viable threat and at no time were any students or staff in danger," said the district.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office was notified immediately and is now investigating the incident.
The student has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says as of Tuesday afternoon, no charges have been filed against the student.
District leaders emphasized that while no one was in immediate danger, every threat is taken seriously.The recent threats have left parents concerned about the safety of their children.
"It's a shame that we've got to where we're at."
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says...
"It's just seems like there's more of the threats. 99% of them are just idle threats. But we will not allow our kids to be in danger if we can do anything in the world about it. And anytime there's a threat, we automatically will go interview everybody that's involved."
Talk of school threats has sparked conversations on social media. One Facebook user says...
"It's a very sad situation, but it starts with the parents and then the school needs to buckle down as well. As an elementary age student, that's way too young to be talking like that."
Another added that "a threat is a danger regardless the seriousness of it."
In a statement, Polk County Schools Director Dr. James Jones told us...
"We're teaching students what language is appropriate at school through programs and assemblies, and I hope every parent talks with their child about how certain words can cause chaos and potential danger."
A student at Benton Elementary School in Polk County has been suspended after reportedly threatening to bring a gun to school.
That comes after a rumor was spread around Polk County High School about a student having a gun. Law enforcement says that threat was fabricated.
Polk County Schools say the threat was made by an elementary student towards the end of the school day.
"We do not feel it is a viable threat and at no time were any students or staff in danger," said the district.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office was notified immediately and is now investigating the incident.
The student has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says as of Tuesday afternoon, no charges have been filed against the student.
District leaders emphasized that while no one was in immediate danger, every threat is taken seriously.The recent threats have left parents concerned about the safety of their children.
"It's a shame that we've got to where we're at."
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says...
"It's just seems like there's more of the threats. 99% of them are just idle threats. But we will not allow our kids to be in danger if we can do anything in the world about it. And anytime there's a threat, we automatically will go interview everybody that's involved."
Talk of school threats has sparked conversations on social media. One Facebook user says...
"It's a very sad situation, but it starts with the parents and then the school needs to buckle down as well. As an elementary age student, that's way too young to be talking like that."
Another added that "a threat is a danger regardless the seriousness of it."
In a statement, Polk County Schools Director Dr. James Jones told us...
"We're teaching students what language is appropriate at school through programs and assemblies, and I hope every parent talks with their child about how certain words can cause chaos and potential danger."
Posted in Local News
Recent
Lt. Governor Randy McNally to not seek reelection
February 27th, 2026
Construction prompts traffic shift on I-75 South
February 27th, 2026
Plumbing problems at Meigs County High lead to early dismissal Thursday, remote learning Friday
February 27th, 2026
Parkridge to be allowed to build freestanding emergency room in Cleveland
February 26th, 2026
Sheriff’s offices warn of impersonation scam targeting Tennessee residents
February 26th, 2026
Archive
2026
January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax foreverGov. Lee proclaims January 19 as "Dolly Parton Day"United Airlines temporarily offering direct flights from Chattanooga to DenverBarn blaze leaves 9 animals dead in Bradley County ThursdayBradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivers annual State of the County addressNo injuries reported after crash on Paul Huff Parkway SaturdayPetroleum pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road to cause delaysCharleston home a complete loss after fire Saturday afternoonTwo vehicle crash on I-75 S causes temporary road closure SundayBradley Medical Center and Erlanger to partner to expand pediatric emergency servicesOoltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO saysDecember Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 millionTennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000Bradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officialsYour to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN ValleyOfficials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN ValleySPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weatherBradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKITTennessee and Georgia declare state of emergenciesCleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student ServicesSheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO ThursdayMan wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerousCleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol ProgramBradley County government offices closed MondayTDOT crews help drivers across the stateMcMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicleCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safetyApartment catches fire Sunday in ClevelandVolunteers needed for Barbara's Market in ClevelandTBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter stormBlood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donorsLee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical LegacyFormer Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to 60 years following conviction of child sexual abuseCleveland firefighters quickly extinguish basement fire Wednesday nightKnox County man charged with first-degree murder after body found in Ten MileBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9Cleveland PD Chief Mark Gibson delivers 2026 New Year's MessageUnemployment rates below 5% in nearly every Tennessee countyGov. Lee requests expedited disaster declaration for 23 counties
February
Cleveland community mourns death of Bradley Central student athleteBradley County government offices closed MondayCleveland firm laying off 100 employees starting April 1'Infrastructure challenges' blamed for failing health inspection score at Benton ElementaryGov. Lee delivers 2026 State of the State Address: “Tennessee: The Original Frontier”Tennessee lawmakers, DA look to ensure death penalty as option for child rape"It's disappointing": Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit sought price increases, rejected current contract amid failed negotiationBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9TDCI and Tennessee AG issue joint statement about Winter Storm FernCleveland City Schools AI bus cameras already catch drivers illegally passingTennessee reaches nearly $18M settlement with drug companies over alleged price gougingHow many arrestees were turned over to ICE? New Tennessee report breaks it down by countyVolkswagen, UAW reach contract agreementBradley County Fire and Rescue responded to 2 structure fires Wednesday morningUPDATE: Manhunt continues for suspect in attempted murder after known 'associate' chased through Bradley, Polk Counties8 students charged after brawl at Cleveland High SchoolCleveland man arrested after armed domestic dispute, standoffEx-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified2026 Winter Job Fair to take place Feb. 13UPDATE: Missing Athens, TN woman found safeBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapBradley County School Board meeting recapUTC students react to new safety app after 2025 false shooter scareFormer Tennessee private school principal has child sex charges reduced, learns sentenceTellico Plains police officer indicted in statutory rape investigation, TBI saysNew Tennessee bill further protects places of worshipCHS receives $10,000 grant to enhance Tango Flight ProgramBradley County Sheriff's Office warns of local scamAllegiant Air begins nonstop route from CHA to Fort LauderdaleLee University names Johnson Director of Community and Church Relations