Apparent hoax threats called in to multiple Vermont schools

BY ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDigger

Vermont police agencies responded Wednesday to multiple reports of violent threats at schools that appear to be unfounded hoaxes.

“The calls have been reported to originate from VOIP phone numbers” — which originate from the internet — “or potentially spoofed 802 numbers and appear to be associated with ongoing nationwide hoax phone threats of school shootings, bomb threats, and other violent events that have proved to be unfounded,” according to a press release Wednesday morning from the Vermont State Police.

Police said “none of these threats is believed to be credible.”

In a statement Wednesday morning, Gov. Phil Scott called the fake threats “an act of terrorism designed to create chaos and stoke fear that can be exploited.”

“These events are unnerving for everyone — students, teachers, parents and Vermonters,” Scott said. “We can use this energy to come together because unity is the most powerful way to ensure terrorists do not achieve their goals.”

Police responses were reported at several schools throughout the state, including in Colchester and South Burlington. In the capital Wednesday morning, a small crowd of onlookers stood across the street from Montpelier High School watching as several emergency vehicles flashed red and blue lights in the parking lot.

Barre Deputy Police Chief Larry Eastman, who was on scene, said there was a “report of some kind of shooting” that he understood “was not true.”

Montpelier High senior Bella Wawrzyniak said she was running late when she got to school and saw an ambulance in the parking lot. She called a friend, who said they were in “full lockdown,” Wawrzyniak said.

“Shooting — that was where my mind went,” she said. She said she experienced her first lockdown drill in middle school and now goes through them every few months.

In addition to state and local law enforcement, the Agency of Education was assisting in the response, according to state police.

The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Annex Building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration, visit www. willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@willistonvt. org or call 876-1160.

SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMS AND CAMPS

Registration is now open for Williston residents for all spring and summer programs and camps. Be sure to check out the rec department website (www.willistonrec.org) for offerings and to register. Early registration is encouraged as some programs and camps fill fast. A “camp grid” is available to help plan your children’s summer of fun.

REC

Department Information Guide

Watch for our Department Information Guide coming soon to your mailbox. This three-page guide explains all that the recreation department has to offer the community — programs/camps/special events, community parks, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, donations and financial assistance, employment and volunteer opportunities, instructor and business opportunities, Allen Brook Community Park master planning, and “The R.E.C. Zone” facility that will be opening in March.

THE R.E.C. ZONE — RECREATE, EXPLORE, CREATE

The new rental space, previously named The R.O.C., has gone through a name change. It was discovered that R.O.C. was used locally for another organization/group, and the department doesn’t want to confuse or use a name that already exists. The new name for the space at 94 Harvest Lane will be “The

R.E.C. Zone — Recreate, Explore, Create.”

The department is currently looking for instructors to fill “The Zone” with yearround, one-time and other types of recreation programs for all ages. If you have a talent, craft, fitness or other type of program that you would like to offer, fill out a program proposal form at www.willistonrec.org.

Family Programs

REHAB GYM 1ST ANNUAL WILLISTON COMMUNITY 5K

Age 12-plus. Saturday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. The goal for this event is to bring the community together, support local businesses and organizations and enjoy the spring weather. The course is accessible, and adaptive athletes are encouraged to participate. Registration opens Feb. 8 at www.willistonrec.org.

NEW ONLINE PROGRAMS

There are a series of new programs now available at www.willistonrec.org under the “Home Programs to Enjoy!” tab. There are programs on national park tours, Vermont State Parks, the Green Mountain Club, the Chittenden Solid Waste District and other fun things. Enjoy the videos in each category from home.

Adult Programs

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

This program focuses on learning Yang Style Tai Chi, as well as a variety of Chi Kung sets and postures, primarily those from Grandmaster Mantak Chia’s Healing Tao system. Come strengthen your body, regulate and build physical energy, and cultivate your