Concerns emerged within the community of Mill City after reports of a potential threat directed at local schools reached the Linn County Sheriff's Office. In a statement shared by the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Michelle Duncan indicated that authorities were apprised of a menacing conversation involving a juvenile and two males, occurring on Highway 22, late yesterday evening.

According to the juvenile, one of the males present, a known adult from the community, sought information regarding a past conflict involving students from the high school. During the exchange, it was reported by the Linn County Sheriff's Office that "the unidentified male that was with the adult male known to him, made the comment that he “Had a gun and would be shooting up his school tomorrow.” Triggering swift action, the sheriff's deputies dove into an immediate investigation.

Coordinating with officials from the Santiam Canyon School District, deputies conducted interviews and assessed the threat's validity. The investigation spanned the night but ultimately failed to pin down the unidentified male or corroborate the alleged threat. Although no concrete evidence was found to substantiate the claim, taking no chances, the Sheriff's Office plans to maintain a prominent presence in and around the schools for safety assurance.

Precautions have been significantly ramped up. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Sheriff’s Office will be highly visible in the area and in the schools," announced the Sheriff's Office. For further updates, interested parties can follow the continuous coverage available on the Linn County Sheriff's Office website.