From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On December 29, 2016 Investigators with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department received the allegation of a person in the Shirley area who possessed bomb making material and had made threats against person(s) known to him. The Arkansas State Police assisted in an immediate and thorough investigation of this incident. No bomb making material was discovered nor was any evidence gathered that there was such a plot to make any explosives.  

Due to speculation that this threat involved Shirley School, Investigators met with School Officials on Tuesday to explain that there had never been a threat made toward the school in any way. As always, any threat that even hints of harm to persons or any school will be taken seriously regardless of the validity of the report. Anyone with additional concerns are encouraged to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.