Confusion Over Mount Markham ‘Shelter In Place’, But Operating As Normal

Officials with the Mount Markham School District say there were asked to go into a 'Shelter in Place' mode today, but say students and faculty are safe and all are operating on a normal schedule.

Acting Superintendent Dick Young says 'Shelter in Place' essentially means they are monitoring anyone who comes into the building. The request came from Herkimer County 9-1-1, he said, but could not provide information on what prompted in the request.

''Students are still allowed to attend BOCES'', etc, he said.

However, there is some confusion over why school officials were asked to take any action, according to one law enforcement official.

Officials at Herkimer County 9-1-1 directed WIBX to the State Police barracks in Oneida, where public information officer, Trooper Jack Keller said he was assisting Cooperstown police.

When WIBX spoke to Cooperstown PD, officials there said they didn't think the school needed to take any action. ''We are investigating a complaint, but it in now way involved the school.'' The official said there was never any request to put any schools in lockdown, lockout or any other precautionary mode.

The police official did indicate the complaint involved an angry phone call made to 'Bassett Hospital' in Cooperstown, but said no restrictions on visitors, patients or staff were in place there. He did say security was added to the hospital's entrance, however.