For the second straight Tuesday, a bomb threat occurred at Sidney High School.

"Another message was received on a high school printer," Sidney Superintendent of Schools Doug Sullivan said.

The incident happened around 2 p.m. near the end of sixth period. Because of the bomb threat, students were dismissed for the day at the end of sixth period.

Bill Vander Weele | Sidney Herald The fire department responds to Tuesday's bomb threat.

The Sidney Police Department, Sidney Volunteer Fire Department and Richland County Sheriff's Office undertook the search of the high school. The search ended about 4 p.m.

"We're continuing to work with law enforcement in our efforts to catch this person or people," Sullivan said.

When asked about if the message was the same as the first bomb threat, Sullivan said he was instructed by law enforcement not to say.

Tom Halvorson, deputy county attorney, said legal charges could vary for the individual or individuals.

"Depending on the particular facts, a number of charges could be filed," Halvorson said. "As a general rule, the most likely charge is intimidation. That is a felony. A person convicted of intimidation can be sentenced up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $50,000."

Because of lost class time, school officials decided to extend school until 4:08 p.m. Wednesday.

"We're trying to guarantee proper instructional time," Sullivan said.

The superintendent warned similar action will be taken if additional class time is missed due to threats.

"We will continue to make up the time," Sullivan said. "We will not reward this type of behavior."

Sidney High School Principal Dan Farr said administrators talked with students Wednesday about the serious nature of the bomb threats.

"We've been trying to work with the students to help identify the person or people responsible," Farr said.

The principal warned students not to be complacent about the threats. "We have to take everything seriously." Farr said the bomb threat may seem humorous to people at first, but then people should realize how many people such as law enforcement and volunteer firefighters it affects.

"It's no longer a laughing matter, and then it becomes a federal offense," Farr said.

The principal said emergency officials could be at the school investigating a fake threat while there is someone in need for a true emergency. "That would be truly sad," Farr said.

He thanks students, staff and parents for their cooperation during the incidents and the increased instruction time Wednesday.

Farr noted school officials are helping anyway they can during law enforcement's investigation of the incidents.

On behalf of students and staff, Sullivan thanks the police department, fire department and sheriff's office.

"We truly appreciate their efforts and their help with this matter," Sullivan said.

editor@sidneyherald.com