A few schools in Blaine County received bomb threats Thursday morning, which brought out emergency agencies from across the county.

    According to a press release from Vic Miller, Blaine County commissioner, the threat began with a written note found in a bathroom at Harlem Elementary School.

    The note claimed a bomb would detonate at 11 a.m.

    Harlem Fire Chief Robert Scheffelmaier met with law enforcement and they decided to evacuate Harlem Elementary and High schools, first to the high school football field and later into the school’s bus garage.

    Residents within two blocks of the school were also evacuated.

    “In each case, the moves were necessary to ensure the safety of children,” the release said.

    An Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit was called in from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls “to bring in the specially trained dogs … to ‘sniff’ out bombs.”

    The children were released completely at 1:30 p.m. so that the disposal unit could search the entire building unfettered.

    Miller originally said that similar incidents were reported today at Hays-Lodge Pole, Rocky Boy’s and Livingston schools, “though details are sketchy at this time.” However, Rocky Boy Schools Superintendent Voyd St. Pierre had heard nothing to that effect.

    In all, the threat brought out fire and ambulance responders from Harlem, Chinook, Turner, Hogeland and Fort Belknap, as well as the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.

    Miller said the seriously disruptive threat would not go unpunished.

    “Indications are that once the investigation is done, felony charges of intimidation can be and will be filed,” Miller said. “Responsibility of juvenile behavior is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.”