Iron Mountain Public Schools announced today that tonight’s scheduled football game against West Iron County at Mountaineer Stadium has been canceled.

The forfeit by West Iron is reportedly related to a threat against a staff member in the West Iron district. Classes were still taking place at West Iron County Schools today, and a statement from Iron Mountain Public Schools indicated no threat to the local community.

All other Iron Mountain High School homecoming activities will proceed as planned, including a parade at 4 p.m. today, the school district said.

There will be a tailgate event at 4:30 p.m. at the stadium, followed by homecoming court introductions at 6:15 p.m.

The homecoming dance will also take place as scheduled Saturday evening.

In an email message, the Iron Mountain district said there was a reported threat directed at a staff member within the West Iron district.

“We want to assure you that Iron Mountain Schools has been working closely with West Iron County Schools and multiple law enforcement agencies throughout this ongoing investigation,” the district said.

The statement continued:

“Based on the information provided, there is no reason to believe that there is any threat to the Iron Mountain community. Law enforcement has determined there is no immediate threat for the safety of our schools.

“Out of an abundance of caution and respect for the safety of our students, families and community members, tonight’s scheduled football game between West Iron County and Iron Mountain has been canceled. We understand this is disappointing for our players, families, and fans, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and support.

“We continued to encourage all students and families to report any concerning behavior to law enforcement or a trusted adult immediately. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns,” the Iron Mountain Schools statement concluded.

This is the statement that West Iron County Schools Superintendent Kevin Schmutzler had shared with district staff and families:

“On Wednesday evening, we communicated with you about a reported threat directed at a staff member of the West Iron County Public Schools. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved and continuing their thorough investigation.

“The individuals involved are not West Iron County students. We have no reason to believe there is an immediate threat to our campus safety. However, based on the current information, the safety of our students, players, families, and coaches take priority and we are unfortunately cancelling tonight’s football game at Iron Mountain due to this ongoing investigation. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience to both our Wykon and Mountaineer supporters. We will update you as information becomes available.

“Please continue to encourage your children to report any worrisome behavior to police or a trusted adult immediately. Also, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your support as we work to maintain a safe, secure, and positive learning environment,” Schmutzler’s statement concluded.