CRAWFORD CO., Ill.—The Palestine Community Unit School is on lockdown since a little earlier this afternoon, after an object thought to be a bomb was seen in a lawn close to the school.
We have very few details, but concerned parents in the Palestine area have contacted us in order to advise that they are being allowed to pick up their kids from the school while authorities wait for the Illinois Secretary of State bomb squad to arrive in the little Crawford County village to examine the object, which was viewed at about 1:30 and called in to authorities. It is being termed a pipe bomb.
The identity of the lady of the residence is unknown to us at this time; we’re working to get official information on it, but all Crawford County authorities have been called to the scene as a precaution, considering there are a number of children present in the school.
When we learn more, we’ll bring it.