JACKSON, Mich. (AP) — A major snowstorm, rumored threats of violence and outbreaks of illness prompted school closings in dozens of districts across Michigan.
Many students attending school Friday, meanwhile, were expected to see increased police and security patrols amid heightened caution following last week's school massacre in Connecticut. More security was planned in communities including the Brighton and the Saginaw areas.
Officials in Jackson County earlier in the week increased patrols following a threat about a potential shooting at Springport Community Schools. MLive.com reports a 17-year-old student was arrested and charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism.
Michigan officials also cited problems related to doomsday scenarios, with Friday being when some believe ancient Mayan calendars predicted the world would end.
In Ithaca, a flu outbreak closed schools Thursday and Friday.
