A Holmen Middle School student was in custody early this week as school and law enforcement officials continue to investigate whether the student brought weapons and made threats at Holmen High School’s home football game Friday night.

Several parents said the juvenile had a knife and a throwing star at the game, and threatened to bring a gun to school Monday, according to a Holmen police news release.

HMS students can attend games and sit with their parents, use an area designated as the middle school area or view the game from outside the stadium, Snyder said. The alleged incident is said to have taken place in the designated middle school area, which students sometimes refer to as “the pen.”

The youth was placed in the La Crosse County Juvenile Detention Center late Monday afternoon and was placed on administrative leave from school. Middle school Principal Lisa Snyder said the school is investigating the claims with its police liaison officer.

“The student will not be in school until we complete our investigation,” Snyder said.

The incident prompted two parents to address the school board Monday night about safety concerns.

Patty Hopple and Kim Gorka both took their children out of the middle school Monday. Gorka said she was concerned about security when she dropped her child off and saw no additional help patrolling the hallways, although she was told that was added later in the day. A lack of information, which she knows is necessary in cases like this, made it a tough call, she added.

“I know it’s a difficult situation. I wish we could state more,” Superintendent Fred Frick said.

Gorka suggested forming a crisis parent committee, where volunteers would come in during similar situations to offer assistance to school officials.

School board President Cheryl Hancock said the suggestions would be taken under consideration.

Holmen police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact their office at 526-4212.

Both Frick and Snyder emphasized the middle school was safe and parents “can feel confident and secure that they can come to our schools and know safety is a priority for us.”

Snyder said she and other school officials have been involved in the investigation since Saturday morning. Students were talked to Monday morning about the incident, and a letter was sent home to update parents on the school’s response and investigation. Students who may have had information were interviewed as well.