Suspicious package prompts closure of SC school

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A suspicious package found at a Columbia high school caused classes to be cancelled.

Authorities say a box with wires coming out of it was found about 7 a.m. Monday on the front steps of Eau Claire High School. A note was also found nearby.

The school was initially put on a two-hour delay, but officials later cancelled classes while emergency crews investigated.

The fire department and bomb squad crews used a robot to retrieve the note. It was destroyed and police are investigating the contents. District spokeswoman Karen York says officers let staff enter the building shortly after noon.

About 100 students already at the high school were sent to other nearby facilities, where they were served lunch and bused home.

York says classes will resume Tuesday.