NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

10/30/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -Russell Hall on the Northwestern State University campus was evacuated Tuesday morning following a threat of anthrax contamination.

University Police at Northwestern said the building-which is used primarily for classes and offices in the College of Business-was cleared after an anonymous telephone call warning that there was anthrax in the building.

Tests for anthrax are being conducted by the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit at the site, and the State Police, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Department, Natchitoches City Police and NSU Police are investigating the threat.

University officials said the building would remain closed until the tests are completed and State Police determine that it is safe for the facility to be re-opened.

A spokesman for the University Police Department at NSU said any information or inquiries on the threat or the investigation should be directed to the State Police.

Students taking Wednesday and Thursday night classes normally held in Russell Hall should check the NSU Web site for class location.

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