Billy Davis

Authorities remain tight-lipped about an emergency drill, planned for Friday morning in Batesville, that is expected to test the mettle of local first responders.

Some details have already been disclosed: law enforcement officers and medical responders have been told the site of the drill, South Panola High, where they will respond to a 911 call.

With a little imagination, one can guess the cause of the emergency, given the location.

A Batesville police spokesman has also said the drill would include emergency room personnel at Tri-Lakes Medical Center.

A Panolian reporter was present last week when local authorities and school personnel performed a “walk through” in the cavernous high school.  

A reporter will also be present inside the high school, during the drill, to record the unfolding events.

When authorities descend on the high school, other police officers will be on patrol during the exercise, said BPD Deputy Chief Don Province.

“In fact, it’s going to be a bad day to do something illegal in or around Batesville,” said Province.