GREAT BEND – Despite earlier reports, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is not going to investigate the alleged assault on a USD 428 school bus, according to a media release.

The KBI notified the Barton County Sheriff’s Office that the Bureau had declined participation in the investigation into an alleged battery that occurred February 6.

In a letter dated March 3, the KBI cited excessive caseload due to the tragic Hesston shooting incident, as well as a substantial current caseload.

A battery case reported to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the Great Bend Police Department on February 6, was initially believed to have occurred in Saline County.

The incident, involving the school swim team on the way home from Salina, may have occurred in Barton County, according to the Saline County Sheriff.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office will reopen the investigation.