Emergency crews are not sure what is to blame for sickening a dozen students at New Richmond High School this afternoon.
Crews were called to the building on Bethel-New Richmond Road around 1 p.m. Monday. Officials say 12 students reported feeling overcome by shortness of breath and dizziness. The reports centered around the school's choir room.
Five students were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Four others went home with their parents and the rest returned to class.
New Richmond officials say they're not sure what caused the symptoms. The choir room will remain closed until the source of the sickness can be determined.
In January, New Richmond school leaders spent thousands of dollars on air quality testing and modifications after a couple of students possibly got sick from breathing the air in the chorus room. Experts found an elevated mold count in the room, and in response the school closed the room temporarily. They replaced carpeting, duct work, and other air handling components. But officials haven't said whether they suspect mold again in this incident.
