Threats close several schools

Classes in some schools around the country were canceled today because of threats of violence on the anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings.

School closings include:

-- Hinkley High School in Aurora, Colo., less than 20 miles away from Columbine. Authorities were tipped off to a possible threat, but found nothing after a search. District spokeswoman Debbie Lynch would not elaborate but said the threat made ''no reference to Columbine whatsoever.''

-- All schools in the Barron district of northern Wisconsin. Superintendent Vita Sherry said there had been rumors of potential violence last week and April 20 had been circulated as a possible date.

-- Epping High School in Epping, N.H., where police said a threat that people would die on April 20 was scrawled on the school's bathroom wall.

Other schools received threats but remained open.