HAZARD – Workers at the William D. Gorman Education Center in Hazard were evacuated early Friday evening after a telephoned threat alleged that an explosive device had been placed inside the building.

The calls was originally made to the FBI, said Hazard Deputy Chief of Police Joe Engle, and information about the threat was then forwarded to local law enforcement agencies. Police evacuated the building and cordoned off the entrance with police tape. Bomb detection dogs from the Kentucky State Police and Hazard Fire Department were also employed, but police say nothing was found.

Housed inside the Gorman Center are the regional offices for Sen. Jim Bunning and Rep. Hal Rogers. According to state police, a second threat was made at Sen. Bunning’s office in Louisville as well. Also housed in the Gorman Center are a post office and local businesses.

Earlier last week, Bunning’s single vote had halted a proposal to extend unemployment benefits and health insurance payments for more than 1 million people. The benefits expired Sunday night. Bunning said he was concerned about the proposal, which would have cost more than $10 billion, adding to the federal deficit.

The FBI is currently investigating Friday’s threat. As of press time, no arrests have been made.