Gas Leak Forces School To Evacuate Students

HOBART, Ind. (Post-Tribune) ― A natural gas leak Wednesday shortened the last day of school for 670 Hobart students who were evacuated from Joan Martin Elementary School as a precaution. The evacuation was ordered about 10:45 a.m. after a contractor ruptured a gas line near the school on East 10th Street, Fire Chief William McCorkle said. Firefighters also advised the owner of a barbershop and a craft store across from the school to evacuate. School officials said the evacuation was orderly and uneventful. "At no time were we in any imminent danger according to the fire chief," Associate School Superintendent Peggy Buffington said. "For the most part people followed the evacuation plan and it worked. And our kids had an exciting last day of school." Parents and grandparents learned of the school evacuation through an... [read full story]