Gas odor prompts evacuation, large pizza delivery

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Concern about a natural gas leak prompted an evacuation and the delivery of 85 pizzas at Milford Jr./Sr. High School Jan. 24.  

A statement from the school said the odor of natural gas was reported in the building around 9 a.m.

“At that time all students and staff were evacuated to the elementary school building as a precaution,” the statement said.

Black Hills Energy technicians then inspected the building and found no leaks. They reported that the odor emanated from a pilot light on a commercial oven as the unit went through the normal process to relight.

“The technician has informed us that there is no danger. A second technician is on the way to the Jr./Sr. High building to confirm,” the statement said.

Parents were notified of the evacuation and notified again when students returned after the building was cleared.

Around 10 a.m., when it became evident that the kitchen wouldn't be available to prepare lunch on time, school officials contacted Pizza Kitchen, a local restaurant and staple in the Milford community, to see if it could feed the 350 students by 12:30 p.m.

Their mission was accomplished, the school confirmed in a social media post:

“A GIGANTIC thank you to Glenda, Roger, and the entire Pizza Kitchen staff for their quick work in feeding all of the students and staff at MHS today....Without hesitation, Glenda said they would make it work! We appreciate all you do for the students, staff, and community! Thanks again to the wonderful people at Pizza Kitchen!!”