ONALASKA, Wis. – A gas line punctured by a construction crew forced 660 students to evacuate the Onalaska Middle School in this LaCrosse suburb. There was no explosion. The utility company Xcel turned off the gas. With firefighters, the Xcel crew tested every room in the school for gas. After an all-clear, students returned to their morning classes. Because gas was cut off, the kitchen staff couldn’t get out its usual hot lunch. The district superintendent ordered out for free pizza for everyone.
Onalaska Midddle School. At 707 Eighth Avenue North.