A reminder arrived February 10, that news doesn’t always wait for press deadlines.
Just after noon that Tuesday, workers with Atmos Energy were spotted along Grant Avenue, directly across from The Ulysses News office. It wasn’t long before staff were notified that a natural gas leak had been detected and that excavation would be required to locate and repair the issue.
With the presses unable to sit on standby, work inside the newspaper office continued as usual — even as activity outside quickly intensified. Crews from Atmos were soon joined by NPL Construction and the Grant County Fire Department, all responding to the situation.
A John Deere mini excavator arrived on scene, followed shortly by a second unit and several workers armed with shovels. Crews began carefully removing sections of the concrete sidewalk on the south side of the street, working methodically to expose the underground line and pinpoint the source of the leak.
Throughout the process, Atmos personnel routinely checked in with the newspaper office to monitor for the presence of natural gas, ensuring the safety of those working inside as well as the surrounding area.
The response underscored the coordinated effort required to address infrastructure issues quickly and safely — even when they unfold right on the newsroom’s doorstep.
Before it was over, the block in front of Bear Creek Coffee was blocked off to any traffic as more of Grant Avenue was pulled up.
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