A vehicle crash on 12/23/07 at 10:00 PM in southern Rock County just east of Beloit resulted in a natural gas outage for approximately 280 homes and businesses in the area of E CTH S (Shopiere Rd) and S Lathers Road). Alliant Energy crews were called in to deal with the problem and expect to have the gas line repaired between 8:00-10:00 AM this morning. Any residents wishing to leave their homes in the interim are welcomed by the Red Cross, which has set up a “warming station” at Aldrich Middle School, 1859 Northgate Drive (corner of Prairie Ave & Northgate Dr), Beloit, WI. Coffee, hot chocolate and cots will be available from 6:00 AM until the gas lines are re-opened and Alliant crews have gone to each home and business to open the lines and relight the appliances. Further info on the warming station is available by calling 608-751-2131.

The driver of the vehicle, Casey K. Johnson, 22, Beloit, was EB on E CTH S in a 2000 Chevy truck when he lost control of his vehicle and drove off the north side of the roadway, striking an exposed natural gas main. First responders arrived and secured the area, and Alliant was on scene and turned the gas flow off at 10:51 PM. Alliant representatives then went door-to-door to shut off the gas valve at each affected residence and business. No one was injured in the incident, and Johnson was cited for Driving Too Fast for Conditions. Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Road conditions around Rock County remain snow- and ice-covered and are hazardous. Many roads have significant drifting and some may be drifted shut. Unnecessary travel is not advised.

Alliant Energy Storm & Outage Center is 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268) or website:
http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p014498.hcsp