Shelby County Emergency Manager Bob Seivert reports Highway 173 on the south side of Elk Horn is now open, following a gas line leak that prompted a short-radius evacuation late Monday morning. Utility crews will still be working in the area for a few more hours, however.

According to the Danish Villages Voice, the Department of Transportation was apparently drilling a hole for a new road sign south of the Village Station. City maintainer Jerry Evans stated that the crew had called ahead, and the line was located before digging started, but the line was still compromised at around 11:15-a.m., near 4013 Main Street ( Highway 173) in Elk Horn.

The Elk Horn Fire Department was dispatched and on Scene at 11:18 and established Incident Command. Mid American Gas Company was also notified. At the time, it was determined that due to the size of the leak, an evacuation of an area of approximately 1,000 feet would be needed. Residents were notified and directed to a shelter at the Elk Horn Town Hall. Shelby County Sheriff, Emergency Management, Public Health, and Elk Horn City officials, coordinated the response.

The evacuation order was lifted between 1:15 and 1:30-p.m.