Hays Women Save Man from Likely Gas Disaster

April 16, 2026

Hays resident Courtney Clark was delivering lunches in central Hays for Meals on Wheels in March when she smelled natural gas around the door of residence she'd just delivered to.

Concerned for the elderly resident, Clark called Macey Pfeifer, Executive Director of First Call for Help, which runs the local Meals on Wheels program. The two immediately called Midwest Energy and reported a possible gas leak.

Within minutes, Sean Rodger, Combination Electric and Gas Journeyman with Midwest Energy, arrived on scene and detected natural gas with his instruments. He shut off the gas supply, and unable to get a response from the resident, called 911 for assistance. Responding officers from Hays Police Department carefully entered the home and evacuated the resident, while Hays Fire Department safely ventilated the home.

The cause of the leak was determined to be damaged corrugated stainless steel tubing gas lines (CSST) within the home. While inside, Rodger also found two gas appliances that were not properly vented and were releasing deadly carbon monoxide gas into the home.

"These two women did exactly the right thing by immediately reporting the gas leak," said Cindy Strube, Midwest Energy's Natural Gas Compliance Specialist. "It's quite likely their quick thinking prevented a disaster, either from the gas leak or the carbon monoxide."

If you suspect a gas or carbon monoxide leak, immediately leave the area and call Midwest Energy at 1-800-222-3121, or 911.