Monroe Fire 

MONROE — Firefighters were paged to the 800 block of 17th Street at 6:03 p.m. Monday, April 20, for a gas leak caused by a large tree limb that fell onto a residential gas meter due to high winds. The branch also knocked down power lines. Residents were evacuated and the leak was controlled within 19 minutes of the call. The fire department was on scene about one hour. No injuries were reported. All residents were allowed to return to their homes. Monroe police, We Energies and Alliant Energy assisted on scene.

●  Black smoke coming from a washing machine at the laundromat in the Highlander Mall, 747 10th Ave., was reported at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. The smoke had dissipated by the time firefighters arrived. A washing machine belt is the suspected source of the smoke. Several of the washers appeared to have been overloaded with quilts, blankets and other heavy items, causing the machines to malfunction. The laundromat owner was contacted.