Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

DAWSON, GA -- Update:

Officials have confirmed that the source of the problem was a heater valve that was stuck open.

School officials say they are getting it replaced Thursday and will open back up as soon as it's fixed, which they say is hopefully Friday.


Original:

According to officials, the Dawson Police Department was using Terrell Academy as a training facility Wednesday night when they smelled a strong odor in the lunchroom area.

Gene Shattles, an investigator for the Dawson Police Department said the smell appeared to be gas or natural gas so they called the Fire Department and City Public Works to come check it out. Once they got there, they confirmed that it did smell like gas. Since it is on school grounds, the school is responsible for repairs but officials thought it would be best to go ahead and turn off the gas.

Officials made the decision to close school today for further investigation.