Floods

[David Sechrest]

After reading Margie's post on the Postcard board today, something she said really stood out. Her statement about "I remember standing on one of them and watching the water during the 1937 flood" got me to thinking that we didn't really have an area to discuss natural or man-made disasters. Every town has 'em, and Columbus is no different.

I don't remember the dates, but I DO remember some major floods in Columbus in the early 1960's. The one I remember most was before Death Valley was cleaned up. Dad took me there after one such event, and I recall standing on the railroad tracks and seeing all the shacks underwater. It must've left quite an impression on me...

[RER]

Hawcreek Flood That Washed Out Original Golf Course Metal and Wooden Bridge

I remember well when the personnel golfers bridge (near hospital) that came from the seventh hole going to the 8th was washed out and bent to a stage of not being repairable. Then a rope wooden bridge replaced that and now I have no idea what is there. The year was around 1957 or 1958, and it was bad all over town for washouts and flooding.

Note: Move over George I just got my 4th Star..........LOL

Bob

[RER]

White River Flooding Approximately 1967



The reason I remember this so well is the fact about wild sponge mushrooms growing by the thousands, near the river bank fields. The field location was as you drove from 3rd Street across the two way traffic (at that time) past the Court House, across the river bridge toward Garden City, and turned on US 46 toward the Nashville. The field was on the right as you turned onto US 46 as you crossed the railroad tracks.

The field was busy with parked cars and local folks for days, picking the sponge mushrooms (morsels) that had grown after the flood had dried up. Many great meals were made with the pickings of that flood.

Bob

[Babs]

Perhaps not exactly horrific flooding but as I recall in my childhood the rivers would come out of their banks each Spring. I had a dear friend who lived in Tellman Camp and to me I would be "thrilled" when this happened. (Okay go figure what does a kid know right?) You see when the water came up and got into their cabin, we would pick this school friend up and she would come into town and stay with us till the water receded. I always wanted a sister and during these few days I would have one, even if it was just temporary. I had no idea of the devastation that a flood could cause to one's belongings and home.

Not too many years ago when we were on a trip going from Florida through Texas, we were caught in a flood. Never paid much attention to those highway signs along Interstates but believe me we do now. We were kicked off I-10 and eventually made our way between fields behind a big truck on a slightly higher country road, all the while seeing cattle with water up to their necks. I learned first hand to fear water. The next week on our return trip to Florida the water had receded some but there was still devastation as far as you could see.

Now when I look back, I am ashamed that I was "happy" over having my friend get to come to stay with us, especially since I can now imagine how her whole family felt about having to evacuate from the water.

[pkw052]

when we lived in bethel village every time it would rain the creek down the road would rise and we got all the water we have movies off all the floods when they came. one year it was in feb. and it rain and it flooded but during the flood the water froze. daddy and my uncle eddie and more would be out chopping ice. daddy would have to got 55 gallon drums to put all the furniture up on. lot of the times rescue boats would have to come and get and take us to the end of the village.

[nancs]

I am a long, long way from the 'town of my roots,' Columbus---out on the west coast------my thoughts and prayers are with everyone during these times of floods in June 2008-------------reportedly perhaps worse than the 1913 floods. I'm old, but way before my time!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have heard this AM from a couple of Columbus friends, and at least know they are safe, but one has considerable water damage to their home.

For those of you wanting more information about these flood conditions-----------try an internet search of 'Indianapolis TV news' and check out the channels offered. I seem to find some of the best covereage on Channels 13 and 6. Lots of good photos showing the disaster locations on 6. Think on 13 one can see some comments from local people, as well as videos.

Please join me in keeping all these folks in our thoughts and prayers.

Nanc

[RER]

Three Important Local Flood Messages From Local Officials

I have been emailing with Nanc and Richard off and on about the flood conditions in the state. Columbus and the county have been hit super hard from what we are reading in various national papers and the local Republic newspaper. I just thought that there may be many that can't get the paper or even read the local paper on the internet so I am going to put a few important messages that the Columbus officials have said from the local paper:

One Very Important Item Is The Hospital:

/8/2008 8:59:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Columbus residents told to boil water; Jackson evacuates
Columbus residents should boil their water before using it throughout the city, according to officials.

Mayor Fred Armstrong said at an 8 a.m. press conference that there were some areas of the city still without running water, some with very low water pressure and city officials are unsure of the sewage situation.

Other information presented by emergency officials:


Columbus Regional Hospital is closed. The basement, including the pharmacy and kitchen, is under water and there is five to six inches of water on the first floor. A small area near the emergency room entrance has been cleared, should a dire emergency occur and a patient needs to be flown out by helicopter. All emergency treatment needs should be taken to hospitals in surrounding areas.


Officials are flying over southern Bartholomew County looking for those stranded by flood waters and driving street-to-street in the northern parts of the county looking for victims.


Only one death has been confirmed because of the flooding but several people are missing.


The 17th Street bridge leading to the hospital over Haw Creek has NOT collapsed, despite rumors. The 18th Street bridge leading into the hospital parking lot and main entrance is damaged, however.


Bethel Village in Bartholomew County and the Little Acres area in Jackson County have been evacuated. Authorities are evacuating areas along Indiana 11 in Jackson County.


Residents who have evacuated from Columbus should NOT return to the city. Authorities stress that it is not safe. Before anyone attempts to return to their flooded home, it must be inspected for safety.

___________________________________________

Two Is This update:

6/8/2008 4:58:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
CRH officials to evaluate situation; church maintaining list of patient locations

Staff Reports

Columbus Regional Hospital officials plan to meet at 10 a.m. Sunday at City Hall to begin planning when the hospital can be reopened.

The hospital was evacuated Saturday when rising floodwaters from Haw Creek flooded the basement and portions of the first floor and caused a power outage.

By 9:45 p.m. Saturday, all 95 inpatients at the hospital were safely evacuated to hospitals in Indianapolis, Seymour and Madison. There were no injuries as a result of the emergency evacuation, according to the hospital Web site.

The full extent of damage to the hospital building is not yet fully known.

Employees should not report to work at this time unless contacted by their supervisor.

Phone numbers and Internet access to the hospital are not working, according to the Indiana State Police.

The state police are warning people with delicate medical conditions to be aware that Columbus is without a hospital. For minor injuries, patients should go to Prompt Med, or to a hospital in a neighborhood city.

While Columbus Regional Hospital is closed, East Columbus Christian Church is maintaining a list of former patients and their locations.

To find information on patients: 372-3780.

___________________________________

Third Important Columbus Message

6/8/2008 8:59:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Many agencies aiding local efforts; danger of extreme heat today
10 a.m. update


Emergency workers in Bartholomew County include a contingent of National Guard troops, 40 state police troopers, 15 deputies from Wayne County, Indiana Department of Natural Resources officers and every available officer from Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff's Department and Seymour Police Department.


Authorities are warning about the dangers of extreme today, with a forecast high of 91 degrees

9 a.m. update

Columbus residents should boil their water before using it throughout the city, according to officials.

Mayor Fred Armstrong said at an 8 a.m. press conference that there were some areas of the city still without running water, some with very low water pressure and city officials are unsure of the sewage situation.

Water for human consumption should be boiled for 15 minutes before use.

Other information presented by emergency officials:


Columbus Regional Hospital is closed. The basement, including the pharmacy and kitchen, is under water and there is five to six inches of water on the first floor. A small area near the emergency room entrance has been cleared, should a dire emergency occur and a patient needs to be flown out by helicopter. All emergency treatment needs should be taken to hospitals in surrounding areas.


Officials are flying over southern Bartholomew County looking for those stranded by flood waters and driving street-to-street in the northern parts of the county looking for victims.


Only one death has been confirmed because of the flooding but several people are missing.


The 17th Street bridge leading to the hospital over Haw Creek has NOT collapsed, despite rumors. The 18th Street bridge leading into the hospital parking lot and main entrance is damaged, however.


Bethel Village in Bartholomew County and the Little Acres area in Jackson County have been evacuated. Authorities are evacuating areas along Indiana 11 in Jackson County.


Residents who have evacuated from Columbus should NOT return to the city. Authorities stress that it is not safe. Before anyone attempts to return to their flooded home, it must be inspected for safety.


About 1,000 evacuees stayed in shelters.


The Bartholomew County dispatch center received about 4,500 calls for service yesterday, compared to a normal day's 600.

__________________________________________________


I too like Nanc and many pray for the fine people of Indiana and Columbus and surrounding towns and cities. This is from the East Coast friends of Columbus.



Source: Columbus Republic Newspaper today.

[RER]

Columbus Hospital & Boiling Water Information


This is an update for maybe folks that can't receive television or read the Columbus Republic Newspaper On the Internet. Your radio may be the best source if stranded, plus telephone and hopefully the internet. If not here is the lastest from the local Republic paper at times shown:

6/8/2008 11:33:00 AM
Columbus Regional Hospital (CRH) closed indefinitely

Staff Reports

Columbus Regional Hospital is closed indefinitely due to flooding, CEO Jim Bickel said this morning.

CRH sustained millions of dollars in damage because of flooding in the basement and on the first floor.

Bickel said 115 to 120 patients were evacuated to other hospitals in the area, including three that were on life support.

A triage area by the hospital's emergency department has been established. Ambulances are standing by and helicopters can transport people to other hospitals, if necessary.

Treatment at CRH should be reserved for emergencies.

Bickel urged people seeking help to first try contacting their family physicians, or seek treatment at hospitals in other communities. The hospital is not admitting new patients.

Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, which accepted some CRH patients, is planning a 2 p.m. meeting among administrators to determine its situation.

Seymour is bracing for flooding today.

CRH was trying to get PromptMed open, but the walk-in center was without power, Bickel said.

A meeting was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today to deter-mine the hospital's short-term plan of operation, Bickel said.

When CRH chose to evacuate its patients, it evaluated all of them and determined which ones took priority.

Critical and cardiac care patients were evacuated first.

Riley Hospital in Indianapolis picked up two infants that were in the newborn intensive care unit.

CRH evacuated patients without the use of elevators.

They were transported by backboards, wheelchairs and carts.

"Everyone knew their job and what they had to do," Bickel said.

Bickel said evacuation of all the patients was possible because of great cooperation from area hospitals and emergency medical services.

Two Lifeline, two PHI Air Medical and one AirEvac helicopters were used for evacuations.

Ambulances from every surrounding community lined 17th Street, ready to evacuate patients.

"That coincides with the community and says a lot about people coming together to make things happen," Bickel said.

The 17th Street bridge leading to the hospital over Haw Creek has not collapsed, despite rumors, and is open to the public, Bickel said.

However, the 18th Street bridge leading to the hospital parking lot is damaged.

CRH sustained flooding in its lower levels. The basement included the pharmacy, food services, lavatories, a sterile surgery support area, linen service, supplies and information technology.

CRH was trying to move its information technology equipment and data to the InfoTech Center, but Bickel said it could take a long time to transfer the information.
____________________________________________

Boil water before drinking
12:45 p.m. update

Boil water advisories has been issued for customers of Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corp., Columbus City Utilities and Hope Utility Department and Brown County Water Utility. Water should be boiled for at least 15 minutes before it is consumed.

In Hope, a water main from Eastern Bartholomew County Water has broken and water levels are low. A strict water restriction is ordered until further notice.

Information: 546-5469.

Travel out of Brown County is limited due to flooded roads. Travel to Bloomington via Indiana 46 and Indiana 45 is possible at this time. North Indiana 135 is closed in Morgan County. Indiana 46 to Columbus is closed just before Interstate 65.

Red Cross has set up a shelter at Brown County YMCA and 25 are being sheltered at this time.

Cordry-Sweetwater is distributing water at 101 Fire House Road at the fire station due to a pump station outage.


Source of all information: Columbus Republic Paper updated

___________________________________________

From your distant friends on the West and East Coast. Nanc and RER.

[Babs]

Well folks I have not posted much of late and I'm sure sorry that I am posting in this particular place but the recent dam breaking at Shaefer Lake and Princess Lake has caused my husband and I to be without a place to hang our hats and call "home". At least that was the story as of yesterday afternoon late.

Early on Saturday morning went to an auction in Jonesville and then proceeded to head on down to Seymour to another auction. Had a wonderful day, even though they were predicting rain, we did not encounter one bit of rain, just dark and gloomy skies. We left the Seymour auction around 3:00 and stopped in Jonesville at the Brick. (I still say they have the best hamburgers I've ever eaten.) Drove on back to Columbus and Don wanted to stop and get gas so we did that at Swifty's. As we headed North on Marr Road we got almost to Rocky Ford Road and could see some pretty fast moving water crossing Marr Road, so we turned around and headed East thinking we could detour around the water but every where we turned we ran into cars u-turning and backing up. We finally made it to Rocky Ford and Taylor Roads and parked at the St. John's Masonic Lodge, which is nice high ground. We walked down to that corner and water was every where you could see. People brought in boats and were rescuing stranded motorists and people from their homes. The city brought in their big trucks they use to dump salt in the Wintertime and were driving through the neighborhoods to tell people they had to get out of their homes.

We tried a number of times to get across Hawcreek, but there was no bridge that we could get across, so we could not get to either my dads or my brothers to spend the night. A friend also said "come stay with us" but they also live on the other side (West side) of Hawcreek as opposed to us where we live on the East side. If you were on the East and needed to go West you were( pardon the expression) "up the creek"; likewise if you were on the West side and wanted to go East same story line.

The associate pastor of Free Methodist Church at Rocky Ford and Taylor Roads opened up their church and I think during the early evening provided food and water to the surrounding neighbors who were taken out of their homes, either by boat or these huge trucks. Some I believe were brave souls and they wadded out. (The associate pastor's name is Billie Goodner.)

After trying every possible route to get across Hawcreek, we finally decided we would stop in Target, which was close to closing time, purchased some drinks and came back to the Masonic Lodge. At least from this vantage point my husband could see the water which was surrounding our neighborhood as well as Arrowwood and Sycamore Bends; he felt better knowing he could keep an eye on things. We walked to the church and bless their hearts they were keeping the church open so we had a cool comfortable place to lay our tired bodies.
We slept on church pews, with blankets and pillows provided by the associate preacher and her husband and a group of teenagers who had come to the church to help bail out their basement. You never witnessed a nicer group of young people and they never slowed down or faltered, but kept right on bringing those huge buckets of water out of the church basement. When they left, they returned in about 30 minutes with apples and bottles of water for everyone. Made your heart smile to see such terrific young folks in action and all with big smiles and their own tales to tell you ,and tell you they did, about how their day had gone and most could not return home either. Other people would approach you as you sat and pondered what to do or where to go and offered assistance. It made you feel good to know so many people cared...and strangers we did not even know at that.

We slept on church pews (which I might add are not very wide so were not all that comfortable, but still better than sleeping in our car with no air conditioning unless you ran the car all night), and woke around 6 this morning. At that time we returned to our home in Rocky Ford Crossing and I might tell you that in the 50 years Don and I have been married we have never had a home with a basement until this house. He loves it, it is his "hideaway" and he spends so much time down there. However, when we got here we found close to three feet of water in our basement. I am sure everything is ruined....the a/c/furnace, brand new water heater just installed on Wednesday, water softener, LazyBoy Sofa with queen size bed, etc. etc....BUT IT IS ALL JUST STUFF. We are okay and we will recover. Our sump pump is working even in all that water and it is sure earning its keep let me tell you. Don is running up and down the stairs with buckets of water which we dump out on the sludge covered driveway; he makes ten trips then stops for a few minutes to get his breath and another drink of water. Speaking of water, we have to boil the water from the faucets. Yes, we do have bottled water but guess where it is? Yep, in the basement! Not smart, not smart at all. :-( The driveway is slowly looking like it should, but the lawn and all the surrounding areas are covered with debris that has washed in with the flood waters and it will be days, if not weeks before all of that can be cleaned up and cleared away.

Never been in a flood and I can tell you I never want to be in another. We were never in danger, just frustrated that so many people were out joy riding and "rubber necking' to see the "sights". If most of them had stayed home the roads would've been simpler and easier for the police, fireman, EMS and those of us who were hunting a way to get to a motel, to a relative or a friend so we could spend the night.

Columbus does not look like the Columbus we all know and love. Columbus is a disaster area right now. Pray for all the people who are homeless, whose homes are damaged beyond repair and for the one single death that has been reported from the flooding. Our yard is littered with corn stalks, 2x4's from construction areas, tree stumps, you name it; our beautiful green grass is now brown and covered with mud from the dam that broke and washed over our whole area BUT WE WILL MAKE IT AND COLUMBUS FOLKS WILL ALL PULL TOGETHER.

God bless each of you and lets pray we never have another occurence like this one ever again.

[Babs]

I had another thought, I have the internet, which is through the phone line, BUT no phone! That seems strange to me. We have Dish TV and that is working. Also cell service is not terrific; when I try to call half the time I get something about the network being down.

Isn't life grand? :-) Keep on smiling, at least it makes people wonder what you've been up to!

[Ricky_Berkey]

We are fine out here on the west side. I had no idea even what was going on as our cable was out (and internet). Lucky us (we are about a block off of 46 and Goeller). 46 is flooded out as far as the Days Inn-KFC area. Just amazing what nature can bring. We are blessed to still be high and dry

[nancs]

I just have to thank Bob/RER for putting frequent updates onto the message boards------------hopefully being of help to locals, as well as those in other parts of the US of A, that have family and friends in the area. Good job, Bob.

And thanks to Babs and Ricky for also posting. Altho' this whole weekend has been a sad, horrid one for Columbus folks, and others in nearby areas, in the interest of 'history,' June 2008, is breaking records, and preserving one's observations does, indeed, write a page of Columbus history. I encourage others to add to this thread----------write, post pictures and the like. Contribute.

You just never know how this all 'may touch the future.' And what you post might be of assistance to someone else.

Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nanc

[RER]

Thanks Nanc, but I only hope we helped or can help someone or families in some way. There is no measurement to this kind of thing. This is the worst flood since 1913 per the Governor's office. Communications become difficult in these situations as we all know and can imagine.

Nanc Said: Re: Floods
« Reply #11 Today at 15:28 »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just have to thank Bob/RER for putting frequent updates onto the message boards------------hopefully being of help to locals, as well as those in other parts of the US of A, that have family and friends in the area. Good job, Bob.

And thanks to Babs and Ricky for also posting. Altho' this whole weekend has been a sad, horrid one for Columbus folks, and others in nearby areas, in the interest of 'history,' June 2008, is breaking records, and preserving one's observations does, indeed, write a page of Columbus history. I encourage others to add to this thread----------write, post pictures and the like. Contribute.

You just never know how this all 'may touch the future.' And what you post might be of assistance to someone else.

Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nanc

[RER]

Flood Map Color Coded Below 2008
National NOAA Weather Map (note the date & time bottom of map)

Purple: Means major flooding, Red: Means moderate flooding, Orange: Means minor flooding, Yellow means near flood stage, Green: Means no flooding




Source: National NOAA Weather Service. This map may not show the actual impact of the areas. It may be relative more to the rivers and some creeks. Anyway we know Columbus was heavy in flooding. The Governor of Indiana visited Columbus first per Fox News.

[nancs]

For those of you that live 'afar,' you might want to check out this site for photos of 'this June 2008 weekend.'

Right under 'Top Stories' a series of photos will come up, go to page 3, then view the photos---------probably the best ones of Columbus are on page 4. Updating on Monday----the access to the photos is now on a different page, with now a page 5 of photos as well.

www.theindychannel.com/index.html

www.theindychannel.com/slideshow/weather/16541861/detail.html

For me, they made quite an impact---------and I sat at my computer and cried. I so remember the day in April 2007, when I parked the car there at Mill Race Park, so daughter Paige could go take photos of 'that special bridge' for her other half to see. As well as the photos out on 46, that I know both my native CA daughters will recognize, as we stayed out there, just shy of a year ago, being in town to bury my beloved mom at Garland Brook. The memories are overwhelming.

Some more photos have been added since I posted this. And 'My 7th St. bridge over Hawcreek' is pictured, as well as some of Cummins. All the 'haunts' of my youth. Yes, I remember the area flooding in my youth, but NOTHING like this.

Keeping all in our thoughts and prayers.

Nanc

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

I have had quite a few friends try to contact me and my only means of communication is by my laptop which is connected to my phone line. My phone does not work,but my laptop does. It's very weird, but it works,and for that I am extremely grateful !!!

I am fine ...no water, or storm damage. I have no home phone or TV. However, I still have electric power and my A/C is working fine. I live on 17th and Cottage which is several blocks East of the Hospital. All night Sat. night I heard Helicopters flying overhead. I knew there was a Marine Contigent at Camp Atterbury for training, so assumed it was them. I beleive they got a different type of training than they had planned. Through the local Radio Station Qmix, I learned they had to evacuate the hospital.
In all my years in Columbus, I can never remember the hospital ever having to evacuate patients, or being flooded. The recovery effort will take quite a while as their damage is extensive.
If you are needing another resource web site, may I suggest www.Qmix.com. The radio staff there are FANTASTIC and some of them have put in very long shifts.
They came up with new call letters..."DDSS" which stands for Don't Do Something Stupid !!
So many gawkers,and those who wanted to drive or wade into deep water, just to see if they could. They kept the emergency personnel busy rescuing them. How can people be so stupid and careless?
As long as I have electric, I will stay home.The shelter at North High School Gym has right at 1,000 people there. We are supposed to get more rain late Monday afternoon,and again Tuesday, so this will take quite a while to recover from. I have several freinds wo have lost their homes and possessions.

Columbus Emergency personnel have been assistd by the IN National Guard and other agencies around the state.
It is eerily quiet tonight, after hearing helicopters, ambulance sirens,and police cars speeding all night last night.

PLEASE join me in prayer for those who are experiencing great hardship and have no insurance to assist them.
We will see what Monday brings..........

[Babs]

Latest report from Rocky Ford Crossing. It is beginning to look like possibly New Orleans did after Katrina. All my neighbors have furniture out at the curb. Someone drove through earlier today and said the city would have a huge truck out here in a couple of days to pick up ruined items. So far all we've managed to do is sweep the water towards the sump pump. We are now down to between one inch and half an inch of water in our basement. It does not seem like it is going down any longer; just the same amount seems to be there. Someone has said, and I've no idea if this is a fact or not, that more water is seeping into the basements as we work our tails off trying to get it out. More rain is expected later on today so who knows how long this is going to last. Perhaps for days and days. I'm going to say a prayer that the rain bypasses us here in the North side of Columbus.

So far all we've set by the curb is a piece of a carpet, some bamboo beach mats and some travel books and maps. Our egress window is stacked almost up to ground level with saturated cardboard boxes and eventually we will have to use a long pole of some kind to push them up to the level where one or the other of us can reach and then take to the curb. First thing Don found when he went downstairs this morning and could see things around him was he noticed a small drowned bunny rabbit in the egress window area. The little animals didn't stand a chance when this flash of water came through.

Oh the city of Columbus did send the street sweeper through a while ago. I guess its better than nothing but there is so much that needs to be done, sweeping the streets seems relatively minor to me at this point. If I could figure out how to download or upload or whatever it is you have to do I might post a picture of what my back yard area looks like. Maybe Richard would do this for me...so I will take a minute here later on this afternoon and run do that. All the 2/4's and tree trunks, plywood, etc. is now being taken out of the area between our house and the house South of us. My neighbor's sister drove over from Cleveland, Ohio to assist them, bringing along her teenage son. This is the young man who is totting all the wood and junk that washed into our two yards. This same neighbor's husband said in a way some of this was a Godsend when his egress window burst and all the water flooded his basement on Saturday afternoon. He ran out found a tarp and used the 2x4's to hold the tarp in place to try and keep more water from going into his basement. Once the inside is done then the work will begin outside. The yard is littered with corn stalks and all sorts of debris; the bushes behind our house which are about four feet high are covered half way up with this same corn husks, stalks, and other unknown junk that floated in along with the water.

One reason I feel I should not complain about our plight is this very same neighbor does not even have any water and have not had since Saturday afternoon. He discovered that their water heater broke off and is floating in their basement. With the heater floating, it broke a water line so more water is coming into their basement even now. We only had 3 to 3 1/2 foot of water in our basement but these folks had perhaps 8, maybe 9 feet of water in theirs.
See why I don't feel I should complain! I took a shower last night before I went to bed, they have not had one since Saturday morning or Friday night. I've offered them to come take showers here (I'm sure the water is not good, but it is hot anyhow), and they are also using our hose to get water in buckets so they can flush toilets. Up until today they have just not flushed them, but with three extra people coming in from Ohio to help out, that could not continue. Also the water heater here in our home was just installed on Wednesday this past week, then Saturday along comes the flood. Our plumber drove by today, coming to assist the next door neighbor and he thinks we will need to replace the entire heater again. Also our A/C man came along, it was his wife who is the associate pastor at the Free Methodist Church where we spent Saturday night. He's taken the model numbers, etc. and hopes to get back here later today if he has the right parts. It would help a lot if we had A/C in all this heat but we are managing. At least when you work in the basement it is cooler and the water we wade in is actually cold. We may not get the whole A/C unit fixed but he is hoping to get it up and running so at least we get a temporary fix. Who knows, only time will tell if we will require a whole new furnace/A//C unit in the basement.

A neighbor who has not had any damage knocked on the door as we were having a couple slices of pizza for lunch to tell us that the Community Church had food and everyone was welcome to come eat. We had an extra refrigerator in our basement, which we are sure has konked out and this pizza was in the freezer so it had to be cooked and cooked today. It tasted mighty good although I do have to admit that most of what you want and need at this point is water, not necessarily food. This refrigerator was tipped over by all the water and we discovered it was laying on the back side when we went downstairs this morning. Right now we are using the front of it to lay items on as we pick them up off the floor.

Keep a good thought for all of the people who are hurting from this flood. I am trying hard to keep a smile on my face but will admit it is a bit difficult to do at this point in time.

[richard]

Heads up. This is based on something I heard on one of the Ham Radio bands. If you’ve been working/helping anyone in the flood waters, perhaps you should make sure your Tetanus Shot is up to date.

[nancs]

FYI, as I was 'updating' some family members, noted on The Republic website, the public portion, www.therepublic.com/, they have added some awesome flood photos, as well as photos from 1913.

Worth the moment to review.

Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nanc

[Babs]

Notice David has asked that pictures be identified, so will add this. The pictures I sent Richard and he posted for me are from our home in Rocky Ford Crossing, which is just North of Rocky Ford Road off Marr. I took the pictures on Monday, after we had pumped the basement all day Sunday. At this point in time, we still have about 1/4 of an inch(maybe a bit more) in the basement.