Casselton, ND monitoring water levels
Casselton, N.D., held an informational meeting Monday night to let residents know how the city prepares for a flood, what the city does during a flood event and what would trigger sandbagging or road closures, said Brandy Pyle, city auditor.
Casselton’s water level is lower than it was last year at this stage and a wider diversion is holding a lot more water, Pyle said.
Crews are monitoring water levels every three-to-six hours, 24 hours a day, she said.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 4:55 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
River Road residents feeling optimistic
Residents along Fargo’s River Road South are feel-ing confident a year after after floodwaters forced them to evacuate their neighborhood.
While some have built up backyard berms to around 40 feet since last spring’s flood, others erected ply-wood walls and sandbag levees Tuesday.
Even those who couldn’t do much lifting themselves lent a hand or expertise.
Dan Holm, 75, is nursing a fractured left arm, but as a nearly 50-year resident of the neighborhood he knows the lay of the land and how to fight the flood. He and his sons, Jason and Paul, were helping lower-lying neighbors build sandbag dikes.
“You don’t turn your back on your neighbors and sit in your house and twiddle your thumbs,” he said.
A couple of the trouble spots had been bought out and built up, but he doesn’t want to see all the river-front homes sold to the city.
“We want to see this neighborhood survive,” he said.
When his neighbors were told to get out last year, the Holms stayed behind to monitor pumps.
While he was feeling good about the current flood fight, a reminder af last year, a North Dakota National Guard Humvee, was parked down the street.
“Along here we can see what stage we’re in,” said neighbor Marjorie Schlossman.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 2:49 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: clara barton flood
Only private individuals pay for Cass sandbags
Only individuals protecting private property where public infrastructure is not involved need to pay the 5-cent cost per bag for sandbags in Cass County.
Sandbags come with no charge for people who live in prioritized areas and/or where there are public infrastructure concerns, county Administrator Bonnie Johnson said.
Cass County began its sandbag operations center this week at 220 21st St N.W. in West Fargo.
Residents who need to protect private property can pick up unfilled sandbags for a cost of $.05/bag. They are sold in bundles of 1,000.
The county will deliver bulk sand at no cost, so residents can fill the bags.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 2:47 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: cass county, flood, sandbags
Evening activities cancelled at First Assembly
Due to the flood fighting efforts, all evening activities through Friday have been cancelled at Fargo's First Assembly of God Church, 3401 25th St. S.
Buses started running from the church today to shuttle volunteers to neighborhoods building sandbag dikes.
For more information call (701) 232-0003 or check online at firstassembly.fm
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 2:26 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood
Private water well owners in flood prone areas urged to take precautions
Private water well owners in flood prone areas urged to take precautions - before and after a flood
Recommendations for other health-related precautions now posted on MDH Web site
State health officials are warning that contaminated private water wells pose a major public concern during the flooding now threatening various parts of Minnesota.
Although simply coming in contact with flood water shouldn't pose a significant infectious disease risk, contamination of drinking water is a different matter, according to John Linc Stine, Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Well owners are advised to take steps to deal with potential contamination problems, both before and after a flood.
"If flood waters cover the top of your well casing, your well will have to be pumped out, disinfected and tested before you can start using the water again," Stine said. "If you anticipate flooding, you may want to take precautions to protect your well. That can make the clean-up process easier."
City water systems are unlikely to become contaminated, Stine noted, because city wells are generally protected from flooding.
Detailed instructions for disinfecting and testing private wells is available on the MDH Web site and from the district offices with well management units in Bemidji, Duluth, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Rochester, St. Cloud and the metro area.
Well owners who expect flooding may want to seal the top of their wells before the flooding starts to keep sediment and debris out of the well. That won't eliminate the need for disinfection and testing, but it can make the post-flood clean-up go more smoothly.
MDH recommends that well owners take the following steps if they think their well may become flooded:
Store a supply of clean water before taking your well out of service.
Disconnect the power supply for your well. If you need help, consult with a licensed well contractor or pump installer.
If you have time, have a well contractor install a water-tight seal on your well – replacing the regular vented well cap or seal.
If you don't have time to have a professional install a watertight seal, clean off the outside of the well casing and cover the top of the well with a heavy-duty trash bag or some other form of heavy plastic sheeting. Secure the plastic covering with electrical tape or some other type of waterproof tape or strapping material.
More information on well management during flooding can be found on the MDH Web site at http://www.health.state.mn.us/. The Web site also contains other information on protecting your health before, during and after floods, including information on home clean-up.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 2:01 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood
Minnesota National Guard activated for flood duty
ST. PAUL - Gov. Tim Pawlenty has activated the Minnesota National Guard for the 2010 flood fight through his executive order declaring a state of emergency in 28 Minnesota counties affected by flooding.
More than 280 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers from the Moorhead-based 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry have been alerted and are prepared to move to the Red River Valley if requested by local authorities.
The Minnesota National Guard, under the direction of the governor, will provide assistance in support of local flood fighting efforts.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 1:07 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood minnesota national guard
Student volunteers turning out to help sandbag in Fargo
Over 1,200 Fargo and West Fargo students are rolling up their sleeves and helping sandbag today at sandbag central and in neighborhoods. About 915 high school students from Fargo North, Fargo South and Shanley are placing sandbags at River Vili, Hackberry, Harwood Groves and South River Drive. Approximately 255 students from Ben Franklin and Carl Ben Eielson are helping fill sandbags at sandbag central. West Fargo students are placing sandbags in the Rose Creek area.
Firefighters and Police are stationed at neighborhoods to ensure the safety of the students and all volunteers taking the time to help with the sandbag effort.
In addition, over 700 students from South High have excused absences to help sandbag in their own neighborhoods.
The city is continuing to ask for more volunteers in its urgent push to protect Fargo in this year's flood fight.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 12:02 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: fargo, flood, k12 education, west fargo
Antique and Collectible Show cancelled due to flooding
The Antique and Collectible Show scheduled for this weekend, March 20 and 21 at the Moorhead Center Mall has been cancelled due to the flooding. Kristi Ulrich, the mall's general manager, said she hopes to reschedule the event for May 8 and 9.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 12:00 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood moorhead center mall
Urgent need for sandbag volunteers in Fargo, Cass County
Volunteers are urgently needed in Fargo and Cass County to help with sandbagging efforts, according to a news release issued late this morning. Volunteers for Fargo are asked to meet at First Assembly of God Church (door L) at 3401 25th St. S., Fargo.
Volunteers for Cass County are asked to meet at the Urban Plains Center at 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:55 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: cass county, fargo, flood
Minnesota State Patrol urges motorists to drive with caution in west-central part of state
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol urge motorists to drive with caution as flooding affects area highways in Wilkin, Mahnomen and Big Stone counties.
Road closures
The following state highways are closed until further notice:
- Highway 75 near Kent is closed from Wilkin County Road 24 to Wilkin County Road 22. The roadway is under water, causing dangerous driving conditions. Traffic is detoured using Wilkin County Roads 3 and 26. The detour has been adjusted due to rising water levels.
Open - use caution
The following state highways are currently open but conditions can change rapidly. Motorists should use extreme caution approaching the following areas:
- Highway 210 at Wilkin County Road 15 – Open to traffic, watch for water on the roadway.
- Highway 210 between Highway 9 and Wilkin County Road 10 – Open to traffic, watch for water on the roadway.
- Highway 200 east of Mahnomen at Twin Lake Creek between Mahnomen County Roads 3 and 4 – Open to traffic, watch for water on the roadway.
- Highway 12 east of Ortonville between Highway 75 and Big Stone County Road 67 – Open to traffic, watch for water on the roadway.
- Highway 12 east of Big Stone County Road 21 at Horseshoe Lake – Open to traffic, watch for water on the roadway.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:34 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood minnesota road conditions
Clay dikes going up in Lisbon
LISBON, N.D. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started building clay dikes in Lisbon this morning.
The Ransom County town of 2,300 residents has also filled 9,500 sandbags, but Mayor Ross Cole said he hopes they don’t need to be used in town.
“There will be a lot of bags in the surrounding area that we will have to deal with, but hopefully here in town, we won’t have to,” Cole said.
The Sheyenne River at Lisbon is at 12.16 feet today, according to the National Weather Service.
Moderate flood stage is 17 feet.
Read more in Wednesday’s Forum.
Inforum searchword: Lisbon flood
Readers can reach Forum reporter
Tracy Frank at (701) 241-5526
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:24 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood lisbon
Clay County provides mental health contacts for residents
CRISIS MENTAL HEALTH CONTACTS AVAILABLE FOR CLAY COUNTY RESIDENTS
Moorhead, MN (March 17, 2010) — Clay County Social Services has updated the Clay County Website with stress reaction and coping tools, which also includes local mental health contacts which includes:
Local Mental Health Phone resources:
FirstLink: 701-235-7335 or call 2-1-1 for Information, Referral or Crisis Management Services. These numbers are FREE, confidential, 24/7 and also available for supportive listening.
Clay County Mental Health 24 hour Crisis Line: 1-800-223-4512
Clay County Social Services for Information and Referral: 218-299-5200 or 1-800-757-3880
Clay County Public Health for Information and Referral: 218-299-5220
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:22 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: clay county, flood
Fargo issues today's sandbag delivery schedule
FARGO - Convoys are on schedule to deliver semi-trailer loads of sandbags to designated locations starting this morning.
Delivery locations include:
- Oak Creek
- Copperfield Court
- Meadow Creek
- Silver Leaf
- Southwood
- Oak Grove
- Belmont
- 15th Avenue North to 35th Avenue
- Timberline
On Monday, volunteers filled 110,000 sandbags and convoys delivered 86 truckloads of sandbags to neighborhoods. Volunteers have now filled a total of 850,000 sandbags at Sandbag Central. The city anticipates reaching its goal of 1 million sandbags on Wednesday.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo sandbags
Spirit of Fargo fund supports flood recovery efforts
FARGO – In light of severe flooding, the city of Fargo has established the Spirit of Fargo Flood Fund for people who want to financially support flood recovery efforts.
The city of Fargo is partnering with Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation to raise funds to benefit individuals and community organizations within the city and Cass County. The Dakota Medical Foundation is matching the first $40,000 in donations made to the fund.
A needs committee has been established within the City of Fargo to ensure the money raised is distributed in a manner that addresses the greatest needs.
All funds raised will go directly to flood recovery efforts. All donations are tax deductible.
To make a donation, go to www.spiritoffargo.com or make your check payable to:
Spirit of Fargo Flood Fund
4152 30th Ave S, Suite 102
Fargo, ND 58104
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:13 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo spirit of fargo
Get prepared now for spring flooding
News release from North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, March 16, 2010
Bismarck, ND – With flooding imminent in many areas in North Dakota, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services reminds North Dakotans to prepare now for spring flooding.
"Flooding is now occurring in some areas of North Dakota and other locations will likely experience some type of flooding as the melt continues," said Greg Wilz, ND Director of Homeland Security. "We can't predict how severe the flooding will be or where it will occur because it depends on the amount of precipitation we receive going forward and how quickly the thaw occurs in various portions of the state. Stay updated about predictions and forecasts in your area.
? "Assemble an emergency supply kit containing an all-hazards radio, food, water, and other supplies that will last at least three days. Remember to think about specific needs of children or pets as well. Be sure to organize a first aid kit and include required medicines.
? If you think your basement may be impacted by seepage or flood waters, consider removing furniture, including carpeting, and moving to a higher level in your home.
? Be prepared to relocate if flooding impacts your home. Identify a location, your community’s evacuation routes, and thoroughly discuss your plans with your family. It is extremely important to choose a location family members will meet if you or others become separated. Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can call to get needed information.
Flooding is the most common hazard in the United States; however, with planning and some preparation, the impact can be minimized. "What we want people to do right now is to take stock of their situation and to be aware there is a very high likelihood North Dakota will have some flooding," said Wilz. "With a little preparation, people can do a lot to keep themselves and their families safe."
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood, north dakota
Fargo residents asked to discharge sump pumps outside
FARGO – Residents are being asked to discharge their sump pumps outside instead of into the sanitary sewer while the river level is above flood stage.
This will help protect and maintain the functionality of the sanitary sewer.
City ordinance requires sump pumps to be discharged outside starting April 1, but due to flooding residents are asked to begin immediately.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:06 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo
Oak Grove neighborhood begins sandbagging
The roads in the Oak Grove neighborhood are already caked with clay as crews work to build up earthen dikes in the north Fargo area.
Crews have started to section off South Terrace outside Oak Grove Lutheran School, where they'll eventually build up an earthen dike. Right now, sandbags are being dropped off in the neighborhood today.
Half of the high school's students are helping sandbag at houses in the neighborhood as well as building up dikes surrounding the school to prevent seepage. The middle school students, though, remain in class. Outside the school, the six floodgates were installed yesterday in preparation for rising floodwaters.
Nearby, crews are also working on building a clay dike on North Terrace and North River Road near Mickelson Field. A portion of Oak Street was closed yesterday by Mickelson Field.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:05 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Flood hot lines available for Fargo residents, volunteers
FARGO – Hotlines are now active 24 hours a day for Fargo residents and local volunteers.
- Flood Information Hotline: (701) 476-4199.
The flood information hotline is for Fargo residents who have questions about their property, river levels or any other general flood related questions.
- Volunteer Hotline: (701) 476-4000.
This hotline is for all volunteer related questions.
- Media Hotline: (701) 476-4009.
The media hotline is for reporters and other members of the media. Media hotline representatives can assist the media with flood information, interviews and finding live shot locations.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:05 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo
Valley City declares state of emergency
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The City Commission declared a state of emergency Monday night for its flood preparations.
The declaration is a first step in trying to receive financial and other assistance from state and federal governments.
The city also plans to open “Sandbag Central” in the Winter Show building Wednesday and start taking volunteers in the afternoon, said Valley City Mayor Mary Lee Nielson.
“Hopefully we don’t have to use them,” Nielson said of the sandbags. “We’re thinking with the control of the Baldhill Dam, we’ll be able to keep under major flood stage with the inflows.”
Baldhill Dam, located at Lake Ashtabula 12 miles northwest of Valley City, provides flood control benefits along the Sheyenne River, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Web site.
The Sheyenne River at Valley City is at 10.56 feet this morning, according to the National Weather Service. It is expected to peak at 17.5 feet, which is major flood stage, Thursday.
Last year’s flood hit a record crest of 20.6 feet.
Read more in Wednesday’s Forum.
Inforum searchword: Valley City
Readers can reach Forum reporter
Tracy Frank at (701) 241-5526
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:04 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood valley city
Moorhead delivering sandbags to vulnerable areas along Red River
MOORHEAD - The city of Moorhead is delivering filled sandbags to vulnerable properties along the river. Homeowners are encouraged to contact any member of their Zone Team to request sandbag delivery. Volunteers can also contact the call center at (218) 299-5300.
For empty sandbags, residents are asked to contact the call center at 218-299-5300. For sand, homeowners can order loose sand from private sand suppliers and be reimbursed by the city. A city reimbursements form and original invoices are required for reimbursement.
The city will deliver and place 10 and 20 foot sections of plastic within each zone.
Moorhead officials also reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to construct clay dikes. Current areas include:
- Heritage Hjemkomst Center.
- North and South of I-94 at Rivershore Drive South and Dale Avenue South.
- Elm Street and Fourth Avenue South.
Traffic routing and parking will be disrupted by this effort.
Current road closures are:
- Toll bridge at 15th Avenue North,
- Third Street South from approximately downtown through Woodlawn Park.
- Rvershore Drive South under the I-94 bridge.
It is anticipated that First Avenue North will close from approximately Eighth Street to the Red River bridge sometime on Wednesday.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:03 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: food moorhead
Cass County request volunteer help today
Cass County needs volunteers for sandbagging in the rural areas of Cass County.
Volunteers should report to the Urban Plains Center in Fargo, 5225 31st Ave. S., to park and take a bus to prioritized locations.
Sand bags have already been delivered to areas in rural Cass County but volunteers are needed to assist homeowners in specified areas, according to a news release from County Administrator Bonnie Johnson.
"Today is especially critical in getting volunteer help," she said in the release.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: cass county, flood
Fargo drivers asked to give sandbag convoys right of way
FARGO – The Fargo Police Department is asking drivers to give sandbag delivery convoys the right of way as they continue to deliver sandbags to low elevation neighborhoods.
Convoys will be traveling on several roads throughout Fargo, with the main routes being 25th Street South and Seventh Avenue North.
Drivers are asked to avoid using those roads so trucks can deliver sandbags quickly and efficiently to neighborhoods. Sandbag delivery is expected to continue through Wednesday.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/16/2010 at 10:37 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo
American Red Cross supporting local flood efforts
FARGO – National Red Cross volunteers and material resources have been called to action and are en route to support local flood efforts.
In partnership with the Salvation Army, mobile feeding within area neighborhoods will begin today, triggering the call to national headquarters for additional support. Local volunteers and staff will provide mobile feeding until national team members arrive. The Red Cross volunteers will also continue to provide meals, snacks and water at sandbagging operations as they have done since March 1.
The Red Cross has also activated its disaster mental health team. These volunteer teams will be on hand to let families know what to expect physically and emotionally in the days ahead.
Contact the local American Red Cross at 701.364.1800 or www.minnkotaredcross.org or go to www.RedCross.org to learn more about flood preparedness.
Mass Care feeding numbers since March 1:
- 858 meals were served.
- 2796 snacks were served.
- 12 local volunteers working the 12 hour shifts for the last 15 days.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/15/2010 at 6:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood red cross
More volunteers turning out at "Sandbag Central"
More than 400 people have turned out to "Sandbag Central" today to volunteer -- surpassing the number of volunteers the site saw each day over the weekend and last week.
The sandbag site is open until 10 p.m. today.
To volunteer, go to the Fargo Coliseum at 8074 17th Ave. N. to take a shuttle bus to "Sandbag Central."
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/15/2010 at 6:02 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Volunteers needed at MSUM
The good news is there isn't a line at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Since shuttle buses were available at 3 p.m. today, only 10 volunteers have showed up at MSUM to help build sandbag dikes in neighborhoods.
MSUM and NDSU students are on spring break, but organizers at Nemzek Hall said they're hoping students and others will get off work tonight and help out.
Shuttle buses will run until midnight. To help out, go to Nemzek Hall at MSUM and register inside. The shuttle buses will continue to run every day from 7 a.m. to midnight.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/15/2010 at 5:28 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
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