Moorhead winds down sandbagging operations
MOORHEAD - Moorhead is winding down its sandbagging operations.
Thanks to the many volunteers who turned out this afternoon, the city has substantially completed construction of sandbag dikes in each of the
city’s eight neighborhood zones.
Moorhead’s volunteer center will remain open until at least noon Thursday pending a final assessment by Neighborhood zone leaders of any remaining sandbag needs.
The city's call center - (218)-299-5300 - will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The city has a reserve of filled sandbags and has
closed its sandbag operation at the Public Works Facility at 700 15th Ave. N.
Residents who need help are asked to contact the call center today.
Moorhead’s focus will shift to monitoring sandbag dikes, clay
levees, and infrastructure.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 5:49 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood moorhead
Minnesota Civil Air Patrol members help in Fargo-Moorhead flood fight
FARGO – Seventy-five members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol are on the ground in the Fargo-Moorhead area filling sandbags and building dikes in areas threatened by the rising Red River.
“We’ve been checking and packing our gear and finalizing our call-down list for the past week in anticipation of getting the call,” 1st Lt. Steven Parker, the St. Cloud Composite Squadron’s emergency services officer, stated in a news release. Parker, a former CAP cadet, is a full-time student at St. Cloud State University who will be commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps second lieutenant in May.
Twelve cadets and two senior officers left St. Cloud Regional Airport Tuesday evening for the Fargo-Moorhead area. The St. Cloud squadron was working Wednesday morning south of Moorhead with CAP members from the Minnesota Wing’s Anoka and North Hennepin squadrons laying sandbags in flood prone areas.
Minnesota’s Hutchinson, Red Wing, St. Croix, Mankato and St. Paul squadrons have similar missions at other locations. Other squadrons are en route. Several senior officers and cadets are working at the mission base at Fargo’s Hector International Airport.
Maj. Paul Pieper, Minnesota Wing’s emergency services director, said Minnesota air crews are standing by to assist. “We just finished up a series of training missions in anticipation of supporting disaster relief efforts in the Red River Valley, as well as other areas of Minnesota threatened with flooding,” he stated in the release.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 5:39 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo moorhead
Clinic makes move for safety
The workers at MeritCare Reproductive Medicine Clinic were getting ready for a change of scenery.
Gearing up for the impending crest, the clinic will be moving its services to MeritCare South University until the Red River calms down. On Wednesday, the clinic met with its usual number of patients while loads of patient records were being trucked to South University for safety's sake.
"We're moving the bare necessities for us, and we'll set things up at South University for awhile," said clinical coordinator Sharri Lacher. "This is the first time we've moved, but (MeritCare) did it with some of the other clinics last year.
"...With the National Guard coming and going, it's more of a safety issue for our patients, too."
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 5:32 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood, lincoln river drive
Oakport roads may close
Greg Anderson, chair of the Oakport township board, shared the following updates regarding the township Wednesday:
Wall Street, which runs east and west through Oakport, will likely be closed off by Thursday, as the road typically goes underwater at 34-foot flood stage. A 34.1-foot flood stage is predicted by 7 p.m. Thursday.
As main roads in and around the township close, residents and people with a specific reason to be there will need passes to gain access into Oakport.
The sewer system on the west side will be turned off tomorrow morning as the river reaches and surpasses a 33-foot level. At that time, a CodeRED alert will be issued and people will be required to limit their water use.
Due to “excellent volunteers,” the township actually has a surplus of sandbags
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 5:23 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood, oakport, oakport kragnes georgetown
Cable One expanded community flood information on access channels
FARGO - Cable One is broadcasting the Fargo and Moorhead access channels during the flood fight to all of its customers, according to a news release.
By doing this, customers in Minnesota can see the Fargo flood briefings and news conferences on Fargo’s Access Channel and North Dakota customers can see flood news and information on Moorhead’s Access channel.
“We believe sharing the community access channels with all our customers is the right thing to do during this event,” Scott Geston, general manager of Cable One, stated in the release.
All Customers can view Fargo’s government access on channel 19 and Moorhead’s access channel on channel 20 during the 2010 flood event. Both access channels will continue to be seen on channel 12 in their respective communities
Customers without a cable receiver may have to program channels 19 and 20 into their televisions by selecting the auto program function in the menu. When the flood fight is over, programming return to normal.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 4:56 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: fargo flood
YMCA says showers are available to sandbaggers, those displaced by flood
FARGO - The YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties' showers are available to sandbaggers and anyone displaced by the flood free of charge now through Sunday.
This service will be available at both Fargo locations as long as facilities are able to remain open.
For more information, contact Paul Finstad at (701) 364-4114 or Lorrie Thoemke at (701) 364-4119.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 4:53 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Moorhead family at ease despite rising water
Water lapped at the back porch of Tom Houglum’s home at 719 8th Street North in Moorhead the last year, threatening to inundate the family’s walkout basement with any breach of the small sandbag dike protecting it.
Now, even as the Red River engulfs his back yard again, he’s breathing easier.
“A lot less anxious,” said Houglum, who has lived in the home for about 20 years. “The level being lower helps a lot and the crest slowing down helps a little bit. Compared to last year, this year’s almost been a piece of cake.”
Despite his home’s close proximity to the Red River, Houglum said water has never broken through the sandbags.
In 1997, a corner section of the house dropped significantly due to some water erosion of the soil. A new foundation was put in place in the corner section to brace the home and prevent further problems.
Houglum also placed retaining walls in the front and sides of his back patio to help fend off water.
The house is protected to 40 feet with the sandbag dike. Without the sandbags, Houglum’s house is vulnerable when the Red River reaches 36 feet.
Houglum credits the city’s organization and planning for helping keep him at ease.
“The anxiety was substantial last year partly because the number kept changing,” he said. “You thought you had it covered, and then you had to add more (sandbags). It was unknown territory for the city and the homeowners. There were times we didn’t know where we could get sandbags or sand. This year, it’s 180 degrees. You just make a call.
“Kudos to the city.”
Moorhead Country Club
The area around the Moorhead Country Club remains quiet after a day of sandbagging on Tuesday secured most of the at-risk residences in the area.
"Sandbagging is 99-percent done," said Clair Hanson, who is the the city's zone leader for the area. "We just have a few areas to fill in."
Moorhead Country Club has not yet placed any sangbags. Last year, the club placed a sandbag wall near the golf cart path behind the clubhouse to fend off the rising water.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 4:47 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood
River levels dropping in Valley City, ND
Sheyenne River levels in Valley City, N.D., are dropping.
The river was at 9.75 feet at 4 p.m. today, down from 10.85 feet at 2 p.m. and 10.9 feet at 10 a.m.
The city had planned to open sandbagging operations this afternoon, but scrapped those plans with the dropping river levels.
“We’re not even going to be anywhere near major flood stage, so at this point in time, we’re not doing anything,” said Valley City Mayor Mary Lee Nielson. “They decreased the flow from Baldhill Dam so the numbers are going down in Valley City. We’re just dealing with local inflows.”
Baldhill Dam, located at Lake Ashtabula 12 miles northwest of Valley City, provides flood control benefits along the Sheyenne River.
A flood warning continues for the area until Friday evening.
Due to local runoff, the river is expected to rise to near minor flood stage of 15 feet Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Last year’s spring flood hit a record crest of 20.6 feet.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 4:37 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: valley city flood
Lisbon, ND, comfortable with crest
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continued building clay dikes in Lisbon, N.D., today and with a Sheyenne River crest predicted near 17.5 feet, the mayor is feeling pretty comfortable.
“We can handle that pretty easily,” Lisbon Mayor Ross Cole said. “We’re in pretty good shape for 17 feet anyway.”
Cole said it’s nice to get the dikes built in case the river crests higher that forecast.
The Sheyenne was at 14.03 feet at 3 p.m. in Lisbon.
A flood warning continues for the area until Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The river is forecast to rise above flood stage, which is 15 feet, tonight and continue to rise to near 17.5 feet, which is moderate flood state, by Friday evening. The forecast crest is due to local snowmelt runoff, according to the National Weather Service.
The river should fall below flood stage by Sunday before midnight, according to the National Weather Service.
The Sheyenne crested at a record 22.8 feet in Lisbon last year.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 3:57 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Tags: lisbon flood
Casselton, ND monitoring water levels
Public Works crews in Casselton, N.D., are monitoring water levels every three-to-six hours, 24 hours a day. They are also breaking up ice jams when needed.
So far, not much is happening in the way of flooding in town.
Casselton’s water level is lower than it was last year at this stage and a wider diversion on the south and west end of town is holding a lot more water, said Brandy Pyle, city auditor.
“We are super lucky to have all of this stuff happening and be just sitting here,” Pyle said. “The diversion is a key portion of the infrastructure. It holds all the water that we need it to and everything seems to be draining to where it needs to go.”
Casselton 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, Pyle said.
To prepare for potential flooding this year, Casselton has cleared out storm drains and pushed back snow around culverts and ditches so when the snow melts, it can flow into the storm drains.
Crews have also made sure culverts are opened up and lined up sandbags and plastic sheeting in case it is needed.
Public Works crews will likely continue their 24-hour rotations through the end of the week, Pyle said.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 3:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Verizon deploys phones to emergency personnel
Verizon Wireless’ network team has made preparations to its voice and 3G network in Fargo to deliver reliable wireless coverage and service during the Spring flood season, a news release stated.
The company has provided nearly 300 phones to the North Dakota National Guard, the Minnesota National Guard and the city of Fargo. Hundreds more phones and 3G USB modems have been shipped to the area for rapid deployment to emergency responders.
Verizon Wireless’ network team installed a system to enhance the wireless coverage at Nemzeck Hall on the Minnesota State University-Moorhead campus Tuesday. The campus building is an Open Volunteers Center for the city and is also being used by the Moorhead Police Department.
Verizon Wireless has prepared for the flooding by utilizing a comprehensive emergency response plan, including activating an emergency operations center and performing disaster drills. Additional staffing has been added for 24/7 monitoring of the network.
The company has also added 25 percent more capacity to individual cell sites as needed in areas where consumers are increasing usage.
Technicians have checked each cell site in the path of flooding. The company has also pre-positioned a portable cell site in the area with two other temporary sites ready for deployment if necessary.
“As we’ve seen in past storm seasons, wireless communication is crucial during an emergency,” said Seamus Hyland, Verizon Wireless Great Plains Region president, in a news release.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 3:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: cell phone service, flood, verizon
Observations this morning along County Road 81 South
- The Heritage Hills neighborhood could be inaccessible by this evening. Earlier today, water was lapping against the edge of the roadway and, in some places, already crossing the pavement. The neighborhood was among those south of Fargo last year, where residents had to be evacuated by air rescue boats. Cass County Sheriff's deputies on patrol there this morning were going door-to-door, so they know who is still living in the neighborhood, in case evacuations are necessary again.
- In Oxbow, the city's sandbags appeared to be all in place by early this morning, but the Country Club's golf course has been inundated with water from the Red River. In areas near holes 3 and 4, the Red is spilling over the ridge around the golf course and pouring into the course, like waterfalls. (See a photo here: http://www.inforum.com/event/photogallery/id/1668.)
While many Oxbow residents are choosing not to sandbag, residents Dave Hasbargen and Wayne Zimmerman were fortifying their home Wednesday morning, even though the residence is protected by a concrete wall up to 41 feet. "A lot of people aren't doing anything, but I feel better at night," Hasbargen said.
- The Wild Rice River visibily rose overnight, according to Cass County deputies on patrol there, but it's not as high as they expected it to. Authorities are still watching the riverway closely though, because of the massive chunks of ice still present - some of which are at least a foot thick.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 2:19 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: briarwood heritage hills, flood, oxbow hickson, wild rice area
Kragnes area roads closed
As the Buffalo River crested today at 24.28 feet in Dilworth, Minn., roads in the Kragnes, Minn., area have been impacted accordingly. Highway 26 south of Kragnes – from Highway 75 to 70th Street North – has been barricaded because of overland flooding, Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist said in a daily news briefing today. Bergquist said portions of Highway 75 between Kragnes and Georgetown, Minn., may also close soon due to overland flooding.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 2:17 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Oak Grove residents wrapping up sandbag efforts
Residents in the Oak Grove neighborhood in north Fargo are wrapping up building sandbag dikes around their homes this afternoon. The city has also began work on a clay dike protecting Oak Grove Lutheran School.
Mac Butler, who lives across from the school, said he's confident the sandbag dike he built around his house will hold.
Just yesterday they had just begun building up the dike, which was complete by this afternoon.
"It worked like it was designed to (last year)," Butler said of the 500 sandbags surrounding his house. "That's really all we'll need."
He's lived in the north Fargo home for 29 years and now, even in the midst of fighting his second consecutive flood fight, he said he doesn't have any plans to leave the neighborhood.
"If I live to be 100, I hope I'm still here," he said.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 2:12 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Clay County reminds residents to sign up for vulnerable population directory
Reminder: Sign Up For Clay County Vulnerable Population Directory
MOORHEAD, MN. (March 17, 2010) –
Clay County Public Health (CCPH) is reminding individuals who are independent, yet homebound, vulnerable or at medical risk to enroll in the Clay County Vulnerable Populations Directory.
Director Kathy McKay, “We are again asking family members and professionals working with those at risk to help Public Health enroll vulnerable citizens. We want to be aware of individual’s situation and be prepared to assist them in times of emergencies”.
Individuals, family members or professionals working with those who may need assistance are strongly encouraged to register by calling 218-299-5220 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or may register on the Clay County Website – http://www.co.clay.mn.us/ - Flood Information 2010, click on Vulnerable Populations Directory.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 2:10 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Spirits high as water rises on Fargo's South River Road
Friends new and old turned out in force Wednesday morning to build sandbag dikes along Fargo’s South River Road.
Mike and Stephanie La-cher, who used to live in the neighborhood until they moved in 1987, were back to help out friends still in the neighborhood.
“This is so different from last year,” Mike said, re-ferring to the city’s plan. “They are so well organ-ized this year.”
During last year’s flood residents were forced to evacuate as the Red River rose.
Hundreds of students from Shanley High School arrived around 9 a.m. and quickly dispatched pallets of sandbags in the street to top levees in back yards that faced the encroaching rive.
As soon as they finished one house they moved on to the next.
It only took a single row of sandbags to top John Stern’s backyard berm that he built up after the 1997 flood. Still, he was thankful for all the help, not only from students but also the nice weather.
“I’ve learned three things in all my flood fights,” he said looking out at the river. “Be prepared. Never Give up. And trust in God.”
He looked up at the sky and raised his arms out a little bit and said, “Thy will be done.”
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 2:07 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood, hawthorn clara barton
North Fargo gets hoppin'
After a few days of inactivity -- while residents in south Fargo and beyond were busy preparing for the flood -- folks along the north Fargo streets of Lilac Lane, Woodcrest Drive and Peterson Parkway got busy on Wednesday.
Progress appeared rapid compared to last year.
"Saner," said Mary Jane Dickson.
Most of the homes sit around the 39-foot flood stage range, meaning sandbag dikes only had to go a foot or so with the exception of some isolated dips.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 2:07 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood longfellow trollwood washington
Fargo reaches goal of 1 million sandbags, efforts to fill bags ends at 5 p.m. today
Sandbag Central On Hold at 5 p.m. Today
FARGO, N.D. (March 17, 2010) – Thanks to the tremendous effort put forth by volunteers, we have reached our goal of approximately one million sandbags. Sandbag filling operations at sandbag central are being put on hold at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 17. Volunteer efforts at sandbag central will also be put on hold at that time. Sandbag filling efforts will resume if necessary.
Volunteers are now asked to focus their attentions on the sandbag placement effort in neighborhoods. Volunteers are asked to report to First Assembly of God Church located at 3401 25th St. South, Fargo, where they will be transported to neighborhoods. The last shuttle of the day will depart to neighborhoods at 7:00 p.m. and will return to First Assembly between 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
For more information on sandbag volunteering, call the volunteer hotline at 701- 476-4000.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 1:49 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Prisoners to help sandbag in Clay County
Jail work crews from the counties of Clay, Becker, Otter Tail and Hubbard will be working to help sandbag in various spots around Clay County today.
The work crews are going to be here as long as they are needed, Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist said.
He said dike work is still going on in the Crestwood, Oakport and Georgetown areas.
Minnesota National Guard troops who arrived in Clay County today will perform several missions, including doing dike watches starting Friday night.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 1:13 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Portion of 52nd Avenue South in Fargo closes due to dike construction
FARGO – Due to dike construction, eastbound traffic on 52nd Avenue South from 42nd Street to 38th Street will be reduced to one lane until dike construction is complete in this area.
52nd Avenue South east of University Drive will be reduced to one lane to make room for the construction of a clay dike around Riverview. Drivers are asked to use caution and allow extra time. The National Guard will be flagging traffic to allow the bridge to remain open during construction.
Dike construction is these areas will begin at approximately 1 p.m. this afternoon.
For flood information, contact the City of Fargo flood information hotline at (701) 476-4199.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 12:08 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Oakport may temporarily shut part of sewer Thursday
Oakport Township officials said Wednesday they hope to keep Wall Street and County Road 93 open to one lane of traffic until water hits the roads.
The township will also temporarily plug the sewer system on the west side Thursday morning to prevent river water from coming in from the coulee.
A CodeRED announcement will be made for the area if the sewer system is shut down.
If the sewer is shutdown water use, that is showers, laundry, etc., should be limited until the sewer system is back on line.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 12:01 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
West-central Minnesota flood-related road conditions
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 Clay, 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.
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 75 at Clay County Road 26 near Kragnes: open to traffic, watch for water on the roadway.
- 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 3/17/2010 at 11:40 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood
FEMA administrator to visit Fargo on Monday
WASHINGTON – Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will be in Fargo on Monday to survey the flood situation and meet with the delegation and state and local officials.
North Dakota Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy have been meeting with the Corps of Engineers and FEMA officials, and state and local leaders, to ensure the federal government is doing everything needed to help local communities prepare for flooding.
Pomeroy held a series of meetings last month with local officials and delivered input from those communities to Fugate in a meeting earlier this week.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 11:25 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: fema flood fargo
Moorhead residents invited to flood coping teleconference
Moorhead area residents can learn about resources and strategies for coping with the flood during a special one-hour telephone town meeting on Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm. The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting the meeting which include the following topics and presenters:
• County Update on Flood – Bryan Green, Clay County Emergency Manager
• City Update on Flood Information – Mike Redlinger, City Manager
• Resiliency in Families – Jackie Crawford, Lakeland Mental Health
• Local resources – Rhonda Porter, Clay County Social Service Director
• U of M Extension Resources and teleforum moderator – Ellie McCan, Extension Educator.
The telephone meeting is open to everyone and there is no charge. There will be updates given to help families cope with the flood. Each household in the Moorhead area who has a registered voter will automatically receive a phone call asking if they want to participate in the meeting. The meeting will be one hour in length and participants will be able to ask questions to presenters throughout the call. People may call into the conference call by dialing 1-877-229-8493 and entering the pin 15657. There is a limit to the number of inbound calls we can receive
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 11:24 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Fargo expects to hit goal of 1 million sandbags by this afternoon; volunteers still needed
FARGO – As of today, 935,000 sandbags have been filled at Sandbag Central and 700,000 have been delivered to Fargo neighborhoods.
Organizers hope to fill 65,000 sandbags today, which would complete the city's goal of filling 1 million sandbags. This goal is expected to be reached this afternoon. At that time, sandbag filling operations will be put on hold and the “Denny’s Bucks for Bags” program will end.
Fargo officials say volunteers are still needed to place sandbags in neighborhoods. Shuttles will be transporting residents to and from neighborhoods from the shuttle site at First Assembly of God Church, 3401 25th St. S. Shuttles will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Posted by: floodblogger on 3/17/2010 at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: flood fargo
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