More bags for Columbus Junction

Washington Mayor Rick Cicalo reports 14,000 sand bags have been freed from a state system; they were stored at the staging base in Washington. They are getting sent to Columbus Junction.

Sheriff's details on evacuation for Oakville

Code Red Alert from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office states there is a mandatory evacuation of Oakville and surrounding bottoms. This includes areas north of the Hawkeye Dolby Ditch to the Iowa River Bridge West of Oakville. Residents must be evacuated by 8 a.m. Monday (6/16/2008) morning. Officers ask that you place a white piece of paper on the front door to let them know the residence has indeed been evacuated. National Guard are being sent to the area for security. Please remember:

Solid Rock Baptist Church 14041 Locust Street, Wapello, 523-5320

- Will be a local shelter 24/7

- Will be serving 2 meals a day at noon and evening

- They will be serving residents needs through the duration of the flood and until it is

safe for families to return to their homes

- They are setting up mobile shower and laundry facilities

- You may go just for meals or showering even if you do not need to stay at the shelter

- They currently do not need supply support as they are being supported by the Red Cross

Evacuation order given to Oakville

Louisa County Sheriff's Office reports a mandatory evacuation is ordered for Oakville by Monday, June 16.

Volunteers still needed

Columbus Junction reportedly remains very low or out of bags for sandbagging. But volunteers are still needed. Ann Moore from the Washington Chamber of Commerce says they can use help serving meals at the American Legion in Columbus Junction.

The roads between Washington and Columbus Junction remains open.

New record in Columbus Junction

The Iowa River at Columbus Junction has now surpassed the record level set in 1993. The Friday at 1 p.m. observation from the U.S. Geological Survey shows 28.41 feet. The previous record was 28.3. The forecast currently shows the level could reach 33.2 feet by Monday.

In Touch with Southeast Iowa

Here is KCII's update from Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Smith, and from Columbus Junction Mary Wilson gives us the latest: Listen to the interview.

Shuttle for Volunteers

This information is from the Washington Chamber of Commerce:

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort is organizing volunteers to help sandbag in various locations that are in need of assistance. A shuttle will provide transportation to and from the work sites, departing from the casino on:

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Depart at 8 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m.

Depart at 1:00 p.m. and return at 4:30 p.m.

Depart at 5:00 p.m. and return at 9:30 p.m.

· Volunteers need to meet in front of the security desk or at the employee entrance of the casino (East side of the building) before the departure times.

· Please wear boots and gloves, and bring a shovel if you have one.

Bag delivery?

Ann Moore from the Washington Chamber of Commerce reports that the Mayor called asking if anyone traveling to Columbus Junction can bring bags for sandbagging. If so, stop by the Fire station in Washington.

Highway 22 near Riverside closed

Due to flooding, Highway 22 east of Riverside near the casino is closed.

More Washington County roads closing info

Wapello levee breach

Louisa County Sheriff's office reports the levee at Wapello is breached, and is not affecting Wapello city, but surrounding areas.

Items needed for donation

Here are the items needed for the armory in Washington (post is below):

Food donations, fruit, baked goods, cases of water, Gatorade, lemonade, paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic dinnerware. Ziplock bags

Toiletries, (shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant) as they may be here for several weeks. Some have only packed for a couple of days. Joyce Dickerson says they would gladly accept monetary donations to help with the cost of supplies as well.

Donations needed

The 134th Medical Unit has been activated as well as many other units in Iowa according to Joyce Dickerson, 134th Medical Unit Family Readiness Coordinator. She reports approximately 75 soldiers in excess of our own soldiers staying at the armory in Washington that are from Fairfield and Keokuk units. Dickerson says they have been flooded out of the armory in Iowa City, and are here as a command center. The soldiers are being sent to Columbus Junction, Iowa City or wherever needed.

Anyone who would like to help can email Joyce Dickerson(thedickersons@iowatelecom.net) or donations may be dropped off at the armory across from HyVee at any time.

Washington County added to disaster declaration

Governor Chet Culver has added counties to the proclaimed emergency disaster areas. The full list now includes Washington, Louisa, Jefferson, Henry, Keokuk, and Johnson Counties among others.

Brighton flooding

Brighton City Clerk reports this morning that water is up around at least two houses near the Skunk River...reportedly higher than the '93 flood. Water there is up to around where the river lodge used to be.

River levels continue to rise

Iowa River levels at Columbus Junction are expected to break records and continue rising earlier than previously expected. According to measurements by the U.S. Geological Survey, the previous record of 28.3 feet is expected during the midday hours today. Current projections (10:50 a.m. Friday) show cresting Monday at about 33.2 feet.

What roads are closed?

Highway 22 east of Riverside near the casino is expected to close at noon today according to the Washington County Sheriff.

Here are other Washington County road announcements:
Washington road closings. This link will be updated frequently today (Friday) by Washington County Secondary Roads.

Wapello Levee breach possible

Highway 99 is closed out of Wapello. No traffic is allowed between Wapello and the bluff. Damage to the levee is reported on the north side 99, and a breach is possible at any time morning by the Louisa County Sheriff.

New location for Columbus Junction volunteers

Water is covering parts of the east side of the road in Columbus Junction, and possibly on highway 70 as well. Columbus Junction sand bagging operation has moved to higher ground. They are now at the American Legion. Volunteers are welcome, but those coming from out of town should consider difficulty accessing roads going into the city.

School websites affected

Because of flooding in Cedar Rapids, local school districts like Mid-Prairie and Washington's websites and email services are temporarily down. They will restore those when possible