(Jefferson) County flooded with questions

This is an updated daily round-up of news items related to flooding across Jefferson County. It is hoped to provide quick answers to the many questions being asked by flood victims and volunteers alike.

If you would like to announce other important information related to the flood response, call Deb at the Daily Union at 563-5553, extension 209, or e-mail her at dwedl@dailyunion.com.

Where can I get more information?

• For information or assistance due to the floodwaters, contact the Jefferson County Emergency Management at (866) 550-3792.

• Flood Safety and clean-up information is available at the Jefferson County Health Department at (920) 674-7275.

• Visit the Jefferson County website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us/jc/public/jchome.php.

• In Jefferson, residents who need more information on the flooding situation can go to the city’s website at www.jeffersonwis.com, watch cable television public access Channel 19 or contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700 or the Jefferson Police Department at (920) 674-7707.

• In Fort Atkinson, surf the Internet to www.fortatkinsonwi.net.

Where can I get food or clothing?

• Jefferson County residents are now eligible to apply for Disaster FoodShare Benefits. Applications may be completed at the Jefferson County Workforce Development Center through July 8. The center is open for applications from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents stopping by the center to complete the one-page application should bring a photo identification, proof of home or work address an any information that can be used to estimate their income between June 5 and July 4.

For information on eligibility requirements and benefit levels, applicants may call (920) 675-7500 or visit county’s website www.co.jefferson.wi.us/jc/public/jchome.php.

• Goodwill has donated community program vouchers that can be used by flood victims to obtain items at the Goodwill Store in Fort Atkinson and other south central Wisconsin stores. Vouchers may be obtained as long as they are available at the Jefferson County Workforce Development Center in Jefferson.

Where are the family assistance centers?

• Southern Jefferson County Family Assistance Center is located at 5509 Collins Road in Jefferson, next door to the Family Dollar store. For information or directions, call (920) 674-6890.

• The Northern Jefferson County Family Assistance Center is 758 N. Watertown Ave. in Jefferson; For information or directions, call (920) 674-7611.

• As of Tuesday, the disaster centers will have new hours: Monday through Friday, they will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am. to 2 p.m. On Independence Day, July 4, they will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centers have clean-up kits available, water and heater meals (just add water.) People seeking to volunteer can call the assistance center to get a volunteer assignment. Those seeking volunteer assistance should contact the center most accessible to the location of their need.

Where can I get clean-up kits?•

Clean-up kits, water and hygiene kits are available to the public at the Fort Atkinson High School and the City of Watertown Health Department.

• The Red Cross also has water and other miscellaneous grocery items for flood victims at the Fort Atkinson High School, which may be picked up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Red Cross clean-up kits are available at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Call the church office at (920) 563-2263 for a kit to be set aside and to make arrangements for pickup.

Red Cross clean-up kits contain general cleaning items that might include bleach, a mop, a scrub brush, a large sponge and a bucket.

Where should I report flood damage?

• The FEMA Hotline is 1-800-621-3362. Information needed will include a phone number, address of damaged property, brief description of damage, Social Security number, insurance information if applicable, current mailing address and bank information if seeking direct deposit for assistance funds.

• Producers are encouraged to call the Jefferson County Farm Service Agency to report crop and farm damage at (920) 674-2020.

• In Jefferson, residents experiencing a lot of water or sewage in the basement are asked to contact city hall at (920) 674-7700 or via e-mail at tanya@jeffersonwis.com.

How can I get help from the DAV?

• The National Disabled American Veterans organization has a $500 grant available immediately for qualifying DAV members. Members with flood damage should contact the National Service Officer, Steve Garret, at the Milwaukee National Headquarters by phone at (414) 902-5522, by fax at (414) 902-9401 or by mail at NSO Steve Garrett, VARO Room 162, 5400 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53214.

How can I volunteer to help?

• To offer your service as a volunteer, call (920) 674-6890.• Anyone interested in volunteering in the Jefferson flood-relief effort should contact Jefferson City Hall at (920) 674-7700.

Are there emergency assistance loans?

• To assist customers affected by recent flooding throughout Jefferson and Dane counties, Badger Bank is offering an Emergency Assistance Program. Emergency assistance will be provided to its customers living, working or volunteering in counties designated as disaster areas by FEMA.

For Badger Bank customers, the program includes modifications of current loans. In addition, current and future Badger Bank customers may be eligible for Emergency Relief Loans.

Qualifying customers with current loans are eligible to defer payments up to six months on all consumer loans except unsecured lines of credit and “balloon type” loans. With “in-house” real estate loans, short term forbearance will be offered, with situations reviewed on a case by case basis. Fixed rate mortgages are not eligible for this program.

Emergency Relief Loans for up to $15,000 are available to qualifying current and new customers of Badger Bank. These loans have a fixed interest rate of 4.5 percent APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for a one-year term, and a 5 percent APR for a two-year term. To help those in need, the first payment can be deferred for up to six months.

Contact President Jeff Johnson in Jefferson at (920) 674-2406; Vice President Steve Meloy in Johnson Creek at (920) 699-2905; Senior Vice President Glenn Hametta or loan officer Jeremy Cosson in Fort Atkinson at (920) 563-2478; or Vice President Jana Evans in Cambridge at (608) 423-3241.

Badger Bank is located at 220 Grant St. in Fort Atkinson, 102 West Main St. in Cambridge, 540 Village Walk Lane in Johnson Creek, and 1003 South Main St. in Jefferson.

Where can I donate toward flood relief?

• Send a check to the American Red Cross at 401 Madison
Ave., Suite C, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538. To ensure that your donation goes toward helping our flooding response, include “Local Disaster Relief” in the memo line of the check.

• The Badger Bank Trust Department has opened “Flood Relief Assistance” accounts. Contributions can be designated for certain families or given for general relief. The funds offered as general relief will supplement the overall city’s flood recovery efforts as coordinated with the cities of Fort Atkinson and Jefferson and Town of Koshkonong.

All money will remain in the community designated. Donations to the funds will not be tax deductible. General donations will be held by Badger Bank and a committee of bank officers and city or town representatives will allocate such funds based upon gaps in financial coverage.

For more information, contact Badger Bank at (920) 563-2478. Donations may be made at any Badger Bank location in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Cambridge or Johnson Creek or mailed directly to: Attn. Flood Relief, Badger Bank Trust Department, 220 Grant Street, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538.

• The Jefferson Community Foundation has established a Flood Recovery Fund to assist with flood-related damage and shortages caused by the recent flooding in the City of Jefferson.

The emphasis of the Flood Recovery Fund will be directed toward a community wide impact. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to: Flood Recovery, Jefferson Community Foundation, P.O. Box 81, Jefferson, WI 53549. Questions may be directed to Barbara Mayhew by calling (920) 674-5361.

A committee of citizens will be appointed to make recommendations to the Jefferson Community Foundation Board for distribution of the funds. Requests for funding may be directed to the Foundation address listed above.

Are businesses raising flood-relief funds?• Through July 20, Humphrey Floral and Gift in Fort Atkinson is slated to donate $1 to flood victims for every rose purchased.

• Starting next week, Logo-Works will have “Fort Atkinson flood survivor” T-shirts available to purchase. For each shirt sold, the company will donate $2 to the local American Red Cross chapter.

• Verlo Mattress Factory Store of Fort Atkinson is hosting a fund-raiser event on July 5. Proceeds are slated to be donated to the local relief fund of the American Red Cross. The event will take place in the outlot parking lot of the Creamery Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone who would like to participate or who hasquestions about the event should contact Julie Henningfield at (920) 568-3103 or e-mail: jhenningfield@verlo.com.

How do I get rid of damaged furnishings?

• The Town of Jefferson announces extra bulk collections for flood-damaged items.

Officials say it is most important that all flood-damaged items are at the curb the night before or by 6 a.m. at the latest. In most cases the trucks will be coming through on one’s normal collection day, but not the usual time of day, or possibly on a different day.

Please continue to recycle all items that can be recycled. Separating paper, cardboard, etc. from the damaged furniture, etc. Keep recyclable items on a separate pile from bulk garbage items. All items must be in bags, cans or in tied bundles. Collection crews will not be able to pick up loose articles.

Normal bulk collection rules do not include construction material.

For this special collection, the crews will take construction materials if contained in 32 gallon cans that weigh less than 60 pounds (no limit on the number of cans). You may use heavy ply construction bags.

If you can not wait for the regularly scheduled collection, call Johns at 1-888-473-4701 to order special pick-ups at a cost or to order a Dumpster.

The Town of Jefferson will assess the amount of homes needing collection and may schedule extra collection of bulk material for the areas most affected by water damage. Call Don Bigelow at (920) 563-9012.
Check Johns Disposal website for the latest information at www.johnsdisposal.com.

• Special bulk trash collection days in Jefferson are scheduled for Saturday, June 28, and Saturday, July 5.

Flood victims with damaged carpets, furniture, ruined appliances and other bulky trash are asked take that trash to the curb for pick-up as soon as possible. The special bulky trash pickup is for the flooded areas only.

Where do I dump spoiled foods?

• Special Dumpsters for those who lost power and refrigeration in Jefferson are being staged at the Jefferson County Fair Park, the Jefferson Department of Public Works garage and the Green Street parking lot (former Schweiger office building site). These Dumpsters are provided so that flooded residents can drop off spoiled food and other small contaminated items.

Are the floodwaters safe to be around?

• Health officials say people should stay not only out of the water, which is full of bacteria from sewer bypasses, but also keep away from the flooded areas. Gawkers are creating problems by entering the areas when they have no business there.

An E. coli warning reportedly has been issued along the Rock River. Local waterways are filled with contaminants, including oil, gas, propane, raw sewage and numerous other bacteria and chemicals collecting in the water as it moves downstream.

• Residents in potential flooding areas should plug floor drains in their basements to alleviate the potential of a sewer back-up into their home. It also can keep stormwater from draining into the sanitary sewer, which goes to the wastewater treatment plant, if basements flood.

What if there is water in the basement?

• Do not to go into basements or other flooded areas where there could be electric current in the water. Submerged outlets or cords could energize the water and be a lethal trap.

• Call your utility company to disconnect your electricity: Jefferson Utilities (920) 674-7711 or (920) 674-7717; Lake Mills Water & Light (920) 648-4026 or (920) 648-2354; Waterloo Water & Light (920) 478-2260 or (920) 478-2612; or WE Energies (800) 662-4797 or (800) 261-5325.

How do I get power restored to my house?

• If a home’s electrical system was exposed to floodwaters, such as a flooded basement, homeowners should work with a qualified electrical contractor to assess the damage and determine what equipment can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

In Jefferson when repairs are completed, affected residents should contact the Jefferson building inspector (920) 674-7727 for an inspection and then Jefferson Utilities at (920) 674-7711 for reconnection.

What can we do to help curb wastewater?

• Fort Atkinson and Jefferson’s wastewater treatment plant officials are continuing to ask residents to cut their water usage. Residents are being asked to limit the amount of water being used for laundry, dishes and bathing while asking businesses to cut their water use as much as possible.

Where are tetanus shots available?

• The Jefferson County Health Department, in coordination with the City of Jefferson EMS, is offering free tetanus shots at the Jefferson County Health Department, 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are not necessary and information regarding tetanus vaccines is available by calling the health department at (920) 674-7275 or by visiting the county’s website at www.co.jefferson.wi.us.

Tetanus immunizations are good for 10 years with the following exceptions: a severe wound (5 years), a deep puncture wound (5 years).

So, how high are the rivers?

• The rivers in Jefferson County have been receding steadily since peaking last week.

In Jefferson, the Rock River water gauge showed 13.4 feet this morning, having crested Thursday, June 19 at 15.64 feet, marking the highest level recorded by the National Weather Service office in Sullivan.

Projections show the water levels maintaining their current rate of decline should reach the major flood stage level of 13 feet by Tuesday.

Water levels in Fort Atkinson were recorded at 9.5.

The Rock River peaked Saturday, June 21 at 10.87 feet and, barring any unforeseen deluges, should remain on a decline.

Downstream at Newville on Lake Koshkonong, water levels were recorded at 14.10 feet — still more than two feet above the record flood levels of 1993 when water levels reached 12.23 feet. The lake crested Sunday, June 22 at 15.12 feet.

A flood warning also remained in effect for the Crawfish River at Milford, where the latest gauge reading peaked Tuesday, June 17, at 13.59 feet, over the record levels of 11.15 feet set in April 1959. The river was recorded at 10.22 feet this morning.

The Crawfish River was expected to maintain its decline and should fall below the major flood stage level of 10 feet by Tuesday.

All river forecasts take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected within the next 24 hours.

• Flood levels and forecasts can be monitored at www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx. Scroll down the left-hand side to “Rivers/Hydrology.”

Where can I see flooding photos?

• The Dwight Foster Public Library has established a Flickr photo sharing site to collect photographs and video of the historic flooding in Fort Atkinson. The site is located at www.flickr.com/groups/fortflood. A user account must be established to upload photos or videos.

The photos and videos collected will be part of the historical record for this flood.

Call Amy at the library (920) 563-7790 for more information.

• The Daily Union’s website posts its flooding photos (and other pictures staffers take) on its website at www.dailyunion.com. Simply click on the big blue button.

Flooding racks up overtime in Rock County

HERE+

...The sheriff’s office’s goal was to maintain a strong presence in flooded areas, Spoden said.

“That served two purposes,” Spoden said. “It offered a little bit of comfort and security to those affected and acted as a deterrent for those who see this as an opportunity to loot or scam people.”

The county provided some workers at no cost. Jail inmates in Community RECAP filled sandbags and built retaining walls for nine days straight, Spoden said.

What he’ll remember from his tours of the flood is the uplifting sight of neighbors, volunteers and inmates working alongside each other.

“You had an event that probably will never occur again in our lifetime,” Spoden said. “The commitment of neighbors to help each other—that’s the thing we can take from this dark cloud, from the sadness and the property destruction. That’s something you can’t put a price on.”

Holiday Weekend 2008

NOAA

...Still not below April 2008 levels...We have a LONG way to go...

More on Jefferson County

HERE

...In the floodway, substantially damaged structures must be removed and shall not be repaired or reconstructed.

In the flood fringe, you may be able to repair/reconstruct your residence if ordinance provisions can be met.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:

(920) 674-7131 - Bruce Haukom, Zoning & Planning Director
(920) 674-7113 - Rob Klotz, Zoning Technician
(920) 674-8638 - Michelle Staff, Zoning Technician

August Deadline

From Fulton Town Board Supervisor Dave Brown HERE

You have until August 13 to register for disaster assistance (60 days from June 14, when Rock County was declared a disaster area.)

Blackhawk Island Home

Saving a home on Blackhawk Island

WTMJ - Milw

Our efforts began early in the week last week. Steve began pulling shrubs and trying save what we could. We all pulled together and started filling sandbags Thursday night and began building our wall of safety. We dug trenches and built birms to stop the water, never having a clue it would get so bad.

By Friday morning the water had reached the sandbag wall and our efforts continued all night, all day Saturday until wee hours of the morning.

Traveling by boat and tossing heavy, wet sand bags, we worked hard as a team, sons and daughters, grandchildren, and friends, to save Grandpa and Grandma's house. They have lived here forever; their children and grand chidren were raised here. We raced to get generators and extra supplies as the DNR was bringing WE Energies down to cut gas and electric to homes.

We wanted to be prepared, but they spared us. They saw our futile efforts and without power, how would we run the numerous sump pumps.

Completely exhausted early Sunday morning, we finally headed to our boats, trolled down the road back to our vehicles and headed home.

I will never forget the call I received a little after 5:00 a.m on Father's Day morning from my sister. Part of our sand bag wall had collapsed and water crashed through grandpa's home. Jackie was on the phone with him when it happened and it was the most devasting thing to hear.

We all headed back down as quickly as we could with as much extra help as we could find and began again. We struggled with heavy, wet sand bags to brace the wall, only to have it collapse three more times in different spots.

By the end of the night, the water was out of the house for the most part, carpet was removed, damaged items tossed in a garbage pile. The pile is building and building as we have no place to take things.

Tuesday, June 17th, the wall broke again, this time even worse, and with the terribly high winds, it was even harder for them to work with the sand bags. The house was filled with water again, over knee deep.

We can not and will not quit, they are our parents, our grandparents, our family, and our friends, but have you ever felt as helpless as we do right now. Our love and thoughts are with you every day Grandma and Grandpa.

Floods force home demolitions statewide in Wisconsin

HERE

...Donna Haugom, director of emergency management for Jefferson County, had a list of 12 properties to acquire before the rains came, but said she expects that list to grow in the coming weeks. The county identified several properties to acquire in its Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (PDF), and since 1996 has acquired 38 parcels (PDF) around Blackhawk Island Road near Lake Koshkonong, she said.

...But local officials have to consider the loss of property taxes from waterfront properties if governments buy the land, Gray said.

"You kind of have to look at weighing the public health and safety aspect versus do you want this on the tax rolls," she said.

UPDATE: Jefferson County flood emergency information

HERE

...Now that Jefferson County has been declared a disaster area by FEMA, County residents will be able to apply for Disaster FoodShare Benefits.

Applications may be completed from June 27th through July 8th at the County's Workforce Development Center at 874 Collins Road in Jefferson.

The Center is open for applications from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Applicants may call 920-674-7500

...Residents are urged to read the Benefits Reference Guide that is posted on the County's website and/or call the Workforce Development Center with any questions about this program

Flood damage won't raise taxes

Janesville Gazette

...The group took the media on a tour through the Charley Bluff area in Milton Township on the “Rock River ferry,” a tractor pulling a wagon with bench seating. Many residents remain in their dry homes, but the road to get into the neighborhood is flooded.

Officials saw a pumping station surrounded by water, a flooded park and closed businesses.

“It confirms the information we received on the road damage, park impact, and then it allowed us to see in detail the economic impact on this community with the marinas, the supper club, the taverns,” said Patrick O’Connor of Wisconsin Emergency Management.

...The damage includes the Rock Koshkonong Lake District and Consolidated Koshkonong Sanitary District, parts of which fall outside Rock County.

Federal money pays for Ill. flood cleanup

Where is the WI Delegation on this?!?!

_________________________________


(AP) — Illinois has received $3.5 million in federal funds for around 200 workers to clean up damage from recent floods and storms.

The U.S. Department of Labor grant will pay for the temporary jobs repairing damaged public facilities. The governor's office says other temporary workers will help deliver food, clothing and other assistance to disaster victims.

The idea is for disaster victims themselves to get the jobs.

Officials say the employment can last for up to six months. The maximum pay for a single employee for that period is usually around $12,000.

State offices will begin accepting job applications early next month.

ACOE PAMPHLET On Disposal

Army Corps of Engineers' sandbagging information:

HERE

What to do with all the sandbags?

HERE

..."Those sandbags can be contaminated with a lot of bad things from the river - feces, chemicals, all kinds of bacteria," said Corps spokesman Ron Fournier. "You don't know what could be in the water, and that absorbs into the sandbags."

But removing them will be a monumental task, just as filling them was.

..Both the bags and the sand inside them can be taken to landfills. Most of the bags are made of polypropylene that will break down after several months.

Watch WI Public TV (21) Tonight at 7pm

Binghams Point/Norm's Hideaway on TV...

Here

Rising Trouble

June 26, 2008

Reporter Frederica Freyberg returns to Southeastern Wisconsin this week to follow up on areas still inundated with flood water.

Freyberg introduces us to a couple that has not only had to evacuate their flooded home but is at the same time coping with another life-changing problem: they both work at the GM plant in Janesville. GM has announced it is closing the plant due to slow sales of SUV’s. Dave and Laurie Jaskowski talk with Freyberg about their uncertain future.

Email Comments

Hi
I also want to thank you for the information you have and continue to provide here.

I live in Rockford and have a small weekend place on the west side of the lake.

I have been checking this sight daily and then hourly as I watched my own situation turn into a disaster.

I would like to suggest you publish a simple map so I know where the neighborhoods (and streets) you mention all the time are. I have only been around the lake for 3 years and I don't know where most of these areas are.

Thank you
mjm

Just a quick note to say “thank you” for all you do relative to the Lake and the
website.

As an out of state property owner, your website and the information contained therein is incredibly helpful, especially during tough times such as these.

Thank you again.

Brian G. MacDonald

FEMA Meeting for Rock County - Saturday

Navigating the Anchor Inn

Rock Aqua Jays unable to host national ski show tournament

Gazette

From Gladys Drive, Newville

Norm's Duck Blind

Rock River remains a dangerous place

Janesville Gazette

...The county health department will monitor contamination levels in the lake and river each Monday to assess contamination levels, Banwell said.

The department measures E. coli, a bacteria naturally occurring in the human digestive tract. It uses E. coli because it’s easy to measure and gives a good indication of other types of bacteria, which can be more difficult to measure, Banwell said.

______________________________

...The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging boaters to stay off the water.

All of the public access points to county waters are closed, Lt. Todd Christiansen said. They’ll stay that way until after the water recedes below flood stage. Even after the water comes down, slow/no wake ordinances will remain in effect until authorities feel it’s safe for wakes to hit the shores without eroding them further.

Christiansen said the waterways themselves aren’t shut down, but boaters trying to use them won’t have a place to launch or land their boats because of the closed landings.

Bogs II

Brian:
First, I would like to thank you for keeping your blog updated and providing everyone with the latest news.

I attended both the Milton town meeting last week and the Mallwood Assn meeting saturday (sorry I didn't get a chance to say HI) and mentioned that these organizations should take notice of your blog and set up something similar for themselves. The flow of information is so critical in times like this and helps alleviate the anxiety we all feel.

I wanted to see if you know of any official agency that is monitoring the floating bogs. I saw the comments on the blog today about them but I'd like to get some official confirmation of what Jack is referring to.....
Barry
___________________________________

Barry –
I am not an expert on this, so if you need some sort of official confirmation, you may want to call the DNR.

608-275-3243

Thanks for the compliment on the website – we are posting everything we receive. Please keep encouraging folks to sign-up for the e-newsletter.

Brian

More Floating Bogs

Jefferson County - Added to Disaster List!!

Walworth County is among six more Wisconsin counties declared federal disaster areas due to recent heavy rain and severe flooding.

Twenty-eight counties have now been declared disasters by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The newly added counties on Tuesday are Adams, Calumet, Green Lake, Jefferson, La Crosse and Walworth.

Gov. Jim Doyle says Wisconsin residents have received more than $3 million in federal and state disaster assistance grants to help pay for such things as temporary housing and home repairs.

Jefferson County - FEMA Update II

With damage estimates exceeding $150 million, Jefferson County residents today continued to wait anxiously for a federal disaster declaration.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials toured Jefferson County Friday to assess flood damage to residential, business, agricultural and municipal properties.

A team consisting of Bernard Rupnik of the Small Business Administration, Joel Rogers of FEMA, Paul Enz of FEMA’s community relations, Janet Field of FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management Southeast Region director Paul France joined Jefferson County Emergency Management director Donna Haugom, Jefferson County Health Department director Gail Scott and Jefferson County Administrator Gary Petre on a tour of the City of Jefferson.

Jefferson County - FEMA Update

Brian - It is my hope beyond hope we hear today.

FEMA came out on the 20th, they have been taking two days (Saturday, Monday). Our last crest was on Saturday the 21st. FEMA visited counties that were hit first, not the worst. They had to get into the counties that received damages from the initial heavy rains received on the 7th and 8th. Those counties are in recovery now.

We are just getting out of response to recovery. If FEMA came out sooner, they would not have seen the maximum affect of the high water.

Please believe me that we are doing everything we can to help the citizens of Jefferson County. I understand some people believe they have been forgotten. That is not the case - we understand their devastation and we continue to provide support and information. Thank you.

Donna C. Haugom, Director
Jefferson County Office Of
Emergency Management
920-674-7450 (Office)
920-674-7122 (FAX)
donnah@co.jefferson.wi.us

Thumbs Up, Stacey Babiarz - And Thank You!

Casa Del Fergie

Bogs

Brian -
They are nothing but bogs and are degrading as they float...they will break completely apart quickly and will look just like the wetland debris you see after every flood on shorelines and lawns.

The ones that do settle somewhere are usually on front of some homes and eventually will wash away/break apart by wave action.

I doubt any would be strong enough to make Newville much less Indianford.

I saw this same scenario in 1973 after a tornado went through and raised the water 5 feet overnight. The next day it looked like the Normandy Invasion of ships floating in the lake.
Jack

Floating Bogs II

Floating Bogs I

Update from Lake Delton

WI STATE JOURNAL

...However, even if Lake Delton is accepted into the program, there's no guarantee how much disaster assistance home and business owners will receive, Cross said.

The vast majority of the nation's 20,000 flood-prone communities participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, but about one in 10 opts out, according to the National Association of State Floodplain Mangers in Madison. Representatives from the association have said officials fear that joining the program will stunt economic growth by boosting construction costs and restricting the ability to build in high-risk flood areas.

...Wally Bochenczak, who owns Thunderbird Resorts on Lake Delton with his wife, said he was disappointed in Monday's meeting because he thought there would be more information.

Midwest floodwaters could linger for weeks

HERE

...More than 11 million people in nine midwestern states were affected by the flooding and extreme weather, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said.

Some notes from the meeting at the EOC (Emergency Operating Center) on 6/23/08

FEMA has not advised the County when they will be arriving nor have they confirmed two sites (one at the Town of Fulton and one at the Job Center, Janesville.

The County will send out this information as soon as it is learned. (These are called DRCs (Disaster Recovery Centers)).

Four informational flyers were distributed for posting at CKSD and Carl's Shell.

1. Disaster News from FEMA.
2. Alliant Energy Reconnecting Your Utility Service.
3. Rock County Board of Health Offering Tetanus Vaccine to Injured Flood Victims, and
4. Tips for Coping with Floods.

National Guard is leaving today and the Rock County Sheriff's Dept. will be doing extra patroling.

Rock County Public Works Dept. is anticipated to ferry the people at Charley's Bluff in place of the National Guard.

There was a lot of discussion of what to do with the sandbags after the water recedes. Several options were going to be researched and then a decision will be made.

There have been 393,500 sandbags made and distributed to date.

Every infrastructure in the flooded areas will be inspected by either the Army Corps of Engineers or a consultant.

The sand site at Newville will not immediately be cleaned up "in case of emergency". Hopefully by the end of the week the property will be restored by the Public Works Dept.

The Grace Baptist Church, 809 Mallwood Drive, has offered to be a site for distributing clean-up kits.

The Lamp & North Shore Inn

Health risks fill floodwaters

WI State Journal

...The state Department of Natural Resources reported late last week that at least 161 communities across southern Wisconsin have sent untreated sewage into nearby streams and lakes because of floodwaters that have overwhelmed pumps and pipes, or threatened to short-circuit electrical power in the plants.

That 's more raw sewage flowing into Wisconsin rivers at one time than anybody with the DNR can remember in recent history.

...Kirsti Sorsa, environmental technical supervisor for the department, added that anyone with an open wound or sore who comes in contact with sewage-laden water can develop tetanus.

Most susceptible to such illnesses are children, mostly because of their tendency to explore, said Schneider.

"They love to stomp around in water, ' ' Schneider said, "And it 's not just water in most cases right now. ' '

Jefferson a trouble spot, list of closed roads

WI State Journal

yes my name is nikki and i live on blackhawk island rd but when you sit their and listen to the news on tv it is all about jefferson what about the people that lived on blackhawk island rd and now have lost everything that they own nobody cares about us big deal it is just blackhawk island rd and now we are living a hotel because FEMA can not make our county or who ever does make the decision get off their butts and make a decision that jefferson county is a disaster just make the decision i know their are other people who lost stuff to but we are never even mentioned about the part where i lived and that is what i have to say thank you for ur time


the will family

Plenty of health concerns as waters recede

Jvl Gazette

...The health department will be offering a free flood-related tetanus clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at its north office, 3328 Highway 51. Walk-ins will be accepted, or call (608) 757-5440 for an appointment.

Donate, Please

To help:

John Kinnett, owner of the Anchor Inn in Newville, has set up a flood relief fund to help people in the Newville area with flood recovery.

Donations can be made at the Bank of Milton, P.O. Box 217, 323 Parkview Drive, Milton, WI, 53563 and at the Bank of Edgerton, 102 N. Main St., Edgerton, WI 53534.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, call (608) 290-0422.

In the News

From The Indiana, Pennsylvania Gazette

...We followed the river from Fort Atkinson all the way into Beloit, and across the Illinois state line into South Beloit.

The small communities in its path were hit the hardest, including an area where summer homes surround Lake Koshkonong. We talked to people living along that lake, and they said in the 50 years they had been there the water was never as high as it is now.

...But the big story is the support and help flood victims are receiving not only from organizations that work with disasters, but their friends and neighbors.

July Temp Forecast; Below Average

July Precip Forecast; Above Average

DNR: Flooding could help the state's fish population

From Chicago Tribune

..."All in all, it's a very good thing in big river systems to have these periodic floods," said Don Bush, a DNR fisheries biologist. "There should be some good fishing."

...Bob Clark of Trep's Bait & Tackle in Indianford said the fishing business has been slow lately, but he expects anglers to will return when the water recedes

Front- Eric Nelson and Lyle Johnson, both from Milton, were part of a large group sand bagging at the Newville Red Apple Car Wash in an effort to help save Rock River river-front property.

Ellendale

Marty Walsh assess the Rock River flood damage to his home on E. Ellendale Rd. and talk about how the neighborhood pulled together during the flood.

'People saving people' during floods

Janesville Gazette

...Kinnett said although the area has weathered much already, the worst is yet to come.

“What we’ve done—that’s the easy part,” he said. “And it was hell. The hard part’s coming.”

Walsh sat on his deck railing, gazing out at the river spilling over its banks and into his backyard.

“It’s not something that’s going to go away tomorrow,” he said. “But we’ll make it.”

Staying Safe and Finding Resources When You’re Water-logged

The Dept. of Health & Family Services offers safety tips for dealing with flooding,, including steps to take if you need to evacuate your home or clean up water damage; water and food safety; how to prevent common injuries; and special tips for keeping kids safe from injury and contamination.

It’s time to stock up on bug repellent! DHFS also reminds us that even those not directly affected by water damage will likely face increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus and encephalitis. The link above has ideas for reducing your exposure to these serious illnesses.

Wisconsin Emergency Management offers many resources and statistics related to this year’s flooding.

Don’t get delayed by an unexpected detour. The Dept. of Transportation offers a list of closed roads and incident alerts.

The Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warns us against “storm chasers”, scam artists who contract to do clean-up but skip town or provide substandard services.

Whether the damage involves lost precious family photos, sewage in the basement, or extensive damage to your home, DATCP also has a good article on recovering from the emotional aftermath of a disaster.

Concerned about the safety of your well or municipal drinking water? The Dept. of Natural Resources offers guidance on this and other flood-related issues (including whether your favorite hiking trail has been closed).

The U.S. DHHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a wide variety of on-line public service announcements to keep you healthy in times of flooding. Topics include preventing carbon monoxide poisoning when power is out, emergency wound care, dealing with stress, drying out appliances and more.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers guidance to those who need to apply for federal aid or aren’t sure if they qualify.

Remember that your Employee Assistance Program can help you to find additional resources, address financial challenges, and deal with stressful situations.

Contact Tresa Martinez, City EAP Coordinator at (608) 266-6561 or Symmetry Balanced Workplace Services our external EAP at 1-800-236-7905. Counselors are available by phone 24/7 every day.

Red Cross

We Crested

NOAA

Neighborhood Meetings

Sorry for not posting...it has been overwhelmingly depressive to see all the devastation. to see the pain in peoples' eyes, the weariness of so many good people helping other good people.

I need to catch-up.

_____________________

Mallwood met this Sat AM and Red Cross and United Way sent folks to explain activities.

Milton Town Chairman Brian Meyers, and many others attended to give updates of activites.

The Bluff met last week, Maple Beach has an upcoming meeting....let us know of others and the Lake District will do our best to get the word out.....

Ellendale folks met this AM....they are one organized group with hearts the size of Koshkonong.

Ellendale Road 3

Ellendale Road 2

Ellendale Road

From Lakelinks: Blackhawk Island

USER: fourwhlrstud

Was down sandbaggin on blackhawk island for the last 5 days, you would not believe the water down there. There is only 3 houses with people left trying to save them. The average water depth around all the houses is about 4 feet deep. I believe there is only one house that is high enough to not get water into it. Both of the bars down there are under water also. The average water depth on my locator was 3.5 to 4 foot deep on the road, you could take a deep v boat all the way down

Newville flood relief fund set up

Janesville Gazette

NEWVILLE—A Newville Disaster Relief Fund has been set up at two area banks to assist residents in flood recovery in the Newville/Indianford area.

John Kinnett, owner of Anchor Inn in Newville, set up the account and a phone number to donate, ask questions or volunteer. The number is (608) 290-0422.

Donations can be made at the Bank of Milton, P.O. Box 217/323 Parkview Drive, Milton, WI, 53563 and the Bank of Edgerton, 102 N. Main St., Edgerton, WI, 53534.

Many Homes Like This...

Blackhawk Island

Binghams Lakeside 4

Many on floodplains don't have insurance

Janesville Gazette

The water comes halfway up the door at Laurie Jackowski's home in Binghams Point.

She and her family had to evacuate to her sister's home, and the only way she can reach her house in Koshkonong Township, just over the Jefferson County line, is by boat.

Yet Jackowski is one of the fortunate ones in her neighborhood. Not only was she able to move most of her belongings out of the house, she also has insurance covering the house and contents.

...Most mortgage companies require homebuyers in floodplains—areas defined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency—to purchase flood insurance. But owners sometimes let the policy lapse, and mortgage companies often don't notice, Wagner said.

The insurance is backed by FEMA. It covers up to $250,000 in structural damage and $100,000 in contents, Wagner said.

By contrast, because Rock County has been declared a disaster area, FEMA will cover up to $28,800 for uninsured residents for things such as emergency home repairs, rent assistance and medical assistance, said Meredith Helgerson, a spokeswoman with the Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center.

Homeowners can only receive the assistance once, she said. After that, they must buy flood insurance.

"The $28,800 is simply to help you get going again," she said. "But once it happens once, you have a responsibility to take the proper course of action in case it happens again."

Binghams Lakeside 3

Binghams Lakeside 2

Binghams Lakeside

Rock County declared disaster

Jvl Gazette

The Bluff - Dallman Park

Rock River to Crest by Saturday

Jvl Gazette

Those living in Rock and 18 other disaster-declared counties can apply for help by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or going online to www.fema.gov.

Thiebeau

Fort Atkinson

Watertown

Guard providing Charley Bluff transportation

From the Rock County Sheriff's Office:

The Wisconsin National Guard will provide transportation in and out of Charley Bluff for residents of that area at 6 a.m. and 3 and 9 p.m.

This transportation is restricted for Charley Bluff area residents and only to be used if needed.

Forget 1929, 1959; New Record - 2008

Sadly, the crest prediction is moved back a couple days too...

From the Edgerton Reporter

Please Volunteer...

If you call the Rock County Communication Center at (608) 757-2244 they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Project stabilized Indianford Dam

Janesville Gazette

...Concerns were raised June 12 by the dam’s maintenance contractor, who lives nearby, said Brian Christianson, chairman of the lake district board.

The district owns the dam, but the county owns the parkland on either side. Both entities agreed they needed to do something.

In the space of six hours Friday, workers built dikes on either side of the dam, said Rock County Public Works Director Ben Coopman.

Meanwhile, rumors circulated that the dam had failed, which brought people to the site to see the “damage,” Christianson said.

“But what they see is several hundred tons of rock there that is protecting our shoreline, and I know we did the right thing,” Christianson said.

...A rough estimate of the cost of the work is $30,000.

Floodwater could conceal problems

Janesville Gazette

Officials have no urgent concerns as record amounts of water push against the bridges and dams on the Rock River in Rock County.

Two possible weak spots the land next to the Indianford Dam just south of Edgerton and the Monterey Dam in Janesville.

In both cases, workers have shored up the weak spots, and they’re keeping watch.

So far, so good.

_______________________________________

Rumors Unfounded

Dam Photos

Disaster declaration could come in days

Janesville Gazette

USDA estimates $15 million in damages to Rock County crops

Janesville Gazette

Bollerud doesn’t ever remember flooding this bad.

“I’ve been here all my life, except when I went to Korea,” Bollerud said. “I’ve never seen this, like it is this year. But I think farmers are used to it—the ups and downs.”

Jefferson fights Rock River flood together

Milw Journal Sentinel

...For days, they fought the river that swelled to 15.7 feet, more than five feet above what is considered flood stage.

Dozens of neighbors, customers and members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department all pitched in, hauling sandbags, trying to beat back the floodwaters.

Others brought food and drinks.

By last Thursday night, they thought they had the flood licked.

But before dawn Friday, water breached the four-foot high wall of sandbags and swept through the market.

To receive federal disaster funding...

...residents must apply either online at www.fema.gov or call (800) 621-FEMA. Disaster assistance covers only basic needs and will not compensate for the entire loss. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may be in low-interest loans.
________________________________

Or print the PDF form on the homepage....

The Record-Setting Week - UPDATED

Lake Levels jump 5 feet in 5 days....

Monday, 6-09 = 13 inches
6-10 = 14 inches
6-11 = 12 inches
6-12 = 9 inches
Friday, 6-13 = 10 inches
_____________________________
UPDATE

6-14 = 8 inches
6-15 = 7 inches

Monday, 6-16 = 4 inches
6-17 = 5.4 inches
6-18 = 2.8 inches
6-19 = 2.4 inches

Historical Crests - UPDATED

Today = 784.87 - UP 2.4 inches -

(1) 12.23 ft on 04/25/1993 --- (Surpassed 6.13.08)

(2) 11.65 ft on 04/18/2008

(3) 11.49 ft on 06/05/2004 --- (Surpassed 6.12.08)

(4) 11.02 ft on 06/07/2000

(5) 10.58 ft on 04/07/2007 --- (Surpassed 6.11.08)

(6) 10.46 ft on 08/30/2007

(7) 9.77 ft on 04/23/1998 --- (Surpassed 6.10.08)

(8) 9.73 ft on 04/28/1999

(9) 9.45 ft on 03/23/1990

(10) 9.19 ft on 03/21/1994
_________________________________________

778.67 on 6.9.08

776.77 on 6.4.08

BD lake crested on Monday afternoon

Beaver Dam Daily Citizen

Hopefully there is no more rain and nothing else and we will start seeing receding water," fire chief George Sheets said.

Tyson plant in Jefferson shut indefinitely

Tyson Foods Inc.'s processed meat plant in Jefferson, which employs 500 people, will remain closed indefinitely because of flooding problems in the area, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

Officials voluntarily closed the plant last Wednesday at the request of the City of Jefferson in order to help reduce the flow of wastewater going into the city's overtaxed wastewater treatment plant.

Libby Lawson, a Tyson spokesman, said the plant itself has experienced some flooding, which she said the company was addressing.

"It remains unclear when the plant will resume operations," Lawson said in a statement.

95 Inches in 2 weeks - 8 foot RISE

Two weeks ago = 776.77

Today = 784.67

City damage estimate boosted to $25 million

Janesville Gazette

...At about 11 a.m. today, local officials planned to tour damaged areas with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sheiffer said if the area is declared a disaster area, the city could receive anywhere between 75 and 80 cents for every dollar spent on damage repair.

On Thursday, city officials will face another challenge—recovery from flood damage.

“We need to be ready to talk to residents and businesses about rebuilding in a floodplain,” Sheiffer said this morning.

Local zoning codes dictate when a business or home can be rebuilt.

No Boating

The river officially is closed to all boat traffic.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and police can ticket for such offenses.

Town of Milton Update

Brian:

Yes there was a meeting last night. It was pertaining to the flooding conditions; what has been done; anticipated to be done; forms to give out; etc.

Chairman Meyer with Supervisor Trescher and Police Chief Kunkel met with the Charlie Bluff Association on Monday night, giving the same information and any updates. Last night was a similar meeting at the Town Hall.

The Mallwood Association has their monthly meeting in the pavilion in their park on Saturday, 6-21-08 at 9am and all citizens of the town, organizations affiliated with the Town that could not make last nights meeting are invited to attend this meeting.

We are trying to keep the people of our town as informed as possible.

Anything else I can help you out with, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Sandy Kunkel
Town Clerk
608-868-2465

Sheriff's office advises to be aware of FEMA scam

Janesville Gazette

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a Federal Emergency Management Agency scam.

It was reported Tuesday in Racine County that individuals posing as agents from FEMA were going door-to-door in flooded areas and making contact with the residents. They were advising these homeowners that they were assessing damages for them and that they would be charging them a certain dollar amount for those services. The FEMA agency, when in fact they do their home assessments for damages, do not charge a fee amount for their services.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to be aware of this possible scam and if they are contacted by someone who they feel are acting as FEMA agents, they should contact the 911 Center immediately.


Residents should not pay anyone who claims to represent FEMA for any services or assessments

Lake to Crest Thursday

By highlighting the NWS prediction chart it looks like the lake will crest tomorrow at 14.82 at about 1:00am tomorrow, another 2.16 inches.

Settlements and Verdicts

Water SamplesJanesville, WI: (Feb-18-08) The Wisconsin Attorney General's office brought charges against Govert Well and Pump of Janesville, alleging that the local well drilling company falsified water samples.

The suit claimed that the company falsified well water samples, required in all new Wisconsin wells to check for coliform bacteria.

Employees allegedly collected water from a break room sink, microwaved it and then packaged it for mailing. It further alleged that the company didn't place well casing pipe deep enough in four wells, didn't properly install cement grout around some casing, and filed late water sample and well construction reports.

Sources close to the case revealed that a settlement had been reached in the suit, in which Govert Well and Pump agreed to an out-of-court settlement in which it must re-sample 836 wells, fix four wells, and pay a $100,000 fine.

Company sources stated that the settlement was not an admission of liability, but a way to avoid the costs and risks associated with protracted litigation. The deal requires that well repairs and re-sampling must be done within nine months, and if re-sampling can't be done in that time, each well owner must be paid $50.

Residential Detailed Damage Estimate

Is available at this website.

Homepage

Rock County Emergency Management
(608) 758-8440
(608) 758-8401 - Fax

Stacey Babiaz & Diane Bloecker

Stacey Babiarz, and he lives with his wife, Diane Bloecker, on Lake Koshkonong in Dane County.
_____________________________

If you see this husband and wife, be sure to give them a big hug, a BIG HUG!

Invention lends aid to those in need

NEWVILLE - Everybody was talking about the local hero.

But nobody could quite remember his name.

On Monday, residents and businesses owners around Lake Koshkonong were piling up more sandbags and talking about "that guy."

"That guy" was a Lake Koshkonong resident, businessman and inventor who had created a device that could fill a sand bag in six seconds.

No kidding. Six seconds flat without a shovel.

The guy-his name was Steve Something or maybe Shawn or was it Bill?-took his inventions around the lake, allowing people to use them free of charge.

He could have made a financial killing.

"We couldn't have done it without him," people said repeatedly. "You've got to find this guy."

Kandi Swanson, manger of the Lakeview Lodge and Campground, thought his name was "Stacey Babriz"; a campground owner who heard the name suggested checking with an Edgerton bar owner.

Finally, the local hero was spotted driving a Bobcat in an empty lot near the Newville Culver's, helping workers from the Rock County Jail fill sandbags. Two massive hills of sand were waiting.

His name is Stacey Babiarz, and he lives with his wife, Diane Bloecker, on Lake Koshkonong in Dane County. Since Friday, the two of them have been stacking or filling sandbags.

Babiarz, a compact, muscular guy, is the inventor and manufacturer of Bucket Bagger.

It's a bucket that can be attached to a skid steer. A giant auger at the bottom of the bucket rotates briskly, moving the sand across the bottom of the bucket, through a round port and into the bag.

It can fill a 30-pound bag in about 6 to 7 seconds.

"He thought it up after hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans," Bloecker said.

"The other day, he said, 'I never thought I'd need my own product.'"

So why did he loan out his invention, rather than taking advantage of the market?

When asked, Babiarz got choked up.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he said. "It's just that people have been so good; we're so grateful."

The couple were in Texas when the water started to rise. Before they got home, their neighbors went to work, placing sandbags around the couple's home.

He couldn't stand the desperation he saw, either.

"There was an old couple here filling sandbags with their hands," he said.

Babiarz wasn't aware that everybody was talking about him.

After a brief conversation about his contributions, Babiarz climbed up into the skid steer and went quietly back to work.

Watch the Video

Crawfish Cresting...

NOAA

All that water has to go somewhere

Janesville Gazette

Miles, superintendent for the Consolidated Koshkonong Sanitary District, reported Monday the district was “bypassing” the treatment plant and dumping raw sewage into the Rock River. It’s something Jefferson and Fort Atkinson already have started to do.

As of this morning, the Janesville sewage treatment plant was not being bypassed.

Rock County NEEDS to be Included...

The city won’t be reimbursed unless the area is declared a disaster.

Sheiffer said he asked Mole & Sadler’s residents if they had flood insurance. He estimated that about only 15 percent did.

“It’s really critical to them that we be declared a disaster area,” Sheiffer said.

Sheiffer said benefits that are available to residents are different in every disaster.

The residents likely will be allowed to continue living in their homes if they are structurally sound.

Sometimes, funds are granted to purchase land from homeowners if they want to sell.

“This is going to be a journey,” Sheiffer said.

Fallout will continue within the city government for up to two years, not only with the initial recovery and damage to houses, businesses and public facilities but with the whole question of the flood plain, Sheiffer said.

“We have to be in this for the long haul.”

Traxler Park, Janesville

Cleanup can begin when water recedes

Janesville Gazette

...Workers will have to sanitize every structure because communities upstream are emptying raw sewage in the river.

“When that water goes down, we know we have to scrub down and disinfect all the structures and poles,” Sheiffer said.

...Sheiffer noted the speed and power of the river’s current and the way it is pounding the river walls.

“Those river walls haven’t experienced that before,” Sheiffer said. “There is going to be damage. Any road under water for two weeks is going to be damaged.”

City of Jefferson

A truck carries a load of sandbags over a bridge over the flood-swollen Rock River on Monday in Jefferson. Only official vehicles are allowed on both bridges in the city, which is cut in two by the Rock.

After downpours, mosquitoes will rise

Milw Journal Sentinel

...Wisconsin could face a bumper crop of mosquitoes in the coming weeks as a heavy spring snowmelt, torrential summer rain and rising temperatures conspire to create the ideal breeding ground for the blood-sucking pests.

Crawfish Bites I-94

Busalaachi said the Crawfish was the main problem, but said the Rock was flowing at a high level as well.

"We had to alleviate the pressure," Busalaachi said. "This river (Crawfish) just won't go down."

Janesville officials prepare for FEMA visit

The City of Janesville begins to tally flood damage ahead of a visit Wednesday from FEMA.

Development Specialist Kelly Lee says the city will estimate the replacement of the homes' contents. She says the $4.5 million estimate is just for the replacement of the structures of those homes that are under water. The city will forward the completed estimates to the FEMA representatives for their tour of the area.

FEMA Information

The Declaration Process

Evaluating a Request for a Major Disaster Declaration

Wis. DOT secretary orders bypass built on I-94

Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Frank Busalaachi says he has ordered a bypass built on Interstate 94 in the Johnson Creek area to get the road reopened.

The order came after authorities said the interstate could be closed for weeks due to flooding.

Transportation officials now say they have signed an emergency contract with a company to build a crossover lane that will allow one lane of traffic going east and one going west.

Busalaachi says work crews are already on the scene Tuesday getting the area ready for grading and paving. He says he hopes the work will be done by the end of the week.

Officials closed the interstate’s westbound lanes last week as water rose in the Crawfish and Rock rivers.

Record Flows

Fort flows 15,500 cfs 5:00am

Dam flows 14,500 cfs 5:00am another record broken: Previous record peak cfs was 1979 Apr 05, 1979 11,200

Lake 14.38' 4:00am Lake Crest prediction is still 14.8 another 5.04 inches rise

Fort is expected to crest Thursday and we usually crest and start the slow decline 1 or 2 days after.

Report from Upstream

The Crawfish in and around Columbus seems to have receded some, sure hoping Beaver Dam Lake has topped out but the flow is still way up there. The fields do seem to be drying pretty well with the windy dry weather.
Erich

Worm's-eye View

Midwest Flooding

Ground Water Pressure

This is a well pipe from a brand new home (unoccupied) on White Crow. All of the wells in the area are flowing over the top, but this one deserves special attention.

It was loosened the cover a bit to relieve some of the pressure and this is what happened.

Teamwork inspires tears of gratitude

Janesville Gazette

Tears welled in Jill Kelderman’s eyes as she talked about teamwork from the hundreds of friends, neighbors and strangers who have added to the 4-foot-high sandbag wall in the backyard of her Fulton Township home.

“I left work early Thursday and came home, and there’s people in the driveway I didn’t even know helping to save my home,” she said.

The neighborhood hasn’t stopped since.

Record Levels broken and still rising

Crawfish Milford today 13.56 ft
Previous Record 11.15 ft on 04/06/1959

Horicon today 10.25 ft
Previous Record 10.00 ft on 04/09/1998

Watertown today 7.4 ft
Previous Record 6.96 ft on 01/17/1997

Jefferson today 15.44 ft
Previous record 12.84 ft on 04/02/1979

Fort today 10.22 ft
Previous record 7.33 ft on 04/16/2008

Koshkonong today 14.14 ft
Previous record 12.23 ft on 04/25/1993 * It had been higher than this in 29, 59 & 79 but USGS never documented before 1993

Thanks for the Posts

My parents live on the lake, well are up on a hill so they don't have any water but I am worried their well is contaminated or might become that way. I work in Waukesha and Live in Milwaukee, but I wanted to thank you for updating as often as you do so I can keep updated. I am going to be sad to see all of the devistation when I finally come back.

Elizabeth

Rain could lead to blue-green algae

WI State Journal

Putrid, pea-soup algae frequently occupy patches of Madison 's lakes during the summer and June 's heavy rainfall could produce an influx of the obtrusive and sometimes toxic bacteria this summer.

Blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, thrive when sediment and nutrient runoff wash into lakes and ponds. The thunderstorms and rainfall that have recently rocked the Midwest have set a June record for precipitation in Madison at 10.63 inches -- the previous record was 9.95 inches in 1978, according to the National Weather Service.

That makes a swell of the algae blooms this summer possible.

Anchor Inn Parking Lot - Then, and Now

Raw Sewage Dumped

We better hope for high water all summer or the lake will be so green you could use it as paint and it will smell like never before.

Jim

____________________

Yeah, saw where Fox Lake treatment plant discharged untreated water into BD Lake last week.

They did that 4 yrs ago and the other end of our lake had a nasty smell to it later in the hot summer.

I just hope we can get our levels down to the point where we might actually have to worry about that. As of now our Lake Days festival on July 12-13 is probably not going to happen.

Erich

Newville Bridge & Anchor's Anchor

Sandbagging at the Red Apple, Newville

Edgerton Beach Park

Thanks Carl for the photos!!

Anchor Inn

Some waters are still rising

Milw Journal Sentinel

...As the Rock and Crawfish rivers continued to swell Sunday, efforts turned toward saving the water treatment plant from rising waters.

When waters recede, all kinds of repairs are needed

WI State Journal

Officials: Raw sewage in flood water

Janesville Gazette

...Fort Atkinson and Jefferson have bypassed their wastewater treatment plants in an effort to save the overwhelmed facilities and are dumping raw sewage into the Rock River.

...City officials tested the flood water, which showed it full of E. coli, a harmful bacteria, and chloroform

Mold, mildew might grow

Milw Journal Sentinel

...Paul Biedrzycki, director of disease control and environmental health for the City of Milwaukee Health Department, said many residents are reluctant to have contractors come in and tear down material such as drywall or wallboards.

"Unless people adequately disinfect and discard items, they'll have mold problems. Those will show up weeks later. There's potential for respiratory irritation and respiratory problems," Biedrzycki said

White Crow

Lake Shore Sandbagging

Rock Bottom Bar

Mike Soleska pulls sandbags from his canoe and piles them near the foundation of the Rock Bottom bar and grill, a historic building he owns in downtown Jefferson.

Lakeview Campground

Upstream, to Beaver Dam

The Beaver Dam River rages through downtown Beaver Dam on Friday. The river is typically two feet deep and 10 feet wide, but have rains caused a surge unseen in the city's history.

Beaver Dam

They closed off downtown Beaver Dam today (Saturday)and the southwest wind at 20+ has been hammering water over the dam most of the day. About 120' of the back yard is under about knee deep water, note the boat lift canopy.

FLOOD OF '08: State dam repair fund dry

WI State Journal

...Southwestern Wisconsin's Vernon County, with its up-and-down topography and many rivers and streams, has more dams than any other county — 22 of the state's 88 flood control dams.

River dams won't prevent floods

Janesville Gazette

...How about Lake Koshkonong, won’t it absorb the water?

No. Sorry.

Truth is, those dams are not designed to hold vast amounts of water, and Lake Koshkonong already is full, said a Sue Josheff, a DNR civil engineer responsible for the lower Rock River basin.

...Wisconsin, with about 3,800 dams, has very few that are designed for flood control, Josheff said.

Most dams were built to create millponds and drive water wheels. Janesville’s Monterey Dam is one of those.

Others were built or converted to produce electricity. The dam in Beloit and the Centerway Dam in Janesville still produce electricity. The Indianford Dam used to.

Charlie Bluff residents urged to evacuate

Janesville Gazette

Rock, Sugar river access closed in Rock County

Janesville Gazette

ROCK COUNTY

Damage summary:

Very preliminary damage assessments have topped $200,000 and are climbing.

Beloit and Janesville declared emergencies Saturday, with a special Janesville City Council meeting set for this afternoon.

Sandbags are available at town halls of Beloit, Fulton, Rock and Janesville and in Mallwood Park in the town of Milton.

Evacuations:

It was strongly recommended Saturday by the Rock County Sheriff's Department that people living in low-lying areas along the Rock River evacuate as the river continued to rise toward a predicted 100-year-flood level.

Road status:

At least seven roads were closed, including Smith Road from Avon Store Road to Highway T and Beloit Newark Road from Nelson Road to Highway T.

Help numbers:

Rock County Emergency Management at 608-758-8440

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Damage summary:

About 800 to 1,000 homes flooded, mostly in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Milford and Hubbleton. The Rock River was expected to crest on Tuesday in Jefferson and Wednesday in Fort Atkinson, and the Crawfish River was expected to crest on Tuesday.

Evacuations:

Many people near Lake Koshkonong and in Jefferson evacuated beginning Friday, and Jefferson was not open to through traffic Saturday.

Road status:

At least 20 roads were closed Saturday, including Highway 19 east of Portland and Highway 26 between Riverview Drive and Walworth Street.

Help numbers:

Emergency Management, 920-674-7450.

81 Inches in 2 weeks - Nearly a 7 feet RISE

2 weeks ago today -

776.92

Today -

783.68

Rumors and Bar Talk

Please people, the Indianford Dam is still there...it did not blow-out, wash-away, or breach.

Officials warn public away from 'extremely dangerous' Rock River

Janesville Gazette

...An estimated 60,000 sandbags had been distributed to residents, and 40,000 more were on the way from La Crescent, Minn., said Cmdr. Tom Gehl of the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

'100-year-floods' pay little heed to the calendar

Janesville Gazette

So-called “100-year floods” have drenched Janesville five times in the last 92 years.

The Rock River flowed out of its banks and flooded streets and basements here in 1916, 1929, 1959, 1993 and now.

Doyle askes for federal aid for flooding

The request is for Columbia, Crawford, Sauk, Vernon, Milwaukee and Richland counties.

marymac4
Jun 14, 2008 at 8:41 a.m.

Rock CO needs it to dear GOV

Residents warned to stay away from river

Jvl Gazette

jenai23
Jun 14, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.

Yeah all you gawkers should stay away. It is ridiculous that when you are trying to get to your house with supplies to sandbag you are stuck behind people doing 10 mph in a 35 mph zone because they are looking. Or while you are sandbagging people just stop and drool, why don't you get out and help if you want to drive past. There is nothing fun about a flooded home stay at your dry home.

Indianford Protected

Indianford Dam Secure

The district took emergency action today in concert with the Rock County Public Works Dept to safeguard the dam.

County personnel believed the dam could be breached on the land side (west) of the powerhouse by the rising lake level, creating a situation similar to Lake Delton.

By the close of the day, both sides of the river were reinforced with a substantial rock berm.

Please email me with further questions.
Brian

Flood-related road closings called unprecedented

WI State Journal

Beaver Dam: 'The river has never come this far'

Flows into the Crawfish at Milford, which flows into Koshkonong....

WI State Journal

...Dock's Corner bar was shaking with cracks in its basement while the torrent pounded from the outside. Water was seeping into the basement as employees strained to rescue $2,000 worth of beer.

Norm's Hideaway Parking Lot

More Ellendale Road Sandbagging

Ellendale Road Sandbagging

Sunset Parking Lot

Bingham Point Canal

City ready to protect homes and businesses from flooding

Janesville Gazette

JANESVILLE — The city is preparing for a battle 100 years in the making.

The city has evacuated 14 homes along the Rock River in the Mole-Sadler neighborhood.

Engineers will start work to protect Hedberg Public Library, which is along a part of the river wall officials expect will be breached, City Manager Steve Sheiffer said.

Crews worked overnight Thursday to fill 13,000 sandbags for residents’ use. And the city will open a Flooding Information Center and hot line for residents’ questions.

More sandbags on the way

From the Janesville Gazette

Mallwood, Newville

Barb Barrington-Tillman, chief deputy with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, looks over sandbags and river floodwaters behind a home on Road Seven at Mallwood Estates in Newville on Thursday.

Gladys Drive, Newville

Mike Kremske, left, and Dylan Peterson, center, both of Woodstock, Ill., help Paul Tlusty of Janesville stack sandbags around homes on East Gladys Drive in Newville on Thursday as the Rock River rises, flooding backyards in the neighborhood.

Neighbors offer help

From the Janesville Gazette

NEWVILLE — As a downburst tapered into a shower Thursday afternoon, neighbors in Mallwood Estates on Lake Koshkonong helped each other sandbag their homes.

They were trying to keep floodwater at bay, but the lake and the Rock River flowing out of it just south of their neighborhood continued to rise.

“Everybody’s pitching in,” said Todd Bailey of Janesville. “Everybody’s out here—and their extended families.”

A New Modern Record

As if I needed to tell anyone along the shoreline that.....

Lake Level = 782.39 (NOAA predicting another 31+ inches)

Inflow = 14,000
Outflow = 11,100

How Big?

To put it in terms of acres under water -- we have approximately 1,536,000 acres above Koshkonong in our watershed and about 1/2 or 768,000 acres are in some form of flood conditions.

Local Road Closures

County Line Road from Bingham's/Vogel Rd to Hwy 26, Stage Coach Inn...is closed due to flooding.

How Much?

Rainfall for the entire watershed ranged from 2.5 to 5 inches...

Officially at Bingham's there was 2.83 inches.

It just doesn't stop...Crest Prediction UP

Watching (wet) History

Milford is registering almost 1 foot above the 1959 record and that was at 5pm, since then they've had a tremendous amount of rain all the way up to Columbus and over to Beaver Dam and on over to Waupun for the Rock.

Just did a search and all stations are, have been, or will be, breaking historical water levels.

'We're hurting' — Residents brace for historic flood

Both Fort Atkinson and Jefferson have declared flooding emergencies as rivers continue to rise above record levels and residents and volunteers fill sandbags and brace for the worst.

In Fort Atkinson, officials were encouraging residents and business owners near the Bark and Rock rivers to be prepared to evacuate on short notice and advising that those who choose to remain in flooded areas do so at their own risk.

The notice, which City Manager John Wilmet said has never been issued before, has been distributed to everyone east of East and Zida streets; residents along the Rock River from South Water Street/East Milwaukee Avenue to Sherman Avenue from the eastern city limits to the pedestrian bridge; everything east of Wilcox Street from Sherman Avenue to Fourth street and east of High Street from Fourth Street to the city limits and from Wilson Avenue to the west on Riverside Drive.

The notice was issued Tuesday afternoon and, after reviewing the projected river levels this morning, Wilmet said the area is likely to expand.

“Yesterday, we thought it would be manageable,” Wilmet said this morning. “But after reviewing the numbers this morning, that hits a whole other level of the city.”

Wilmet added that the city is concerned about the Rock River’s level at the Main Street bridge and, depending on how high the water climbs, the bridge may need to be closed.

Sandbags are available at the Fort Atkinson Fire Department, but the supply is going fast.
“They’re going almost as fast as we can get them,” Wilmet said.

More Emails on the flooding

Brian,
It appears as though the man upstairs heard the LKWA's plan for a summer draw down. I think I know how he feels about it!

Northwest Jerry
_______________________

Brian
I've been looking for historic flows at fort and all I can find is 2004 as a peak of 9380 cfs, which I find hard to believe that was high, if that is correct they sure beat the old record as it was at 13,600 cfs 11:15 today
Bob

Rock River flooding could threaten city’s downtown

From the Janesville Gazette

...Officials this weekend predict the worst Rock River flooding since records were kept.

The National Weather Service predicts the river will crest at 13.3 feet early Monday morning.

On Saturday, the water could break the previous record set at 13.05 feet in 1916, said Herb Garn, hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey. The USGS started keeping records in 1914, he said.

Jefferson County: Two cities face floods

From the WI State Journal

With rivers not expected to crest in some parts of Jefferson County until Friday or Saturday, residents and officials are preparing for the worst.

The Rock River was above flood stage in the cities of Jefferson and Fort Atkinson on Tuesday and it's expected to go higher as water from the weekend's torrential rains flows south.

"It's larger than the flooding that we had in April from the heavy snows," said Fort Atkinson City Manager John Wilmet.

He said firefighters planned to go door-to-door Tuesday night in an area of about 200 to 250 homes near where the Rock and Bark rivers meet, passing out leaflets warning residents and urging them to have plans to leave at a moment's notice.

The city is prepared, Wilmet said. "It's getting the property owners and the residents prepared."

Interstate detour

The rising Rock River forced the indefinite closure of the two westbound lanes of Interstate 94 at Johnson Creek Tuesday night, the state Department of Transportation announced.

The lanes are being closed as a precaution, officials said.

The detour route will run south on Highway 26 to highways B, V and 89 back to I-94.

Treatment plants

The sewage treatments plants in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson are at or near capacity, officials said, and more flooding, rain or both could overwhelm the systems and force both cities to release treated or partially treated sewage into the Rock River.

Throughout the county, some 50,000 sandbags have been distributed, said Donna Haugom, director of the county's emergency management office.

She said the nature of the flooding has been "bizarre," with places that flooded during the April melt-off dry, and places that were dry flooded.

"I don't get it," she said. "I just don't get it."

The Rock River at Watertown crested Monday, but it's been nearby Silver Creek that's caused the most problems, flooding about three city blocks on the Dodge County side of the city.

Rock Aqua Jays cancel shows until floodwaters recede

From the Janesville Gazette

...As of this morning, the Rock River was predicted to rise another 3-1/2 feet to historic levels. The team pulled its jump to shore, removed floating docks from the water and secured all other docks.

City of Jefferson declares emergency

From the Janesville Gazette


...Too much of clear water infiltration may require discharges of partially treated sewage into the Rock River.

Watertown Flooding

Properties along Riverview Road off County Highway Y are threatened by high levels of the Rock River this morning as seen in an aerial view looking east.
(JOHN HART/Daily Times)

Roads Closed, Pumps Running

From the Watertown Daily Times

...According to Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Donna Haugom, numerous roads throughout Jefferson County are shut down.

She noted areas near Waterloo, Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson and Palmyra are all being severely affected by flooding.

She noted the only part of the county that is not inundated with water appears to be the Oconomowoc area.

“There are a dozen roads alone that are closed in Fort Atkinson,” Haugom said. “So I would guess there are probably about two dozen roads that are closed countywide.”The heavy rainfall and elevated river levels caused several streets in Watertown to close over the weekend.

...Haugom said a “slow, no wake” ordinance is in effect for all of Jefferson County

Waterlogged

Numerous roads are closed and residents along the Rock River are bracing for flooding after heavy rain last weekend raised river levels at a rapid rate, setting them on pace to possibly reach record levels.

The dams at Upper Spring Lake near Palmyra and at the Cushman Millpond washed out over the last two days.

In Jefferson, officials were asking residents to use less water as the city’s sewage treatment facility reaches capacity.

Pictured above, volunteers and firefighters build a sandbag barrier around Barbara Congdon’s East Sherman Avenue home in Fort Atkinson this morning after two to three feet of water made its way into her basement and garage.

Dam break empties Upper Spring Lake

“There is no Upper Spring Lake anymore.”

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Warden Ryan Ellifson said this morning that the levy that was used to dam the Scuppernong River, northeast of Palmyra, washed out early Monday morning, draining the 17-acre, 11-foot-deep lake into the neighboring Lower Spring Lake in Palmyra.

He said heavy rain over the weekend pushed the water levels over the top of the privately-owned levy, washing out a large portion.

“It starts out as a slow process as the water starts to go over the top,” Ellifson said. “The water starts (things) to erode at the top of the levy itself.

“Then right at the base, the water starts to swirl and cut back,” Ellifson added. “As a result, the levy actually washed out and broke.”

Meanwhile, in Jefferson, the heavy rains and high water levels have left the sewage treatment plant close to capacity of about 5 million gallons per day, and caused the intersection of Main and
Dane streets to be closed.

“We are asking businesses and residents to limit unnecessary uses of water,” Jefferson City Administrator Tim Freitag said. “We need to remove as much water from the sewer system as we can — that is our goal.”The limitation is expected to last at least until the river crests which, for now, is slated for Friday but might change as more rain is in the forecast.

“Getting through town is a struggle between the Highway 18 construction and the high water closures,” Freitag said.

He recommends travelers take State Highway 89 around, and to find an alternate route around the city and not come downtown because it will take a long time to get through.

(The full story appears in the June 10 Daily Union).

Comments on flooding

Brian-

Hope you got that pier tied tight. Flows at Fort 10,200 VS Indianford 4,590

This is not very pretty picture, it sure has been one unusual 10 months.

I've been here basically all of my life and I've never seen more than 2 seasons of it being this wet and then droughts follow. Now I've seen it in 4 seasons right in a row.

Jim
_____________________________

Brian,
I can't believe this is happening again. We're way over normal up
here in Beaver Dam again. The Dells is devastated.
Unbelievable. My dad has never seen water this high in June in
Watertown. Here's to dry weather for weeks so we can get summer
back on track on the lakes.

Erich

Lake Level Up 2+ feet in 3 days - another 3 feet predicted

From NOAA

Sunday, 6/8 --- Monday, 6/9 --- Today, 6/10

777.59 -------- 778.67 -------- 779.84
xx ------------ +12.96 -------- +14.04

Inflow
4,850 cfs ----- 10,600 -------- 13,500

Outflow
3,190 cfs ----- 4,810 --------- 6,050

Record Rain

After a day of record-setting rain Saturday, another rainfall record was set Sunday, with 2.25 inches recorded in Milwaukee, according to the National Weather Service. That compares to the old record for Sunday's date of 1.24 set in 1974.

__________________________________

According to totals recorded by the Watertown Wastewater Treatment Plant, the city was pummeled with 3.98 inches of rain between 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday and 3.48 inches from 7 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. today.

problematic dams haven't been checked since '93

From the Milw Journal Sentinel

...Another dam that was overflowed, the Fall River Dam on the Crawfish River in Columbia County, has not received a full inspection in nearly nine years.

...A Journal Sentinel investigation in August found that the DNR had not inspected at least 230 dams in 10 years despite the state law. The dams that weren't inspected made up one-quarter of the 926 state-regulated dams.

...The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Wisconsin a C-minus on dams and river infrastructure last year, saying the state needed to devote more money to dam inspections and maintenance.

________________________________________

But Todd Ambs hates dams and perhaps quietly hopes they all would wash-out....

Cartoon

Lake Delton - WI Dells

The dam breaches...

The lake is gone, empty.

Patton's Marina - Blackhawk Island

High water brought by record rain tore their pier loose from shore, carrying pontoons moored to the pier downstream.

Thanks for the photos Gerry, and to all, SLOW-NO WAKE.

Palmyra dam said to be failing

By Associated Press

The Upper Spring Dam in Palmyra is failing, state emergency management officials said today.

Only one house in the rural area was in danger, said Palmyra Town Board Chairman Stewart Calkins.

The Department of Natural Resources was checking out other dams, said Mike Goetzman, a spokesman for Wisconsin Emergency Management. The DNR was flying over dams in Vernon County and sending engineers to other counties — including Columbia, Dodge, Sauk and Jefferson — to assess dams there, Goetzman said.

Gov. Jim Doyle had declared 30 counties in a state of emergency by noon Monday, and at least 130 inmates from the Department of Corrections were helping sandbag throughout the region.

Rain might return Tuesday, said Jessica Brooks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in La Crosse. Heavier storms could come Thursday, leading to even more flooding, she said.

Roads throughout the state, including at least 32 state highways, were closed Monday, Goetzman said. A no-travel advisory was issued for Crawford, Richland and Vernon counties.

Fort riverwalk fishing ban protest lures big crowd

With a fishing rod in one hand and picket sign in the other, more than 100 people gathered on the Fort Atkinson riverwalk Saturday morning and vowed to fight an ordinance that prevents fishing between the pedestrian bridge and the American Legion Dugout.

The Fort Atkinson City Council voted 3-2 on April 1 in favor of restricting fishing in that section of the riverbank after debating the ordinance for about a month. The policy stemmed from complaints that some people had difficulty using the downtown Rock River walkway due to fishing activity and impolite behavior.

Despite objections voiced during a council meeting, the ban was approved, with council members La Verne Behrens, Mark Zastrow and Jim Simdon voting in favor.

“It’s gratifying to know that we feel the public is against the ordinance,” Frank Micale, president of the Rock River-Koshkonong Association (RRKA), said at the protest rally behind Café Carpe. “Banning this activity is a bad idea for this riverwalk and it’s a bad idea for the city of Fort Atkinson, and your appearance here today confirms that.”

Micale and other Fort Atkinson-area sportsmen also distributed a petition at the rally that states the ordinance “sets a poor precedent by targeting a specific group of users” and that the city already had “the necessary tools in place to combat all of the complaints brought before the city council.” The petition goes on to say that the “majority of those speaking at the public hearing opposed the fishing ban” and that the perception that fishermen on the riverwalk are intimidating or threatening is “greatly overstated.”

There were two separate petitions: one for residents in the city of Fort Atkinson and one for out-of-town fishermen. Jim Furley, one of the organizers of the protest, has distributed the petitions at local businesses.

(The full story appears in the June 9 Daily Union).

Dams are failing as rivers rise in wake of record rainfall

From the Madison Cap Times

Gov. Jim Doyle at 9:50 p.m. Sunday declared a state of emergency for 29 Wisconsin counties due to severe storms and flooding.

The counties include: Adams, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, LaCrosse, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago Counties.

Rushing flood waters drain Lake Delton

From the Milw Journal Sentinel

Lake Delton near the Dells is essentially empty after the rain-swollen lake cut its own channel around a dam and emptied into the Wisconsin River, taking four homes with it.

The 254-acre lake is the home of the famed Tommy Bartlett Water Show. Tom Diehl, who operates the show and is a trustee for the Village of Lake Delton, said there was nothing but mud where the show is staged every day

Slow no wake issued for Fulton Township

Now it is OFFICIAL

Keep your binoculars at the ready, and take boat numbers of those thoughtless violators....

Not Official - NO WaKE Returns

Memo

To: Sheriff Bob Spoden, Rock County Sheriff’s Dept.
CC: Ed Marshall, Town of Janesville
Tom Presny, Parks Director, City of Janesville
Rock County Parks Director

From: Evan Sayre, Town of Fulton Chairman

Date: June 9, 2008

Re: Slow No Wake


Due to the recent rains, we are experiencing high water and floating debris on Rock River in our Township. Therefore, I am requesting that the slow, no wake ordinance be placed in effect until further notice and all landings posted.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Town Office at 608-868-4103.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Lake Level = 778.67

From NOAA

Here we go again....

Inflow = 10,600 cfs
Outflow = 4,810 cfs

Fishing ban focus of protest

Fishermen and women upset by a recent Fort Atkinson City Council decision that bans fishing along the riverwalk between the pedestrian bridge and American Legion Dugout plan to gather this Saturday to protest the ordinance.

The protest begins at 10 a.m. in the area of the restricted angling.

Frank Micale, the president of the Rock River-Koshkonong Association, said Friday that the event will go on rain or shine and that the organization as drafted a petition to ask the city council to revisit the issue.

On April 1, the Fort Atkinson City Council voted 3-2 in favor of the fishing site restriction after debating the ordinance for about a month in the wake of complaints that some people had difficulty using the downtown Rock River walkway due to fishing activity.

Those who spoke in favor of the ban reported litter, bait and even human feces strewn about on the sidewalk, along with fishing rods being placed in bench seats so the line to the water blocked the path. Most of the problems had been confined to the area between the pedestrian bridge and the Legion Dugout, where the walkway is much narrower than to the west of the pedestrian bridge at Lorman-Bicentennial Park.

Micale said the petition is not legally binding, but ban opponents are hoping Fort Atkinson residents step forward and sign it to persuade one of the three council members who voted for the ban to take up the issue, which is the only way it can be revisited.

The council members who voted for the ban were La Verne Behrens, Mark Zastrow and Jim Simdon.

“The petition is made to bring attention to those who voted for it,” Micale said. “It gets our point across. They don’t have to act. We just hope they will.”

(The full story appears in the June 6 Daily Union).

More Flora and Fauna on Beautiful Lake Koshkonong

Brian,
Here is another one. This one obviously needs classes on good parenting as she was drilling her nest on the edge of White Crow Road. Hope they look both ways before they cross to get to the lake.
Northwest Jerry

Found In My Driveway

Some Wisconsin property owners are still taxed for public lake beds

From Associated Press

Ailing lake should soon be healthy

Sound Familiar??

From the Janesville Gazette

A healthy Delavan Lake isn’t far away.

Millions of dollars were sunk into the 2,072-acre body of water between 1989 and 1992 to eliminate rough fish and phosphorus-induced algae that made the lake muddy and green.

The water is much clearer, but phosphorus continues to pour into the lake. Carp and bullhead are again causing trouble.

...The lake is inextricably linked to the local economy, he said, and as the health of the lake improves, property values and tax revenues increase.

“These investments produce distinct, compounded and identifiable dividends,” Lemanski said.

Holst said improving Delavan Lake has been “a long, hard battle,” but the end of this series of projects is in sight.

The next step is to focus attention on the 26,000-acre watershed, working to prevent erosion and pollution from farmland that drains into the lake, he said.

Safety agencies practice to make perfect

From the Janesville Gazette

...Lund is part of his boat patrol and water rescue team.

The group, which trains twice a month throughout the year, soon will become a part of a larger group called the “Recreational Safety Team.” Along with their work on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, the team will train with snowmobiles and ATVs for off road emergencies.