Happy Independence Day!!!

UPDATE: Since (6-22) Crest

TODAY = 783.14 =

Inflow = 8,790 cfs
Outflow = 10,700 cfs

7-4 = 1.3 inches
7-3 = 2.3 inches
7-2 = 3.1 inches
7-1 = 4.8 inches
Monday, 6-30 = .5 inch
_________________________________

11 inch drop WEEK ONE (6-22 to 6-29)

Sunday, 6-29 = 2.4 inches
6-28 = 2.5 inches
6-27 = 1.8 inch
6-26 = 1.6 inch
6-25 = 1.6 inch
6-24 = 1.1 inch
6-23 = .4 inch
Sunday, 6-22 = 0 inches

The Buckhorn

Just sending out a quick e-mail to let people know that The Buckhorn will be open for business again starting Saturday, July 5th.

Finally the lake is going down enough to drive on Charley Bluff Road.

If you decide to drive out this way, GO SLOW, there are a few big potholes. We have had a lot of calls and if you could help spread the word, it would be much appreciated.

Have a safe weekend!!

Thank you,
Chico and Dawn
Buckhorn Supper Club
(608) 868-2653

COUNTY TO ASSIST TOWNS WITH SANDBAG REMOVAL

Rock County, in cooperation with the Towns of Fulton, Milton, Janesville, and Rock, today announced a plan for safely disposing of filled sandbags that are no longer needed by residents to protect their property from the recent flooding.

Residents of the four Towns will be asked to deliver unneeded, filled sandbags to centrally located deposit sites in each Town.

There will be locations in each Town where people can drop off sandbags. It is anticipated that specific locations will be announced to the public next week in anticipation of opening on Saturday, July 12. The plan would be to leave the sites open through August 18.

The County will take responsibility for disposing of the sand bags by delivering them to an approved landfill.
###

Waterways still closed

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is reminding boaters the Rock River and Clear Lake remain closed.

All public landings on the river and lakes are closed and the Town of Milton has a Slow/No Wake ordinance in place on Clear Lake.

The office warns there are quick currents and hidden debris in the waterways, and they will only enter the water for emergency rescues.

Residents are encouraged to stay off the water and out of flooded areas, and anyone who sees somebody in flooded areas or on the river or lake should call authorities.

Rock County Sheriff
(608) 757-8000

Jefferson County Sheriff
(920) 674-7310

City in 'full cleanup mode'

Jvl Gazette

...As the floodwaters recede, the carp leave a layer of dull grayish-brown crud over the pavement.

“When that sediment dries, it’s nasty,” Whitcomb said.

Which brings us back to the city workers.

City workers are using fire hoses on North Main Street to loosen that sediment while the street is still slightly submerged.

The full body safety suits protect workers from floodwaters, which are filled with a variety of toxins from untreated sewage. Treatment plants in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson and Lake Koshkonong had to discharge untreated sewage into the river because facilities were overwhelmed.

Jefferson County's FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to open Monday

Cap Times

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Jefferson County on Monday, July 7.

The center will be located in the lower level of the University of Wisconsin-Extension building at 864 Collins Road and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Officials also announced that residents of Jefferson County who were displaced from their jobs as a result of flooding may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Anyone who lost their job as a result of the storms is encouraged to call the Department of Workforce Development at 608-232-0678 or 1-800-822-5246 or visit

www.dwd.state.wi.us/ui.

The deadline to apply for unemployment assistance is July 25.

FEMA cleanup money arrives

Janesville Gazette

...On June 18, the county sent Wisconsin Emergency Management a report estimating $10.3 million in public damage. The damage includes the Rock Koshkonong Lake District and Consolidated Koshkonong Sanitary District, parts of which fall outside of Rock County.

As water wanes, contractors will get busy

Janesville Gazette

FEMA Tele #

800-621-3362

RKLD Annual Meeting - UPDATE

Emergency Management Directors for Rock County (Shirley Connors) and Jefferson County (Donna Haugom) will speak at the annual meeting on Sat. August 2nd.

See the home page for details on the annual meeting.

Flood recovery center opens Monday

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is opening a flood recovery center on Monday, July 7 at the New Life Assembly of God, 2416 North Wright Road, Janesville.

The church is at the corner of Highway 14 and Wright Road. The center will be located in the church gym and will have a separate entrance.

From Interstate 90/39 take exit 171 C to get to the church. Travelers from the north turn left on Humes Road/Highway 14; travelers from the south turn right on Highway 14 after exiting the Interstate.

Hours are: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

For more information about hours or location, call the church at (608) 756-4175.

Legal aid offered to flood victims

The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division has set up a toll-free legal aid line for Wisconsin residents affected by flooding.

The service is available for people who are unable to afford a lawyer and who have legal issues arising from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit Wisconsin in June.

Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State Bar of Wisconsin organized the legal-aid line to assist residents of the 29 counties included in the president’s disaster declaration.

(Jefferson and) Rock County is part of that disaster declaration.

The help line is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday at 1-877-947-5291.

Messages can be left at any time and will be answered within 48 hours. Callers should say they need flood-related legal assistance.

Services available include help with:
-- Issues concerning state and federal benefits.
-- Life, medical and property insurance claims.
-- Home repair contracts.
-- Replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the disaster.
-- Consumer protection, remedies and procedures.
-- Mortgage-foreclosure problems related to the disaster.
-- Landlord/tenant problems related to the disaster.

Any work performed through the bar association cannot result in any monies for either side.

Additional information is available online at www.wisbar.org or www.legalexlplorer.com.

Bush offers more federal aid for storm recovery

Jvl Gazette

...President Bush is making more federal funds available to Wisconsin residents affected by last month's storms and flooding.

The authorization announced Monday means the Federal Emergency Management Agency can reimburse the counties an additional 15 percent of their costs.

DNR’s $1 million plan for Okauchee Lake wasteful, critics say

Milw Journal Sentinel

We'll accept $1m - Lake Koshkonong needs boat launch repairs and improved access.
____

...The land, with 90 feet of lake frontage, is owned by Gerald Kalweit of
W354-N5098 Road T. An option to purchase with Kalweit expires July 29.
The property is next to the DNR's own heavily used boat launch. The agency wants to blend the two parcels into one large public access point for boaters.
____

Okauchee Lake Management District HERE

From Tallgrass Neighbors

Great job keeping up to date, relevant, and important information on the Blog. Thank you.

Peter Layton (peter.layton@tallgrassgroup.com)
Chief Executive Officer

Tallgrass Group, LLC
Arlington Heights Office:
3250 N. Arlington Heights Road
Suite 100
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1534
Office: (847) 342-8020
Fax: (847) 342-8021
Cell: (312) 925-1673

Georgia McGuire (gmcguire@tallgrassgroup.com)Executive Assistant

(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 financi