Monroe County Independent

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Today's News - June 19, 2008

Minimal Problems Reported As River Levees Hold Strong In Monroe County

The low-lying intersection of Levee Road and Bottom Road west of Columbia is closed because of the rising Mississippi River.

Monroe County appears to have been spared from the rising water of the Mississippi River and at this point there is no danger of a levee giving way, said Gene Henckler, director of the local office of the Illinois Emergency Management Association.

“Things appear to be stabilizing,” said Henckler, director of the local office of the Illinois Emergency Management Association.

The Army Corps of Engineers reports the Mississippi River is 36.9 feet at St. Louis. They are projecting it will crest at 37.3 feet tomorrow, Friday, June 19. The Monroe County levee gave way in 1993 after the river hit 49 feet. Flood stage is 30 feet.

Winfield, Mo., north of St. Louis, is currently the only area in the Metro-East that has experienced flooding. A levee protecting the small Lincoln County community collapsed Wednesday evening. The water has damaged two small clubhouses, but has not yet reached the city limits.

The only road closed in Monroe County is Levee Road, between DD Road and Bottom Road in rural Columbia. The adjacent entrance road to Luhr’s Landing is also under water. Luhr Bros. Inc. employees are being transported to their barge dock by boat.

Another area that local officials are keeping a close eye on is Bluff Road near the intersection of HH Road. Fountain Creek is backing up because of the rising Mississippi River and water is approaching the roadway.

“There is a good possibility Bluff Road will be closed at that location on Saturday,” Henckler said

The IEMA officials said they would advise the public if there were any changes in the flooding situation and road closures.

With Levee Road and the entrance to Luhr’s Landing in Columbia is under water, Luhr Bros. Inc. employees are parking on high ground nearby and are transported to and from work by boats. Luhr’s Landing, which houses a tow-boat dock, is located on a section of high ground along the Mississippi River banks.

Porta Westfalica Festival Celebrates Waterloo’s German Heritage

Bud Light Brigader Allen Mueller, left, joins the Waterloo German Band in a song Tuesday evening during the Porta Westfalica Festival. The streets of downtown Waterloo were filled with revelers celebrating the town’s sister cities partnership with Porta Westfalica, Germany.

Next Paper:
Friday, June 20

Coming Events

June 22: Music at Metter

June 25: Prairie du Rocher Party in the Park: 7 p.m.

June 27 - 29: Red Bud Firemen’s Picnic

June 29: Red Bud Firemen’s Parade - 4 p.m.

July 3 - 6: Valmeyer Mid Summer Celebration

July 4: Columbia July 4 Celebration at Legion Park

July 5: Valmeyer Parade - 5 p.m.

July 6: Columbia Music At Metter – Dynamic Combo at 6 p.m.

July 20 - July 22: Monroe County Fair