Today's News - September 4, 2008

Heavy Rain Floods Several Roadways

A truck became partially-submerged in water this afternoon on Deer Hill Road, just south of HH Road in rural Waterloo. The driver was able to safely walk to higher ground. The truck was later pulled out.   – photo by Gage Wienhoff

Several inches of rain fell throughout the day on Thursday causing widespread problems to area motorists. The Monroe County Highway Department has closed certain lanes or entire sections roadways, including along Bluff Road and Deer Hill Road.

 Safety officials are recommending drivers use a high degree of caution when driving along rural roads in low-lying areas or near creeks, especially after dark when visibility is limited.

“We had quite a busy day dealing with the water,” said Jay Papenberg of the Monroe County Highway Department.

Several cars had to be towed out of ditches today after driving through rising water. A home was also threatened with flooding. More than 250 sandbags were placed around Paul Crook’s new home on Huch Lane in rural Columbia. A dam on a nearby lake was breached sending water in the direction of the home.

The National Weather Service is predicting isolated showers for the region tonight from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fog may then be an issue through tomorrow morning.

The Red Bud City Council has scheduled a special meeting Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. to further discuss the shooting off of fireworks after touchdowns during Red Bud High School football games. They are shot from former Red Bud Mayor John Horrell’s driveway located near the stadium.

“I thought the whole thing was a great thing for the city, the team and the parents,” Horrell said during Monday’s Red Bud City Council meeting, as reported in the North County News.

While he had the podium during Monday’s meeting, the North County News reports Horrell then took the opportunity to vent his feelings toward current Mayor Ken Mueller and the city council.

“He’s [Mueller] got aldermen headhunting my kids,” Horrell said, “Everybody can figure out what’s going on. I want it publically known that I don’t like you.”