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MON., JUN 16, 2008 - 10:12 PM
FLOOD OF '08: County-by-county update
State Journal staff
COLUMBIA COUNTY

Conditions update: Getting I-39 in the Portage area back in business is a high priority. "They 're working on pumping but water 's going to need to come down some more before that 's an option for traffic, " said Patrick Behin, of the county 's emergency management office. In the meantime, traffic backups are lengthy. Many residents who were evacuated in the Columbus, Pardeeville and Portage areas are being let back into homes. Other areas along the Baraboo River are still inaccessible.

Help numbers: Public Health, 608-742-9274; Emergency Management, 608-742-4166; Sheriff 's Office, 608-742-4166.

Web sites: www.co.columbia.wi.us

DANE COUNTY

Conditions update: Madison 's lakes are at record levels -- about fourth-tenths of an inch higher than the record set on June 14, 2000 -- but they have not risen higher in the last two days, according to Larry Nelson, Madison 's chief engineer. No major flooding problems in the city have been reported, but numerous homeowners have had flooded basements. Officials are keeping an eye on the Lake Mendota shoreline in the Tenney Park area where a berm was built in 1993 to prevent flooding. Nelson also said 200 feet of stone was added to the Lake Monona shoreline along John Nolan Drive because of concern that water might erode the ground beneath the street and bike path. No recent discharges of sewage have been reported, he said.

DODGE COUNTY

Conditions update: FEMA toured Dodge County on Monday to assess damage. Business owners in Beaver Dam who were allowed downtown Monday to check on their properties and collect items are facing the decision whether to continue their businesses there. Several owners are leaning toward opening shop elsewhere. Businesses on the south side of 100 and 200 blocks of Front Street and the 100 block of South Center Street are still without power.

Help numbers: Emergency Management, 920-386-4060.

Web sites: www.co.dodge.wi.us

GRANT COUNTY

Conditions update: As water recedes, the big issue is getting rid of the mud and debris. Mold is also becoming an issue in many homes. Potosi continues to be a concern because of the high number of homes damaged. "People still have a lot of water running into their basements and they 're struggling with their sump pumps to keep ahead of it, " said Julie Loeffelholz of Emergency Management. A shortage of contractors means potentially long waits for service. About 25 families are being assisted by the Red Cross in finding temporary housing. FEMA is expected to be in the county Wednesday to determine eligibility for Individual Assistance aid.

Help numbers: Emergency Management at 608-723-7171.

To volunteer: Contact 608-723-7171.

Web site: www.co.grant.wi.gov

IOWA COUNTY

Conditions update: Cleanup operations are slowed by water continuing to seep into basements. A 10 p.m. curfew has been ordered in hard-hit Avoca. Roads leading into the village are monitored, limiting access to residents or others with legitimate business. FEMA disaster assessment teams will visit the county today. In addition to the Red Cross and Salvation Army, disaster teams from Tennessee and Georgia began arriving late Sunday. Inmates from the Prairie du Chien Correctional Center have been helping with sandbagging and cleanup.

Help numbers: Emergency Management at 608-935-0329.

To volunteer: Contact emergency operations in Avoca, at 608-532-6831.

Web site: www.iowacounty.org

ROCK COUNTY

Conditions update: With the Rock River expected to rise nearly a foot more in Afton until it crests around 7 p.m. Thursday, the focus is still on damage control and not cleanup. Afton, south of Janesville, is a major concern. The Sheriff 's Department is strongly urging people evacuate low-lying areas near the Rock River. "We 're in a wait-and-see mode, " said Sheriff 's Lt. Gary Groelle. "I 'm afraid we may be looking at some tougher days ahead. "

Help numbers: Rock County Emergency Management at 608-758-8440; city of Janesville hot line at 608-373-6000, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To volunteer: Contact United Way coordinator Julie Cunningham, 608-931-8376.

Web sites: www.co.rock.wi.us; www.ci.janesville.wi.us; www.ci.beloit.wi.us

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Conditions update: The Rock River crested in Jefferson on Monday and is projected to rise about a half foot by early Friday in Fort Atkinson. But water levels could remain high for weeks. The county has used 300,000 sandbags. There are no mandatory evacuations so far, but some residents in Jefferson and the Blackhawk Island area left voluntarily.

Help numbers: Emergency management, 920-674-7450.

To help/volunteer: Clothing donations should be directed to St. Vincent de Paul or Goodwill. Monetary donations should go to the Red Cross. Although volunteers are not actively being sought at this time, the volunteer hotline is 920-674-7129.

Web sites: www.co.jefferson.wi.us

SAUK COUNTY

Conditions update: Water treatments plants are out, mainly in Reedsburg, according to the state Emergency Management Web site. The public has been ordered to limit water use. Water-soaked roads were causing traffic crashes in the county on Sunday. A federal disaster aid office opened Monday in Reedsburg High School, 1100 Albert St. The office, which will serve Sauk County residents, will assist people applying for aid from several agencies from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Those affected by the flood may also apply for aid by calling 1-800-621-3362 or going online at www.fema.gov.

Help numbers: Emergency Management, 608-355-3200

To volunteer: Contact 608-355-3200

Web sites: www.co.sauk.wi.us


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